The field of dentistry has always been one of constant evolution. Innovations in instruments, handpieces, chairs, radiography, software, milling systems, and scanners have driven significant technological progress. Amid this rapid growth, it can often be challenging for providers to determine which advancements are truly worth their time and investment. For example, our practice has a few intraoral scanners, but we do not have a mill. We have grappled with it for several years, but currently are thinking, “Why would we buy a mill when 3-D printing is the next evolution of milling?” In addition to advancement in equipment, technological advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are also creating large changes throughout the dental industry.
Last year, my business partner and I made the decision to implement the AI software, Pearl, which is designed to help review x-rays, aid in diagnosis and provide clinical evidence for treatment recommendations. Pearl is simple for our staff to use and integrates well with many of the procedures we already have in place. Our x-rays, taken as usual, populate in seconds on the AI platform.
With this technology, we can clearly show patients the difference between incipient lesions still in enamel and carious lesions that have progressed into dentin. For patients with incipient lesions, we can track changes over time and quantify any progression that occurs. This tool alone has been instrumental in helping patients visualize their condition and understand the reasoning behind our treatment recommendations.
Pearl is pulled up at every patient’s appointment as part of our commitment to educating patients about their oral health. By utilizing AI in our diagnostic process, we can provide clear, objective visualizations that help patients feel confident in their care decisions.
Tools like Pearl, which are both objective and technologically advanced, can make it easier for patients to trust their doctor’s recommendations. Advancements are being made for some programs to integrate them directly into dental charting EMRs, such as Patterson’s Eaglesoft.
In addition to patient education and increased case acceptance, Pearl can also be used as evidential support for insurance claims. With the objective support of AI, dental claims are processed more rapidly and are less likely to be denied.
While the AI software can cost around $300–$400 per month, its innovation, educational value, and support with insurance claims make it a worthwhile addition to a forward-thinking practice.
AI in the dental office, particularly in terms of clinical efficiency, is a rapidly expanding field, and we should be aware of these advancements and open to seeing how they could positively impact our practices.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect any paid sponsorship or advertisement. No compensation was received in exchange for mentioning any products or services.
To read our last clinical blog, on using Intraoral Cameras, click here. If you would like to do a Practice Optimization Analysis for your dental practice, and uncover potential missed opportunities in the practice, we are happy to start that for you here.
