Ethics in AI-Powered Orthodontic Diagnostics

Artificial intelligence simulates human intelligence by specially designed algorithms that can perform tasks requiring cognitive functions. Artificial intelligence reduces the chances of errors and human input as compared to manual functions. The uses of AI not only include engineering but it is also a major part of the medical and dental field. There is a long list of benefits of AI and its impact on dentistry and especially orthodontics however there are still a few concerns that need to be addressed to ensure its flawless use in dentistry.

Ethical consideration in Artificial intelligence:

Ethical considerations have become an integral part of the conversation around their development and deployment. These concerns arise from the immense potential AI holds to transform society, both positively and negatively. It depends on how it’s implemented and controlled. Here’s a deeper exploration of the key ethical considerations:

Transparency and participation

Transparency plays a vital role in effectively conveying the results of an AI model. This involves detailed documentation across multiple dimensions. Comprehensive information should be provided about the dataset, including inclusion and exclusion criteria, labeling methods, and the training and testing data used. Many AI systems, especially those based on complex machine learning models like deep learning, function where the developers of the system cannot fully explain how specific decisions are made. This lack of transparency poses ethical challenges, particularly in high-stakes areas such as healthcare, criminal justice, or finance.

Wellness

Another important ethical consideration in the use of AI is its benefits to human beings. The AI model should be built on the basis that it can be beneficial to the public without any harm. In orthodontics, correct design-making has an integral role. AI model can assist the dentist in making a cost-effective treatment plan that will be beneficial to patients. However, the human role can’t be denied in the whole process of decision-making.

Autonomous decision-making

The decision-making in orthodontics involves multiple individuals. It can be the dentist, patients their families, and the algorithms that provide the evidence of treatment planning. However, the decision should not rely on Artificial intelligence but it should use an assisting tool. The LeanOrthodontics®️ by Dr. Baxmann has explained all the important steps of treatment planning through its unique ABCD System® . He also explained how the patient can parents can be involved in the treatment planning and shared decisions can be taken.

In AI the Users must be given the ability to make informed choices about when and how AI systems are applied in their lives. In Any AI system, a legal framework should also built before its use in healthcare and dentistry to avoid future legal issues.

Equity

Equity refers to the principle of fairness and justice in ensuring that individuals or groups have access to the same opportunities and resources. Unlike equality, which aims to treat everyone the same, equity recognizes that people may start from different positions and may require different levels of support or resources to achieve similar outcomes. Equity in Artificial intelligence is the judicious use of all resources and it should be availed at the same level irrespective of financial situation. But the high cost of AI limits its use and its benefits are not accessible to all individuals.

Sustainability

Sustainability refers to the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability is a growing ethical concern in the development and deployment of AI systems.

Ethically, AI developers must prioritize sustainability by creating more energy-efficient algorithms, optimizing data centers, and exploring greener technologies. AI can also be used to support sustainability efforts by helping industries monitor and reduce their environmental impact, manage resources better, and develop greener technologies. AI can promote more sustainable dentistry as it can reduce transportation and storage costs however it still has high-cost software and algorithms.

AI use in dentistry rapidly advancing with time but dental research and legislation have primarily focused on its technological and therapeutic benefits, with little consideration given to broader issues, including ethical concerns. The ethical considerations stated are critical to the effective development and application of AI in dentistry. According to these principles, AI software should be open source, user-friendly, relevant, health-promoting, and supportive of healthcare. It must also be controlled, cost-effective, efficient, widely available, regulated, and legal.

References:

1. Rokhshad R, Ducret M, Chaurasia A, Karteva T, Radenkovic M, Roganovic J, Hamdan M, Mohammad-Rahimi H, Krois J, Lahoud P, Schwendicke F. Ethical considerations on artificial intelligence in dentistry: a framework and checklist. Journal of Dentistry. 2023 Aug 1;135:104593.
2. Baxmann, M., & Gronau , K. (2024). Dr. Baxmann´s LEAN ORTHODONTICS® – The Ultimate Practice Book Series for excellent Orthodontics: Case Planning Volume 3. https://www.amazon.sg/Dr-Baxmann%C2%B4s-LEAN-ORTHODONTICS%C2%AE-Orthodontics/dp/3948361673