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The Legislative Insider is published during the Legislative Session by the Georgia Dental Association. It contains updates on the activities of GDA's Government Affairs team as well as information about bills relevant to dentists and patient care.

Advancements in Dentistry: AI, Science, and Technology

Jun 26, 2025 by Kayla Makowski
Recent advancements in dentistry, including the integration of artificial intelligence, cutting-edge technology, and regenerative sciences, are transforming patient care by improving efficiency, precision, and outcomes. While these innovations present new challenges and require adaptation from providers and patients alike, they hold the potential to revolutionize the future of oral health.

The advancements in dentistry have produced significant change and required those working in the dental field and their patients to adapt to these changes. These developments include innovations in AI, science, and technology. The advancements in dentistry produce their own set of challenges to overcome. However, the benefits have aided in increased efficiency and productivity, provided less invasive treatment options, and improved the overall patient experience.


AI “Artificial Intelligence”

AI is also known as “artificial intelligence”, in which software uses data processes to mimic human tasks such as evaluation, analysis, decision-making, planning, and task execution. There are a variety of ways AI is implemented to carry out tasks in the dental office that facilitate ordinary duties otherwise completed by a human.


How is Artificial Intelligence Used in the Dental Office?

  • Scheduling
  • Orthodontics
  • Digital Impressions
  • Radiograph Analysis
  • Implant Procedures

There are several dental software and equipment used for patient communication and dental procedures that operate with the use of artificial intelligence. AI software is most commonly used to communicate with patients to schedule recall appointments, send appointment reminder alerts, and coordinate waitlists. In the operatory, digital scanners integrate AI to create computer-generated 3D models for digital impressions and orthodontics. In addition, there are several AI applications used to analyze radiographs to detect abnormalities such as decay, bone loss, abscesses, and oral cancer. Furthermore, AI programs also analyze cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to assess a patient's bone density, sinuses, nerves, and blood vessels. This information helps determine the most suitable implant(s) and is used to fabricate surgical guides that assist in the precise placement of implant(s) during the procedure.


Reliability of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence systems have not been widely adopted in dental offices yet, which can spark reliability concerns that trigger apprehension among providers. There are several factors, including education, training, and reliability, that are necessary for AI to gain broader acceptance. Proven reliability and positive outcomes are paramount in garnering the attention and implementation from dentists.


According to a study completed in 2022, patients reported the top three perceived benefits of AI in dentistry were:

  1. Improved diagnostic confidence (60.8%)
  2. Time reduction (48.3%)
  3. More personalized and evidence-based disease management (43.0%)

Artificial intelligence systems are complex, but understanding the potential benefits to patients and educating them along the way can help shape the future. AI is designed to assist providers and work integrally to achieve the best possible outcomes.


Dental Technology

There have been many ways in which dentistry has evolved throughout the years. Small changes over time have created significant changes as years have passed. Some of the most notable changes have been made to dental technology. Dental technology impacts both the patients and the dental providers. For dental providers, it requires investments in time and money in the cost of these technologies and the training required to operate them. For patients, these new technologies have provided more comfortable treatments, shorter appointment times, and an overall improved patient experience. Staying up-to-date with new dental technologies is important to continuing to provide cost-efficient and effective treatments for patients.


Some of the most recent advancements in dental technology include:

  • Digital Radiographs
  • Dental Lasers
  • CAD/CAM Technology
  • 3D Printing
  • CNC Milling

Digital radiographs have begun replacing traditional film radiographs. They reduce radiation exposure, provide instant viewing, and enhance image quality in comparison to film.

Dental lasers emit light beams used for both hard and soft tissue removal, diagnostics, bleaching, curing, and tissue regeneration. Lasers reduce bleeding and healing time compared to alternative methods due to their ability to aid in blood coagulation and provide a sterile working environment, thus reducing post-operative infection risks.

CAD/CAM technology refers to the software used to interpret digital scans of the mouth, which are then used to fabricate dental restorations and prostheses with 3D printing and CNC milling devices.

3D printing allows dental offices to fabricate in-office dental prostheses, orthodontic appliances, and implant guides. This creates a faster turnaround time for delivery and a more cost-effective option for patients.

CNC milling creates dental restorations such as bridges, crowns, and veneers by making cuts into a block of restorative material until the desired shape is complete. These machines enable same-day treatment to be completed.

As dental technology continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, it requires a willingness for providers to adapt to the changes. These devices require an investment in cost, willingness to learn, and readiness to educate patients. As a result, the new technologies provide more precise, effective, and efficient treatment with less discomfort and overall improved patient outcomes.


Dental Sciences

Scientific developments are rapidly changing, and new discoveries are continuously being made. One of the scientific discoveries currently being studied is the extraction of stem cells for use in dentistry. These cells are derived from the oral cavity via dental pulp, periodontal ligaments, and soft tissues. Scientists are currently working toward developments using dental stem cells in regenerative dentistry for treatment of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.


Regenerative Dentistry

Regenerative dentistry is the practice of naturally healing structures from within by stimulating the body’s biological healing process to regenerate damaged hard and soft tissues. The San Antonio School of Dentistry recently launched The Center for Regenerative Sciences with a specific focus on dental stem cells. Dr. Diogenes, professor and director of endodontics, explains,

“By integrating basic sciences with clinical applications, we can bridge gaps and push the field of regenerative dentistry forward…When a child’s dental pulp is damaged or infected, we can activate their own stem cells to reestablish the pulp and allow the tooth to continue developing, which is crucial for their overall growth and development”.

There are additional clinical studies to be completed before providers are at the point of using stem cells in practice. The use of stem cells have hurdles to overcome such as ethical concerns, biocompatibility and long-term effectiveness. Nonetheless, researchers are on the path of discovery to be able to revolutionize the future of regenerative dentistry.

 

 

Author Bio

Kayla Makowski is a registered dental hygienist with a passion for providing education on the importance of oral health. Through continuing education courses, she is committed to staying up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry. Kayla finds joy in being a mom to her son, and in her free time you can find her spending time with family.

 

References

 

  1.  Schwendicke, F., et al. “Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: Chances and Challenges.” Journal of Dental Research, vol. 99, no. 7, 21 Apr. 2020, pp. 769–774.
  2.  Ayad, Nasim, et al. “Patients’ Perspectives on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: A Regional Survey.” Head & Face Medicine, vol. 19, no. 1, 22 June 2023.
  3.  Gracco, Antonio, et al. “Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective.” Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective, vol. 20, no. 7, 3 Apr. 2023, pp. 5364–5364.
  4.  Sachelarie, Liliana, et al. “Laser Technology in Dentistry: From Clinical Applications to Future Innovations.” Dentistry Journal, vol. 12, no. 12, 23 Dec. 2024, pp. 420–420.
  5.  Ji Won Yang, et al. “Therapeutic Functions of Stem Cells from Oral Cavity: An Update.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 21, no. 12, 19 June 2020, pp. 4389–4389.
  6.  Zapata, Kristen. “School of Dentistry to Launch New Center for Regenerative Sciences - UT Health San Antonio.” UT Health San Antonio, 11 June 2024, news.uthscsa.edu/school-of-dentistry-to-launch-new-center-for-regenerative-sciences/.