New dental technologies and AI programs are changing dentistry, from assisting cavity identification to streamlining payer-provider interactions.
Dental technology companies such as Overjet and VideaHealth have launched new dental AI programs, and 2024 has seen continued adoption of AI in dentistry.
Overjet, which raised a record-breaking $53 million in funding earlier this year, is focused on creating more AI and tech products for dental customers.
"The goal for the fundraising was to build out more products to serve the customers that we have," Wardah Inam, PhD, Overjet's CEO, told Becker's. "Now we're building our new products especially in the intersection of the payers and providers that we serve so that we can help improve care that is provided and then streamline operations."
The excitement over the possibilities with new technologies in dentistry also spreads to the DSO space. Groups including Cordental Group and 42 North Dental have embraced AI, adding AI programs at their locations this year..
Sameer Puri, DDS, who took over as chief clinical officer of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Imagen Dental Partners, is bringing his mindset of embracing new technologies to the DSO.
"We want to make sure all of our offices are highly integrated with technology and leverage that technology to grow and become profitable," said Dr. Puri. "I don't believe other organizations have that mindset. We're using technology everywhere: digital scanning, digital radiography, integrative implants with a digital workflow, 3D printing, 3D milling, all of those things."
Dental AI is still in its early stages, but leaders in the industry feel that it could change the way dentistry operates.
"Five years from now, I believe that AI will become the new standard of care, which I think is already starting to happen in the DSO space," said Dr. Inam. "I think it's going to become more mainstream, not only the DSOs but across the board with solo practices as well."