Mapping the Use of Artificial Intelligence-Based Image Analysis for Clinical Decision-Making in Dentistry: A Scoping...

Area of Science:

• Dental Imaging
• Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
• Clinical Decision Support

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging in dentistry.
• AI integration aims to enhance clinical dental practice.
• Dental image analysis is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review on AI applications in dental image analysis for clinical decision-making.
• To identify current trends in AI-driven dental diagnostics.
• To pinpoint research gaps in AI for dentistry.

Main Methods:

• Followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.
• Conducted electronic literature searches in PubMed and Scopus.
• Performed title/abstract screening, followed by full-text review and data extraction.

Main Results:

• 276 studies (601,122 images) met inclusion criteria.
• Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were predominantly used on dental radiographs (OPGs, intraoral).
• AI applications spanned oral medicine, surgery, and orthodontics for diagnosis, prediction, and management.

Conclusions:

• Machine learning and deep learning techniques are increasingly utilized for dental image analysis.
• AI assists clinicians in timely and accurate diagnoses.
• AI supports the selection of appropriate dental interventions.