Abstract
The rapid advance of digital technologies—from artificial intelligence and robotics to augmented reality and precision diagnostics—is transforming dentistry at an unprecedented pace. In this lecture, we will explore how these innovations promise to revolutionize prevention, diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient engagement. Yet, with opportunity comes risk: over-reliance on automation, erosion of clinical judgment, inequities in access, and ethical concerns about data privacy and professional autonomy all threaten to reshape the profession in unintended ways.
Drawing on current research, emerging clinical applications, and real-world examples, we will examine whether technology will ultimately empower dentists to deliver more precise, personalized, and equitable care—or whether it might undermine the human-centered foundations of our profession. Attendees will gain insights into how to critically evaluate new tools, adopt them responsibly, and strike the right balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding the art and ethics of dentistry.
Learning objectives
- Identify key emerging technologies and their current applications in clinical dentistry.
- Evaluate the potential benefits and risks of integrating digital tools into dental practice.
- Discuss ethical, legal, and social implications of technology adoption, including data privacy and patient autonomy.
- Apply strategies for balancing technological innovation with the preservation of core clinical skills and human judgment.
- Formulate a forward-looking perspective on how to prepare for and shape the technological future of dentistry.