Dental AI

Dental artificial intelligence (Dental AI) refers to the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning methods to oral healthcare data. These systems can be used to find patterns or make predictions that can aid in diagnosis, treatment, patient communication, or practice management.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Research into AI for dentistry dates to the 1990s and 2000s, alongside early CAD/CAM and image-analysis work in dental radiology.^[4] Recent developments in deep learning, especially those involving computer vision, such as convolutional neural networks, trained on large image datasets, led to a rapid improvement in performance, as well as a move from prototype technology to productization suitable for use in dental chairs.^{[4] [2] [5]} Dental schools and continuing education programs started incorporating AI content in the 2020s.^{[6] [7]}

The dental AI software accomplishes this task by using various dental images and patient data. Dental images and data used by the dental AI software include bitewing and periapical X-rays, complete mouth X-rays, detailed 3D images, intraoral images, and the patient’s medical history. The dental AI software utilizes several core technologies in accomplishing its task of assisting the dentist.^[8]

First, the dental AI software utilizes machine learning and deep learning using programs that can learn from examples. Such programs are referred to as convolutional neural network (CNN) and can detect cavities and identify bone changes related to gum disease.^{[4] [2] [6]}

The dental AI software utilizes computer vision, which enables the AI software to identify and quantify important features in images and data, whether they are 2D images or 3D images.^[2] Natural language processing (NLP) is used for the AI software to understand written text and can automatically generate dental notes and communicate with the patient.^{[9] [10] [11]} Furthermore, the dental AI software utilizes predictive analytics to identify patients that are more prone to dental complications and can suggest the best intervals for checkups or future dental procedures.^{[4] [2]}

Reported clinical and operational applications include diagnostic assistance for caries and periodontal disease, treatment planning assistance, patient education overlays, quality assurance, curriculum assistance for dental education, and claims documentation.^{[4] [6] [7]} Systematic reviews continue to find image-based applications such as caries detection with some variability in study design and a need for prospective validation.^{[2] [6] [7] [12]}

Several peer-reviewed studies have measured the effectiveness of AI for applications such as interproximal caries detection and periodontal bone level assessment, showing improvements over unaided readings with a focus on bias within the dataset.^[2] The Dental AI Council found variability among clinicians for diagnosis and treatment planning, suggesting the use of a standard tool as an assist.^[13]

Multiple vendors offer FDA-cleared chairside AI for dental imaging:

Pearl — Received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance for its real-time radiologic aid ("Second Opinion") in 2022 (2D), with subsequent clearances including pediatric and CBCT ("Second Opinion 3D").^{[14] [15]} TIME gave "Second Opinion" a special mention on its Best Inventions of 2022 list.^[16]

Overjet — FDA-cleared for bone-level quantification and detection/outline of caries and calculus (e.g., K210187), with additional clearances expanding capabilities.^{[17] [7]}

VideaHealth — Received an FDA 510(k) covering 30+ detections across common dental findings (K232384), including indications for patients ages 3 and up; trade coverage has described elements of this as the first pediatric dental-AI clearance.^{[18] [19]}

In the U.S., AI-enabled dental imaging software is generally reviewed via the FDA’s 510(k) pathway.^[17] The FDA maintains a public AI-Enabled Medical Devices List, which includes numerous medical-imaging AI tools (including dental).^[15] Specific dental clearances include Overjet (K210187), VideaHealth (K232384), and Pearl entries such as "Second Opinion 3D" (K243989).^{[17] [18] [15]}

• Artificial intelligence in healthcare
• Digital dentistry

• Dental technology
• Health informatics
• Medical imaging
• Applications of artificial intelligence
• Applied machine learning
• Computer vision
• Medical diagnosis

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• Short description is different from Wikidata