# AI adoption and digital shifts in dental practices

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ai-adoption-in-dental-practices
> Updated: 2026-08-31T09:04:05.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 5.

The adoption of artificial intelligence in dental practices is expanding from administrative scheduling into human resources, recruitment, and clinical diagnostics. In office management, AI is being used to refine hiring processes, such as developing intentional job descriptions and creating specific skill-verification tests to move beyond instinct-based recruitment.

Clinical diagnostics are seeing significant advancements through specialized imaging software and automated radiographic analysis. Researchers at the University of São Paulo’s Ribeirão Preto campus have developed an AI system using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to identify teeth and detect cavities. This system utilizes supervised learning, training on thousands of radiographs to correlate image characteristics with lesions to streamline workflows.

In the commercial sector, AI-driven platforms like Overjet provide structured, audit-ready radiograph analysis, focusing on automated detection paired with clinician confirmation. This technology acts as a “consistent second reviewer” to identify cavities and gum disease by analyzing subtle changes in pixel shading or density in X-rays and intraoral scans.

This digital transformation is further evidenced by the rise of advanced scanning technologies. Intraoral scanners are increasingly replacing traditional impression materials by creating detailed 3D images, with industry data showing the use of digital impression systems rose from 48% in 2023 to 64% in 2025. These tools, alongside digital photography, enhance patient communication by providing clear visual representations of dental states and potential treatment outcomes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Artificial intelligence advances dental X-ray diagnostics

Artificial intelligence is enhancing dental diagnostics through new software and AI systems capable of detecting cavities in X-rays using convolutional neural networks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/artificial-intelligence-advances-dental-x-ray-diagnostics

### 2026-08-15: Digital technology and AI transform modern dentistry

Dentistry is embracing digital transformation through AI-driven diagnostics and intraoral 3D scanning, improving early cavity detection and patient communication compared to traditional methods.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digital-technology-enhances-patient-communication-in-dentistry

### 2026-08-13: Dental office manager uses AI to improve hiring processes

A dental office manager details using artificial intelligence to improve the hiring process and candidate evaluation for a Patient Care Coordinator position.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dental-office-manager-uses-ai-to-improve-hiring-processes

### 2026-07-27: Dental Technology Advances: AI Adoption in US Practices and Digital Collaboration in Implantology

In the US, 43.3% of dentists use AI for administrative and imaging tasks, with another 26% planning adoption; in Italy, digital implantology is evolving through CAD/CAM, 3D scanning and the CAD4D hub, reshaping

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dental-technology-advances-ai-adoption-in-us-practices-and-digital-collaboration-in-implantology

### 2026-07-26: Dental offices adopt AI call answering and new phone systems to reduce missed appointments

Dental offices are turning to AI-powered call answering and dedicated multi‑line phone systems to cut missed appointments and improve patient communication.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dental-offices-adopt-ai-call-answering-and-new-phone-systems-to-reduce-missed-appointments

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Cite as: AI adoption and digital shifts in dental practices. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ai-adoption-in-dental-practices