A Special Issue on Digital Dental Medicine, Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Discussing Their Impact in Re‐Shaping the Future of Oral Healthcare

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the field of dental medicine has undergone a profound digital transformation. Once characterised by analogue impressions, conventional radiographs, and artisanal laboratory fabrication, dentistry has rapidly embraced digital technologies over the past two to three decades that are now redefining research, education, and clinical care. This evolution—driven by (ionising and non-ionising) imaging, data science, and artificial intelligence—has paved the way for what is now recognised as Digital Dental Medicine [1, 2]. Digital Dental Medicine encompasses a broad and dynamic spectrum of technologies that have the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflows, and improve patient outcomes across all dental disciplines. Intraoral scanners and digital radiography, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), have transformed how clinicians visualize and assess oral structures, enabling more precise, minimally invasive interventions such as static, dynamic, and even robotic-assisted implant placement [3]. Likewise, CAD/CAM systems now facilitate rapid and accurate prosthetic fabrication, while additive manufacturing and 3D printing allow for the customization of surgical guides, prostheses, and orthodontic appliances—advancing both efficiency and patient satisfaction [4, 5]. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning represent the latest frontier in this area of digital transformation [6]. These technologies are increasingly integrated into dental workflows to support clinical decision-making, automate image analysis, and predict treatment outcomes [7, 8]. AI applications now assist clinicians in tasks ranging from caries detection and radiographic image interpretation to surgical planning and remote monitoring. By facilitating early and personalized interventions, these tools have the potential to reduce human error, standardize care, and expand access to high-quality dental services. However, the digital revolution also presents new challenges. Questions surrounding data security, interoperability, and the ethical use of AI demand careful consideration [9]. Equally, the integration of digital tools requires significant investment in infrastructure and education. As new competencies become essential for clinicians, there is a clear need for interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous professional development to ensure that technology enhances, rather than disrupts, the human connection at the heart of dentistry. Alongside these advances, there also comes a responsibility to maintain the human dimension of dentistry. Empathy, communication, and trust remain central to patient care, even as more interactions become mediated by digital tools. The challenge for clinicians and educators alike will be to integrate these technologies in ways that enhance—rather than replace—the therapeutic relationship between patient and practitioner. This special issue of the Australian Dental Journal—dedicated to Digital Dental Medicine, Digital Transformation, and Artificial Intelligence—brings together leading voices in clinical practice, research, and education. It aims to showcase the current state of the art, highlight emerging applications, and critically reflect on the opportunities and challenges ahead. By presenting cutting-edge insights into endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, radiology, and dental education, this issue aspires to inform and inspire practitioners across Australia and beyond. The creation of this supplement has been a truly collaborative effort. We extend our sincere thanks to the authors for their exceptional contributions and to the reviewers for their thoughtful engagement. Each article represents a unique perspective on how digital technologies are reshaping our profession and improving patient care. We also acknowledge the support and guidance of Professor Ivan Darby, Editor-in-Chief of the Australian Dental Journal, and the dedicated team at Wiley, whose professionalism and commitment have brought this issue to life. We hope that this special issue will stimulate discussion, foster collaboration, and help chart a clear, patient-centred path forward for oral healthcare in the digital age. Michael M. Bornstein: conceptualization, writing – review and editing, writing – original draft. Adam Hamilton: conceptualization, writing – review and editing, writing – original draft. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.

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