Artificial Intelligence and Dentistry Usage Statistics 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing quickly and is expected to significantly impact various areas of dentistry. This article is focused on understanding how patients perceive and what they expect from the use of AI in dental care. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted the dental industry in 2024, and its influence is expected to grow as the technology continues to improve and expand its capabilities.

This article explores why AI is becoming a major development in the field of dentistry.

Dentistry AI Usage Stats (Top Stats)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into dentistry, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care. Here are key statistics highlighting AI's impact in the dental field:

• Adoption Rates: Approximately 35% of dentists have implemented AI in their practices, with 77% reporting positive outcomes from its use.
  
  
• Patient Trust: 59% of patients are more likely to trust their dentist if AI is utilized in their care.
  
  
• Diagnostic Accuracy: AI-powered tools assist dentists in identifying dental decay up to five years earlier than traditional methods.
  
  
• Research Growth: Between 2011 and 2021, there was a 21.6% increase in dental literature referencing AI, with a 34.5% rise in the past five years, indicating growing interest and application.
  
  
• Operational Efficiency: Dentists report that AI contributes to faster and more efficient workflows, predictive analytics for patient outcomes, improved diagnostic accuracy, enhanced treatment planning, and personalized treatment options.
  
  

Sources  Dentistry   Dental Economics  Harvard Medical School

Dentistry AI Market Share

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into dentistry is rapidly transforming the field, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care. As of 2024, the AI in dental imaging market is valued at approximately USD 417.5 million and is projected to reach USD 3,833.8 million by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. 

North America leads this market, holding a significant share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and high adoption rates of AI technology in dental practices. The United States alone accounts for about 35% of the global market share, driven by substantial investments in healthcare and technological advancements. 

The global digital dentistry market, encompassing AI applications, is also experiencing substantial growth. Valued at USD 6 billion in 2024, it is expected to reach approximately USD 19.66 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2024 to 2034. 

These figures shows the significant impact of AI on the dental industry, with North America leading in adoption and market share. The continuous advancements in AI technology are poised to further revolutionize dental practices, improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

What Percentage In Dentistry Use AI in 2024?

In 2024, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry is on the rise, with approximately 18% of dental professionals integrating AI modules into their workflows. This marks a significant increase from the previous year, indicating a growing acceptance of AI technologies in dental practices.

The integration of AI is enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care. For instance, AI-driven tools are being utilized for tasks such as caries detection, treatment planning, and patient management, streamlining various aspects of dental practice. 

As AI technology continues to advance, its adoption in dentistry is expected to expand, offering more innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiency.

Sources  Inside Dentistry   Dentemax  

What Percentage by Region In Dentistry Use AI in 2024?

As of 2024, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry varies across different regions, reflecting disparities in technological integration and healthcare infrastructure.

North America: In the United States, approximately 18% of dental professionals have incorporated AI modules into their workflows, marking a significant increase from previous years. This growth is driven by advancements in diagnostic tools and practice management systems.

Europe: Specific data on AI adoption in European dentistry is limited. However, countries with robust healthcare systems, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, are likely experiencing gradual integration of AI technologies, particularly in diagnostic imaging and patient management.

Asia-Pacific: In regions like Australia and New Zealand, the adoption of AI in dentistry is on the rise, with intraoral scanner penetration exceeding 50%. This indicates a growing acceptance of digital dentistry solutions. In contrast, developing countries in Asia may have lower adoption rates due to economic constraints and limited access to advanced technologies.

Middle East and Africa: Data on AI adoption in dentistry within the Middle East and Africa is scarce. However, emerging markets are beginning to explore AI applications to enhance dental care quality and accessibility.

Overall, while AI adoption in dentistry is increasing globally, significant regional disparities exist, influenced by factors such as economic development, healthcare infrastructure, and technological accessibility.

Sources Aegis Dental Network  [ Institute of Digital Dentistry

How the Dentistry AI landscape looks as of November 2024

As of November 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal force in transforming dentistry, enhancing diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and patient care. The integration of AI technologies is evident across various facets of dental practice:

Diagnostic Advancements: AI-driven tools are now capable of analyzing dental radiographs with remarkable accuracy, identifying issues such as cavities, periodontal disease, and other anomalies. This advancement aids clinicians in making more informed decisions, leading to improved patient outcomes. 

Treatment Planning and Execution: AI systems assist in developing personalized treatment plans by evaluating patient data and predicting potential outcomes. Additionally, AI is being utilized in robotic-assisted dental procedures, offering enhanced precision and efficiency. Notably, in July 2024, a Boston-based company, Perceptive, achieved a significant milestone by performing the world’s first fully automated robotic dental procedure. 

Practice Management: AI applications are streamlining administrative tasks, including appointment scheduling, patient communication, and billing processes. This integration allows dental professionals to focus more on clinical care, thereby improving overall practice efficiency. 

Educational Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of AI in dental education, institutions are hosting symposiums and webinars to discuss its implications. For example, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine is organizing the 2025 Global Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry, scheduled for November 14-15, 2025, to convene global AI expertise in the field. 

The rapid adoption of AI in dentistry highlights its transformative potential, offering innovative solutions that enhance both the quality of care and operational efficiency within dental practices.

Sources  Dental Products Report  New York Post  Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Challenges and Considerations for AI Adoption in Dentistry 

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into dentistry offers significant advancements in diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care. However, several challenges and considerations must be addressed to ensure effective adoption:

1. Technical Concerns:

• Integration with Existing Systems: Many dental practices utilize traditional methods and equipment. Integrating AI solutions with these existing systems can be complex and may require substantial adjustments. citeturn0search6
• Data Privacy and Security: Handling sensitive patient information necessitates robust security measures to prevent data breaches and ensure compliance with regulations. 

2. Financial Considerations:

• High Initial Costs: Implementing AI technologies involves significant investment in software, hardware, and training. This can be a barrier for smaller practices with limited budgets.
• Return on Investment: Practices must evaluate the long-term financial benefits of AI adoption, considering factors like improved efficiency and patient outcomes.

3. Ethical and Legal Issues:

• Algorithm Bias: AI systems may inherit biases present in their training data, leading to unequal treatment recommendations. 
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that AI applications meet all legal and ethical standards is important to maintain patient trust and avoid legal repercussions.

4. Organizational Factors:

• Resistance to Change: Dental professionals accustomed to traditional methods may be hesitant to adopt new technologies, requiring effective change management strategies.
• Training and Education: Continuous professional development is essential to equip dental staff with the necessary skills to operate AI tools effectively. 

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including stakeholder engagement, ongoing education, and strategic planning to integrate AI seamlessly into dental practices.

Sources  PubMed Central  RCS Publishing  LWW Journals

Dentistry AI Players

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the dental industry, with numerous companies developing innovative solutions to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care. Here are some notable AI players in dentistry:

Pearl Pearl offers AI-powered dental imaging solutions that assist clinicians in detecting common dental conditions with high precision. Their technology has received FDA clearance for patient-facing detection of various dental issues. 

VideaHealth VideaHealth provides AI tools that help dental clinicians deliver better care, strengthen patient relationships, and improve practice performance. Their solutions are trusted by leading dental organizations. 

Overjet Overjet is a dental AI platform that supports dental service organizations, dentists, dental groups, insurance companies, and health plans in improving oral health. Their AI technology aids in detecting oral diseases with unmatched precision and streamlines insurance claim processes. 

ORCA Dental AI ORCA combines clinical expertise with machine learning and AI technologies to create diagnostic reports, treatment plan suggestions, and smart clinical tools, aiming to enhance the quality of dental care. 

Perceptive Perceptive has achieved a significant milestone by performing the world’s first fully automated robotic dental procedure. Their advanced robotic dentistry system utilizes AI imaging software paired with a robotic arm to perform dental treatments with high precision and efficiency. 

These companies represent a fraction of the growing number of AI-driven innovations in dentistry, each contributing to the advancement of dental care through technology.

Conclusion

The adoption of AI in dentistry presents immense potential for enhancing patient care, diagnostic precision, and operational efficiency. However, challenges such as technical integration, financial barriers, ethical considerations, and resistance to change must be addressed thoughtfully. By investing in education, robust data security, and strategic implementation, the dental industry can overcome these hurdles and fully embrace the transformative power of AI.