Ethics in AI-Powered Orthodontics

00:00:00: Hey everyone, thanks for tuning in.

00:00:02: We're diving into the ethical side of AI and how it's shaking things up in orthodontics... It's

00:00:06: a hot topic!

00:00:07: ...we had to get an expert help us unpack it.

00:00:10: Luckily Dr.

00:00:10: Baxman shared some valuable insights….

00:00:13: It is conversation just getting started.

00:00:15: Absolutely One of the things that struck me right away, and maybe you can speak to this is The Black Box Problem with AI.

00:00:22: Right?

00:00:22: Especially when we're talking about those really complex models like deep learning...

00:00:27: Yeah!

00:00:28: You hit the nail on the head.

00:00:29: even folks who design these systems cannot fully explain how the AI is reaching its conclusions.

00:00:35: Right, and that can be unnerving especially in health care where we're talking about decisions that affect people's well-being.

00:00:42: It's this

00:00:42: lack of transparency that can make people hesitant rightfully so.

00:00:46: And that's what Dr.

00:00:47: Baxman emphasis on transparency comes into doesn't it?

00:00:50: He's making sure those data sets algorithms everything documented clear as day for trust but verify.

00:00:57: That's key because if you're in the dentist chair and they say AI says, You need this wouldn't...you want to know how it reached that conclusion?

00:01:07: What information did he use?

00:01:09: You'd wanna what went into that analysis.

00:01:11: What data was trained on?

00:01:13: could there be any bias baked-in?

00:01:15: all

00:01:15: critical questions.

00:01:16: that

00:01:16: segues nicely into another point.

00:01:18: Dr.

00:01:18: Baxman brings up a lot patient well being.

00:01:21: at The end of day

00:01:24: AI can help dentists create treatment plans that are more efficient, maybe cost-official which is great for patients.

00:01:31: In theory!

00:01:32: And thats where Dr.

00:01:32: Baxman's Lean Orthodontics approach comes in reminding us the dentist expertise and their judgment is still essential.

00:01:39: AI

00:01:39: should be a tool to support the dentist decision not replace it entirely.

00:01:43: Its about finding that sweet spot between harnessing AIs power making sure we're not sacrificing patient care in process

00:01:49: Optimizing but at no expense of well being.

00:01:53: orthodontics, right?

00:01:54: Streamlining eliminating waste but always with the patient's best interests front and center.

00:02:00: That is

00:02:00: a balance.

00:02:01: This brings up another question.

00:02:02: people are wondering about AI making autonomous decisions.

00:02:05: Yes

00:02:06: The big one.

00:02:06: Could

00:02:07: AI eventually take over treatment decision completely?

00:02:11: Is that something we want?

00:02:12: It�s

00:02:12: debate thats gaining momentum And its something Dr.

00:02:15: Baxman tackles head on in his work.

00:02:17: Where does he stand on that?

00:02:18: AI should never be the sole decision-maker when it comes to a patient's orthodontic treatment, more

00:02:24: of a collaborator.

00:02:24: It should provide information insights help guide the dentist and the patient toward the best possible outcome but not make the final call

00:02:33: collaboration Not automation.

00:02:35: To

00:02:35: help ensure that happens Dr.

00:02:37: Baxman has developed a framework He calls The ABCD system.

00:02:41: What exactly is it And how Does it promote That shared Decision making?

00:02:46: to guide the entire treatment planning process, and it actively involves both the patient and their family.

00:02:52: I like this!

00:02:53: It stands for Assess, Brainstorm, Choose & Do.

00:02:57: It starts with a thorough assessment of the patients' needs and goals.

00:03:01: Then

00:03:01: comes the brainstorming phase where the dentist and patient explore different options.

00:03:06: Oh,

00:03:07: so it's not just a dentist saying here is the plan take or leave?

00:03:10: Not at all!

00:03:11: It's dialogue.

00:03:12: I like that.

00:03:13: They weigh pros & cons then choose best path forward Then they move into do phase Where that plan is put in action.

00:03:20: It empowers the patient Gives them voice active participation.

00:03:27: Dr.

00:03:27: Baxman wants patients to feel heard, understood and involved in their care

00:03:31: making sure the technology is used To enhance human connection not replace it.

00:03:35: It's about using AI to facilitate a stronger Ventus patient partnership A really important shift.

00:03:42: I shift for The better?

00:03:43: i think so too.

00:03:44: This

00:03:44: whole conversation makes me Think About the legal side.

00:03:47: What happens if something goes wrong?

00:03:50: what are the legal ramifications of Using AI In orthodontics?

00:03:55: Should there be specific laws?

00:03:56: Oh,

00:03:57: that's a huge question.

00:03:59: As AI becomes more sophisticated the legal landscape will need to adapt.

00:04:03: We need clear guidelines regulations to protect patients and promote responsible use.

00:04:08: Imagine this scenario where an AI makes a recommendation And it leads to negative outcome for patient.

00:04:13: It is

00:04:14: possibility we have.

00:04:15: consider Who

00:04:15: liable then?

00:04:16: The dentist?

00:04:17: The developer of the AI?

00:04:19: Both?

00:04:19: Those

00:04:19: are complex questions and we need to answer them sooner rather than later.

00:04:23: It's not just about pointing fingers after something has gone wrong.

00:04:26: No, it is about having protocols safeguards in place To minimize risks

00:04:31: Being proactive rather then reactive.

00:04:33: We need to anticipate challenges And create a legal framework that keeps pace with AI.

00:04:38: It's essential right?

00:04:40: Absolutely!

00:04:49: ethicists, legal experts.

00:04:51: Everyone needs to be at the table.

00:04:52: It's a collaborative effort.

00:04:53: We need

00:04:54: work together make sure AI benefits everyone and doesn't create new problems while trying solve old ones.

00:05:01: That what we're striving for.

00:05:03: I hope so

00:05:03: Me too And i think that is great place to wrap up this part of our conversation.

00:05:08: But were not done yet.

00:05:09: There are lot more unpack.

00:05:11: So stay tuned.

00:05:12: A great

00:05:13: example thinking about these things holistically

00:05:16: Totally.

00:05:17: Another point Dr.

00:05:18: Baxman brings up is equity, we can't talk about ethical AI without considering

00:05:23: who

00:05:24: has access to it.

00:05:25: that's

00:05:25: important.

00:05:26: It's easy get caught-up in the technology But we have to remember AI and orthodontics needs to be available To everyone not just a select few.

00:05:34: it

00:05:34: shouldn't matter what your socio economic background Is or where you live?

00:05:38: Everyone deserves access to the benefits AI can bring.

00:05:42: It can't be a luxury for The Wealthy!

00:05:44: Dr.

00:05:44: Baxman is passionate about making sure these AI systems are designed with widespread accessibility in mind.

00:05:51: He envisions a future where AI as standard part of quality dental care.

00:05:55: I

00:05:56: love that vision, but it makes me think about costs involved developing and implementing this AI system.

00:06:02: That's not cheap right now.

00:06:03: It is a barrier!

00:06:04: How

00:06:04: do we overcome that?

00:06:05: how to make sure those costs don't prevent wider adoption, especially in communities already underserved?

00:06:14: Dr.

00:06:14: Baxman talks about the need for collaboration...that key.

00:06:18: Okay tell me more about it.

00:06:19: We need everyone on board governments healthcare providers tech developers insurance companies working together To make these technologies more affordable

00:06:32: equitable access.

00:06:33: He suggests sharing the cost of AI systems between multiple practices or maybe government subsidies.

00:06:39: It's like how we think about essential medications, right?

00:06:41: We want those available to everyone who needs them.

00:06:44: That's a great analogy

00:06:45: making sure life advancements are accessible To everyone just

00:06:49: like with medications.

00:06:49: We have to think about distribution infrastructure unintended consequences.

00:06:54: What happens if these AI Systems are primarily adopted by high-end practices?

00:06:59: does that widened the gap

00:07:01: exacerbate existing inequalities.

00:07:03: It's amazing how conversations about AI ethics circle back to broader social issues, don't they?

00:07:09: Technology

00:07:10: is never neutral.

00:07:11: it reflects the values of people who create and use it.

00:07:14: That's a good segue to another point sustainability.

00:07:17: Dr.

00:07:17: Baxman talks about environmental impact on AI.

00:07:22: All that computing power those massive data centers takes a lot energy.

00:07:26: We're trying

00:07:27: improve healthcare with AI But are we doing it at the expense of the planet?

00:07:32: That's a question.

00:07:32: Now, Dr.

00:07:33: Baxman acknowledges that he says We need to be smarter about how we develop and use these systems.

00:07:39: What are some of the solutions he proposes?

00:07:40: He talks about developing more energy efficient algorithms And finding ways To power these systems with renewable energy sources

00:07:50: Thinking About The Whole Life Cycle from the materials used to build the hardware, how it's ultimately disposed of.

00:07:56: Exactly!

00:07:57: That ties into sustainability making sure our progress doesn't damage the environment.

00:08:02: You know we're starting to realize that progress at any cost isn't progress.

00:08:07: I think so too.

00:08:08: It has be sustainable ethical and benefit everyone.

00:08:12: Dr.

00:08:13: Baxman work embodies shift in thinking.

00:08:16: He is not afraid ask tough questions

00:08:19: Totally.

00:08:20: This conversation makes me wonder about transparency on another level.

00:08:24: We've talked about understanding how the AI works, but what about who's developing it?

00:08:28: You're

00:08:28: talking about conflicts of interest.

00:08:30: Are there financial incentives clouding judgment?

00:08:32: do we need more transparency about funding sources?

00:08:49: gain compromise that

00:08:50: maybe.

00:08:51: That's where regulation comes in.

00:08:52: to create a framework that addresses those conflicts

00:08:55: more transparency and accountability are needed.

00:08:58: it's not just on developers or dentists.

00:09:01: patients need be empowered ask questions advocate for themselves

00:09:06: about creating system.

00:09:08: everyone is informed engaged

00:09:11: developers who committed ethical principles dentist discerning the AI they use And patients who are informed and empowered.

00:09:19: We

00:09:20: have a role in shaping this future.

00:09:22: You're

00:09:22: right, policymakers too!

00:09:24: They need to be part of the conversation understanding AI and crafting regulations that protect everyone.

00:09:30: The stakes are high.

00:09:31: If we get this right... ...AI could revolutionize healthcare But if were not careful It could make things worse.

00:09:38: A

00:09:38: balancing act.

00:09:39: That's why these conversations are important.

00:09:41: We need to talk about those issues, weigh the pros and cons figure out how move forward responsibly Where

00:09:47: to crossroads?

00:09:48: And decisions.

00:09:49: we now will have a lasting impact.

00:09:51: Powerful way of putting

00:09:52: it.

00:09:52: It feels like...we've just scratched the surface on complex topics.

00:09:56: It

00:09:56: is good starting point.

00:09:57: The more talked about it better prepared would be.

00:09:59: It really does feel like pivotal moment doesn't?

00:10:03: Dr.

00:10:03: Baxman doesn't shy away from talking about the impact of AI on

00:10:16: a tool to help.

00:10:33: He sees AI handling routine tasks, initial assessments treatment planning maybe some aspects of making the appliances...

00:10:40: The stuff that could be standardized.

00:10:42: That would free up orthodontists to focus on more complex cases-the ones who really need human touch and judgment.

00:10:50: A.I can do heavy lifting but it's still the human steering ship.

00:10:55: It lets the orthodontist spend more time with patients, building relationships understanding their needs.

00:11:00: Orthodontics isn't just about straightening teeth.

00:11:02: it's about creating a healthy bite improving facial aesthetics thinking about the long-term health of the patient's mouth

00:11:10: and those require A deep understanding Of being human right.

00:11:15: anatomy biomechanics even psychology.

00:11:18: you can't program empathy into an algorithm like that's them

00:11:22: And that's reassuring.

00:11:23: No matter how advanced AI gets, there will always be a need for that human element in orthodontics.

00:11:29: That human connection...that ability to connect with people on a personal level—that's irreplaceable!

00:11:35: It makes healthcare care right?

00:11:37: Exactly Dr.

00:11:38: Baxman really hammers that home.

00:11:40: He says the human touch…That ability build trust and understand each patient unique situation.

00:11:47: That's always going to be essential.

00:11:48: So the future of orthodontics is about finding that balance, right?

00:11:53: AI and human expertise working together...That what

00:11:56: we should be striving for I think using technology to enhance humans' skills not eliminate them.

00:12:02: AI

00:12:02: as a tool Not replacement.

00:12:04: Exactly.

00:12:04: It's powerful tool no doubt but like any tool it can use good or bad comes down to choices we make.

00:12:11: its

00:12:11: not just about the technology what values we embed in it.

00:12:16: That's

00:12:16: a crucial point, and that is something you need to be thinking about right now as we're developing these systems

00:12:21: because the choices today they are going have ripple effects for years to come.

00:12:26: We're shaping the future And its responsibility can't take lightly For sure Its conversation worth having.

00:12:31: The more talk of it ,the better equipped will navigate this new landscape.

00:12:35: I

00:12:35: think we've covered alot from the benefits of AI to the ethical concerns and impact on dentists in patients.

00:12:42: It's

00:12:42: been a thought-provoking discussion!

00:12:44: Yes, I hope our listeners found it informative...and maybe even a little inspiring?

00:12:50: I hope so….

00:12:51: We've talked about complex issues but there is reason for being optimistic.

00:12:54: Oh

00:12:55: definitely if we approach AI thoughtfully..it has potential to transform healthcare.

00:13:01: Dr.

00:13:01: Baxman reminds us that its upto US to make sure that happens.

00:13:05: His

00:13:05: insights are invaluable as we navigate this uncharted territory

00:13:09: They Are!

00:13:10: And, To our listeners thank you for joining us on the journey of exploring AI and orthodontics.

00:13:15: We hope you've enjoyed it and encourage you.

00:13:17: keep learning asking tough questions Keep striving for a future where technology is used to create healthier more equitable world For everyone.

00:13:26: Now how about your own world?

00:13:28: Eh More Equitable.