2024-04-12 12:50:34
– How much artificial intelligence is there in dentistry?
– There is already a lot of artificial intelligence in dentistry. Perhaps it is too early to talk about practical application, there are certain limits to this. However, both dentists and scientists are developing artificial intelligence systems and methods for dentistry. The simplest example of where artificial intelligence could be used is image analysis. For some reason, many imagine artificial intelligence only as chatbots. And images are inseparable from dentistry. We often have panoramic X-rays taken at dentists, and this is where artificial intelligence methods can be of great help. Not just for dentists. And it may be easier for patients to understand what is being depicted in that picture. This would allow more information to be provided to patients.
Artificial intelligence could also be used for personalized treatment, which is one of the most important areas in medicine. The well-known chatbots could also be used. It often happens that a toothache starts on the weekend when dental clinics are closed. An artificial intelligence app could give advice on what the patient could do about the situation at home and thus wait for a visit to a specialist.
“Wouldn’t that be like self-medication?”
– There is definitely a threat of self-medication, maybe even more of a boundary between the meaningful use of technology and self-medication. There are already such smart apps that allow you to take pictures of your teeth and show which ones have any damage. Therefore, people should be informed that there is no need to fully trust such a technology that allows you to identify the lesions yourself or apply some pain relief methods. The main decisions must be made by the doctor. Artificial intelligence can only be an advisor, but not a decision maker.
– And is artificial intelligence actually used in dentistry?
– Really used. I am not entirely sure how widely it is used in Lithuania, but there is a lot of material about its use abroad, even in scientific articles. So it is already becoming a reality. This, of course, also depends on the clinics, because serious artificial intelligence tools are quite expensive. Therefore, every clinic evaluates whether it makes sense to buy artificial intelligence systems. Another thing: in dentistry, artificial intelligence has been slower to adopt because the licensing process is longer and more complicated, as all new systems and tools must be tested and applied safely without any risk to patients.
– Are such technologies necessary?
– The arguments “for” are much more important. They are also based on scientific research. And fears and risks can be managed. An artificial intelligence act is also being prepared in Europe, which stipulates that, especially in medicine, the patient must be informed about the function of artificial intelligence during the procedure and what results are obtained. This must be presented in a form that the patient can understand. There is even such a concept – explanatory artificial intelligence.
The scientist also told how quickly artificial intelligence learns, what is its future in Lithuanian dentistry and whether she herself would trust artificial intelligence during a visit to the dentist. We invite you to watch the entire show “Dentologists advise”:
2024-04-12 12:50:34