Following on from my last blog about the rise in digital dentistry, I thought it would be good to take it one step further and discuss the latest version of that – artificial intelligence.
Over the last 5-10 years, AI has burst onto the scene and turned pretty much everything and every industry upside down, including dentistry. So, as expected, AI in dentistry isn’t a vision of the future anymore; it’s here, and it’s growing fast.
From detecting signs of gum disease on digital X-rays to helping plan complex implant treatments, artificial intelligence is being quietly woven into more dental practices across the UK.
For patients, this often means faster diagnoses, fewer appointments, and more confidence in the treatment process. For dental professionals, it promises greater efficiency, support in decision-making, and the chance to stay ahead in a tech-driven world.
But there’s a side to AI that gets far less attention, one that’s especially important for clinicians, but worth patients’ understanding too.
While AI tools can assist in diagnosis and treatment planning, they can’t take responsibility when things go wrong.
The Big Misunderstanding
As AI becomes more common in dentistry, a quiet misconception has started to creep in: that if you’re using smart software to guide diagnosis or treatment, it somehow shares the blame when something slips through the net.
It doesn’t.
Here in the UK, the legal and professional responsibility always lies with the dentist. That’s not just a matter of common sense; it’s a regulatory reality.
If a piece of AI software misses a lesion on a scan or fails to detect the early signs of decay, the technology doesn’t face a tribunal. The clinician does.
What the GDC Says About AI in Dentistry
The General Dental Council (GDC), which regulates dental professionals in the UK, has a crystal clear stance on this: While they recognise that AI can help to enhance clinical accuracy, it stresses that…
“AI technology should not be used as a substitute for a dentist’s experience.”
In other words, it should be used as a support tool, and clinicians must always exercise their own independent judgment.
That means no matter how intelligent or accurate a piece of software may seem, dentists should still expect to interpret the data, make their own decisions, and take responsibility for the outcome.
If you’re relying on AI to assist with treatment planning, diagnostic assessments, or patient triage, it’s vital to remember that this is support, not substitution.
Essentially, the GDC’s expectations haven’t changed:
- You must always act in the best interests of your patients.
- You must obtain valid, informed consent.
- You must be able to justify your clinical decisions.
Using AI doesn’t exempt dentists from any of this. In fact, it makes clear clinical reasoning even more essential.
So, What Can Go Wrong with AI Tools in Dentistry?
Let’s be realistic, even though AI tools are fast learning, there is a danger of over-reliance on them. AI tools are only as good as the data they learn from, and that data can be flawed or incomplete. Algorithms may be trained on thousands of images, but that doesn’t mean they understand every nuance of every patient’s case.
Here are a few potential pitfalls:
- False negatives: The AI misses a problem, such as bone loss, decay, or pathology.
- False positives: It flags something harmless, potentially leading to unnecessary concern or treatment.
- Bias in training data: Some AI systems may not perform equally well across different age groups, ethnic backgrounds, or clinical presentations.
- Overreliance: Clinicians may become too dependent on AI outputs, especially under time pressure.
The most important takeaway? AI doesn’t eliminate human error; it simply shifts where that error might originate. But ultimately, the clinician remains responsible for catching it.
For Patients: What You Should Know
If you’re a patient reading this, you might wonder: “Should I be worried if my dentist uses AI?”
The answer is: no. When used correctly, AI can enhance the quality of care. It can help catch issues earlier, make treatment planning more precise, and even reduce the number of appointments you need.
But what matters is how the technology is used and whether your dental team is trained to interpret it properly.
Next time you go for an appointment, don’t be afraid to ask:
- “Is this diagnosis supported by AI or your own clinical assessment?”
- “Has the software been used, reviewed or regulated?”
- “What happens if the technology gets something wrong?”
A responsible dental team will be transparent and happy to explain how AI fits into your care and where professional judgment takes
How UK Dentists Can Reduce Their Risk
If you’re a clinician integrating AI into your practice, it’s essential to have safeguards in place. Here’s a practical checklist:
- Use AI as a second opinion — not a final decision – You’re still the one making the call. Use AI to guide, not dictate.
- Document everything – If AI played a role in a diagnosis or treatment plan, record it in the notes. Include your clinical interpretation and final decision.
- Update your consent process – If a patient’s scan or records are being analysed using AI tools, let them know. This forms part of informed consent and aligns with GDC expectations.
- Ensure compliance – Use tools that are CE-marked or UKCA-marked and registered with the MHRA. Software used in diagnosis must legally be considered a medical device.
- Keep learning – Stay updated on what your indemnity provider covers. Some now offer specific guidance (or exclusions) around AI-related claims.
Final Thoughts: Technology Enhances Care But Doesn’t Replace Accountability
The use of AI in dentistry is already transforming how care is delivered in the UK; From faster diagnoses to more personalised treatment plans, the benefits are real.
But those benefits come with responsibilities.
AI can assist, inform, and even inspire greater confidence, but it can’t (and shouldn’t) take the fall when something is missed. Dental professionals should remain accountable for every decision they make, whether it’s drawn from experience, evidence, or an algorithm.
And for patients, that’s a good thing. It means you’re not being treated by software, but by skilled professionals who know how to use it, and when to trust their own judgement instead.
Because at the end of the day, no matter how advanced the tech becomes, you can’t blame the algorithm.
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If you’re a dental professional looking for clear, credible content to educate your patients or elevate your brand, get in touch at DentalDale.com. I write with insight, empathy, and a healthy respect for compliance.