An Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Studies in Dentistry: Clinical Applications and Next Steps

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a cutting-edge technology that is revolutionizing every industry due to its ability to mimic human thought processes. Numerous sectors are investigating how to use AI to revolutionize their processes and services. With AI experiments going back to 2011, dentistry is no stranger to it. Analyzing AI research in dentistry and highlighting its clinical applicability, difficulties, and future research directions are the goals of this overview of the literature.

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Clinical Keys. Specific dental sections were merged with AI and clinical skills keywords in searches. An example of such a query is [("Diagnosis" OR "Prognosis") AND ("AI" OR "artificial intelligence" OR "Artificial Intelligence") AND ("dentistry" OR "dental") AND ("decision-making" OR "clinical decision making") AND ("orthodontic" OR "orthodontics")].

Thirteen of the 34 articles found in the first search were chosen for evaluation. Five clinical applications were identified: image classification, diagnosis/detection, prediction, treatment, and patient education. A few drawbacks were found once the studies were analyzed.

To comprehend the function and worth of AI in the dental context and create standards for dentists to adhere to, more research is necessary, particularly prospective and randomized control trials.

Artificial intelligence is a distinct field of study within computer science; the lack of expertise may have an impact on the results obtained. Studies examining various clinical applications that can improve a dentist's work and their patients' oral health have recently proliferated within the field of dentistry. How to cite this article: Shariff A, Patil S, Tellez Freitas CM. An Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Studies in Dentistry: Clinical Applications and Next Steps. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(5):526-532.