“Transforming Oral-Systemic Links with Digital Data” with Margaret Scarlett, DMD

This session will examine how the integration of oral and systemic digital health data is advancing diagnostic precision and treatment safety, particularly in medically complex patients. Clinicians must evaluate AI tools using established scientific criteria, including sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applicability. Established oral-systemic links are reviewed, noting accelerating advances in our understanding of inflammatory pathways.
Large Language Models (LLMs), AI assistants, and chatbots are increasingly used to streamline data synthesis and support clinical workflows. Digital imaging modalities—radiographs, intraoral scans, and clinical photography—remain essential in comprehensive oral assessments. Medical and family history are also important. However, clinicians must remain vigilant against cognitive biases and ensure that patients provide informed consent when digital tools are utilized.
While AI enhances efficiency and decision support, clinical judgment remains paramount in treatment planning, evaluating the oral-systemic links. Human oversight remains essential to validate findings, contextualize data, and deliver patient-centered care, at least for now.