The digital dentistry landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a transformative force.
In our previous episode, we explored the ongoing debate between milling and 3D printing with Max Milz from Dentsply Sirona. Building on that discussion, in a recent episode of the Digital Dentistry Decoded podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kevin Kim, CEO of Imagoworks, about the exciting developments in AI-powered dental solutions.
As we delve into the world of AI in dentistry, it's clear that we're on the cusp of a revolution that could reshape our daily practices, complementing and enhancing both milling and 3D printing technologies.
Continue reading the blog to learn more about Imagoworks or listen to the podcast below:
The AI Revolution in Dentistry
As dentists, we're constantly seeking ways to enhance our workflows and improve patient care. Kevin shared some fascinating insights into how AI is reshaping our field:
"AI is a useful tool rather than taking over dental professionals. AI can speed up and accelerate the process and procedures in digital dentistry," Kevin explained.
This perspective is crucial. It's not about AI replacing us, but rather augmenting our skills and streamlining our workflows. The goal is to make us more efficient and effective in our patient care.
Dentbird AI: A Game-Changer in Prosthetic Design
One of the most intriguing developments is in the realm of CAD design. Imagoworks' Dentbird AI solution is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in prosthetic design. Kevin highlighted that "Currently, we've more than 5,000 users all around the world and more than tens of thousands cases."
The implications of this are significant. With AI-powered design, we can potentially reduce the time spent on CAD work, allowing us to focus more on patient interaction and complex decision-making tasks.
Expanding AI Applications
But it's not just about crown design. The company is expanding into other areas, with Kevin noting, "Imagoworks are preparing AI denture solutions also... Dentbird AI solutions for flippers and full dentures will be released next year."
This expansion into various dental applications showcases the versatility of AI in our field. From crowns to dentures, AI has the potential to revolutionize multiple aspects of our daily practice.
Efficiency and Accessibility
What does this mean for us as practitioners? It's about efficiency and accessibility. As Kevin put it, "Why don't try the AI design to enhance the productivity of dental work?"
The potential time savings and increased productivity could be game-changing for many practices. Imagine being able to design and produce restorations faster and more accurately, all while maintaining high quality standards.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
However, it's crucial to understand that AI isn't here to replace us. Instead, it's a tool to augment our skills and streamline our workflows.
Kevin emphasized this point: "I believe in the true beauty of AI and we are trying to deliver the best solution for AI designing, CAD solution on the web browser."
This web-based approach could make advanced AI tools more accessible to a wider range of practices, regardless of their size or resources.
The Future of Digital Dentistry
The future of digital dentistry looks bright, with AI playing a central role. Kevin predicts, "In the next two years, you will see materials reaching that sort of mechanical properties and 3D printing could take some portion of the economy milling market."
This suggests that we might see a shift in how restorations are produced, with 3D printing potentially becoming more prevalent for certain applications.
Challenges and Considerations
While the potential of AI in dentistry is exciting, it's important to approach these new technologies with a critical eye. As with any new technology, there will be a learning curve and potential challenges to overcome.
Kevin addressed one common concern: "I think people are too scared about it. And of course, the labs are a little bit of a vital thing about what does that mean for us, right? But you should remember when we started out doing CAD/CAM, it took 10 minutes to scan and design a crown, right? Not even a crown, that was a coping."
This reminds us that technological advancements often face initial skepticism but can lead to significant improvements in our field over time.
Integration with Existing Workflows
One of the key considerations for many practitioners will be how AI solutions integrate with existing workflows and technologies.
Kevin highlighted the importance of this, stating, "We create our system open, so you can do the quick smile design, 3D. You can export open projects. You can import in inLab, in exocad, in 3Shape."
This open approach could be crucial for practices looking to adopt AI solutions without overhauling their entire digital ecosystem.
Conclusion
As we navigate this rapidly changing landscape, it's clear that embracing AI will be key to staying at the forefront of our field. However, it's equally important to ensure that these new technologies truly enhance our ability to provide top-notch patient care.
Kevin summarized the potential impact beautifully: "AI as a service will be the next future for the next 5 to 10 years in digital dentistry."
What are your thoughts on AI in dentistry? Have you incorporated any AI-powered solutions into your practice?
We'd love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments below!
Remember, at the Institute of Digital Dentistry, we're committed to keeping you informed about the latest advancements in our field. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of digital dentistry!