Interview: "Our book on "AI in Dentistry" is regarded as a premier global resource"—Dr. Rohan Jagtap

Your career path has been truly remarkable. What motivated you to specialize in the field of Oral Maxillofacial Radiology? 

I never envisioned myself as a dentist, but in India, familial influence shapes career decisions. My father greatly influenced my path; he inspired me to pursue the dental field, leading me to establish my career in dentistry. A field where I've flourished for 16 years, specializing in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, and writing the world’s first book on “Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry”. Similarly, specialization wasn't initially on my radar, yet my fascination with technology and the remarkable impact of CBCT imaging on dentistry captured my interest. The advent of 3D imaging has revolutionized our approach to dental care. Dr. Aniket Jadhav, an Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, played a pivotal role in steering me toward the field of radiology. These factors collectively motivated me to pursue a career in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.

What inspired you to delve into the subject of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a significant advancement in dentistry, with the potential to revolutionize the field in ways previously unseen. My enduring fascination with cutting-edge dental technologies and connection with Dr. Kaan Orhan has led me to recognize the importance of integrating AI into the dental field. 

I think integrating AI in dentistry promises transformative benefits across various aspects of patient care and practice management. AI offers the potential to enhance precision in diagnostics and treatment planning through advanced machine learning algorithms, leading to improved patient outcomes. The significant collaboration among experts from dentistry, computer science, and engineering fosters innovation in AI-driven solutions tailored to the specific needs of oral care.

Diagnostic tools powered by AI can revolutionize the diagnosis and monitoring of dental conditions, empowering dentists to make informed decisions and streamline treatment plans. Additionally, AI has the capacity to democratize access to dental services by overcoming geographical barriers through tele-dentistry platforms, thus improving oral health outcomes for underserved populations and narrowing the gap between supply and demand for dental services. AI can improve accuracy in diagnostics, treatment planning, and surgical procedures, leading to superior patient outcomes.

In summary, AI in dentistry offers transformative capabilities that promise to enhance precision, and diagnostic capabilities, streamline workflows, spur innovation, and improve access to care. My inclination to new technology, background in radiology, and interest in the field of clinical research have greatly inspired me to start my work in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

 

You’ve authored a book on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry. Could you provide some key insights into how AI is being applied in dentistry today?

Our book on "AI in Dentistry" is regarded as a premier global resource, showcasing the diverse applications of AI across various dental specialties. It highlights AI's role in automatically detecting and segmenting anatomical structures in dental radiographs, such as teeth, maxillofacial bones, and other structures like the maxillary sinus and mandibular canal, aiding dentists in quicker and more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

In dentistry, AI assists in detecting alveolar bone loss, evaluating periodontal disease progression, identifying periapical lesions, and predicting various endodontic conditions. AI has made significant advancements in the detection and prediction of various aspects of endodontics, including identifying periapical lesions, crown and root fractures, root and canal morphology, working length determination, and detecting second mesio-buccal canals.

It also aids in detecting impacted teeth, cystic lesions, and oral cancers, and predicting surgical outcomes. 

Prosthodontics benefits from AI in CAD/CAM technology, implant surgery template designing, esthetic dentistry, and shade matching. AI helps in designing occlusal surfaces for crowns, determining emergence profiles in dental implantology, and creating framework designs for removable partial dentures.

AI models detect dental plaque, categorize fissure sealants, and assist in the identification of deciduous and permanent teeth, supernumerary teeth, and assessing ectopic eruption. Machine learning algorithms predict early childhood caries.

Orthodontics utilizes AI for landmark detection, cephalometric analyses, diagnosis, treatment planning, growth assessment, and airway assessment. AI-driven software aids in developing personalized treatment plans, assessing individual risk factors, and facilitating remote consultations via tele-dentistry platforms.

Administratively, AI optimizes dental practice management, including scheduling algorithms and virtual assistants handling patient inquiries. Overall, AI enhances diagnostics, treatment planning, patient care, and practice management in dentistry, with the potential for further innovation.

 

Are there any novel AI tools or technologies that have proved to be promising in enhancing diagnostics and treatment planning?

In the realm of dental AI, several companies like Velmeni, Diagnocat, CranioCatch, Pearl, Overjet, and VideaHealth are leading the charge with innovative applications. Deep learning algorithms, especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs), excel in analyzing various dental images, including intraoral photographs, yielding precise diagnostics by identifying and classifying dental conditions and abnormalities.

Augmented Reality (AR) systems offer real-time guidance during procedures by overlaying virtual information onto real-world views. Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques extract valuable insights from electronic health records (EHRs) and clinical notes, aiding in diagnoses and treatment planning. Virtual Reality (VR) training simulators revolutionize dental education by providing immersive environments for practicing surgical procedures in a safe setting. These simulators offer feedback and performance metrics, refining dentists' skills and clinical proficiency.

 

In your opinion, what are the main challenges associated with integrating AI into dental practice?

Implementing AI in dentistry comes with several challenges:

• Data Quality and Privacy of Patient Data: Securing high-quality, diverse datasets for training AI models is crucial, but privacy concerns, data silos, and variability in imaging techniques pose obstacles in accessing suitable dental datasets.
• Liability: Attributing liability for AI-generated therapeutic recommendations is complex, and the reproducibility and robustness of AI research results are often insufficient.
• Interoperability and Integration: The lack of interoperability among various digital systems used in dental practices hampers the adoption and effectiveness of AI solutions.
• Regulatory and Ethical Considerations: Regulatory and ethical concerns regarding patient privacy, informed consent, liability, and professional responsibility need to be addressed when deploying AI in dentistry.
• Clinical Validation and Evidence-Based Practice: Demonstrating the effectiveness and clinical utility of AI algorithms requires rigorous validation in real-world clinical settings, necessitating collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and industry partners.
• Education and Training: Dental professionals need education and training to effectively utilize AI in practice. Integrating AI into dental school curricula and offering hands-on training opportunities are essential.
• Cost and Resource Constraints: Developing AI algorithms incurs upfront costs for development, hardware, software, and staffing. Ongoing expenses for maintenance, upgrades, and data management can strain resources.

Given your extensive knowledge and experience, what advice would you offer to dental professionals who are interested in integrating AI into their practices but may not be sure about where to start?

I will say start reading my book “Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry”, Haha! It is the most valued resource available worldwide. It comprises 19 chapters and spans 365 pages, featuring extensive contributions from clinicians, specialists, engineers, and scientists with a combined experience of 500 years from around the globe.  Each chapter in the book includes thorough, evidence-based data, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation. The book critically examines the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of AI in dental health, offering a well-rounded perspective. Furthermore, readers are guided through the medico-legal aspects of AI, ensuring responsible navigation of this groundbreaking landscape. It offers a forward-looking exploration of AI's potential and future perspectives in the dental field, paving the way for a new era in oral healthcare. This unique resource empowers readers to stay at the forefront of innovation and embrace the AI revolution in dentistry, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future of dental practice.

I will say dental practitioners need to educate themselves about AI. They need to keep abreast of the latest developments and advancements in AI technologies relevant to dentistry. I myself guest lecture everywhere in the world to educate dentists and specialists about this field. They can also follow reputable journals, conferences, and industry publications to stay informed about new research findings. Attend workshops and seminars to deepen understanding of AI tools and applications.

• Continuous Education: Dental practitioners should stay updated on AI developments relevant to dentistry through online courses, webinars, and guest lectures, like the ones you provide worldwide.
• Information Sources: Following reputable journals, conferences, and industry publications can keep practitioners informed about the latest research in AI and its applications in dentistry.
• Hands-on Learning: Workshops, seminars, and product demonstrations from AI companies offer valuable opportunities for practitioners to deepen their understanding of AI tools and applications.
• Identifying Opportunities: Reflecting on specific practice challenges where AI could offer solutions helps practitioners recognize the potential benefits of AI integration.
• Ethical Considerations: Adhering to ethical principles and patient privacy standards is paramount when incorporating AI into dental practices. Involving patients in AI discussions ensures transparency and patient-centered care.
• Starting Small: Beginning with small-scale AI implementation allows practitioners to gradually familiarize themselves with AI technologies and their impact on patient care.

 

In your opinion, how can dental practitioners and institutions stay updated on the latest advancements in AI in dentistry? Are there any reliable resources or organizations that you recommend?

Dental practitioners can read the white paper published by the American Dental Association titled 'Dentistry Overview of Artificial and Augmented Intelligence Uses in Dentistry.' I had the opportunity to lead three major sections in this paper: Radiology, Pathology, and Endodontics.

 (https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/practice/dental-standards/ada_1106_2022.pdf)

Joining dental professional associations and societies like the ADA, IADR, and AAOMR provides access to resources, publications, conferences, and workshops focused on AI in dentistry. Subscribing to peer-reviewed scientific journals that publish research on AI in dentistry helps practitioners stay abreast of the latest advancements and clinical applications. Taking advantage of online courses, webinars, and continuing education programs tailored to AI in dentistry offered by educational institutions, professional organizations, and industry partners enhances practitioners' knowledge and skills. Attending conferences, symposiums, and workshops dedicated to dental technology and innovation offers opportunities to learn about the latest advancements in AI, network with experts, and explore collaboration opportunities. Engaging with research institutions and academic centers specializing in dental informatics and AI-driven healthcare technologies provides insights into ongoing projects and emerging trends in the field.

Are there any potential ethical considerations that dentists and researchers should keep in mind when adopting AI in patient care?

• Patient Privacy and Confidentiality: Ensuring strict adherence to data privacy and security measures throughout the AI process, from data collection to analysis, is paramount.
• Informed Consent and Transparency: Patients should be fully informed about how their data will be used in AI applications and should provide explicit consent.
• Bias and Fairness: Monitoring and mitigating biases in AI algorithms to prevent unfair treatment of certain patient groups is essential.
• Clinical Interpretability and Accountability: Developing transparent and interpretable AI models ensures that clinicians understand and can trust the recommendations made by these systems.
• Professional Judgment and Autonomy: Dentists must retain control over clinical decisions, using AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for professional judgment.
• Continued Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of AI systems are necessary to maintain their safety, effectiveness, and fairness over time.

 

As an educator, how do you see AI impacting dental education and enhancing the learning experience for students? Are there any steps that institutions should take to prepare for this transformation?

AI has the potential to profoundly impact dental education by enhancing the learning experience for students in various ways. AI-driven adaptive learning platforms can analyze students' performance, preferences, and learning styles to tailor educational content and experiences to individual needs. AI-powered simulations and virtual reality (VR) environments offer immersive and interactive learning experiences for dental students, allowing them to practice clinical procedures, treatment planning, and patient interactions in a safe and controlled setting. These technologies provide hands-on training opportunities that complement traditional classroom instruction and clinical rotations, helping students develop clinical proficiency and confidence. AI algorithms can assist students in diagnostic interpretation and treatment planning by analyzing patient data, clinical images, and case histories to generate differential diagnoses and evidence-based recommendations. 

To prepare for the integration of AI into dental education, institutions should consider taking the following steps:

• Invest in faculty development and training programs to familiarize educators with AI technologies and their applications in dental education. Integrate AI-related topics, such as machine learning, data analytics, and digital health, into the dental curriculum to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage AI in clinical practice.
• Collaborate with AI companies and research institutions to pilot AI-driven educational initiatives and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Establish guidelines and best practices for the ethical use of AI in dental education, emphasizing principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability.
• Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation within the institution, encouraging faculty and students to explore creative uses of AI in teaching and learning.

 

Have you heard of any misconceptions or myths surrounding AI in dentistry, and how would you debunk them?

Addressing misconceptions surrounding AI in dentistry is crucial for fostering informed understanding so that professionals can make informed decisions about its integration, ultimately benefiting patient care and outcomes. Here are some common myths and their debunking:

• AI will replace dentists - AI serves as a decision support tool, augmenting dentists' expertise rather than replacing it. Dentists retain the final authority over diagnosis and treatment decisions.
• AI is only for large dental institutions or academic centers - AI technologies are increasingly accessible and applicable to practices of all sizes, offering cloud-based solutions and software-as-a-service options.
• AI algorithms are always accurate - AI algorithms can be prone to errors and limitations, including biases in training data. Dental professionals must critically evaluate AI results and exercise clinical judgment.
• AI will lead to job loss among dental professionals - AI integration is unlikely to cause widespread job loss; instead, it can create new opportunities, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency within dental practices.
• AI in dentistry is not secure and poses risks to patient data - Regulatory frameworks like HIPAA and GDPR, along with encryption and access controls, help mitigate security risks associated with AI in dentistry.

 

Lastly, considering the rapid advancements in technology and AI, what do you envision as the future of dentistry and oral and maxillofacial radiology?

The future of dentistry and oral and maxillofacial radiology (OMFR) is set for remarkable changes, thanks to advancements in technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Innovations in imaging techniques, such as CBCT, MDCT, and MRI, are enhancing the ability of OMFR professionals to thoroughly assess dental and craniofacial structures. New methods like 3D printing and virtual reality are revolutionizing patient education, treatment simulations, and surgical planning.

Personalized treatment plans based on patient data are becoming more common, allowing for customized strategies and better monitoring of disease progression and treatment responses. Moving forward, collaboration across disciplines and ongoing education will be crucial for effectively using AI technologies. Dental education programs are beginning to include AI topics, and continuing education is promoting innovation and best practices in AI-driven imaging.

The AI future also leads to robotic dentistry. An autonomous surgical robot could carry out dental treatment tasks more accurately and effectively than a human dentist, and in near future clinically viable dentist robots could be available. 

By embracing these advancements and staying at the cutting edge of technology, dentists and OMFR practitioners can improve patient care and drive the evolution of their field.

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