Digital Transformation and Automation in Dental Clinics: Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

The dental health care delivery structure is undergoing a rapid change through the integration of computerisation technologies, which are aimed at improving clinical efficiency and enhancing patient care. Automation in dental clinics refers to the adoption of innovative and advanced technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud-based storage systems in clinical dental practice. At present, automation is being extensively used in administrative roadmaps, which include scheduling of patient appointments, digital patient record maintenance, computerised billing, and communication systems. These modernisations significantly reduce administrative workloads, decrease patient waiting periods, and minimise human error. Recent technologies such as intraoral scanners, AI-assisted radiographic analysis, chairside dental milling machines, and 3D printing are being employed to augment diagnostic precision and deliver quicker outcomes. Apart from enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, these technological innovations also empower active engagement of the patients in planning their own treatment modalities. These technological advancements also come with substantial challenges and barriers, which include the initial high cost of implementation, cybersecurity concerns, concerns over data privacy, the requirement for specific staff training, and system compatibility issues. Future prospects include the development, testing, and usage of predictive AI-integrated tools, which are capable of forecasting treatment outcomes, robotic-assisted dental surgeries, voice-controlled systems, and the use of virtual and augmented reality for both patient education and professional training. Furthermore, personalised oral health care is expected to advance through the integration of wearable tracking devices, smart toothbrushes, and health apps. The current paper aims to provide dental care professionals, students, and hospital administrators with a strong understanding of how automation is redesigning dental practice, the tactical steps needed for its effective implementation, and how this will define the future of oral healthcare delivery.