The past decade has consistently iterated digital dentistry as a focal point for dental innovation. With its massive market-penetration power, AI is now taking center stage globally. For dental diagnostic practices, a leap in AI-powered tools is paving the way towards a new standard of care.
Integrating AI into dental practices
The purpose of integrating AI into a dental practice is to support the decision-making process and sharing of information for the practitioner. That doesn’t mean that the current diagnostic practices in dentistry are insufficient. Rather, with AI, one introduces an advanced approach to a clinical practice, in-tune with the technological advancements of our age – one rooted in more knowledge & efficiency.
The knowledge element is born out of the predictive software & algorithms that AI introduces to better support a practitioner in their day-to-day work. It’s fascinating to observe how an algorithm captures a clinical condition and motivates the practitioner to approach their treatment plan and timelines differently.
For example, a periapical radiolucency observed on a molar tooth might be the first (or arguably, the ‘only’) observation for the dentist when viewing a CBCT or xray, in combination with the patient case history. However, other conditions captured and displayed on a screen, as he/she independently reaches their own clinical judgement, opens a door to pursue an alternate approach to patient education and treatment planning for any given case.
The efficiency element is born out of the speed of knowledge sharing. This is a critical element missed in current clinical practice methodology.
Communication between practitioners & specialists is key to establish the right treatment plan.
When in doubt for a clinical diagnosis, AI introduces solutions and faster knowledge-sharing to improve efficiency. Conversations with other specialists, who are provided with immediate radiographs (2D & 3D), lead to an efficient and timely exchange of opinion.
Simultaneous visual cues alongside verbal conversation between two practitioners, leads to improved diagnostic efficiency. It’s better than emails
Currently, the market is offering many AI-powered dental software tools. But should one expect an immediate return on investment by implementing such solutions in a clinical practice? In other words, is the technology really at that level yet and is it worth it?
Diagnocat
Established in 2018, Diagnocat is the first AI dental software tool offering both 2D and 3D data visualization of dental xray images. With the goal to support dental diagnosis and improve inter-practitioner communication, this AI tool reduces the error margin in decision making significantly leading to a novel patient and clinical practice experience. By offering a 3-tier solution of clinical decision support, reports and data storage options, Diagnocat is redefining the term efficiency.
Their four products called Radiology report, CBCT segmentation, Cloud and viewer and Collaboration tool are all geared towards evolving the way one practices dentistry and educates their patient. Keeping in line with the new age of AI, this tool is something to look out for to those who are motivated taking their clinical practice to the next level.
What’s the advantage of adopting AI tools in your clinical practice?
In terms of revenue gain and profit margins, one can expect roughly an XX% increase per month by introducing an AI tool in their practice. This is calculated based on the patient factors such as – improved treatment quality, better understanding of the clinical condition, immediate opportunity to discuss their case with family/peers – all of which leads to a higher patient return-rate to a ‘technologically savvy’ practice.
For the clinician, AI-powered tools upgrade the clinical practice workflow leading to smoother communication lines between personnel and, most importantly, better diagnosis and treatment plans which can be instantly stored and transferred securely.
Like any other technology, more real-time data feeds more innovation. Hence, we’re only at the initial stages to a new revolution of dental AI. However, as with any other innovation, those who jump on board early have the most to benefit in the long run. The goal is to achieve better education and practice for dentists and patients alike – an aim well suited for AI tools.