Source: California Dental Association (CDA)

The California Dental Association (CDA) article explores the growing use of artificial intelligence in dentistry, highlighting both its advantages and potential legal challenges. AI is revolutionizing dental care through diagnostic imaging, predictive analytics, and automated treatment planning, but concerns about liability and malpractice risks remain.

AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyze dental X-rays and patient records with greater accuracy and speed than traditional methods. While these innovations improve early disease detection and treatment planning, errors in AI-driven diagnoses could lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or improper care, raising concerns about legal responsibility.

The article discusses potential malpractice claims related to AI in dentistry, emphasizing that dental professionals must ensure AI recommendations are validated by human expertise. Dentists using AI-based tools could be held liable if they rely solely on AI-generated diagnoses without proper verification.

Regulatory oversight of AI in healthcare is evolving, with authorities working to establish guidelines for AI-assisted medical and dental procedures. The article highlights the importance of informed consent, where patients must be made aware of AI’s role in their diagnosis and treatment.

Best practices for managing AI-related risks in dentistry include continuous monitoring of AI accuracy, integrating AI as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for human judgment, and maintaining transparent patient communication.

The discussion concludes with recommendations for dental practitioners on balancing AI adoption with ethical and legal compliance, ensuring both improved patient outcomes and minimized malpractice risks.