The Future of AI in Dental Specialties and Patient Care

What if your treatment plan could predict its outcome before the first clinical step was taken? 

AI can bring this imagination to life. Beyond diagnostics and personalization, AI is revolutionizing dentistry by providing precise, consistent, and data-driven solutions. What’s next is even more revolutionary as AI is all set to improve treatment goals, patient experience, and prevent complications. 

Specialty-Driven Transformation 

Endodontics 

With the AI transformations, the future of endodontics is promising¹. 

• AI algorithms can evaluate CBCT scans and radiographs easily 

• It also identifies radiographic defects like dilacerated roots or ECR, that can be overlooked by the human eye¹.  

• AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy, predict success rates, and automate mundane tasks¹. 

Prosthodontics 

• AI integration with computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is beneficial to identify the margins of the crown preparations². 

• To fabricate the best-looking aesthetic prosthesis, AI can evaluate factors like ethnicity, skin color, and facial proportions². 

• It can be useful in margin detection, shade selection, occlusal morphology, tooth preparation, and error identification². 

Oral Surgery 

• In identifying oral cancer from histopathological images, AI algorithms have shown high accuracy (89-47% - 100%)³.  

• AI models facilitate early detection and can differentiate between normal and cancerous tissues³. 

• Advancements in AI will not only make early detection possible but also facilitate a personalized treatment plan⁴.  

• Using AI in surgery and remote tracking can improve treatment outcomes and enhance the quality of life⁴.  

Orthodontics 

• Beyond a ‘one-size-fits-all' traditional approach, AI can design a personalized treatment plan based on real biology⁵. 

• Real-time data collection will be possible in the future with the help of smart orthodontic devices. It will help in adjusting the treatment plan to improve patient experience and outcomes⁵.  

Beyond the Chair, Smart Patient Care 

• Improve patient experience: AI-powered tools can lead to a positive patient experience by enhancing patient communication, engagement, and education⁶. 

• Teledentistry:  Teledentistry platforms powered by AI can share virtual records, forecast complications, monitor progress, and promote dental health awareness⁷. 

• Recommend Personalized Oral Hygiene: AI can evaluate patient data to provide personalized oral hygiene recommendations. This will prevent dental disease and promote good oral health habits⁶. 

• Provide Guidance to New Patients: With AI, new patients can share their personal details, symptoms, get self-care advice, and schedule a visit⁷.  

• Promote Treatment Acceptance: By AI-enabled software, dental professionals can show the patient their radiographs and abnormalities. This will enhance the patients’ understanding of their oral health status and need for specific treatment. 

Final Takeaway: 

AI isn’t only the present but also the future. From complex procedures to remote monitoring, it’s reshaping everything, improving workflow and helping dental experts deliver faster, smarter, and more personalized treatment.   

Reference 

1. Sheogobind G, Ahmad AT, Brenya K, Jain S, Kyla J. The future of artificial intelligence in specialty dentistry: the benefits, challenges and considerations of the use of AI in endodontics. Acta Sci Dent Sci. 2024 Dec 16;8(12):1958. 

2. Al Hendi KD, Alyami MH, Alkahtany M, Dwivedi A, Alsaqour HG. Artificial intelligence in prosthodontics. Bioinformation. 2024 Mar 31;20(3):238. 

3. Elumalai K. Improving oral cancer diagnosis and management with artificial intelligence: A promising future for patient care. Oral Oncology Reports. 2024 Sep 1;11:100624. 

4. Al-Raeei M. The future of oral oncology: How artificial intelligence is redefining surgical procedures and patient management. International Dental Journal. 2025 Feb 1;75(1):109-16. 

5. Panahi O, Zeinalddin M. The Future of Orthodontics: AI-Powered Diagnosis and Treatment. J. of Bio Adv Sci Research. 2025;1(2):1-07. 

6. Panahi O, Dadkhah S. Transforming dental care: A comprehensive review of AI technologies. J Stoma Dent Res. 2025;3(1):1-5. 

7. Thorat V, Rao P, Joshi N, Talreja P, Shetty AR, RAO P. Role of artificial intelligence (AI) in patient education and communication in dentistry. Cureus. 2024 May 7;16(5).