Expert consensus on the clinical application of artificial intelligence in the design of fixed dental restorations

Prosthodontics is rapidly entering the digital era, with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) soon becoming the mainstream method for fixed restoration design. Recent advances in image recognition, data analytics, and decision systems are accelerating the use of artificial intelligence (AI), shifting workflows from simple automation to adaptive, learning-based design. Nevertheless, clear clinical guidance remains limited. This expert consensus sets out core principles, technology categories, and priority use cases for AI in fixed restorations, and proposes Standardized Operating Procedures that span from preoperative planning, digital impression processing, tooth preparation evaluation, to functional design and personalized esthetic design. It also defines quality control checkpoints and ethical safeguards that highlight the central role of the clinician in reviewing and validating AI outputs. Recommendations are provided for data governance, including security, privacy, and auditability. Finally, the document outlines near-term development needs such as interoperable data standards, transparent model reporting, and clinically oriented validation metrics. The goal is to support standardized, safe, and effective clinical adoption of AI in fixed dental restorations.