SP-40 - Unleashing the Kraken of Artificial Intelligence; A Bane or a Boon?

Presentation Description/Abstract: This session delves into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and its profound imprint on the fields of medicine, dentistry and education. With advancements in machine learning and natural language processing, AI has emerged as a promising tool for transforming traditional clinical practice and teaching methodologies. This lecture explores how AI technologies can revolutionize the way we treat our patients, the way we engage with students, personalize learning experiences, and optimize educational outcomes. By leveraging intelligent diagnostic and tutoring systems, assessment tools, adaptive learning platforms, and data-driven insights, AI empowers clinicians and teachers to evolve with the current times to cater to our patients/students’ needs, identify learning gaps, and provide timely interventions. Moreover, AI-powered diagnostic tools can augment our diagnostic and clinical skills in Endodontics. It also augments predoctoral and post-doctoral teaching by providing educational tools that can facilitate immersive and interactive learning experiences, promoting active student participation, engagement and knowledge retention.

However, as AI becomes more integrated into clinical and educational settings, ethical considerations and concerns around privacy, accuracy, and bias must be addressed. Overreliance on AI tools for Diagnosis and treatment planning can build an implicit bias in the clinicians’ mind, overlook critical thinking skills with a significant risk for ignoring errors made by the AI System. This lecture will conclude by highlighting the potential of AI to reshape the landscape of medicine/dentistry and education, while emphasizing the importance of thoughtful implementation and continuous evaluation to harness its full benefits.