Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) will radically transform dentistry, from diagnosis and treatment to education and research. This 60-minute lecture explores the various ways in which AI is already being used in dentistry and how it is likely to be used in the future. The future workflows and skillset of a dentist will be different from today’s. The presenter will touch on the topics of:

• Automated Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: AI systems can analyze X-rays, videos, sounds, 3D scans, and other data to identify dental cavities, gum disease, and other abnormalities with high accuracy. This can help dentists make more accurate diagnoses and create personalized treatment plans for better overall quality and productivity.
• Robotic-assisted surgery: AI-driven robotic systems are already being used to perform complex surgical procedures in other areas of medicine and could be used for dental procedures in the future. This could lead to more precise and less invasive procedures with shorter recovery times.
• New discoveries and advances in regenerative dentistry: AI has the potential to play a key role in the advancement of regenerative dentistry in the design and development of new biomaterials with properties that mimic natural tissues. These materials are key to the regeneration of teeth, bone and gums. Also, in real-time monitoring of the regenerative process.
• Personalized prevention and care: AI can be used to analyze patient data, such as medical history, lifestyle and genetic predispositions, to identify patients at high risk of developing dental problems. This information can then be used to develop personalized prevention strategies and care plans.
• Education and research: AI can be used to create simulations and virtual patients that allow dentists and students to practice procedures and learn about new technologies. AI can also be used to analyze large data sets and identify trends and patterns that could lead to new insights and breakthroughs in dentistry.
• The lecture will conclude with a discussion of the ethical issues and challenges associated with the use of AI in dentistry. The aim of the lecture is to provide attendees with an overview of how AI is transforming dentistry, and to inspire them to think about how this technology could be used to improve patient care in the future.

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BIO

Doc. MUDr. Andrej Thurzo, PhD., MPH., MHA is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. He holds positions in both the Department of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Center of Simulation and Virtual Medical Education. He is a Forensic Expert in Medicine – Dentistry. His education background include:

Medical Faculty, Comenius University (2000-2006): MD in Dentistry

• PhD in Implementation of Digital Systems in Orthodontics (2006-2010)
• 1st Approbation in Stomatology (2006-2009)
• 2nd Approbation in Orthodontics (2009-2012)
• Master of Public Health (MPH, 2010-2013)
• Master of Health Administration (MHA, 2013-2014)
• Habilitation at Comenius University, Associate Professor (2022)
• Thurzo also has education abroad experience, including:
• University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA (2009) with Prof. William R. Proffit, former Chair of Orthodontics
• Erasmus at Faculty of Medicine at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy (2005)
• His work experience includes:
• University Teacher at Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University (2006-present)
• Leading Orthodontist at Orthodontic Clinic Sangre Azul (2013-present)
• Implementation of new digital technologies at the Academic Library of Medical Faculty, Comenius University (2004-2005)
• Web Coordinator at The British Council, Bratislava (1998-2003)

Dr. Thurzo’s current and previous research interests include 3D medical printing, bioprinting, artificial intelligence, orthodontics, forensic dentistry, and regenerative medicine.