Artificial intelligence is appearing in conversations about almost every part of healthcare. Dentistry is no exception. A useful question is not simply whether a practice uses AI, but what the tool does, what information it receives and how a qualified clinician checks its output.
This article explains the wider subject. It does not state that Pear Tree Dental uses a particular AI system or that an AI tool is involved in your care.
AI is not one single dental service
A system used to organise appointments is different from software that highlights areas on an X-ray. Other tools may assist with notes, communication or administrative work. Each use has its own limitations and requires appropriate oversight.
In a US survey reported by the American Dental Association in July 2026, around two in five responding dentists said they used AI for at least one task. Imaging and diagnostic support were among the reported applications. These are US survey findings, not a measurement of adoption in Nottingham or evidence that every tool improves patient outcomes.
A highlighted area is not the whole diagnosis
An image contains only part of the information a dentist uses. Symptoms, examination findings, previous records and changes over time can all matter. Software may flag an area for closer attention, but a coloured box on an image does not by itself explain what treatment is necessary.
If a recommendation is presented with an AI image, ask the dentist to explain the clinical finding in ordinary language. What has been observed? How certain is the interpretation? Would monitoring or another investigation be appropriate? Which alternatives are reasonable for this tooth?
Human judgement remains essential
AI outputs can be wrong or incomplete. A system may highlight something that is not clinically significant or fail to identify a relevant feature. The meaningful safeguard is how the dental team evaluates the information and takes responsibility for the recommendation.
A patient should be able to understand a plan without having to trust an unexplained score. The GDC’s standards require clear communication about treatment options, risks and costs. Technology should help that conversation, not make it harder to ask questions.
Ask how your information is handled
Clinical photographs, recordings and dental records are personal information. If technology is used during your appointment, it is reasonable to ask what is being captured, why it is needed and how the practice handles it.
Is this tool supporting administration or clinical assessment?
Who checks the output before it becomes part of my record or plan?
Is a recording being made, and how will its use be explained?
Where can I read the practice’s information about data handling?
What happens if I have a concern or notice an error?
Avoid uploading identifiable dental records to an unrelated public chatbot simply to obtain a second opinion. An online response cannot reproduce a clinical examination, and the service’s privacy arrangements may differ from those of your dental practice.
Keep the appointment focused on your needs
The important outcome is a clear explanation of your oral health and options. Ask for a written treatment plan where appropriate and take time to understand substantial decisions. Call Pear Tree Dental on 0115 931 2935 if you would like to discuss an appointment.
Common questions
Q: Does AI mean a dentist no longer needs to examine me? A: No. Software support does not replace an appropriate clinical assessment.
Q: Can I ask why the dentist disagrees with a software result? A: Yes. Ask how the result fits the examination and the rest of the evidence.
Related reading
Understanding a periodontal assessment
Sources and further information
ADA: dentists’ AI usage and attitudes, July 2026