5 BIG TRENDS AT BECKER'S 2024 FUTURE OF DENTISTRY ROUNDTABLE

Dental Tech and AI

Summary

Advancements in technology and AI have significantly impacted the field of dentistry, offering innovative solutions that enhance patient care, improve diagnostic accuracy and streamline clinical workflows. One of the notable trends is the integration of AI-powered diagnostic tools such as intraoral scanners and imaging software. These tools use machine learning algorithms to detect dental anomalies with high precision, allowing for early detection of conditions like cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer. 

Additionally, AI-driven treatment planning software facilitates more personalized and effective treatment strategies, optimizing patient outcomes and increasing overall efficiency in dental practices. Alexis Warner, vice president of operations at Orlando, Fla.-based MODIS Dental Partners, shared her vision for hygienists' relationship with AI.

"I think of it as their virtual hygiene assistant," Ms. Warner said during a panel session on advancements in dental technology. "I think about it as somebody that's in the room with them as they're doing a perio chart, it's recording. As we're having conversations with our patients, we're generating a pool of data that we can extrapolate that can help us with treatment coordination and certainly treatment planning, but also the ability to track conversations and interactions across multiple patients. That's exciting. That's intel that we would never have in operations."

However, tech advancements also come with concerns and challenges that dental practice and DSO leadership must address. Data security and patient privacy are paramount, as the integration of AI and digital platforms involves the collection and storage of sensitive personal health information. Ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA and implementing robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect patient data.

During an AI-focused panel discussion, Jason Mann, DMD, co-founder and chief dental officer at Providence Dental Partners, reiterated the importance of such security measures. 

"Looking at some of the other ethical considerations is really around the security of the transmission of the data," Dr. Mann said. "What are the platforms you're using? How secure are they? Because that could potentially open up for additional exposure, even though AI is an amazing tool. But just make sure the communication of that data is secure and doesn't pose a threat to the patients as well." 

During the same panel, Yahya Mansour, DDS, co-founder and chief dental officer at Fort Worth, Texas-based Rodeo Dental and Orthodontics encouraged dental leaders to band together. "It's not perfect — nothing is," he said. "It's going to continue to evolve, and I think the more we can band together as a profession and help shape it and help develop it, the stronger it'll get and the faster it'll get there."

Lastly, there is the challenge of ensuring equitable access to these technologies, as disparities in access could widen the gap in oral health outcomes across different populations. Addressing these concerns thoughtfully will be critical in harnessing the full potential of technology and AI in dentistry.

Sessions