NOVEMBER 5 — Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we seek and receive information, including information about our health. Today, many people use AI-powered applications to ask questions about symptoms, interpret medical reports and understand possible health conditions. Some even upload photographs of skin problems, dental conditions or medical images to obtain an instant assessment. Although this technology offers exciting possibilities, we need to pause and ask an important question: Can we really trust AI to diagnose our medical and dental conditions?

There is no doubt that AI has the potential to improve healthcare. It can analyse large amounts of information, recognise patterns and assist healthcare professionals in interpreting medical images. In medicine, AI systems are being developed to help detect abnormalities in X-rays, CT scans and other diagnostic images. In dentistry, AI can assist in identifying possible tooth decay, bone loss associated with gum disease and other abnormalities in dental X-rays. For example, an AI system may highlight an area on a dental X-ray that could indicate tooth decay, helping a dentist identify areas that require closer examination. When used appropriately, these tools may improve efficiency, support clinical decision-making and contribute to earlier detection of certain conditions.