In the ever-evolving landscape of dental care, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be a game-changer. Hend Alqaderi, an assistant professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, is making significant strides in this field. Her journey began with research on how saliva could serve as a predictor for diabetes risks and the severity of coronavirus infections, leading her to work with thousands of saliva samples. This experience highlighted both the potential and challenges of analyzing complex biological data efficiently.
While collaborating with her team, Alqaderi faced the daunting task of selecting specific bacteria from countless samples, ultimately influencing the representativeness of their findings. She discovered that some colleagues were employing machine learning techniques to analyze extensive datasets more effectively. “I became fascinated,” Alqaderi recalls, noting that attending a conference helped solidify her interest in AI’s capabilities.
Motivated by this newfound passion, Alqaderi pursued two AI courses at MIT three years ago, which allowed her to delve deeper into data analysis. Today, she serves as the director of the Dental AI Lab, a collaborative initiative with the Tufts Institute for Artificial Intelligence (TIAI). Her goal is not only to advance research but also to educate dental students on the practical applications of artificial intelligence through a dedicated course.
Alqaderi recognizes the profound impact AI can have on enhancing patient care within dental practices. From streamlining scheduling and billing to optimizing patient documentation, AI has the potential to alleviate the administrative burdens that practitioners typically face. “Dentists often spend excessive time on documentation,” she explains. “By utilizing AI, we can allow dentists to redirect their focus towards what truly matters—their patients.”
Predictive Power of AI
The capabilities of AI extend into the realm of preventive oral medicine, where it can play a pivotal role in identifying patients at risk for various dental conditions.
“We know some risk factors, such as socioeconomic status, diet, or smoking, but we still don’t have the ability to build software that can predict disease before it occurs.”
Hend Alqaderi, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health and Community Service, School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University
AI can analyze electronic dental records, utilizing algorithms to forecast which patients may develop cavities, oral cancer, or other diseases. Alqaderi compares this predictive model to the recommendation systems used by platforms like Netflix or Amazon, which offer tailored suggestions based on user behavior.
The vision for an AI-enhanced dental office, where artificial intelligence aids in pre-diagnostic care, is currently being developed at the Tufts Dental AI Lab. Officially launched in July, the lab is dedicated to research and education in this innovative field and is supported by Beyond Limits, a tech company based in California.
Currently, the lab’s focus lies in research and academic publications, but there are aspirations to translate findings into practical applications. Alqaderi envisions a future where AI models predict diseases and integrate seamlessly with electronic health systems in dental offices. One ongoing project aims to create AI models capable of interpreting X-rays to identify potential issues, thereby saving valuable time for dentists who can then confirm findings.
AI in the Curriculum
Each research initiative at the lab collaborates with dental students and faculty alongside data and computer scientists from TIAI. “We provide domain expertise while they bring in the technical data analysis skills,” Alqaderi elaborates. It is crucial for dental students to grasp the fundamentals of AI to effectively engage with their data-scientist colleagues.
In this spirit, Alqaderi spearheaded the first Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry course at Tufts last fall. Over 240 third-year dental students participated in ten lectures exploring core AI concepts, ethical considerations, and the potential for increasing dental care access, especially for underserved populations.
Students are tasked with assessing existing dental AI applications based on ethics and data quality, while also collaborating on capstone projects with scientists from the Dental AI Lab.
“AI is poised to revolutionize dentistry in terms of patient care, research, and education,” Alqaderi asserts. “We aim to prepare our students to work with AI technologies in their clinics, understand ethical considerations, and utilize AI effectively.”
An AI Organization for Dental Students
Despite its profound implications, the role of AI in dentistry is often misunderstood compared to fields like engineering and medicine. Yash Brahmbhatt, a Tufts D27 student and founder of the Artificial Intelligence in Dental Research & Education Society, aims to bridge this gap.
As the first Tufts Dental student intern at TIAI, Brahmbhatt launched the organization to encourage both students and faculty to delve deeper into AI while enhancing avenues for AI-focused dental research. “I was motivated by the absence of organizations that intertwine dentistry, research, and AI,” he shares.
Brahmbhatt emphasizes, “AI is not intended to replace dentists; instead, it enhances our capabilities for diagnosis and treatment planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes.” He firmly believes that well-trained AI models can significantly aid in detecting conditions that might be overlooked due to human limitations, such as fatigue or stress.
As the intersection of artificial intelligence and dentistry continues to innovate, the future holds promising prospects for enhancing patient care and shaping the next generation of dental professionals.
