Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry and Dental Research 

Horia Manolea ¹, Mihai Petrescu ², Miruna Anghel ¹, Radu Pisc², Alexandra Roiban ¹, Cătălin Popa¹, 

Alexandra Rădoi¹

¹ Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Romania;

²Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, Romania.

E-mail: horia.manolea@umfcv.ro

Keywords: artificial intelligence, dental research, critical thinking

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as perception, reasoning, and decision- making.

Although until now the impact of AI on dentistry has been relatively limited, the current advanced capabilities have led to significant improvements. Notable advancements include automatic disease detection through image analysis, enhanced diagnostic accuracy and precision provided by support systems, simulation and evaluation of future treatment outcomes, prediction of oral disease development and prognosis, automatic detection of oral features through image segmentation, and increased resolution of dental images. In particular, AI is primarily revolutionizing dental medical imaging by enabling tooth detection and numbering, the diagnosis of specific diseases, or facilitating imagistic analyses.

Moreover, artificial intelligence applications are transforming the access to information and allow students to prepare assignments and offer quite accurate responses to a wide range of exam questions which are routinely used in their assessments. Large language models such as Chat GPT may be used also to create educational content to contribute to the quality of dental education, while challenges, risks exist, including bias and inaccuracy in the content created or the risk of overreliance.

During the paper, more information will be presented regarding the current level of use of artificial intelligence in dentistry and especially in radiology, but also about the interpretation offered by AI support.

The results of a statistical study based on the questionnaire method in which the current AI methods used by students for learning are evaluated, as well as the degree of use of these AI learning systems by both students and teachers, are presented in detail.

A special emphasis in the presentation is given to the importance of the quality of data entered into artificial intelligence programs, but especially for the discussion related to the need to develop critical thinking among practitioners for a correct and more complete use of artificial intelligence in the dental field.

AI-based applications will revolutionize dentistry and dental education; they should not be seen as a threat but introduced into current practice to benefit from the advantages of these tools and limit the disadvantages and inappropriate use.