AI and Orthodontics: Is it just a FOMO thing?!

AI applications in Orthodontics are relatively young but growing at a rapid pace. This presentation aims to 1) Explain conceptually how AI algorithms work, 2) Classify AI applications and their scope in orthodontics, 3) Assess clinical scope, performance and risks associated with therapeutics, 4) Propose an outline for audit of AI applications in orthodontics, 5) Deliberate where AI might serve to be an asset and where we must tread with caution.

The lecture will explain how AI is a set of tools for problem-solving that can assist orthodontists with extra powerful and applied tools to provide better standards of care. AI can assist orthodontists to choose the best way to move a tooth or group of teeth, but AI today completely ignores the existence of oral diseases, does not fully integrate facial analysis in its algorithms, and is unable to consider the impact of functional problems in treatments.

The lecture will also dwell upon the risks associated with AI application.As AI enters practice, clinicians need to know how law will assign liability for errors that arise from interaction between algorithms and practitioners. These issues are likely to arise sooner rather than later. Responsibility and the varied scope of these applications will also be deliberated.