Bridging Bites with Bytes: Redefining Periodontal Diagnosis

Periodontal disease poses a significant global oral health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Due to its multi-factorial nature, diagnosis and treatment is complicated. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making leading-edge developments in the field of modern dentistry. It is necessary to know patient’s perceptions on AI based diagnosis and how well will they perceive it. A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted from November 2023 to December 2023 involving 120 patients reporting to out-patient Department of Periodontics in Malla Reddy Dental College for Women, Suraram. The selected participants were first diagnosed using AI based diagnosis (SCAN O®) app on smartphone and then the same patients were diagnosed clinically by the dentist. The patients completed a validated questionnaire with Likert scale each after two scenarios which tested their knowledge, trust, belief and understanding of AI-based diagnosis. Participants demonstrated varying familiarity and understanding of AI, 45% had negative perceptions, and only 3.3% considered their knowledge excellent , with opinions split on trust (40% strongly trust and 11.7% expressed disbelief) in AI's diagnostic capabilities and treatment options. Comfort levels during AI check-ups varied: 45% felt uncomfortable, and 15% felt very uncomfortable. Despite data security concerns and AI’s ethical oversight were raised, only 5% were extremely worried about AI’s security. Majority preferred dentists rather than AI in having full control over diagnosis and treatment. Patients are open towards the usage of artificial intelligence in periodontal care but with reasonable concerns about misdiagnosis, data protection and privacy breaches. If the limitations are dealt with, then AI will have a huge impact in the future of dentistry. Dental expertise who are well-versed with AI tools will be the torch-bearers of future advanced dental healthcare. Key Words: Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Healthcare, Periodontal Diagnosis, Periodontal Health, SCAN O®, Smartphone