Artificial intelligence in Dentistry: between clinical efficiency, human judgment, professional responsibility, and humanized care

Abstract

The incorporation of artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant transformations in contemporary dentistry, expanding the capacity for pattern recognition, image analysis, clinical data organization, and support for treatment planning. However, its impact should not be assessed solely through algorithmic performance indicators, but also through its implications for clinical judgment, professional responsibility, and humanized care. This study aimed to critically discuss the incorporation of artificial intelligence in dentistry based on four interdependent axes: clinical efficiency, human judgment, professional responsibility, and humanized care. This is a critical and reflective literature review, guided by transparency principles inspired by the SANRA tool. Scientific publications, institutional documents, regulatory frameworks, and theoretical references related to digital dentistry, clinical decision-making, automation bias, explainable artificial intelligence, bioethics, and patient-centered care were analyzed. The analysis indicates that artificial intelligence can enhance clinical efficiency and improve stages of dental diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly in tasks based on pattern recognition. However, its uncritical use may favor automation bias, a false sense of security, displacement of decision-making responsibility, and weakening of the professional-patient relationship. It is concluded that artificial intelligence should be understood as an instrument of augmented intelligence, designed to support, rather than replace, clinical judgment.