Artificial intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. The human brain's visual cortex architecture inspires Deep Learning (DL). Hence DL produces artificial neural networks that can learn by themselves. These networks can deal with minor nuances and become faster and more precise the more data they analyse. Even in the primitive stage of its development, AI, for the last two to three decades, has drawn the attention of brilliant minds from both technical and clinical corners of the scientific community, thus making rapid strides. In most developing countries, the insufficiency of medical and dental specialists has increased the mortality of patients suffering from various diseases. In medical and dental applications, employing technology, especially artificial intelligence technology, could reduce cost, time, human expertise, and medical error. This approach can potentially revolutionise the dental public health scenario in developing countries. Clinical decision support systems and dental monitoring are computer programs that provide expert support for health professionals. The applications of AI in dental sciences vary from dental emergencies to the differential diagnosis of orofacial pain, dental caries, and periodontal diseases, radiographic interpretations, and analysis of facial growth. However, despite the recognized need for artificial intelligence, implementing these systems has been minimal and slow. In this special Collection, we welcome papers related to the possible applications of AI in dental diagnosis and treatment. BMC Oral Health has launched this Collection to bring together research on:
- AI and machine learning in dentistry
- Application of AI in the diagnosis of dental diseases.
- Application of AI in the treatment planning of dental diseases.
- Developing new algorithms, technologies, and systems related to AI applications in dentistry.
- Applications of AI in basic, clinical, and translational dental research.
- Applications of AI in the diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment, and growth assessment of craniofacial deformities.
- Ethical issues concerning AI research in dentistry.
We strongly recommend that authors refer to the minimum reporting guidelines for health research hosted by the EQUATOR Network when preparing their manuscript, and FAIRsharing.org for reporting checklists for biological and biomedical research, where applicable. Those appropriate for AI studies are listed below:
Artificial intelligence in dental research: Checklist for authors, reviewers, readers
For clinical trial reports for interventions involving AI, independent of the AI system modality (diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic), we recommend following the CONSORT-AI Extension reporting guidelines. CONSORT-AI focuses on effectiveness and safety.
For clinical trial protocols for interventions involving AI we recommend following the SPIRIT-AI Extension reporting guidelines.
For reporting the early-stage clinical evaluation of decision support systems driven by AI we recommend following DECIDE-AI guidelines. These guidelines are used to report the early evaluation of artificial intelligence systems as an intervention in live clinical settings (small-scale, formative evaluation), independently of the study design and AI system modality (diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic). Focuses on clinical utility, safety and human factors.
Minimum information about clinical artificial intelligence modeling: the MI-CLAIM checklist
Image Credits: IoT World Today
