The AI advantage: Revolutionising paediatric dentistry in Australia

So, what is AI?

Before we can understand how machine learning can improve our field, we first need to understand what it is and how the technology works.
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines or computer programs. It encompasses a broad range of technologies and techniques that enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI systems can analyse data, make decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Its potential to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and augment human capabilities makes it a transformative field with numerous real-world implications.

Early detection of dental issues

One of the significant contributions of AI in paediatric dentistry is the early detection of dental problems. AI-powered dental imaging systems can identify even the minutest abnormalities in children’s teeth and jaws.
As Anil et al state it, “Machine learning algorithms can interpret dental images such as radiographs, photographs, and three-dimensional scans more accurately and consistently than human eyes, thus reducing the subjective variability associated with traditional diagnostic methods.”
From detecting gum disease, to early caries diagnosis – research continues to test and prove these positive applications.
One of the better-known technologies on the Australian market is Pearl, whose Second Opinion technology has received TGA clearance for use in Australia. Second Opinion claims to offer a second set of eyes when detecting numerous conditions in dental x-rays.
This field of technology appears poised for growth, with Australia’s CSIRO announcing in May 2023 their investment in Sydney-based start-up Eyes of AI. The technology is designed to identify normal anatomy and pathological lesions in dental radiographs.

Chatbots: Patient engagement and education

AI-driven chatbots are being used to engage dental patients and their parents. These platforms provide interactive tools and educational content to make oral health fun and informative. This encourages good oral hygiene habits in children and fosters a positive relationship with the dentist.
Patients can also find information about their upcoming procedures and access post-treatment advice. For dentists, this self-service solution offers relief to some of the administrative burden associated with patient treatment.
Popular AI chatbot platforms used by businesses in Australia include Google Dialogflow, IBM Watson Assistant and Microsoft Healthcare Bot.

Routine task automation

Have you ever run drastically low on your medical supplies or had equipment break down unexpectedly? With AI, you may never have these worries again.
As Dhopte et al state it, “AI can automate inventory management processes, ensuring that medical supplies and equipment are available when needed. By analysing historical usage patterns and real-time data, AI algorithms can predict inventory needs, generate purchase orders, and optimise stock levels.”
AI can also takeover time-consuming administration tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records.
However, these technologies are being brought into Australia with strict oversight due to the regulations already in place. As The Dental Review Notes, “managing dental patient records is regulated in Australia by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) to ensure patient information is kept secure and confidential.
“Additionally, dental practices are required to comply with the National Privacy Principles (NPPs) as well as the Health Insurance Act 1973 and the Privacy Act 1988, which set out the rules for the handling of personal information”.

Possible pitfalls of using AI in dentistry

Embracing AI in dental clinics comes with challenges as well as ethical and legal considerations.
One of the critical legal considerations in AI-based dental diagnosis is determining liability in case of misdiagnosis or treatment failure. As AI systems become more autonomous, assigning liability becomes complex.
Algorithmic fairness is another significant ethical challenge. AI models learn from the data they are trained on. AI models can make unfair or discriminatory diagnoses if the data are biased. You may have heard the case of married couple Jamie and David Hansson who applied for credit via an Apple Card. Despite wife Jamie having a better credit score and other factors in her favour, Apple’s black box algorithm gave husband Jamie a 20x higher spending limit, due to his gender.
The AI learned women typically receive lower credit limits when humans assess applications, and simply repeated this outcome.
For dentistry, this could mean that historic misdiagnosis present in data due to biases will keep being repeated in AI. All because of the data they are trained on.

Glimpse the future

So what does the future look like for the Aussie paediatric dentist? While some practitioners are eagerly embracing the new technology, some are approaching this still very novel technology with trepidation.
This is an exciting time as technology and tools evolve rapidly – and certainly a time to try out and embrace the TGA approved tools in the market. However, it’s important to overlay any usage with knowledge of the potential pitfalls and challenges they may bring.
Undoubtedly, these tools can make processes faster and more accurate. This in turn could bring down costs for clients, making specialist services more accessible for everyone in our communities.
When approached with curiosity and caution, the reward of the technology certainly seems worth the manageable risks. So, will you be the next AI trailblazer in our industry?