EFP - Shaping the future: the role of AI in periodontology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming different fields, and the dental field is no exception. Dental companies are at the forefront of this revolution, introducing AI-driven tools that assist in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient management. By leveraging machine learning and data analytics, the industry can help clinicians deliver more precise and personalized care, setting new standards for efficiency and patient outcomes in dentistry and periodontology.

In this series of interviews, the European Federation of Periodontology is showcasing how our partners are embracing AI innovations, driving advancements that will shape the future of periodontal care.

Tali Chackartchi, EFP elected officer, has kindly given us this introduction and shares her insights on the pivotal role AI will play in the evolution of our profession.

For Tali Chackartchi, the EFP is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI tools within the dental profession. As a federation, the EFP can act as a central hub for establishing best practices and guiding the development and implementation of AI technologies.

Dr. Chackartchi emphasizes that for AI tools to be effective and reliable, it is crucial to design machine learning systems based on validated information. She highlights the importance of safeguarding patient privacy while ensuring that AI algorithms are transparent to clinicians, enabling them to assess the validity of these tools confidently. Dr. Chackartchi believes that the EFP can lead the way by suggesting guidelines for verifying AI tools, setting standards for their use, and helping to establish regulations for the application of AI in periodontology. By focusing on these principles, the EFP can drive the development of trustworthy and effective AI technologies that enhance periodontal care.

With its representation of 43 countries, the EFP has the potential to aggregate data from diverse populations while ensuring patient privacy and leveraging advanced technologies. As collaboration across nations becomes more feasible, the EFP could play a pivotal role in facilitating large-scale, multicentre studies. Such initiatives would provide valuable datasets that include various ethnic groups and geographic regions, thereby enhancing the validity and applicability of AI-driven solutions in periodontology.

Tali Chackartchi brings extensive experience in working with big data studies and AI tools, understanding the immense potential these technologies hold. In her work with community clinics, which include around 50 branches that have been digitized since 2018, she has seen how the data from approximately two million patients can be utilized effectively. However, Chackartchi is keenly aware that such power must be handled with caution to avoid misleading conclusions. The EFP, she suggests, should not only focus on guiding the development of AI tools but also on advising, regulating, and training periodontists on their use. “It's crucial that we educate professionals on how to critically evaluate big data studies and AI outputs,' she explains. 'Just as we teach our students to carefully read scientific journals. We owe it to our patients to ensure that these tools are used responsibly and effectively.”

Dr. Chackartchi acknowledges that while the early excitement around AI promised to revolutionize every aspect of our lives, the reality is more nuanced. “AI, machine learning, and digital tools hold incredible potential to enhance our professional skills and knowledge, making us better clinicians and, ultimately, better human beings. However, it's crucial that these tools are used judiciously. The final judgment must always lie with a human—the dental professional—ensuring that technology serves to support, not replace, our expertise.” By embracing these advancements, and through the guidance and collaboration fostered by organizations like the EFP, we can leverage the full potential of AI to improve patient care while maintaining the essential human element in our practice. The future of periodontology will not be shaped by AI alone but by how well we integrate these tools into our professional framework, always with the responsibility to our patients at the forefront.

We hope you enjoy reading the articles from our partners on how they see AI aiding dentistry and periodontics in particular!