IDRR APRIL -MAY -JUNE 2020 - Flipbook - Page 16
PEDODONTICS
The conventional perception of artificial intelligence
is that of a human-like android that has exceptional
intelligence and strength that far transcends that of
any human. Our ideologies about artificial intelligence
are based upon the exaggerated image that is
painted by science fiction books and films. We seldom
consider that the stuff of fantasy is in fact not far from
becoming a mundane reality.
We in fact have already incorporated many aspects
of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives. Google
predictive searches and product recommendations
we receive are examples of how Artificial intelligence
has knowingly or unknowingly become a part of our
lives. As the capabilities of artificial intelligence
continue to evolve, they stand to enhance every
professional field including our dear dentistry.
We have seen the rise of AI in healthcare over the last
few years and there is no doubt it will affect dental
care in a myriad of ways. By taking over repetitive
tasks which demand utmost concentration, the
dentists of tomorrow will be left with more time and
energy to concentrate on more complex tasks. Trust
me when I say that AI will not replace dentists in the
near future. Instead it will empower an industry that is
due for technological advancements. As the data for
AI in dentistry evolves, the dentist will be able to
pinpoint specific problems and customize treatment
plans for patients in no time.
A patient once told me that I had recommended that
a filling would suffice, while his neighborhood dentist
recommended that he needed a root canal
treatment. My patient smilingly added “It’s not a
question of trust, because I trust you both”.
analyze large data sets and “learn” from them to
render optimal diagnoses. An example of such is
reading radiographs to search for caries, a process
during which even the most experienced and skilled
clinician can make mistakes from time to time. In fact,
it’s estimated that the human misdiagnosis rate of
caries from X-rays may be higher than 20 percent.
Such is not the case with AI. Machines are not
hindered by the inherent human bias and error, nor
do they suffer from fatigue. As long as they’re
provided with the proper data set, and correctly
trained on how to recognize patterns, machines can
facilitate faster, more efficient outcomes.
The key here is that unlike humans, computers aren’t
biased. As humans, we come with innate biases and
we may judge things prematurely. Computers
consider only the data being provided. Another
obvious benefit is that machines don’t get tired. While
we can work for 4 to 5 hours without giving in to
fatigue, machines can work 24/7 without coffee
breaks thus increasing efficiency.
The tasks we keep away due to it monotonous and
repetitive nature can be offloaded to these super
machines who work nonstop, super fast and without
complaining about boredom.
AI systems typically display at least some of the
following behaviors associated with human
intelligence: reasoning, planning, learning, problem
solving, perception, creativity and social intelligence.
Yet AI will never fully replace the human dentist. On
the contrary, this rise of the machines will enable you
perform at a higher level in every aspect of your
profession while essentially making your job much easier.
AUTHOR
The beauty of AI is that machines can be taught to
Dr Thomas Manjooran MDS Ph.D Prof & Head P S M College of Dental Sciences & Research Thrissur
Formerly Dean Faculty of Dental Sciences Kerala university of Health Sciences, Principal Royal dental
college.
July-August-September 2019
www.idrr.in
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