Artificial Intelligence - Blessing or Curse in Dentistry? - A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dental Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Computational Dentistry

Background:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into various medical fields.
• The dental sector is exploring AI's potential for improving diagnostics, treatment, and patient care.
• Understanding the scope and implications of AI in dentistry is essential for future advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the diverse applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all domains of dentistry.
• To identify the primary benefits and challenges associated with AI implementation in dental practice.
• To assess the current landscape of AI research in dentistry from 2010 to 2024.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed using keywords: "Artificial Intelligence," "Dentistry," "Machine learning," "Deep learning," and "Diagnostic System."
• Analysis included 607 publications from 2010 to 2024.
• 13 relevant publications were selected for detailed review based on relevance and publication year.

Main Results:

• AI applications in dentistry demonstrate significant potential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic interventions.
• The use of complex algorithms and large datasets by AI can lead to improved patient outcomes.
• Key challenges include ensuring data privacy, addressing potential job displacement for dental professionals, and the need for robust validation and regulatory frameworks.

Conclusions:

• AI offers substantial advantages in dentistry, revolutionizing diagnosis, therapy, and patient outcomes.
• Addressing concerns regarding data privacy, workforce impact, and regulatory oversight is critical for the responsible adoption of AI in dentistry.
• Continued research and development are necessary to fully harness AI's benefits while mitigating its risks in the dental field.