Comparative Evaluation of Diagnosis and Treatment Plan Given by Pediatric Dentists and Generated by ChatGPT: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study – Cureus

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly impacted many healthcare fields, including pediatric dentistry. Recently, ChatGPT, an advanced AI model, has begun to assist healthcare providers by generating diagnostic suggestions and treatment plans. This article dives into a pioneering cross-sectional pilot study, published in Cureus, that compares the diagnostic accuracy and treatment recommendations of pediatric dentists with those generated by ChatGPT.

Introduction

Pediatric dentistry plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the oral health of children. Diagnosis and personalized treatment planning are fundamental to effective care. However, diagnostic errors or inconsistencies can occur due to human factors. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT have the potential to aid clinicians by providing additional insights or confirming clinical decisions.

This pilot study evaluated the reliability of diagnoses and treatment plans given by practicing pediatric dentists versus those generated by ChatGPT, highlighting AI’s emerging role in pediatric oral healthcare.

Study Design and Objectives

The study employed a cross-sectional design involving clinical case scenarios commonly encountered in pediatric dentistry. The key objectives were:

• Compare the accuracy of diagnoses suggested by pediatric dentists and ChatGPT.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of treatment plans recommended by human dentists versus AI.
• Explore the potential of ChatGPT as a supplementary tool in pediatric dental practice.

Methodology

Clinical cases involving children from diverse age groups and conditions were presented to both pediatric dentists and ChatGPT. The responses were anonymized and independently reviewed by an expert panel based on diagnosis accuracy and treatment efficacy.

Results

The comparison results are summarized in the table below:

*Depends on case complexity and dentist availability

Discussion: Benefits and Practical Tips

The study demonstrated that while pediatric dentists outperform ChatGPT in nuanced aspects of diagnosis and treatment, AI holds promise as a rapid, consistent, and supportive tool. Key benefits and recommendations include:

• Enhanced Decision Support: ChatGPT can provide quick preliminary diagnostic suggestions helping dentists confirm or reconsider their clinical judgment.
• Consistency and Standardization: AI ensures uniformity and reduces inter-clinician variation in evaluating routine cases.
• Time Efficiency: By generating draft treatment plans promptly, dentists can save time on documentation and focus more on patient interaction.
• Human Oversight Essential: Dentists must always review and tailor AI-generated advice to the child’s unique clinical context.

Practical Tips for Pediatric Dentists Utilizing ChatGPT

• Use ChatGPT as a supplementary tool for initial diagnosis brainstorming.
• Double-check AI-generated plans with clinical guidelines before patient approval.
• Maintain updated clinical data input to improve AI output relevance.
• Encourage collaboration between AI and human expertise to optimize patient outcomes.

Case Study: Real-Life Application

One case involved a 6-year-old patient presenting with early childhood caries complicated by hypersensitivity. The pediatric dentist proposed a minimally invasive restoration combined with fluoride application. ChatGPT suggested the same but also highlighted dietary counseling and behavior management strategies, which the dentist subsequently integrated, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.

First-Hand Experience from Pediatric Dentists

“Integrating ChatGPT into our diagnostic workflow has been eye-opening. While it doesn’t replace clinical judgment by any means, the AI offers fresh perspectives and has improved our diagnostic confidence, especially in ambiguous cases.” – Dr. Jessica Morgan, Pediatric Dentist

Conclusion

This cross-sectional pilot study published in Cureus reveals that ChatGPT, while not a substitute for pediatric dentists, is a promising ally in pediatric oral healthcare. It offers rapid, consistent diagnostic and treatment planning support that can augment clinical workflows and ultimately improve patient care.

As AI technologies continue to evolve, their integration should focus on complementing human expertise—not replacing it. Pediatric dentists embracing such tools, combined with ongoing training and clinical validation, will be best placed to harness the benefits of AI-driven dentistry.

Stay informed on emerging technologies in dental practice to remain at the forefront of pediatric oral health innovation!