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Recent Trends and Future Direction of Dental Research in the Digital Era

Author

Listed:
  • Tim Joda

    (Department of Reconstructive Dentistry, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Michael M. Bornstein

    (Department of Oral Health & Medicine, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Ronald E. Jung

    (Department of Reconstructive Dentistry, Center for Dental Medicine Basel, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Marco Ferrari

    (Department of Prosthodontics & Dental Material, University School of Dental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Tuomas Waltimo

    (Department of Oral Health & Medicine, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Nicola U. Zitzmann

    (Department of Reconstructive Dentistry, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland)

Abstract

The digital transformation in dental medicine, based on electronic health data information, is recognized as one of the major game-changers of the 21st century to tackle present and upcoming challenges in dental and oral healthcare. This opinion letter focuses on the estimated top five trends and innovations of this new digital era, with potential to decisively influence the direction of dental research: (1) rapid prototyping (RP), (2) augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), (3) artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), (4) personalized (dental) medicine, and (5) tele-healthcare. Digital dentistry requires managing expectations pragmatically and ensuring transparency for all stakeholders: patients, healthcare providers, university and research institutions, the medtech industry, insurance, public media, and state policy. It should not be claimed or implied that digital smart data technologies will replace humans providing dental expertise and the capacity for patient empathy. The dental team that controls digital applications remains the key and will continue to play the central role in treating patients. In this context, the latest trend word is created: augmented intelligence, e.g., the meaningful combination of digital applications paired with human qualities and abilities in order to achieve improved dental and oral healthcare, ensuring quality of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Joda & Michael M. Bornstein & Ronald E. Jung & Marco Ferrari & Tuomas Waltimo & Nicola U. Zitzmann, 2020. "Recent Trends and Future Direction of Dental Research in the Digital Era," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-8, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:6:p:1987-:d:333706
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tim Joda & Tuomas Waltimo & Christiane Pauli-Magnus & Nicole Probst-Hensch & Nicola U. Zitzmann, 2018. "Population-Based Linkage of Big Data in Dental Research," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-5, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gustavo Vaccaro & Pablo Sánchez-Núñez & Patricia Witt-Rodríguez, 2022. "Bibliometrics Evaluation of Scientific Journals and Country Research Output of Dental Research in Latin America Using Scimago Journal and Country Rank," Publications, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-22, August.
    2. Andy Wai Kan Yeung, 2022. "Radiolucent Lesions of the Jaws: An Attempted Demonstration of the Use of Co-Word Analysis to List Main Similar Pathologies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-11, February.
    3. Christian E. Besimo & Nicola U. Zitzmann & Tim Joda, 2020. "Digital Oral Medicine for the Elderly," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-5, March.
    4. Francesca De Angelis & Nicola Pranno & Alessio Franchina & Stefano Di Carlo & Edoardo Brauner & Agnese Ferri & Gerardo Pellegrino & Emma Grecchi & Funda Goker & Luigi Vito Stefanelli, 2022. "Artificial Intelligence: A New Diagnostic Software in Dentistry: A Preliminary Performance Diagnostic Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-10, February.

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