There are many moving parts that orthodontists have to juggle during the implementation of AI programs into their practices, but most importantly, they are the final decision makers when it comes to patient care.
That’s according to the American Association of Orthodontists, which released a position paper on the integration of AI technologies into orthodontic practices, highlighting six core principles.
Here are 13 things to know:
Core Principle 1: AI Governance and the Human-in-Command
- Orthodontists are to remain the final decision makers when it comes to patient care.
- Necessary oversight of AI programs includes validating AI-generated recommendations and overseeing the selection, implementation and monitoring of AI tools to ensure that they are used safely and effectively.
- The orthodontist is responsible for ensuring that AI is used within the bounds of licensure.
Core Principle 2: Regulatory Alignment and Risk-Based Oversight
- All AI programs and tools that are used in orthodontics must operate within a defined context of use and risk classification framework.
- Appropriate context of use and framework is established by regulatory bodies including the FDA, IMDRF, WHO and ISO.
Core Principle 3: Trustworthiness and Transparency Across the Lifecycle
- AI developers and vendors are required to create systems that are reliable, explainable and transparent throughout the system’s entire lifecycle.
- Orthodontists must have access to see how the model was trained and when changes are made to ensure safe and effective use.
Core Principle 4: Patient Autonomy
- Orthodontists who use AI should inform patients of the technology and whether their de-identified data is used to train algorithms.
- Communication between orthodontists and patients should emphasize the supportive role of AI and make clear that it is not replacing the orthodontist.
Core Principle 5: Education and Clinical AI Competency
- The orthodontic industry must ensure that every provider has the knowledge to evaluate, implement and provide proper oversight during the use of AI.
- Orthodontists have both an ethical and legal obligation to be accountable for technologies they integrate into their practices.
Core Principle 6: Operational Integration and Data Privacy
- AI must be smoothly integrated into existing systems and workflows. Compliance with applicable AI and data laws is crucial.
- System-level governance determines the frameworks and policies, while the orthodontist or care provider enforces the standards in daily practice.
