Artificial intelligence in dentistry refers to software and systems designed to analyze information, identify patterns, generate content, automate tasks or support decisions.

Dental AI may be used in clinical imaging, administrative workflows, patient communication, business operations, insurance processes and other areas of the practice.

Dental practices may use AI for clinical imaging, documentation, communication, scheduling, administrative automation, insurance workflows, marketing, business analysis and other repetitive or data-intensive tasks.

The right use case depends on the practice's needs.

Rather than adopting AI simply because it is available, begin by identifying a specific problem or inefficient workflow.

Generative AI can be useful, but dental practices need clear rules governing how it is used.

Before using any platform, understand its privacy terms, security practices, data handling and whether sensitive or patient information may be entered.

Employees should know which AI tools are approved and what information is prohibited.

Dental practices should not assume that an AI platform is appropriate for patient information.

Before entering protected or sensitive data, the practice should evaluate the platform, its security and privacy practices, applicable agreements and its own HIPAA responsibilities.

When uncertain, do not enter patient information until the tool and intended use have been properly evaluated.

Start by asking what business or clinical problem the product solves.

Then evaluate:

• What information it collects

• How information is stored

• Whether data is used for model training

• Security controls

• User permissions

• Integrations

• Vendor practices

• Human oversight

• Implementation requirements

• Ongoing costs

AI purchasing decisions should consider risk as well as features.

AI may help with repetitive administrative work, communication, scheduling, information organization, document creation, workflow analysis and other time-consuming activities.

The goal should not simply be automation.

The goal should be freeing staff to spend more time on work that benefits from human judgment, patient interaction and expertise.

Some AI systems analyze dental images and other clinical information to identify patterns or provide additional information for a clinician to review.

These technologies can support clinical workflows, but they should not be treated as replacements for a dentist's professional judgment.