The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Overview. Part 1: Fundamentals of AI, and its Contemporary Applications in Dentistry

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense promise in revolutionising dentistry, spanning, diagnostics, treatment planning and educational realms. This narrative review, in two parts, explores the fundamentals and the multifaceted potential of AI in dentistry. The current article explores the profound impact of AI in dentistry, encompassing diagnostic tools, treatment planning, and patient care. The Part 2 of the article delves into the potential of AI in patient education, ethics and the FDI communique on AI in dentistry. The review begins by elucidating the historical context of AI, outlining its recent widespread use in various sectors, including medicine and dentistry. The narrative delves into the fundamental concepts of AI, which entails developing machines capable of executing tasks that typically necessitate human intellect. In the biomedical realm, AI has evolved from exploring computational models to constructing systems for clinical data processing and interpretation, aiming to enhance medical/dental decision-making. The discussion delves into the pivotal role of AI models in dentistry, such as Large Language Models (LLM), Large Vision Models (LVM), and Multimodality Models (MM), revolutionizing processes from clinical documentation to treatment planning. The narrative extends to the applications of AI in dental specialties such as periodontics, endodontics, oral medicine and pathology, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, paediatric dentistry, forensic odontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and orofacial pain management. AI's role in improving treatment outcomes, diagnostic accuracy, and decision-making processes is evident across these specialties, showcasing its potential in transforming dental care. The review concludes by highlighting the need for continued validation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and regulatory frameworks to ensure the seamless integration of AI into dentistry, paving the way for enhanced patient outcomes and evidence-based practice in the field.