You’re Invited: Explore the Future of AI in Dentistry

Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing up in more and more conversations across dentistry, from diagnostic imaging and clinical decision support to patient monitoring and dental education. These tools are evolving quickly, and so are the questions practitioners are asking about how they fit into everyday clinical practice, what evidence supports their use, and where practice-based research still needs to catch up. The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network wants to make sure you have a front-row seat to that conversation, starting with a new partnership and an upcoming event.

A New Partner in AI Education: Meet the Academy of AI in Dentistry

Earlier this year, Dr. Gregg Gilbert, our Network director, spoke with Dr. Owais Farooqi and Dr. Don DeNucci to learn more about the Academy of AI in Dentistry (AAAID). Dr. Don DeNucci may be a familiar name to you. Dr. DeNucci was the Program Officer at NIDCR during the 1st funding cycle of the Network. Drs. Gilbert and DeNucci had a chance to reconnect and reminisce about the early days of our Network. Dr. Farooqi, AAAID’s president, serves as Dental Service Chief at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, one of the largest VA dental training sites in the country. 

AAID launched in early 2026 to help dentists understand and responsibly use artificial intelligence in practice.  Although this professional organization has been active for less than a year, it has already built a founding advisory board of AI researchers and practicing clinicians and drawn members from across the country and abroad. Dr. Farooqi told the Network that most current members are looking for practical guidance on how AI will affect their day-to-day practice and how to use it responsibly, rather than deep technical detail.

According to Dr. Farooqi, AI already shows up in dental practices in several forms: diagnostic imaging, AI-assisted practice-management software, automated insurance claims processing, and digital workflows for intraoral scanning and prosthesis design. He estimated that 30 to 40 percent of practitioners are now using digital intraoral scanners, calling that adoption rate common and approaching the near-universal use of digital radiography.

AAAID is planning its first in-person Annual Meeting for July 2027 at UCLA in Los Angeles. While plans are underway, you can join the conversation now at the virtual symposium.

Save the Date: September 18, 2026

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting its 2nd International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry, “Unleashing the Power of AI,” and Network members are welcome to join.

  • Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
  • Time: 10:45 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Format: Virtual and complimentary
  • Continuing education: 4.75 hours of ADA CERP-accredited continuing education credit
  • Register: Register through VA TRAIN (free; you’ll be prompted to create a no-cost TRAIN account if you don’t already have one)

What You’ll Learn

The symposium brings together experts from around the world to discuss current and emerging applications of AI in dentistry, and it is open to dental team members at every level of familiarity with these tools. The agenda includes sessions on:

  • AI-powered diagnostic and imaging technologies
  • Remote monitoring and oral health surveillance
  • AI integration into clinical workflows and large dental organizations
  • Military dentistry applications
  • Clinical decision support tools
  • Dental education and training
  • Patient safety considerations and future directions for AI in oral health care

Why the Network Is Sharing This

We want you to stay informed about emerging developments that may affect dental practice. Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, and this symposium offers a timely opportunity to learn from clinicians, researchers, educators, and industry leaders about its potential uses and limitations in dentistry.

Register to join the conversation and consider how AI may influence patient care, clinical workflows, and dental research.

Interested in Becoming a Member?

Learn More

Related Posts