AI is Accelerating the Digitization of Dentistry

A growing number of people are turning to dangerous DIY dentistry practices in the UK, including gluing broken fillings, pulling out their own teeth, and ignoring untreated cavities. 

A survey by the British Dental Association showed that more than 80% of dentists have treated patients who tried these desperate measures since the COVID lockdowns. Much of this is tied to shortages in care and the growth of “dental deserts,” where access to professional treatment is limited. 

Across the U.S., the situation is equally concerning. Approximately 72 million Americans do not have dental insurance, according to a 2024/25 CareQuest report. Many delay seeking treatment until the pain becomes unbearable. 

Globally, oral health issues are just as severe. The World Health Organization estimates that around 3.7 billion people suffer from oral diseases, while the CDC calculates $46 billion in productivity losses every year in the U.S. due to untreated dental problems. Most of these conditions are preventable, yet systemic barriers keep people from getting early care. 

A wave of new AI-driven dental startups is now attempting to close this gap. The companies aim to shift dentistry from a reactive system focused on drilling and filling to one centered on early detection and prevention. AI tools can help identify gum disease and cavities from images, streamline complex paperwork, and allow clinics to see more patients without overloading staff. 

Dr. Deepak Aulak, founder of the UK-based startup Toothfairy, argues that dentistry has been misunderstood as simply fixing damage. His company uses AI to detect early signs of gum disease and tooth decay, offering a chance to intervene before problems become severe and costly. He believes prevention should be the true purpose of dentistry, and digital tools can finally make that possible. 

Similarly, Farid Fadaie, founder of Viva AI, is building tools to automate scheduling and patient communication, ensuring fewer missed appointments and faster access to care. Meanwhile, platforms like Overjet use AI to review dental X-rays and verify insurance claims, reducing denials and speeding up reimbursement. 

However, introducing AI into dentistry is not without challenges. Variations in gum color, tissue, and pigmentation across different populations can make diagnosis more complex. Aulak’s team regularly audits its systems to minimize bias, while Fadaie ensures his company’s platform is tested across diverse groups and languages to avoid exclusion. 

Skeptics caution that the technology has limits. Restorative dentistry professor Dr. Chester Gary warns practitioners that AI is still just a computer and cannot replace human judgment, empathy, or an understanding of a patient’s social and financial circumstances. Both Aulak and Fadaie agree that AI must complement, not replace, professional expertise. 

Despite hurdles, investors are betting on AI’s future in dentistry. Toothfairy recently raised $10 million in funding and has already reached profitability, a rare achievement in the AI sector. Both Aulak and Fadaie see a future where diagnostic AI, communication tools, and clinical systems work together to create faster, cheaper, and more inclusive dental care. 

The waves that AI is making in the field of dentistry mirror those it is having in other verticals of the business landscape where companies like Thumzup Media Corp. (NASDAQ: TZUP) have embraced the technology to augment their services. 

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