AI Caries Detection: Faster, But Not Smarter

AI Caries Detection: Faster, But Not Smarter

VideaHealth and Aspen Dental rolled out an AI diagnostic system across multiple markets in early 2025. Reads radiographs faster than hygienists. Catches some cavities humans miss.

But here's the catch: AI can't replace judgment. It flags things. You still decide. And no AI system replaces your liability insurance when it misses something. The vendor won't pay for that lawsuit.

Why it matters: This is a tool, not a replacement. It saves time on routine reads. Use it for speed, not to cut your DDS staffing. Insurance companies won't cover claims where the dentist relied solely on AI.

What to do: If you buy AI diagnostics, view it as a 15-20% efficiency gain on routine cases. Price it accordingly. Don't promise patients something machines can't deliver.