Please tell us a bit about your artificial intelligence (AI) journey in dentistry
I have a growing interest in the applications and use of AI in dentistry. Prior to my transition to the field of dentistry, I completed an undergraduate degree in computer science with AI. It was from there that I cultivated a curiosity for technology which is still strong today. I started using AI in 2019, mainly for notes taking and treatment planning. I now use it for patient communication, smile design and diagnosing X-rays.
One skill which is harder to master is interpreting X-rays. The images are not always clear to the naked eye. When you discuss X-rays with another dentist, they will have different interpretations and treatment plans (unless something is quite apparent, such as a deep occlusal cavity or a periapical radiolucency). To mitigate this inconsistency, I searched for a reliable and consistent system for my practice and came across Pearl.
Pearl ensures we are diagnosing synonymously for cavities. It helps to detect bone loss, analyse abnormalities, and provide a more accurate diagnosis to patients. Essentially, it verifies what you’re seeing and helps you to understand the findings better.
As a team, we have been using the Pearl dental AI platform to elevate efficiencies in our practice. All our clinicians can now provide a more consistent treatment with confidence. Our diagnosis is no longer opinionated, invariably creating a better relationship with the patients.
Figure 1: example of a normal bitewing
Figure 2: Pearl bitewing interpretation
AI is revolutionising the world around us. It has a future in dentistry. Through predictive analytics, AI can help to reduce human error and provide more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans – potentially reducing litigation and any emotional impact stemming from a GDC investigation.
Additionally, AI can be used to automate tasks and note-taking. This effectively reduces the amount of time dentists spend on paperwork and increasing the time they can spend with patients. It can also help streamline scheduling and record-keeping, allowing the entire practice to run more smoothly and efficiently.
AI can change dentistry. However, I don’t believe it will completely replace dentists. Dentistry performed by machines and without human interaction does not represent clinical care. Devices cannot provide clinical intuition or empathy, which is essential to personalised care and professionalism.
I believe we should embrace the opportunities AI brings to our field and improve our working methods. Dentists would benefit by leveraging AI systems as additional tools to improve the precision of diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment result prediction. The return on investment is too high to simply ignore, as it will boost productivity and provide a better work life balance. This holistic approach to patient care will be more accurate, profitable and trusted by our patients.
BACK TO BLOG
Christmas is one of the most stressful times to be hit with a dental emergency, mainly because it can be incredibly hard…
READ MORE
There is now a close link between gum disease and diabetes, based on countless conclusive clinical studies. As dentists, we feel a…
READ MORE
The toothbrush you choose can have an impact on your oral hygiene, and the condition of your teeth. Whilst electric toothbrushes have…
READ MORE
One of the questions we are asked most by patients is “Does it matter which mouthwash I use?” A great question, especially…
READ MORE
Periodontal treatment is one of our stand-out areas of expertise here at Meliora Dental. Part of this service includes treating excess gum…
READ MORE
What an incredible 18 months it’s been since we established Meliora Dental! We’ve recently been reflecting on our journey so far…
READ MORE
Believe it or not, we’ve actually had patients tell us they love their new dental implant smile more than they loved their…
READ MORE
Gum disease is the silent assassin responsible for the millions of missing teeth across the UK. It can be hard to spot,…
READ MORE
Gum health affects your wider health more than you might think. With compromised gum health, you risk doing damage to your cardiovascular…
READ MORE
A missing tooth can cause more problems than simply a gap in your smile. In fact, leaving tooth replacement too long can…
READ MORE
Gum disease remains the main culprit for premature tooth loss in adult patients here in the UK. If you’re searching ‘gum disease…
READ MORE
There is a bigger spotlight than ever on the impact the food and drink we consume can have on our health, and…
READ MORE
The human heart works in mysterious ways. But, thanks to a surge in clinical research over the last couple of decades, we…
READ MORE
Kunal Rai recently shared his insights on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the field of dentistry with Dentistry.co.uk, the leading publication…
READ MORE
As with many other emergencies in life, dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them. Here at Meliora Dental, we more…
READ MORE
Summertime is on its way in… finally! With summertime comes the season for many outdoor events, including weddings. 40% of weddings take…
READ MORE
One of the greatest dental myths still doing the rounds in 2024, is that there comes a time when age becomes a…
READ MORE
Let’s begin by answering this question. Yes. Certain gaps in your teeth can be closed without the use of braces. The technique…
READ MORE
What if there was a way of doing small things to your teeth that would have a big impact on the appearance…
READ MORE
For many people, tooth replacement is likely to be up there with some of the biggest undertakings they’ll ever make in their…
READ MORE
Invisalign is the leading clear aligner technology brand. Since 2000, this removable teeth-straightening protocol has helped over 17 million people achieve a…
READ MORE
If you’re a regular reader of the news, you’re likely to be aware of the problems people across the UK (perhaps yourself…
READ MORE
We are proud to announce the launch of our much awaited new website. We hope you enjoy using it and find the…
READ MORE
Kunal Rai discusses the use of social media in the dental profession, including both advantages and disadvantages, and how to use it…
READ MORE
Kunal Rai discusses his most rewarding experience in dentistry, his ambitions for the future and what he’s passionate about away from work.…
READ MORE
Kunal Rai presents a multidisciplinary case highlighting how careful case selection, assessment and treatment planning can provide an excellent outcome for patients…
READ MORE
Kunal Rai presents a case report of a smile makeover using an align, bleach and contour approach. A patient in her mid-twenties…
READ MORE
Kunal Rai utilises the align, bleach, contour (ABC) concept in smile transformation. A nervous patient (in his mid-20s) presented at the practice…
READ MOREBoost the way you look and feel with our facial aesthetic treatment options.
EXPLORE
Dental Phobia Certified
Winner : AGC Case of the Year 2022
Orthodontics : Clear Aligner
Best Young Dentist 2021 Finalist
Best Young Dentist 2020 Finalist
As a result of an accident I had as a child my front tooth suffered some trauma and became discoloured over time. The tooth eventually broke last year which led to it being removed. I was referred to Kunal who took me through the various options I had. As functionality was the most important aspect...
As a child, I was given a fixed brace by a practice who showed very little care. These were removed after 9 months due to them being "unable to straighten anymore" leaving me unhappy with my teeth and a major open bite. As years went on, I became less and less confident with my teeth,...
Thank you for your hard work and I hope this testimonial reflects just how happy I am with my smile. The care and attention which I received during my smile makeover was far better than any I have previously experienced. Kunal and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. I had regular check-ups throughout,...
Kunal is a very approachable, informative and meticulous dentist. From the beginning of my last Invisalign journey, Kunal explained the procedure very clearly and thoroughly. He showed me a 3D image and how my teeth would change throughout the treatment, the length of the treatment and the possible cons of it, such as black triangles...
I was never conscious of my teeth much but over the years my teeth became more overcrowded, in particular my bottom teeth. I found myself smiling in photos with my mouth closed as I didn’t like the way my teeth looked this was something that over time I got even more conscious of and so...
Kunal and his team gave me the best experience throughout my transformation. Everything was explained all the way through the process and he even accommodated my lunch time appointments every 4 weeks! He always gave his honest opinions and made me feel at ease. He is such a perfectionist and wouldn’t let me leave my...
As a result of an accident I had as a child my front tooth suffered some trauma and became discoloured over time. The tooth eventually broke last year which led to it being removed. I was referred to Kunal who took me through the various options I had. As functionality was the most important aspect for a replacement for me we agreed an implant was the route to go. The tooth removal however left an element of damage to the natural bone so I had to undergo a bone graft to repair this. One year after the extraction (as 2 bone grafts were needed in the end) I'm now fitted with my implant and I can honestly say I have never been as proud to smile as I am today. From start to finish Kunal...
As a child, I was given a fixed brace by a practice who showed very little care. These were removed after 9 months due to them being "unable to straighten anymore" leaving me unhappy with my teeth and a major open bite. As years went on, I became less and less confident with my teeth, until I came across Kunal. From the first moment I walked into the practice, Kunal was very welcoming and talked me through every possible stage that would happen if I was to go ahead with treatment with zoom calls to show the perceived results and ensure I was happy to go ahead with treatment Kunal gave me a diagnosis of my open bite, which was behavioural, therefore instantly this behavioural trait was worked upon to receive the best results from...
Thank you for your hard work and I hope this testimonial reflects just how happy I am with my smile. The care and attention which I received during my smile makeover was far better than any I have previously experienced. Kunal and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. I had regular check-ups throughout, and each time Kunal would make sure I was happy, not just with the work that had already taken place, but with the direction my smile was headed. Kunal engaged in discussion with me about each aspect making sure I fully understood what would happen and giving me the chance to have my own input. This combined with his vast knowledge and incredible skill left me feeling fully relaxed and in safe hands. Each step was performed in meticulous detail,...
Kunal is a very approachable, informative and meticulous dentist. From the beginning of my last Invisalign journey, Kunal explained the procedure very clearly and thoroughly. He showed me a 3D image and how my teeth would change throughout the treatment, the length of the treatment and the possible cons of it, such as black triangles and what can be done to minimize them. Kunal made it clear from the beginning that as a dentist his interest was the function of the teeth, better oral hygiene, the bite etc. I learned so much from him regarding my own teeth, that it was my bottom teeth that was causing the misalignment on my top teeth, l have gum recession due to excess brushing and l was in danger of losing two teeth due to it! Things my...
![Nadia Ahmed [Leeds]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIz84NAs6PBSMcyee1Gg49Hhu25xQ31m0qBfHV55QolomX2wQ=s128-c0x00000000-cc-rp-mo)
