I N D U S T R Y I N V E S T I G A T I O N
Dr Suliman Shahin , Chairman of the Preventive Dental Sciences at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University ’ s College of Dentistry
experience . In my clinic , leveraging tools like those created by Align Technology has shown that patients genuinely prefer the digital approach , highlighting the positive impact technology has on making dental care more accessible , informed and patient-centred . I like to think about it like the analogy of an airplane journey , where economy represents traditional methods and business class symbolises digital technology , patients unequivocally prefer the latter !
What are the key challenges and opportunities dental professionals in the Middle East face when adopting digital technologies and incorporating AI into their practices ?
Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) has the potential to refine diagnostics , broaden treatment avenues and improve patient experience , yet it ’ s not without its shortcomings . There are instances where it might overlook subtleties in the nuanced nature of healthcare . This reaffirms the irreplaceable role of a dentist ’ s hands-on experience , offering a personalised touch that AI can ’ t completely replace today . A stumbling block for practices could also be the initial investment required to embrace cuttingedge technology . Although it could reduce operating costs in the long run , acquiring the latest equipment can strain budgets , the silver lining lies in the historical trend of tech becoming more financially accessible as it becomes more widespread .
Maintaining a mindset open to advancements and new ways of working can empower dental professionals to utilise AI and new tech to enhance their work . As Charles Darwin aptly put it : “ It is not the strongest species that survive , nor the most intelligent , but the ones most responsive to change .” When AI is seen as a tool not to replace dentists but rather to complement their work , it can streamline processes , sharpen diagnostics , and allow for more personalised patient care . There is an immense opportunity for change and for dentists to be a part of this technological wave as contributors to the ongoing enhancement and refinement of these tools .
In your opinion , how does the Middle East compare to other regions in terms of the integration of technology and AI in dentistry , and what unique factors influence this ?
In my view , the Middle East stands out as one of the top early adopters of digital technology , surpassing many other regions globally . The region has a robust and growing economy with high purchasing power , giving a degree of financial stability to invest in state-of-the-art technologies , cutting-edge equipment and AI tools . There is also a strong emphasis on providing world-class healthcare services , and dentistry is no exception . The region ’ s healthcare infrastructure is designed to be at the forefront of global standards , allowing for streamlined integration of digital solutions . Governments in the region also recognise the importance of technology in improving healthcare outcomes and are very supportive of initiatives that promote the integration of AI and digital advancements .
Could you describe any innovative digital tools or AI solutions you ’ ve personally found most impactful in your orthodontic practice , and how have they changed the patient experience ?
As a practice that treats many patients using Invisalign clear aligners to perfect smiles , there are steps in which AI and digital tools are integral to us as orthodontists in the way we work but also in the patient journey . When patients visit our office , we use advanced digital imagery technology to take a precise 3D scan of their teeth , mouth and dental structure , which builds an accurate 3D image of their smile without
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