On this episode of Dental As Anything Associate Professor, Matt Hopcraft and CoTreat co-founder, Dr. Max Ganhewa discuss how artificial intelligence is currently being used, where it might offer advantages, and some of the pitfalls to be aware of.
The true strength of artificial intelligence in dentistry lies in its capacity to process extensive datasets and apply objective criteria. This approach effectively reduces the subjectivity of clinical judgments during diagnostic and treatment planning phases. However, the reliability of AI is contingent upon the quality of the evidence and the expertise of the developers behind the algorithms. As with any tool, the precision of AI outputs depends heavily on the inputs it receives.
Understanding decision-making variability is not just crucial, it's a catalyst for improvement in dentistry. Epidemiological studies indicate that even experienced dental practitioners may sometimes contradict their clinical assessments upon re-evaluation. This variability, both between and within practitioners, underscores the necessity for continuous improvement in patient care, a journey we are all on together.
At CoTreat, we advocate for adopting rule-based protocols to complement human judgment. Developing these protocols poses a significant challenge, but we are committed to addressing it to advance the field of dentistry and improve outcomes for all patients. Through our technology, we strive to bridge the gap between traditional practices and the cutting-edge potential that AI brings to the dental industry.
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