Guest Editorial to IJOHS

Artificial Intelligence will define the next era of human progress. – Sundar Pichai In the present advanced technological era, data-driven tools have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. In healthcare, digitalization of all the processes from the initial assessment to diagnostics, appropriate therapy planning, and execution results in the generation of large amounts of data.1 The last decade has witnessed the development of artificial intelligence (AI), which is “the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision making, and translation between languages.”2 The word “AI” is used when the computer imitates analytical functions, such as “learning and problem-solving,” that humans frequently associate with other human brains.3 AI includes machine learning (ML), natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and more.3 The concept of AI can be dated back to 1950. In the 1980s, it developed through ML and expert systems. In 2012, a graphics processing unit-implemented deep learning network and in late 2022, OpenAI launched Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer.2-4 AI has impacted all specialties of dentistry. In oral medicine and radiology, AI is classified into diagnosis, decision-making, treatment planning, and prediction of treatment outcomes. Artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms, and fuzzy logic have immense capability to detect and diagnose the early lesions of the oral cavity which may usually go unnoticed.2-6 Al useful in predicting the sizes of unerupted teeth, tooth surface loss through the Logicon caries detector software. AI assists as a virtual dental assistant in recording history, helping in diagnosis by automated assessment of radiographs.5,6 AI-based deep analysis tools help periodontists to detect bone loss, determine the density of the bone,4-6 In endodontics, AI has shown to be accurate in depiction of anatomy of root canal system, forecasting the viability of pulpal stem cells, measuring working lengths, pinpointing root fractures, periapical lesions and forecasting the success of retreatment procedures.2-6 The development of robotic surgery is the biggest use of AI, and dental implants, tumor resections, biopsies, and temporomandibular joint surgery are examples of image-guided cranial surgeries that have been successful.3 In Prosthodontics, a design assistant called RaPid, used for anthropological calculations, faces dimensions, and patient preferences for better aesthetics and integration with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, has further refined the outcomes of prosthetic rehabilitation. AI is useful to predict implant prognosis through analysis of osseointegration success, risk factors, and bone anatomy, along with finite element analysis calculations.7 Orthodontic treatment can be predicted and customized by aligners with more precision by accurate assessment of craniofacial and dental abnormalities.8 Artificial Intelligence is increasingly used in forensic dentistry by reducing human labor with more speed and accuracy of identification.8 The promises of AI for dentistry are high. With the appraisal against the strict criteria of evidence-based care, AI may allow to provide services at higher scale and efficiency, by a more diversified workforce, helping to address global workforce shortages and increasing accessibility. However, there is a lack of data literacy in the dental curriculum. Having knowledge and understanding about AI could support competence building towards future evidence-based practice and professional education. Ethical considerations and ongoing evaluation are essential for ensuring responsible, effective, and efficacious deployment of AI technologies in dentistry.