Dental caries is a prevalent condition, often requiring time-intensive analysis of dental images for diagnosis. AI systems, particularly those using machine learning, can quickly analyze these images and detect signs of caries.

In dentistry, artificial intelligence can be used for dental imaging, diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral pathology, and also in forensic dentistry for dental profiling.

AI will not replace dentists but will improve clinical outcomes, say experts. 'Artificial intelligence (AI) will not replace dentists; it will help make their clinical outcomes more predictable', says Professor Falk Schwendicke.

Another potential risk of AI in dentistry is the possibility of misdiagnosis or errors. While AI algorithms can be highly accurate, they are not infallible. In cases where the algorithm fails to identify a condition or offers an incorrect diagnosis, patients could be put at risk.