Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various fields, including dentistry, by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning and patient care. However, the authors try to reason that as AI technology becomes more integrated into dental practices, it becomes extremely important to examine its ethical implications through the lens of the four core tenets of ethics: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice. Thus, this paper attempts to study the relationship between scientific advancements, particularly AI and ethical principles in the context of dental patient care. The authors discuss that striking a balance between technological advancements and maintaining empathetic, patient-centred care is crucial to preserving the human element in dentistry. In other words, AI can drive meaningful progress in dentistry only when its deployment is governed by ethical safeguards. Finally, the paper calls for a thoughtful, ethical approach to integrating AI into dental practices to maximize its benefits while mitigating potential harms.

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Funding