The healthcare landscape is changing at an astonishing rate with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). Notwithstanding all the advances, dentistry has been slow to adopt AI, despite numerous technological innovations in the last decade – from digital X-rays and intraoral scanners to the adoption of 3D printing. While these tools have undoubtedly improved dental care, the industry is now on the cusp of a far more transformative leap: the integration of AI, robotic systems and 3D imaging technologies.

This new wave of innovation promises not just to improve diagnostics and treatment but to revolutionise the very way dental care is delivered. AI-driven robotic platforms, combined with cutting-edge imaging technologies, could enable fully automated dental procedures, increase diagnostic accuracy, and reduce
the need for invasive treatments. This new era will provide patients with safer, faster, and more personalised care while making dental practices more efficient and accessible.

But what exactly will this technological transformation look like? How will it impact the way dentists diagnose and treat patients? And perhaps most importantly, what will it mean for the millions of people who currently avoid or delay dental care due to anxiety, cost, or lack of trust in the system? 

Challenges in modern dental practice

Before delving into the future, it’s worth examining the challenges that persist in today’s dental care. Despite many technological advancements, dentistry still faces several limitations that can impact both patient outcomes and experiences.

One of the primary challenges is diagnostic accuracy. Traditional X-rays, while widely used,
often fall short in detecting the full range of dental issues. For instance, X-rays only provide about 30 per cent diagnostic accuracy, meaning that many problems such as early-stage cavities, cracks, or issues beneath the gum line can go unnoticed. This can lead to delays in treatment and the potential for more severe issues down the road.

Another issue is patient trust and understanding. Many patients, particularly those without visible symptoms or pain, are often sceptical of diagnoses based on X-ray images that are difficult to interpret. This scepticism is reflected in treatment acceptance rates. Around 70 per cent of patients decline recommended dental treatments, often because they do not fully understand the diagnosis or the necessity of the procedure. This reluctance to proceed with treatment can exacerbate oral health problems, leading to more invasive and costly interventions down the line.

Beyond the diagnostic and patient communication challenges, there’s also the issue of time and efficiency. Many dental procedures require multiple visits, long chair times, and significant waiting periods for lab work, such as dental crowns or bridges. This not only inconveniences patients but also puts a strain on dental practices, limiting the number of patients a practice can effectively serve.

Taken together, these challenges highlight the need for a more efficient, accurate, and patient-friendly approach to dental care. Fortunately, recent advances in AI, robotics, and 3D imaging technologies offer the potential to address these issues head-on.

A new era of precision and efficiency

One of the most exciting developments in dentistry is the integration of AI and robotics into the treatment process. While these technologies are already making waves in fields like surgery and radiology, their application in dentistry is only just beginning. However, the potential impact is profound.

AI has the power to revolutionise how dentists interpret diagnostic images, manage treatment plans and even predict patient outcomes. By analysing vast amounts of data from previous cases, AI algorithms can help dentists identify patterns and anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, AI can be trained to detect early signs of oral diseases, such as periodontal disease or oral cancer, at a level of precision far beyond human capabilities. This can lead to earlier interventions and better outcomes for patients.

In addition to diagnostics, AI can assist in treatment planning by providing predictive models for how a patient’s condition will progress. This allows dentists to offer more personalised care, tailored to the specific needs and risk factors of each patient. For instance, AI can predict how a patient’s teeth will shift over time, enabling orthodontists to create more accurate and efficient treatment plans for braces or clear aligners.

Robotics, meanwhile, are set to transform the way dental procedures are performed. Robotic systems can assist dentists in performing high-precision tasks, such as drilling, cutting, and placing implants, with
an accuracy that surpasses the human hand. By eliminating the variability and fatigue that can affect human practitioners, robotic systems offer a level of consistency and reliability that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The potential for fully automated dental procedures is already becoming a reality. In the future, robotic systems could take over routine tasks, such as filling cavities or performing cleanings, allowing dentists to focus on more complex cases or patient communication. This would not only increase the efficiency of dental practices but also reduce the risk of human error, improving the overall quality of care.

The rise of 3D imaging technologies

While AI and robotics promise to enhance the precision and efficiency of dental procedures, 3D imaging technologies are poised to revolutionise diagnostics and patient communication.

Traditional X-rays provide a two-dimensional image of a highly complex, three-dimensional structure. This can make it difficult for dentists to accurately assess the full extent of a problem, particularly in hard-to-reach areas beneath the gums. Moreover, the flat, black-and-white images produced by X-rays are often confusing or unconvincing to patients, leading to scepticism and lower treatment acceptance rates.

3D imaging, by contrast, offers a far more detailed and accurate view of the patient’s oral structures. Technologies such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) provide high-resolution, cross-sectional
images that allow dentists to see inside the tooth and below the gum line with unprecedented clarity.
This level of detail enables the early detection of issues like cavities, cracks, and infections that might otherwise go unnoticed until they cause more severe problems.

More importantly, 3D imaging can help build trust between dentists and patients. When patients can see a clear, three-dimensional image of their dental problem, they are far more likely to understand the need for treatment and agree to the recommended procedures. This not only improves patient outcomes but also helps dental practices build stronger relationships with their patients.

The combination of AI-driven 3D imaging and robotics could be particularly transformative in the diagnosis and treatment of complex dental issues. For example, AI could analyse 3D images to identify potential problems, while a robotic system could perform precise, minimally invasive procedures to address the issue. This integrated approach would enable earlier, more accurate interventions, reducing the need for invasive treatments and improving patient satisfaction.

Real-world applications of AI and robotics in dentistry

While many of these technologies are still in the early stages of development, there are already promising examples of AI, robotics and 3D imaging being applied in dental practices around the world.

One recent example is the world’s first fully automated dental procedure performed by a robotic system, which was conducted by our team at Perceptive Technologies. In this groundbreaking trial, a robotic arm, guided by AI-driven 3D imaging, successfully performed restorative dental work on a human patient.

The system completed the procedure for a dental crown in just 15 minutes, compared with the two lengthy office visits typically required for similar procedures. This trial not only demonstrated the potential for robotics to improve the efficiency and accuracy of dental procedures but also highlighted the feasibility of fully automated dental care in the near future.

In another case, AI-powered imaging software has been used to analyse dental X-rays and detect signs of decay and gum disease that even experienced dentists might miss. This software has been shown to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly in the early stages of disease when treatment is most effective. As AI algorithms continue to improve, they  will become an invaluable tool for dentists, helping to ensure that no potential problem goes unnoticed.

As these technologies continue to develop, the future of dentistry will continue to evolve. AI, robotics, and 3D imaging have the potential to address many of the challenges that have long plagued the field, from missed diagnoses and delayed treatments to patient scepticism and inefficient procedures.

For patients, the benefits are clear. These technologies will enable earlier detection of dental issues, more personalised treatment plans, and less invasive procedures, leading to better overall oral health. Moreover, the increased accuracy and transparency provided by 3D imaging will help build trust between dentists and patients, encouraging more people to seek care and adhere to treatment recommendations.

For dentists, the integration of AI and robotics will streamline workflows, reduce the risk of human error, and allow practitioners to focus on what matters most: providing high-quality, personalised care to their patients. These technologies will also enable dental practices to see more patients in less time, improving both efficiency and profitability.

Of course, the widespread adoption of these technologies will require significant investment and training. Dental schools and continuing education programmes will need to adapt their curricula to ensure that practitioners are well-versed in the use of AI, robotics and 3D imaging. Regulatory bodies will
also need to establish guidelines and standards for the safe and effective use of these technologies
in clinical practice.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI, robotics and 3D imaging in dentistry are too great to ignore. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly transform the way dental care is delivered, improving both patient outcomes and the overall dental experience.

In the not-so-distant future, a visit to the dentist may look very different from today. Instead of treatments involving more than one appointment, and that cumulatively take hours to complete, patients could receive a precise diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment – all within a matter of minutes. And with AI, robotics and 3D imaging leading the way, dentistry will become more efficient, more accurate and more patient-centred than ever before. The future is bright for dental care – and for the millions of people who will benefit from these technological advancements.

Dr Chris Ciriello is the Founder and Chief Executive of Perceptive Technologies.