An editorial on digital dentistry by Dr Ali Nankali

Dr Ali Nankali

Thu. 8. May 2025

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While CAD/CAM technology has traditionally been at the heart of digital dentistry, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining what is possible in clinical practice. Today, AI extends far beyond prosthetic fabrication; it is enhancing diagnostics, streamlining workflows and supporting more personalised, data-driven care. In this article, I explore how AI-driven tools—many designed to be intuitive and accessible—are helping clinicians, dental teams and manufacturers improve outcomes, increase efficiency and deliver a more patient-centred experience.

When CAD/CAM was first introduced, digital dentistry was not even part of our vocabulary. Now, hardly a week goes by without someone in one’s professional circle asking questions about digital workflows—and, more recently, about AI and its impact on dentistry.

What makes AI particularly interesting and easy to use is that it operates as a pretrained digital system. Depending on how closely its way of rationalising aligns with ours, using it can feel surprisingly intuitive and engaging. The beauty of AI is its adaptability: once you understand how it works, you can shape its responses and functions to suit your practice. This flexibility is one reason that we are seeing the rapid emergence of so many new AI tools in dentistry.

At its core, digitalisation is the conversion of analogue information into an electronic format. Once data is in this digital form, AI can analyse it systematically, spotting patterns and even predicting outcomes and thereby helping users make better-informed decisions,. This creates new possibilities for dental practitioners—for improving diagnostics, streamlining workflows and enhancing patient communication.

A simple scenario with powerful implications

Let us begin with a familiar scenario: a patient comes in for a routine check-up, but during the examination, the dental professional notices signs of a persistent cough. He or she asks questions to gain further information. The patient describes the situation: the cough began approximately two months ago, shortly after returning from a long-haul holiday. Remedies such as ginger and honey provided some relief, and a vapour rub helped with sleep. The cough tends to worsen when lying down and alternates between being dry and productive. The patient then asks for an opinion on the cause.

Now, imagine you are the clinician, and the responsibility for diagnosis or referral rests with you—but time is often not on your side. In just a few moments, the patient has provided a wealth of information. While you focus on patient safety, diagnosis and next steps, the information is relayed quickly and, perhaps, not in the most organised manner. There is always the possibility that a crucial detail may be overlooked or missed.

Previously, you were limited to drawing on your clinical experience, asking a few follow-up questions and forming a differential diagnosis. There might be a need to revisit certain points, but time for reflection or searching online resources is rarely available—and sometimes, helpful insights only surface once the patient has already walked out the door.

This is a great example of where AI can offer real value. Within seconds, an AI tool can help dental professionals structure the patient’s symptoms, suggest relevant follow-up questions, flag concerns and offer a broad differential diagnosis to support their thinking. AI does not replace clinical expertise; it enhances it, allowing us to work more thoroughly within the time available.

Reimagining digital dentistry: The true impact of AI

When dental professionals hear the term “digital dentistry”, they often think of CAD/CAM systems and laboratory-based technology. But AI is introducing a whole new dimension—one that is less about hardware and more about how we think. It is like having an intelligent assistant by your side, helping you think smarter, work faster and make better decisions.

“AI does not replace clinical expertise; it enhances it.”

AI offers a second opinion—and never becomes tired and draws on every textbook, guideline and journal article that is available digitally. Whether it is a decision support system, an image analysis tool or even a digital communication assistant, AI is helping dental teams to work more efficiently without replacing their judgement.

Many general dental practitioners are already using AI, sometimes without even realising it. For instance, radiograph interpretation software often includes AI that highlights suspicious areas before the clinician has even had a chance to zoom in. Similarly, automated appointment reminders, triage questionnaires and patient follow-up systems are often powered by AI. This shift is clever and powerful. It is less about shiny gadgets and more about practical help—removing friction from your daily workflow and making your job feel a little less rushed and far more informed.

Enhancing clinical efficiency and patient care

AI diagnostic systems may not be perfect, but they are improving rapidly. Even when they only confirm your initial suspicions, they help save time and boost confidence. Beyond diagnosis support, another emerging area is AI-powered treatment planning. Instead of starting from scratch each time, AI can generate a preliminary plan based on the patient’s records, photographs and treatment history, awaiting your clinical judgement and final decision. Employing AI in this way is like having a highly organised assistant who sets the stage before you begin. This technology can go even further, influencing other aspects of treatment, such as patient communication, which remains a critical component of successful care.

Accessible and affordable: What AI means for the everyday dental practice

One of the greatest myths about AI is that it is expensive, complicated and only suitable for large, high-tech clinics. The reality is much more encouraging: many AI tools are already available on smartphones or tablets or via cloud-based platforms that require no specialised hardware or complex computer set-up—and they integrate seamlessly with existing dental software. You do not need a background in programming or digital systems. Many of today’s tools are designed to be plug-and-play—you just need to log in, upload an image or type a question, and the system will do the rest.

For smaller practices or those working with tighter budgets, this accessibility is a game-changer. Whether it is a diagnostic support tool, a smart triage form or an AI-powered communication assistant, these tools help level the playing field. It is no longer about who has the most advanced scanner or the fanciest laboratory; it is about who is using their time and data most intelligently.

Embracing AI one step at a time

AI is already here—quietly working behind the scenes in diagnostic tools, scheduling systems, communication apps and more. Covering the whole gamut, including helping general practitioners save time and reduce diagnostic uncertainty, as well as enabling dental teams and even manufacturers to improve outcomes and efficiency, AI is fast becoming part of the fabric of modern dentistry. Embracing AI does not require a complete transformation—just a willingness to start, one step at a time.