Harnessing AI to Advance Endodontics

Artificial intelligence is not new. The concept emerged in the early 1950s and has progressed through multiple stages of development. However, beginning in 2022–2023, large language models, powered by advances in computing power, big data, and neural networks, significantly accelerated its capabilities, producing breakthroughs in image recognition, speech processing, and natural language understanding.

AI is no longer theoretical in healthcare either. It is actively influencing how we diagnose, communicate, and deliver care.

As endodontists, specialists who have long embraced precision, innovation, and advanced technology, we are uniquely positioned to lead in this space.

Across healthcare, and particularly within dentistry, AI is being applied to imaging interpretation, predictive analytics, treatment planning, education, quality assurance, and even regulatory and payer decision-making. Some developments are promising. Others raise important questions. And many are unfolding around us rather than being shaped by us.

That reality prompted a fundamental question at the AAE:
If AI is going to shape the future of endodontics, who should help shape AI?

The answer, we believe, is the AAE.

Who Should Help Shape AI?

From enhanced imaging analysis and CBCT interpretation to predictive analytics and workflow automation, artificial intelligence has the potential to strengthen diagnostic accuracy, improve efficiency, and support better patient outcomes. In endodontics specifically, AI tools are being developed to assist in identifying periapical pathosis, detecting missed canals, assessing fracture patterns, and supporting treatment planning decisions. In the future, augmented robotics may even assist in performing portions of endodontic procedures.

But while the technology is powerful, our responsibility remains clear: AI must enhance clinical judgment—not replace it. The art and science of endodontics rely on training, experience, and critical thinking. AI can generate data and insights, but it is the endodontist who interprets that information within the full clinical context of the patient in the chair.

That balance, innovation guided by expertise, is precisely where the American Association of Endodontists is focused.

Over the past year, your Board of Directors supported the formation of a dedicated initiative to examine the implications of AI for our specialty. This formally launched with the Artificial Intelligence in Endodontics Think Tank, a strategic advisory body reporting directly to the Board through a designated liaison. The Think Tank was intentionally structured to bring together leaders in clinical endodontics, research, education, advocacy, technology, and organized dentistry, alongside senior AAE and Foundation staff.

Its charge is forward-looking and clear: to explore, evaluate, and develop a comprehensive framework for the responsible integration of AI in endodontics.

During its inaugural meeting, participants reviewed the rapidly evolving AI landscape, identified priority areas, and began outlining measurable next steps for how the AAE can guide the specialty responsibly.

Priorities

Priority areas under consideration include:

• Enabling responsible clinical adoption while preserving professional judgment and patient safety
• Preparing the future workforce by integrating AI concepts into education and lifelong learning
• Translating insights from medicine and broader dentistry into specialty-specific applications
• Defining the role of the AAE Foundation in supporting AI-related research
• Developing advocacy principles regarding regulation, payer decision-making, and utilization review
• Clarifying terminology, including the distinction between “artificial” and “augmented” intelligence
• Establishing clear guardrails and standards that define appropriate use and boundaries

In short, this initiative is about stewardship.

It is about ensuring that endodontists lead the conversation, shape policy, and define standards, so that artificial intelligence strengthens patient care, supports clinical excellence, and advances our specialty rather than undermines it.

AEO

Just as importantly, we are advancing the AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) initiative—our strategic effort to optimize the AAE’s patient website so that accurate, evidence-based endodontic information is accessible not only to patients directly, but also through large language models and AI-driven search tools. As more people turn to AI platforms for health information, it is critical that the content being surfaced reflects the expertise of endodontists. Through enhanced structure, expanded FAQs, clear data points on outcomes and longevity, and carefully developed educational copy, AEO ensures that when patients ask AI about root canals, tooth pain or saving their natural teeth, the answers are grounded in science and aligned with our specialty’s standards of care.

Another visible example of our dedication to AI is our Save Your Tooth Month AI agent. Designed to help patients access credible, science-based information about endodontic care, this tool reflects our commitment to combating misinformation while leveraging emerging technology for public education. I am proud to share that the AI agent has already received multiple awards and is currently a finalist for PRWeek’s Best AI Healthcare Innovation award, with formal recognition to be announced in May. As a finalist, the AAE will receive national industry acknowledgment for this groundbreaking work.

This achievement underscores an important point: AI is not just a clinical tool. It is also a communications tool, an educational tool and a platform for extending our mission to save natural teeth.

Education

Education, of course, remains at the core of everything we do. At AAE26, we are offering a robust slate of AI-focused programming designed to move beyond theory and into practical application. Dedicated sessions explore the current AI landscape in endodontics, real-world clinical integration, ethical considerations and the evolving regulatory environment. In addition, hands-on workshops provide members the opportunity to examine AI-driven imaging analysis, diagnostic support technologies and workflow tools in a structured learning environment. These sessions are designed not simply to demonstrate innovation, but to help clinicians critically evaluate emerging tools—asking what problem they solve, how their outputs should be validated and where the boundaries of appropriate use must remain firmly in the hands of the endodontist.

Our goal is not to encourage adoption for adoption’s sake. Rather, it is to ensure that endodontists are equipped to evaluate AI tools critically, integrate them responsibly and maintain the highest standards of patient care.

As we look ahead, several guiding principles remain paramount:

First, patient trust must always come first. Transparency about how AI is used in diagnosis or treatment planning is essential.

Second, data integrity and privacy cannot be compromised. Safeguarding patient information is a professional and ethical obligation.

Third, continuing education is vital. The technology will evolve; so must we.

Endodontics has always been a specialty grounded in precision and driven by progress—from the adoption of the operating microscope to advances in rotary instrumentation and 3D imaging. Artificial intelligence represents another chapter in that tradition. If approached thoughtfully, it can enhance our ability to diagnose earlier, treat more effectively and communicate more clearly with patients and referring colleagues.

The AAE will continue to serve as your trusted resource in navigating this rapidly changing landscape. Through structured Think Tank oversight, strategic initiatives like AEO, comprehensive educational programming at AAE26 and award-winning public outreach, we are committed to ensuring that AI strengthens—not disrupts—the standard of excellence that defines our specialty.

I encourage you to explore the AI offerings at AAE26, engage in the conversation and consider how these tools may support your practice and your patients. Together, we can lead dentistry forward—responsibly, ethically and confidently.

Thank you for your dedication to saving natural teeth and for your continued commitment to innovation in endodontics.