AN Goes AI #2: A Closer Look at Image Analysis AI

What you need to know

Tired of living in black and white? AI image analysis could light up your world! This new technology uses bright colors to highlight important features on radiographs, like potential cases of caries or the parts of each tooth. It isn’t a replacement for a dentist’s expertise, professional judgement, or capacity for human connection. However, it can help you out in a few key ways:

  • Checking your work: Use image analysis AI to help you gain clarity in confusing cases, like when you’re not sure whether to fill a cavity or wait and see. 
    • Just remember that under California’s Physicians Make Decisions act, you’re legally on the hook for any treatment decisions you made (even if AI helped).
  • Educate patients: Visual learners may appreciate the chance to see for themselves what you plan to treat. Likewise, wary patients may find it easier to trust your decisions if they can see that another “expert” has come to the same conclusion as you.
  • Getting paid: When you submit insurance claims, send in a copy of an AI-annotated radiographs along with your narrative as a colorful visual aid.

How we can help

You may know us as your friendly neighborhood networking providers or your IT maintenance guy, but we’re always studying up on the latest technology, including AI. If you have questions like “Which image analysis AI is right for me?” or “What else can I do with this software?”, don’t hesitate to reach out! Call us at 408-200-9881 or email at [email protected]. We’ll even throw in our bonus script for using image analysis AI, which will guide you through chairside conversations when you’re using AI.

Conclusion

New technology is exciting—but make sure you stay safe while you’re testing the waters. Don’t install anything on your system unless you’re confident that it’s a reputable product and make sure that your patients know that their treatment will be assisted by AI.

Want to learn more? Stay tuned for the next four AN Goes AI articles, which will cover everything from AI receptionists to smart software shopping tips!