Artificial Intelligence: Innovation, Technology and Its Impact on Oral Health and Wellness

Presented by: Eric Pulver, DDS, FRCD

Original Presentation Date: September 24, 2021

Course Description: 

Presented by Eric Pulver at 2021 Collaboration Cures, this course takes on the controversial, engaging, and dynamic realm of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry. This course starts with a foundational understanding by defining AI in the dental context and identifying the current technologies and tools. Moving beyond basic comprehension, participants will explore the convergence of AI innovations and technology in dentistry, applying the concept of decision hygiene to real-world dental scenarios. The course advances to the analytical stage, examining AI's current role in clinical dentistry, analyzing its effectiveness, and forecasting its future impact. Participants will also evaluate existing literature exploring AI's connections to oral systemic health. Finally, the course reaches the synthesis stage, encouraging participants to create a roadmap for the future of AI in dentistry, considering upcoming developments and addressing potential challenges. This course provides a structured and progressive learning journey for dental professionals eager to navigate the intersection of artificial intelligence and dentistry.

Learning Objectives:

• Provide a clear definition of artificial intelligence in the context of dental practices.
• Recognize and categorize existing technologies, methods, practices, and AI tools that are actively employed in dentistry.
• Elaborate on how artificial intelligence innovations and technological advancements are coming together in the field of dentistry.
• Apply the concept of decision hygiene to dental practices, illustrating its relevance and practical applications.
• Examine the current role of artificial intelligence in clinical dentistry, analyze its effectiveness, and project its potential future impact and implications.
• Evaluate existing literature on artificial intelligence in dentistry, specifically focusing on its connections to oral systemic health.
• Synthesize information to construct an informed exploration of the anticipated trajectory of artificial intelligence in the dental field, considering upcoming developments and challenges.

Speaker Bio:

Eric Pulver, DDS, earned his Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Western Ontario and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto in 1989. He is a fellow of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and a member of the Illinois & Chicago Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Dr. Pulver completed his Hospital-based General Practice Residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto and pursued further studies as a clinical fellow in the Osseo-integration (Dental Implant) Unit at the University of Toronto. He obtained his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Diploma from Northwestern University Dental School in 1995.

Throughout his career, Dr. Pulver was an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Dental School, Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Michael Reese Hospital, and Clinical Associate Professor and Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Medical Centers. He also worked as the Team Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL from 1996-2006.

As a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, Dr. Pulver is dedicated to providing specialized dental care, education, consultation, and advice. His expertise covers conditions related to the facial bones, skin, teeth, and associated structures of the head and neck region.