Justin Skinner is the chief information officer at SmileDirectClub, a clear aligner company.
He recently connected with Becker's to discuss the impact that artificial intelligence has on the dental and orthodontic industries.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: In what ways is SmileDirectClub utilizing artificial intelligence?
Justin Skinner: For the past several years, SmileDirectClub has leveraged artificial intelligence through our proprietary treatment planning system, which uses data from the thousands of treatment plans we've successfully delivered to our customers to create the ideal plan for each new customer. These plans are then reviewed, approved and prescribed by our affiliated network of dentists and orthodontists. Leveraging this kind of technology to improve digital dentistry in new ways was the natural next step for our team, and that's what we've accomplished with our new SmileMaker Platform, which leverages the most advanced AI technology to build a virtual 3D model of the user's teeth, bite and alignment using only a smartphone. This transformative innovation improves the customer experience and provides customers with their potential smile transformation in minutes.
Q: How is/will AI help the company in producing new products and improving consumer experience?
JS: We have made it a priority to discover, develop and invest in the top talent to bring our ideas to life just like we have invested in pioneering the latest trends in 3D clear aligner printing and telehealth. This all started with our telehealth platform that allows our customers access to doctor-directed teeth straightening from wherever they are. AI and the launch of SmileMaker Platform allows us to increase the convenience of our model by offering customers the ability to complete a 3D scan of their mouth with their mobile phone. The power of AI, combined with our data library of over 1.8 million smiles, can help more people access the benefits of teeth straightening.
Q: What are the biggest benefits of incorporating AI into dentistry and orthodontics?
JS: One primary benefit of incorporating AI into dentistry and orthodontics is the ability to improve patient outcomes in a faster and more convenient way. With SmileMaker, patients can see their new smile plan in minutes from their mobile device. All they need to do is capture a 3D scan of their teeth, bite and alignment using their phone's camera. Once the app is downloaded, the consumer will be prompted to follow a few easy steps to scan their teeth and let the power of AI take it from there. The patented platform instantly references nearly 2 million data points to provide a custom smile plan in minutes. AI also increases access to convenient, affordable, premium oral care.
Q: What are the most important things to know when it comes to combining AI and dentistry?
JS: Building AI with a customer-first mentality. Technology must increase access while decreasing price – unfortunately, too often the opposite happens. AI allows our SmileMaker Platform to access our data library to deliver the benefits of having straight and healthy teeth. While already powerful, today's AI is in its infancy in terms of its potential to expand access to care by providing people with a cost-effective and convenient way to get the care they need and deserve.
Q: How do you see AI impacting the dental industry today? In the future?
JS: AI is impacting the dental industry today by utilizing millions of data points to deliver impactful results to people previously excluded from the dental care system. Our SmileMaker Platform will open the door to even more consumers accessing AI for oral care. SmileMaker Platform represents just one project within our overall mission to introduce AI that transforms the oral care industry by making teeth straightening more accessible, convenient and affordable. We are continually improving the SmileDirectClub experience for our customers while inventing the next generation of oral care by leveraging leading-edge technologies. I believe that in the future, AI will allow devices like aligners, braces and pallet expanders to self-adjust, detect signs of decay and deliver real-time insights that prevent other health issues. 3D printing will also play an important role in creating more access to better care. As our scanning technology continues to improve and 3D printing becomes more mainstream, people will be able to scan their mouths using their phones and print dentist-approved devices fit for their mouths without leaving their living rooms.