New forms of artificial intelligence are revolutionizing various aspects of our lives, including writing, communicating with our doctors, and even creating art. However, this cutting-edge technology is now making its way into a crucial and sensitive environment: our mouths.
A growing number of dental offices across the United States are utilizing AI-powered X-ray imaging technology developed by Boston-based VideaHealth. This software assists dentists in routine procedures such as identifying cavities, as well as detecting more serious conditions like periodontal disease or bone loss within the mouth, which is often associated with diseases like diabetes or Alzheimer’s.
VideaHealth CEO Florien Hillen explains that the overall goal is not just to improve patients’ oral health but also to identify potential risks for non-oral diseases. By harnessing the power of AI, the company aims to revolutionize the field of dentistry and become the first AI company capable of analyzing a billion people globally.
AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and recognize patterns and correlations makes it an invaluable tool in clinical settings for diagnosing medical conditions. Hillen believes that dentistry can utilize this technology to diagnose a range of other medical conditions besides oral health issues.
The AI technology employed by VideaHealth is similar to ChatGPT, a well-known public AI model developed by OpenAI. Known as “large-language models,” these models utilize statistical techniques to rapidly analyze massive amounts of data. However, VideaHealth’s AI focuses on analyzing anonymized dental X-ray images and provides potential treatment recommendations based on the screenings. The tool incorporates a database of millions of images annotated by dentists, which enables faster and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately enhancing the quality of dental care.
Dentist Dr. Michael Scialabba, chief clinical officer of 42 North Dental, has been using VideaHealth’s AI software and sees enormous value in its ability to eliminate human error and improve diagnostics. He explains that the software enhances the consistency and quality of patient care, ensuring that every patient receives the same evaluation regardless of the individual dentist’s experience. It also helps identify potential problem areas in the mouth that a human dentist might miss.
By incorporating AI into dentistry, biases against patients based on race, health, or socioeconomic status can be eliminated, according to Dr. Scialabba. He believes that AI allows for more factual conversations with patients and facilitates early-stage treatment, leading to better outcomes and overall patient health.
Using AI in healthcare carries inherent risks, as with any new technology. It is essential to exercise caution when implementing AI in medical and dental settings due to the potential for errors. It is crucial to recognize the high stakes involved in using a new tool on real patients, as highlighted by Dr. Patricia Garcia of Stanford Health Care.
Despite concerns about job losses, both Hillen and Scialabba assure dentists and other dental workers that AI does not pose an immediate threat to their careers. AI serves as a tool to aid in diagnostics and cannot replace the expertise and agreement of doctors. Instead, AI enhances hygiene care and provides opportunities for hygienists to work more efficiently by identifying early signs of disease and promoting additional cleanings.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into dentistry shows great promise in revolutionizing the field and improving patient care. By harnessing the power of AI to analyze dental X-ray images, dentists can provide faster and more accurate diagnoses, potentially leading to better overall health outcomes for their patients.
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