Dentists, General

Today, dentists still do most of their work, but new tools give them helpful information. For example, an AI system called Overjet (approved by the FDA) can color-code a dental X-ray to highlight cavities, nerves, and other issues, making it easier for both dentist and patient to see problems ^[1]. Researchers have also made phone apps to guide dentists on when and which antibiotics to prescribe, helping reduce mistakes ^[2].

In surgery, a robotic assistant named Yomi (also FDA-cleared) gently guides the dentist’s hand for precise implant placement ^[3]. In all these cases, the AI or robot augments the dentist: it highlights or assists but the dentist still examines the patient, decides treatment, uses tools, and writes prescriptions. In short, modern AI tools in dentistry act as helpers that improve parts of the job, but they don’t replace the human dentist ^{[1] [3]}.

AI in dentistry is growing slowly. The benefits can be clear — for instance, Overjet’s CEO says its clear X-ray displays could even help avoid some unnecessary procedures ^[1], and Yomi’s makers point out that its guided arm lets dentists work more accurately and with smaller cuts ^[3]. But dentists must invest in new machines and learn to use them, and dental care is highly regulated for safety.

Patients often feel safest with a human dentist in charge. For these reasons, many clinics take time before adding new AI tools. Experts expect that human dentists will keep leading, with AI providing extra support (like better images or data) rather than doing everything automatically ^{[1] [3]}.