When I opened my inbox this morning — the one I use for DentistryUnited (dentistryunited@gmail.com) — this message stood out. It wasn’t just another email. It was a reminder of the journey we began years ago, and how far our community has come.
Dr. Samantha Korhonen, whom I met at the launch of DentistryUnited during FDI New Delhi in 2004, reached out from Helsinki. Her words brought back memories and posed a timely challenge about the future of our profession. I share her email here, followed by my thoughts on where artificial intelligence is taking dentistry — and how we can embrace it together.
Dear Dr.Nabeel,
It’s hard to believe it’s been over two decades since we first crossed paths at the launch of DentistryUnited during FDI New Delhi in 2004. I’ve been quietly following the journey ever since, inspired by the way you’ve nurtured it into a global platform for dental minds to connect, learn, and lead.
From that very first spark, your passion for shaping the future of dentistry through knowledge and collaboration left a deep impression on me. Today, as I practice here in Helsinki and reflect on the sweeping changes artificial intelligence is bringing to our field, I’m both exhilarated and a little overwhelmed. AI is no longer a distant concept—it’s knocking on the operatory door of every specialty we practice.
That’s why I’m reaching out. I believe now is the time for DentistryUnited to host a conversation that bridges curiosity with confidence—and there’s no one better than you to lead it. Would you consider writing a blog for the platform, sharing your insights on how AI is reshaping dentistry, and how clinicians like us can adapt and thrive?
Your perspective would deeply resonate with our global network of dentists, many of whom are eager to embrace this transformation but need thoughtful guidance to do so. Let’s reignite that spirit of learning and leadership we shared years ago—and continue the journey we both began at DentistryUnited.
Warm regards,
Dr. Samantha Korhonen
Helsinki, Finland
By Dr. Syed Nabeel, BDS D Orth MFD RCSI MFDS RCPSG
As dentists, we are witnessing a revolution that’s quietly but powerfully transforming our profession. Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a tool reshaping how we diagnose, plan, and deliver care. But here’s the twist: not all dental specialties will be affected equally.
Based on clinical dependency, diagnostic data reliance, and patient interaction, I’ve ranked the 9 American Dental Association (ADA) specialties from least to most affected by AI. Whether you’re a pediatric dentist or a radiologist, knowing where your field stands helps you prepare—not panic.
This article is more than a ranking. It’s a call to action. DentistryUnited is a global platform committed to helping dentists navigate the AI wave through curated learning, expert guidance, and peer collaboration. Let’s explore where you stand—and how you can lead.
Ranking Dental Specialties: Least to Most Affected by AI
10. Pediatric Dentistry – Least Affected
Pediatric dentistry depends more on emotional intelligence than machine learning. While AI can assist with imaging and caries detection, soothing a scared child or building trust? That’s still uniquely human.
9. Endodontics
AI is proving useful in detecting periapical lesions and navigating canal morphology. But cleaning, shaping, and obturation still rest in your hands.
DentistryUnited is working with researchers to curate smart endodontic tools that reduce fatigue and boost diagnostic accuracy.
8. Periodontics
AI can map bone loss and assist in implant planning, but flap design, grafting, and regenerative work still need your skill.
Get introduced to AI-enhanced treatment planning through DentistryUnited’s Blogs.
7. Prosthodontics
AI and CAD/CAM workflows are already streamlining prosthesis design. However, the art of intraoral adjustments and shade matching still needs a human touch.
6. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)
AI can’t hold a scalpel—but it can enhance virtual surgical planning and 3D modeling. In OMFS, AI will amplify precision, not sideline surgeons.
Join DentistryUnited on X to explore case-based AI simulations and innovation in surgical workflows.
5. Dental Public Health
With access to vast population data, AI is revolutionizing risk assessment and health trend analysis.
DentistryUnited offers tools for harnessing big data to shape smarter community outreach.
4. Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
From digital smile design to AI-driven aligner planning, ortho is seeing major disruption. Clinicians shift from mechanics to oversight and human interaction.
DentistryUnited provides a clear map for embracing digital orthodontics responsibly.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Histopathology is fertile ground for AI, especially in pattern recognition of digital slides. Yet, complex interpretation and rare conditions still need the pathologist’s eye.
Stay competitive with digital pathology resources curated by DentistryUnited.
2. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
AI rivals experts in interpreting 2D and 3D radiographic data. The future here is collaboration—AI + human oversight.
DentistryUnited offers exposure to emerging tools so you can lead the AI era, not be led by it.
1. The Future of Interdisciplinary Dentistry – Most Affected
The biggest shift may come not within one specialty, but across them. AI will drive interdisciplinary care—blending ortho, surgery, prosthodontics, and radiology into seamless workflows. The dentist of tomorrow must be more than a specialist—they must be an AI-savvy clinician.
DentistryUnited is your companion in mastering this transition.
AI Education: What Every Dentist Should Know
To thrive—not just survive—dentists need to upgrade themselves continuously. DentistryUnited suggests the following courses to build relevant AI competencies. More importantly, DentistryUnited can help you bridge these courses by connecting the dots across your clinical interests and career stage.
1. AI in Dental Diagnostics
- Why: Improve accuracy in radiology, endodontics, and general diagnostics.
- How: Learn via ADA-accredited platforms or MOOCs like Coursera.
2. Digital Dentistry and CAD/CAM
- Why: Essential for prosthodontists and orthodontists adopting AI-integrated workflows.
- How: Attend live workshops hosted by DentistryUnited with experts from AI companies.
3. Data Analytics for Public Health
- Why: Harness AI to understand population trends and disease prevention.
- How: Access curated learning paths from institutions.
4. AI Ethics and Patient Communication
- Why: Safeguard trust while using AI in patient interactions, especially in sensitive fields like pediatric dentistry.
- How: Participate in DentistryUnited’s exclusive webinars focused on ethical integration.
5. AI in Surgical Planning
- Why: Use simulations and predictive analytics in OMFS and implantology.
- How: DentistryUnited partners with tech leaders to guide your learning.
Your Action Plan: Stay Relevant in the Age of AI
- Commit to at least one AI-focused course annually via DentistryUnited.
- Read updates from JADA and DentistryUnited’s live channels on X.
- Attend ADA and global AI-in-dentistry summits.
- Engage with DentistryUnited’s mentorship and case discussion forums.
Moral : Don’t Watch AI—Work with It
AI won’t replace dentists. But dentists using AI will replace those who don’t.
From radiology and orthodontics to public health and prosthodontics, AI is shaping the way we work. The key is not resistance, but readiness. DentistryUnited is here to guide, support, and connect you in this shift.
Join us today. Let AI enhance your dentistry—not define it.
Contact DentistryUnited: DentistryUnited@gmail.com
References
American Dental Association. (2025). Dental Specialties. Available at: https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/dental-specialties
Author:
Dr. Syed Nabeel, BDS, D.Orth, MFD RCS (Ireland), MFDS RCPS (Glasgow)
Committed to Orthodontics, Neuromuscular Dentistry & Digital Innovation
Dr. Syed Nabeel is a dentist with 25 years of experience, passionate about patient care, education, and the evolving role of technology in dentistry. He leads Smile Maker Clinics Pvt Ltd with a focus on evidence-based care, TMJ treatment, smile design, and orthodontics.
He founded DentistryUnited.com in 2004 to connect dental professionals globally and launched Dental Follicle – The E-Journal of Dentistry (ISSN 2230-9489) to support academic exchange.
His interests include:
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Neuromuscular Dentistry & TMJ Care
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Orthodontics – Braces, Aligners & Digital Planning
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AI & Digital Workflows in Dentistry
A lifelong learner, Dr. Nabeel also mentors young dentists and speaks on clinical topics, digital dentistry, and practice management. Outside the clinic, he enjoys photography, gardening, and travel.
Grateful to his mentors, peers, and patients, he believes there’s always more to learn and share.
dentistryunited@gmail.com
www.DentistryUnited.com