ADA technical report calls for external validation of AI algorithms in dentistry
Standard on dental stools also available for comment by Nov. 7
Two new standard documents on artificial intelligence and dental stools are available for review and comment from the American Dental Association.
Proposed ADA Technical Report No. 1109 for Dentistry — Evaluation of Dental Image Analysis Systems Using Artificial Intelligence highlights the need for an independent dataset to validate AI algorithms used to analyze 2D dental images. The dataset, which would be based on known diagnoses from validated sources and kept by a third party that is not an AI manufacturer, would allow all users, developers and approval agencies to compare each proposed AI algorithm for accuracy and specificity. The report proposes methods for establishing the dataset and describes the general principles of AI, including the need for data and methods to be private and secure to avoid bias.
“Artificial and augmented intelligence for dental image analysis is progressing rapidly,” said Robert Faiella, D.M.D., chair of ADA Working Group 12.7 on Artificial and Augmented Intelligence in Dentistry, which prepared the technical report. “By understanding key principles of machine learning training and validation and by asking key questions about intended use and system performance, clinicians can ensure the best patient care while reaping the benefits of an advancing technology.”
Also available for review and comment is the proposed revision of ANSI/ADA Standard No. 74 for Dentistry — Operator’s Stool, a modified adoption of an International Organization for Standardization standard. This revision adds dynamic drop impact and cyclic impact tests that have been adapted from the American National Standard on office chairs. These new requirements ensure that manufacturers design and test dental stools to withstand the sudden load of dental practitioners abruptly transferring their body weight onto the stool as they sit down and the repeated loading and unloading of the stool during normal use over time.
To obtain a copy of the draft standards, visit ADA.org/aipreview. Interested parties have until Nov. 7 to comment.
The ADA, an American National Standards Institute-Accredited Standards Developer, has been at the forefront of the development of dental standards since 1928. These standards establish requirements for safe and effective dental products and technologies through a consensus-based process.
The ADA Standards Program working groups that develop standards are made up of a diverse group of expert volunteers representing dental practitioners, industry, government and academia. Involvement is open to anyone who would like to contribute their expertise.
To learn more about the standards program, visit ADA.org/dentalstandards.
