Artificial intelligence in dentistry: a narrative review of applications, challenges, and future directions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing dental practice, offering advancements in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient management. This narrative review explores the current applications of AI in dentistry, addressing clinical, technological, and ethical dimensions. A non-systematic narrative approach was employed to synthesize recent literature on AI in dentistry. The focus was on diagnostic tools, treatment planning, decision support systems, teledentistry, ethical implications, and emerging technologies. AI demonstrates high performance in image analysis (e.g., caries detection, periodontal assessment, oral cancer screening), treatment optimization (e.g., orthodontics, implant planning), and patient-specific risk modeling. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) assist in evidence-based care, while AI-driven chatbots and remote monitoring platforms enhance patient engagement and access. However, challenges persist regarding algorithm transparency, data bias, legal liability, and privacy. Future directions include multimodal data integration, digital twins, and AI-driven precision dentistry. AI represents a paradigm shift in dentistry, supporting clinicians and enabling more accurate, accessible, and personalized care. Successful implementation will depend on ethical deployment, robust regulation, and adequate training to harness its full potential without compromising professional standards.