AI tools used in dentistry can identify disease and recommend care by analyzing patient information. A dentist used Pearl AI during a routine visit and reported significant plaque build-up. The assessment led to a recommendation for periodontal treatment requiring multiple sessions and thousands of dollars, with insurance coverage not guaranteed. The patient questioned the findings because symptoms were minimal and prior needs had not included such treatment. Multiple other dentists reviewed the situation and disagreed with the AI-based conclusion, suggesting the condition was not as severe and could improve with better home care.
"“Similarly to how AI is being used in radiology for breasts or gallbladder, et cetera, it's being used in dentistry. And honestly, it's happening almost everywhere,” Stern said on the latest episode of The New York Time's “Hard Fork” podcast discussing her book."
"“The tool showed she had a lot of plaque build-up, and the dentist used its finding to give an assessment that was ominous for both her health and wallet: Stern would need periodontal treatment, which would take four different sessions and cost thousands of dollars. That it'd be covered by insurance wasn't guaranteed.”"
"“To Stern, this was ‘weird.’ ‘I've never needed this before,’ she said. ‘My teeth aren't really bothering me.’”"
"“Wisely, she decided to get some outside opinions from multiple other dentists, all of whom disagreed with the AI's analysis. “‘We see the AI is saying that. But we're looking, and it's really not that bad. We think, with some better home care, it can be better,’” Stern said, paraphrasin"
#artificial-intelligence #dentistry #unnecessary-medical-treatments #dental-insurance #periodontal-care
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