Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: Ethical, Technical, and Clinical Challenges in Perspective

Abstract

This article presents a critical analysis of the ethical issues and limitations surrounding the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dentistry. The aim is to examine the ethical, technical, and clinical challenges associated with the use of AI in the dental context, as well as to identify the risks, limitations, and prospects for its safe and responsible adoption. This study consists of a narrative literature review conducted using the PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, including studies published between 2015 and 2025. The selected studies were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The findings demonstrate significant advances in the application of AI to imaging diagnosis, digital treatment planning, forensic dentistry, and CAD/CAM workflows, resulting in improved diagnostic accuracy, standardization, and clinical efficiency. Nevertheless, important ethical challenges remain, including concerns regarding data privacy and protection, compliance with the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados – LGPD), algorithmic bias arising from non-representative datasets, the limited interpretability of AI models ("black-box" systems), and uncertainties concerning professional accountability for decisions supported by intelligent systems. Technical limitations also persist, such as the lack of external validation, image heterogeneity, the limited number of robust clinical studies, and interoperability challenges. Overall, the study confirms that AI has considerable transformative potential for Dentistry; however, its safe and ethical integration into dental practice requires consistent regulatory and ethical frameworks, representative datasets, the development of explainable AI models, and specialized professional training. AI should be used as a complementary tool to support clinical judgment, ensuring safety, transparency, and equity in oral healthcare.