Artificial intelligence-powered dentistry: Probing the potential, challenges, and ethicality of artificial intelligence in dentistry

Abstract

Introduction Healthcare amelioration is exponential to technological advancement. In the recent era of automation, the consolidation of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry has rendered transformation in oral healthcare from a hardware-centric approach to a software-centric approach, leading to enhanced efficiency and improved educational and clinical outcomes. Objectives The aim of this narrative overview is to extend the succinct of the major events and innovations that led to the creation of modern-day AI and dentistry and the applicability of the former in dentistry. This article also prompts oral healthcare workers to endeavor a liable and optimal approach for effective incorporation of AI technology into their practice to promote oral health by exploring the potentials, constraints, and ethical considerations of AI in dentistry. Methods A comprehensive approach for searching the white and grey literature was carried out to collect and assess the data on AI, its use in dentistry, and the associated challenges and ethical concerns. Results AI in dentistry is still in its evolving phase with paramount applicabilities relevant to risk prediction, diagnosis, decision-making, prognosis, tailored treatment plans, patient management, and academia as well as the associated challenges and ethical concerns in its implementation. Conclusion The upsurging advancements in AI have resulted in transformations and promising outcomes across all domains of dentistry. In futurity, AI may be capable of executing a multitude of tasks in the domain of oral healthcare, at the level of or surpassing the ability of mankind. However, AI could be of significant benefit to oral health only if it is utilized under responsibility, ethicality and universality.