Program Evaluation Specialist CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
Disclosure(s):
Kelly Schroeder, RDH, MA: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract:
Objective: This study examined provider experiences with Artificial intelligence (AI) software visual enhancements to help in dental disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education.
Methods: Apple Tree Dental and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health conducted a mixed methods evaluation to explore dental providers’ (dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, and dental assistants) knowledge, beliefs, and experiences with using AI software to enhance digital radiographs. Surveys were conducted at software implementation, after 6 months, and approximately one year after implementation. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted 1 year after implementation to further understand providers’ experiences with the AI software.
Results: In Survey I, (n=70), nearly half of providers (48.6%) said they were very or somewhat confident that using AI software helps accurately identify dental disease; this percentage increased to 79.1% in Survey III (n=53). In Survey III providers reported using the AI software to diagnose (46.5%), treatment plan (37.2%), and educate patients (44.2%). During the interviews, providers (7 dentists, 3 dental hygienists, 3 dental therapists) reported initial challenges with implementing the AI software into daily routines. As logistics surrounding using the AI software improved, providers’ use increased. Providers often reported initially viewing radiographs without the AI software enhancements and then adding the enhancements to verify the initial findings and to identify additional dental anomalies to consider in the patient’s diagnosis and treatment planning.
Conclusion: Dental providers reported higher utilization and greater confidence in the AI software as a tool for dental disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education from implementation to evaluation outcome.
