ETHICAL USE OF AI IN DENTISTRY

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that aims to create a machine (algorithm-software) that can mimic intelligent human behavior. In order to respect the human-technology interaction in a clinical environment, artificial intelligence in medicine and dentistry should have complementary role in the work of clinical practitioners. In dentistry, various software-type algorithms are used as the basic application of artificial intelligence, which are expected to improve the accuracy of dental diagnosis, provide visualization of anatomical guidelines during treatment, and due to the possibility of analyzing large amounts of data, to predict the occurrence and prognosis of oral diseases. Conscientious and ethical AI use in dentistry has to consider: -when to apply AI (AI use should be beneficial overall, reliable in that particular group of patients, while dentists need to acquire specific and AI use-related skills in order to apply AI safely and effectively to the dental patients) - how to use AI appropriate and responsible ( AI needs human surveillance and the role of dental practitioners is crucial in preventing dental complications as well as in reviewing AI system, and in communication with AI developer to improve technology. Patients should be notified about how their data is used, also about the involvement of AI-based decision making, especially if there is a lack of regulatory policy, if AI is used to reduce costs rather than improve patient health, or if dentist has conflict of interest). As many dentists are racing toward integrating AI system into diagnostics, prognostics and dental treatment, the legal and ethical questions are becoming even more pertinent.