Artificial Intelligence and Its Influence on Dental Hygiene

Artificial intelligence (AI) including generative AI, analytical AI, predictive AI, prescriptive AI, and hybrid AI, is rapidly evolving and continues to expand its influence across dental hygiene, transforming clinical care, education, research, public health, corporate operations, administration, and entrepreneurship. In clinical practice, AI is advancing diagnostic accuracy for radiographic interpretation, periodontal assessment, and early detection of oral pathology, while enhancing decision-making and personalized care planning. In education, AI enables adaptive learning, intelligent tutoring, predictive analytics, and generative content creation, enriching both didactic and clinical training. In research and public health, Artificial intelligence supports large-scale data analysis, disease surveillance, teledentistry, and targeted prevention strategies, with a growing emphasis on equity and inclusivity. Corporate and administrative applications include AI-driven product development, market analysis, workflow optimization, and performance management. Entrepreneurial uses span idea generation, content creation, branding, and market engagement. As AI capabilities advance, dental hygienists must balance innovation with ethical oversight, digital literacy, and equitable access. Ensuring AI is integrated through evidence-based practices, transparent decision-making, and patient-centered values will be essential to realizing its benefits while preserving the integrity of the profession.