The use of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: Applications, challenges, and future perspectives

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence [AI] has enhanced contemporary dental practice by providing advanced tools for diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. Objective: This narrative review examines the current applications of AI in dentistry, evaluates its diagnostic efficacy, identifies challenges for clinical implementation, and discusses future perspectives. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS for studies published between 2020 and 2026. Observational studies randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and methodological studies were included. DeCS/MeSH descriptors were combined using the Boolean operators AND and OR. Study selection was purposive, prioritizing recent publications with higher methodological quality and scientific relevance. Results: AI demonstrated high accuracy in detecting dental caries, periapical lesions, periodontal diseases, and other oral conditions. Applications span all dental specialties, including radiology, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Despite these advancements, significant barriers persist, including ethical concerns regarding patient privacy, the need for rigorous clinical validation, and integration into existing clinical workflows. AI should be considered a complementary tool that enhances clinician capabilities rather than a substitute for clinical judgment. The future of dentistry will involve the integration of explainable AI systems, federated learning for data protection, and digital education for the dental workforce. Conclusion: AI holds transformative potential to improve access, quality, and efficiency in dental care, provided it is implemented with methodological rigor, continuous human oversight, and appropriate ethical considerations.