Introduction
Artificial intelligence is gradually transforming dentistry, but reality is far from the media hype. After observing our experiments with Dental Brain and analyzing the sector landscape, we share our perspective on where we really are and where we are heading.
Market Analysis
Based on public reports and our sector observation, the current landscape shows an interesting contrast between expectations and reality:
Real Adoption vs. Promises
Although media talks about «AI revolution», adoption in Spanish clinics is gradual. In our informal analysis we observed that:
- Most clinics are still evaluating these technologies
- Cost remains a significant barrier
- Staff training requires time and investment
- Doubts about legal liability slow adoption
Market Players
Established companies like Dentsply Sirona and Planmeca gradually integrate AI into their existing equipment. Their strategy: evolution, not revolution.
Specialized startups like Pearl AI and Videa Health promise specific solutions, but still seek real commercial traction.
Key Opportunities
We identify three areas where dental AI can generate immediate value:
1. Early Detection in Screening
The context: Companies and organizations need basic dental screening for their employees or members. 80-85% accuracy is sufficient to decide whether to refer to a specialist.
Why it works: It does not seek definitive diagnosis, only initial filtering. Lower risk, higher volume.
2. Support for Areas with Fewer Specialists
The real problem: Many areas lack regular access to imaging diagnosis specialists. An AI that identifies urgent cases could be valuable.
Potential model: Public funding or cooperative between regional clinics.
3. Workflow Optimization
Key observation: Premium clinics do not seek «cheaper AI», they seek better patient experience. AI that optimizes schedules, reduces waiting times, improves communication.
Example: Clinics like MicroDental would value tools that improve the overall patient experience.
Implementation
Common Mistakes We Observe
Obsession with technical precision: Startups compete for tenths of precision when the real problem is usability and integration into existing workflow.
Ignoring the human factor: Many experienced professionals prefer tools that complement their experience, not question it.
Unrealistic pricing models: High subscriptions from day one vs. models that demonstrate value progressively.
Our Approach with Dental Brain
With Dental Brain, we adopt a conservative approach:
- Simple integration: Works within existing workflow
- Pay per use: Pay only when used
- Clear responsibility: AI assists, professional decides
- Realistic expectations: Support tool, not replacement
- On-premise solution: Data never leaves the clinic, guaranteeing total privacy
Current status: Pilot phase with several clinics. We learn from each implementation before scaling.
Conclusions
After analyzing this sector, our conclusion is pragmatic: AI in dentistry is a promising tool, but its adoption will be gradual and selective.
What will work:
- Solutions that integrate naturally into existing workflows
- Business models that demonstrate value before charging
- Approaches that complement, not replace, professional judgment
- Gradual implementations with realistic expectations
- On-premise architectures that respect medical data privacy
What probably will not work:
- Promises of immediate «complete transformation»
- Models requiring drastic changes in clinical practice
- Premium prices without clear ROI demonstration
- Solutions that ignore legal and ethical concerns
- Cloud systems that raise data privacy doubts
For us, this means building patiently, testing rigorously and growing prudently. The dental AI revolution will rather be a constant evolution.
