scholarly journals A Comparative Study of Dentists’ Ability to Detect Enamel-only Proximal Caries in Bitewing Radiographs With and Without the use of AssistDent® Artificial Intelligence Software

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh Devlin ◽  
Tomos Williams ◽  
Jim Graham ◽  
Martin Ashley
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
False Positive Rate ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Preventive Dentistry ◽  
Absolute Increase ◽  
Proximal Caries ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractEnamel-only proximal caries, if detected, can be reversed by non-invasive treatments. Dental bitewing radiograph analysis is central to diagnosis and treatment planning and, when used to detect enamel-only proximal caries, it is an important tool in minimum intervention and preventive dentistry. However, the subtle patterns of enamel-only proximal caries visible in bitewing radiographs are difficult to detect and often missed by dental practitioners. This study measures the ability of dentists to detect enamel-only proximal caries in bitewing radiographs with and without the use of AssistDent® Artificial Intelligence (AI) software.23 dentists were randomly divided into a control arm, in which no Artificial Intelligence assistance was provided, and an experimental arm in which Artificial Intelligence assistance provided on-screen prompts for potential locations of enamel-only proximal caries. All participants analysed a set of 24 bitewings, gathered from one dental hospital and 11 general dental practices, which had previously been analysed independently by a panel of 5 dento-maxillofacial radiologists and 1 professor of restorative dentistry who, between them, identified a total of 65 enamel-only carious lesions and 241 healthy proximal surfaces.Results demonstrate that dentists using the assistive software found 75.8% of the enamel-only proximal caries compared to a 44.3% detection rate in the control group. This represents an absolute increase of 31.5% (relative increase in sensitivity of 71%). Participants in the experimental group incorrectly identified 14.6% of the healthy surfaces as having enamel-only proximal caries compared to 3.7% in the control group, an absolute increase of 10.9% (relative decrease in specificity of 11%).T-test analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) between the two arms in sensitivity (true positive caries detection rate) and specificity (false positive rate).We conclude that AssistDent® Artificial Intelligence software significantly improves dentists’ ability to detect enamel-only proximal caries, with only a slight increase in false positives, and could be considered as a tool to support minimum intervention and preventive dentistry in general practice.

scholarly journals The ADEPT study: a comparative study of dentists' ability to detect enamel-only proximal caries in bitewing radiographs with and without the use of AssistDent artificial intelligence software

BDJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 231 (8) ◽  
pp. 481-485
Author(s):  
Hugh Devlin ◽  
Tomos Williams ◽  
Jim Graham ◽  
Martin Ashley
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Preventive Dentistry ◽  
Proximal Caries ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Assessment Study ◽  
Carious Lesions ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Caries Assessment ◽  
Experimental Group

AbstractIntroduction Reversal of enamel-only proximal caries by non-invasive treatments is important in preventive dentistry. However, detecting such caries using bitewing radiography is difficult and the subtle patterns are often missed by dental practitioners.Aims To investigate whether the ability of dentists to detect enamel-only proximal caries is enhanced by the use of AssistDent artificial intelligence (AI) software.Materials and methods In the ADEPT (AssistDent Enamel-only Proximal caries assessmenT) study, 23 dentists were randomly divided into a control arm, without AI assistance, and an experimental arm, in which AI assistance provided on-screen prompts indicating potential enamel-only proximal caries. All participants analysed a set of 24 bitewings in which an expert panel had previously identified 65 enamel-only carious lesions and 241 healthy proximal surfaces.Results The control group found 44.3% of the caries, whereas the experimental group found 75.8%. The experimental group incorrectly identified caries in 14.6% of the healthy surfaces compared to 3.7% in the control group. The increase in sensitivity of 71% and decrease in specificity of 11% are statistically significant (p <0.01).Conclusions AssistDent AI software significantly improves dentists' ability to detect enamel-only proximal caries and could be considered as a tool to support preventive dentistry in general practice.

scholarly journals The Combined Effects of Sports Smart Bracelet and Multi-Component Exercise Program on Exercise Motivation among the Elderly in Macau

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Cheuk Kei Lao ◽  
Bing Long Wang ◽  
Richard S. Wang ◽  
Hsiao Yun Chang
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exercise Motivation ◽  
Sport Training ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference

Background and objectives: Faced with the serious problem of an aging population, exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain the health of the elderly. In recent years, with the popularization of smartphones, the elderly have increasingly accepted technological products that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI). However, there is not much research on using artificial intelligence bracelets to enhance elders’ motivation and participation in exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs on the motivation of the elderly in Macau. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with a randomized trial design in a 12 week multi-sport exercise training intervention. According to the evaluation, a total of sixty elders’ pre- and post-test data were included in this study. Results: After 12 weeks of multi-sport exercise training, the evaluation scores on the exercise motivation scale (EMS) increased significantly in the group wearing exercise bracelets and those taking part in the multi-component exercise program, and the degree of progress reached a statistically significant level, but the control group did not show any statistically significant difference. The influence of the combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs on elders’ motivation is clearer. Conclusions: The use of sports smart bracelets by elderly people in conjunction with diverse exercise training can effectively enhance elders’ motivation and increase their participation in regular exercise. The combination of sports smart bracelets and multi-sport training programs is worth promoting in the elderly population.

scholarly journals Role and effects of zinc supplementation in HIV-infected patients with immunovirological discordance: A randomized, double blind, case control study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0244823
Author(s):  
Macarena Silva ◽  
Carmen G. Montes ◽  
Andrea Canals ◽  
Maria J. Mackenna ◽  
Marcelo Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Supplementation ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Immune Recovery ◽  
Plasma Zinc ◽  
Absolute Increase ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Zinc Levels

Introduction It has been estimated that between 15% and 18% of patients who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) do not achieve a successful immune recovery despite complete virological suppression. In the literature this phenomenom is known as poor immune recovery or immunovirological discordance (IVD). Zinc has an immunomodulatory role associated with T lymphocytes and its supplementation could enhance immune recovery. Objective To determine if zinc supplementation on IVD patients prevents immune failure after 12 months of supplementation. Secondary objectives were to determine serum zinc levels in HIV patients with and without IVD and the frequency of hypozincemia in discordant patients. Method We reviewed the historical record of patients under care at Arriarán Foundation. Following inclusion criteria were defined: 1) age ≥ 18 years, 2) standard ART (three effective drugs) for at least 18 months, 3) virologically suppressed for 12 months, 3) persistence of CD4 count ≤200 cells/mm3 and/or increase ≤ 80 cells/mm3 after one year of viral undetectability. A control group was assigned paired 1:1 by sex, age (± 2 years) that did achieved an increase of CD4> 350 cells/ mm3. In both groups plasma zinc levels were determined. In a later phase, patients with IVD were randomized to receive zinc (15 mg daily) versus placebo. Patients were followed for 12 months with CD4 count, viral load and zinc levels determinations every 4–6 months. Results A total of 80 patients, 40 patients with IVD criteria and 40 controls were included. 92.5% were men, and age average was 47.5 years. The median baseline CD4 was 189 cells/mm3 (71–258) in the cases vs. 552.5 cells/ mm3 (317–400) in the control group with a median increase at the end of the study of 39 cell/mm3 and 19 cell/mm3 respectively. There was no difference in baseline plasma zinc levels between both groups (81.7 + 18.1 in cases versus 86.2 + 11.0 in controls). In the 40 patients with IVD, the median absolute increase in CD4 after annual zinc supplementation was 31.5 cells/mm3 in the treated group versus 50 cells/mm3 in the placebo group, this difference being statistically not significant (p = 0.382). Conclusions Patients with IVD have plasma zinc levels similar to those who achieve adequate immune recovery. Zinc supplementation in IVD patients showed a statistically non-significant difference in in CD4 levels between cases and controls. The results warrant a comparative study with a larger number of patients.

scholarly journals The clinical features of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis-related intestinal lesions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xian Qin ◽  
Cai-Yuan Liu ◽  
Yi-Lin Xiong ◽  
Tao Bai ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Sigmoid Colon ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intestinal Polyps ◽  
Intestinal Schistosomiasis ◽  
Rectal Polyps ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Internal Hemorrhoids

Abstract Background Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis has been reported to be associated with colonic polyps, colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. We aim to investigate the clinical characteristics of intestinal-related lesions caused by chronic intestinal schistosomiasis japonicum. Methods Patients with and without chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were retrospectively enrolled from the endoscopy center of Wuhan Union Hospital from September 1, 2014, to June 30, 2019 with a ratio of 4:1. The characteristics of infected intestinal segments were analyzed in patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis. We also compared the characteristics of intestinal-related lesions, including colorectal. polyps, colorectal cancer (CRC), ulceration or erosion of the intestinal mucosa and hemorrhoids, between the two groups. Results A total of 248 patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis and 992 patients without chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were analyzed. The most common sites of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were the sigmoid colon (79.0%) and rectum (84.7%). The frequency of intestinal polyps (64.5%vs42.8%, p < 0.001), especially rectal polyps (62.5%vs45.0%, p = 0.002), in the intestinal schistosomiasis group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Morphologically, type IIa polyps were more common in the schistosomiasis enteropathy group (68.5%vs60.7%, p = 0.001). Female patients with intestinal schistosomiasis had a higher detection rate of CRC than women in the control group (13.8%vs5.4%, p = 0.017). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ulcerative colitis between the two groups (0.8%vs0.6%, p = 0.664). In addition, the schistosomiasis enteropathy patients had a higher detection rate of internal hemorrhoids (58.9%vs51.0%, p = 0.027). Conclusions Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis mainly involved the rectum and sigmoid colon and was more likely to induce intestinal polyps, especially rectal polyps and internal hemorrhoids. Women with chronic schistosomiasis have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

scholarly journals In vitro comparison of two types of digital X-ray sensors for proximal caries detection validated by micro-computed tomography

2020 ◽  
pp. 20200338
Author(s):  
Katrin Heck ◽  
Friederike Litzenburger ◽  
Verena Ullmann ◽  
Lea Hoffmann ◽  
Karl-Heinz Kunzelmann
Keyword(s):  
Exposure Time ◽  
Oxide Semiconductor ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Reference Standard ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
Perfect Agreement ◽  
Proximal Caries ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Cmos Sensor ◽  
Significant Difference

Objectives: We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of two intraoral digital X-ray sensors—the charged-coupled device (CCD) and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)—for proximal caries detection in permanent molar and premolar teeth. Micro-CT served as the reference standard. Methods: 250 samples were mounted in three-dimensional (3D)-printed phantoms, and their proximal surfaces were evaluated by ICDAS criteria directly to create a balanced sample. Bitewing radiography was conducted using 3D-constructed X-ray phantoms with a CCD sensor at a 0.08 s and a CMOS sensor at 0.12 and 0.16 s exposure time. Two examiners determined the diagnostic decisions twice at appropriate intervals. Three diagnostic thresholds for sound surfaces and enamel and dentin caries were defined and presented in a cross-table. Sensitivity and specificity values and overall accuracy were calculated, and receiver operating curves were generated and compared. Reliability assessment was performed using linear weighted κ statistics. Results: The overall accuracies between the reference standard and different sensors and exposure times were 63.1% (CCD), 67.1% (CMOS sensor at 0.12 s) and 70.7% (CMOS sensor at 0.08 s). High specificity but low sensitivity values were found for all examination conditions at all thresholds. The area under the curve comparison values revealed no significant difference between sensor types and exposure times. Linear-weighted κ analysis revealed almost perfect agreement for all assessments. Conclusion: No significant difference was found for diagnostic performance of proximal caries detection between the different sensors and exposure times. The increased exposure time did not lead to a significant diagnostic benefit.

An evaluation of tail paint as an aid or alternative to oestrus detection

1983 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Ducker ◽  
Rosemary A. Haggett ◽  
W. J. Fisher ◽  
Glenys A. Bloomfield ◽  
S. V. Morant
Keyword(s):  
False Positive ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
False Positive Rate ◽  
Critical Time ◽  
Successful Pregnancy ◽  
Service Period ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Paint Removal

ABSTRACTOne hundred Friesian heifers were tail-painted between 14 and 21 days after calving. Once a week the paint strip was renewed if any paint had been removed. Over the whole period of observation the ovulation detection rate by definite signs of oestrus was high (0·79), whilst the proportion of silent ovulations detected by tail paint removal was low (0·10). In addition, tail paint was not removed on 0·28 of the occasions when definite oestrus with ovulation occurred and on 0·26 of the occasions when all the paint was removed it was not associated with any reproductive event. In practice, the critical time for tail paint to be effective is during the service period. Again, tail paint identified fewer (P < 0·001) ovulations than definite signs of oestrus (0·66) and had a significantly higher false positive rate (P < 0·001). Month of calving did not affect these results but the accuracy of tail paint declined as the season progressed (P < 0·001). False positive indications were not associated with individual animal characteristics. In a second trial 43 cows were tail-painted and 43 were not. There was no significant difference in the mean number of days from calving to first insemination or successful pregnancy between the two groups. It is concluded that in these trials tail paint was not an effective or reliable aid or alternative to oestrus detection.

scholarly journals Cost-effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence for Proximal Caries Detection

2020 ◽  
pp. 002203452097233
Author(s):  
F. Schwendicke ◽  
J.G. Rossi ◽  
G. Göstemeyer ◽  
K. Elhennawy ◽  
A.G. Cantu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Proximal Caries ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Tooth Retention

Artificial intelligence (AI) can assist dentists in image assessment, for example, caries detection. The wider health and cost impact of employing AI for dental diagnostics has not yet been evaluated. We compared the cost-effectiveness of proximal caries detection on bitewing radiographs with versus without AI. U-Net, a fully convolutional neural network, had been trained, validated, and tested on 3,293, 252, and 141 bitewing radiographs, respectively, on which 4 experienced dentists had marked carious lesions (reference test). Lesions were stratified for initial lesions (E1/E2/D1, presumed noncavitated, receiving caries infiltration if detected) and advanced lesions (D2/D3, presumed cavitated, receiving restorative care if detected). A Markov model was used to simulate the consequences of true- and false-positive and true- and false-negative detections, as well as the subsequent decisions over the lifetime of patients. A German mixed-payers perspective was adopted. Our health outcome was tooth retention years. Costs were measured in 2020 euro. Monte-Carlo microsimulations and univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and the cost-effectiveness acceptability at different willingness-to-pay thresholds were quantified. AI showed an accuracy of 0.80; dentists’ mean accuracy was significantly lower at 0.71 (minimum–maximum: 0.61–0.78, P < 0.05). AI was significantly more sensitive than dentists (0.75 vs. 0.36 [0.19–0.65]; P = 0.006), while its specificity was not significantly lower (0.83 vs. 0.91 [0.69–0.98]; P > 0.05). In the base-case scenario, AI was more effective (tooth retention for a mean 64 [2.5%–97.5%: 61–65] y) and less costly (298 [244–367] euro) than assessment without AI (62 [59–64] y; 322 [257–394] euro). The ICER was −13.9 euro/y (i.e., AI saved money at higher effectiveness). In the majority (>77%) of all cases, AI was less costly and more effective. Applying AI for caries detection is likely to be cost-effective, mainly as fewer lesions remain undetected. Notably, this cost-effectiveness requires dentists to manage detected early lesions nonrestoratively.

scholarly journals The clinical features of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis-related intestinal lesions

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xian Qin ◽  
Cai-Yuan Liu ◽  
Yi-Lin Xiong ◽  
Tao Bai ◽  
Lei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Sigmoid Colon ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intestinal Polyps ◽  
Intestinal Schistosomiasis ◽  
Rectal Polyps ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Internal Hemorrhoids

Abstract Background Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis has been reported to be associated with colonic polyps, colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. We aim to investigate the clinical characteristics of intestinal-related lesions caused by chronic intestinal schistosomiasis japonicum. Methods Patients with and without chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were retrospectively enrolled from the endoscopy center of Wuhan Union Hospital from September 1, 2014, to June 30, 2019 with a ratio of 4:1. The characteristics of infected intestinal segments were analyzed in patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis. We also compared the characteristics of intestinal-related lesions, including colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer (CRC), ulceration or erosion of the intestinal mucosa and hemorrhoids, between the two groups. Results A total of 248 patients with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis and 992 patients without chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were analyzed. The most common sites of chronic intestinal schistosomiasis were the sigmoid colon (79.0%) and rectum (84.7%). The frequency of intestinal polyps (64.5% vs. 42.8%, p < 0.001), especially rectal polyps (62.5% vs. 45.0%, p = 0.002), in the intestinal schistosomiasis group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Morphologically, type IIa polyps were more common in the schistosomiasis enteropathy group (68.5% vs. 60.7%, p = 0.001). Female patients with intestinal schistosomiasis had a higher detection rate of CRC than women in the control group (13.8% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.017). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ulcerative colitis between the two groups (0.8% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.664). In addition, the schistosomiasis enteropathy patients had a higher detection rate of internal hemorrhoids (58.9% vs. 51.0%, p = 0.027). Conclusions Chronic intestinal schistosomiasis mainly involved the rectum and sigmoid colon and was more likely to induce intestinal polyps, especially rectal polyps and internal hemorrhoids. Women with chronic schistosomiasis have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF BREEDING METHODS AND AGE OF DANISH SOWS ON THEIR PRODUCTIVITY

2021 ◽  
pp. 161-179
Author(s):  
M. G. Povod ◽  
О. G. Mykhalko ◽  
V. F. Andreychuk
Keyword(s):  
Selection Index ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Fertility Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breeding Methods ◽  
Large White ◽  
Absolute Increase ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experimental Group

The article compares the reproductive qualities of sows of Danish selection obtained by different breeding methods during their seven farrowings in one farm. It was found that local sows F1 obtained from mothers of Landrace breed and boars of Danish Large White breed had a significant excess of the total number of piglets at birth over analogs obtained by backcrossing of two-breed sows with boars of Danish Landrace breed by 0.90 head or 5.92 % (p<0,001). Both purebred sows of Danish Landrace and local sows significantly exceeded their peers obtained by the method of backcrossing by the number of stillborn piglets by 1.17 heads or 45.88% (p<0.001) and 0.5 heads or 26.60% (p<0.001) respectively. The probable lag of sows obtained by backcrossing in terms of the proportion of stillborn piglets from both purebred analogs by 5.03% (p<0.05) and from local analogs – by 9.29% (p<0.05). The complex indicator of reproductive qualities, calculated as an evaluation index, showed that the best such qualities were possessed by livestock for purebred breeding, where animals scored 0.05 and 0.74 points more than their peers F1 and Fr, respectively. The calculation of the estimated selection index of reproductive qualities of sows allowed to state that sows obtained from backcrossing had a higher value of 109.66 points, which is more than their purebred peers – by 4.48 points and local peers – by 3.96 points. According to the results of the first farrowing, a significant difference in the total number of piglets at birth, fertility, number of piglets at weaning, safety, nest weight at weaning, the weight of 1 head at weaning between livestock groups is not established but found that purebred sows relative to analogs obtained from backcrossing had a significantly higher number of stillborn piglets by 0.75 head or 60.00% (p<0.01) and the proportion of stillborn piglets by 5.09% (p<0.01). Evaluation of the data of the second, fourth, fifth and seventh farrowings revealed no significant difference in the bulk of the indicators of reproductive qualities of sows between the livestock of all groups. The study of the third farrowing allowed claiming that the number of stillborn piglets in this period was probably higher in sows of the first control group relative to analogs of the second experimental (F1) by 0.73 heads or 31.88% (p<0,05) and relative to analogs Experimental III (Fr) by 0.97 heads or 42.36% (p<0.01). According to the sixth farrowing piglets of the II experimental group (F1) exceeded the number of births by 1,77 heads or 12.46% (p<0.05) – control analogs, the fertility rate – by 2.32 heads or 19.66% (p<0.01) – analogs of the control and 1.41 head or 9.99% (p<0.05) – analogs of the III experimental group (Fr), but at the same time inferior in terms of safety to peers of the control group by 13.25% (p<0.01). Intergroup analysis of data showed that during the sixth farrowing piglets of the II experimental group (F1) exceeded the fertility rate – by 2.32 heads or 19.66% (p<0.01) – control analogs and 1.41 heads or 9.99% (p<0.05) – analogs of the III experimental group (Fr). The study of the dynamics of absolute, average daily, and relative growth of piglets revealed that both in the control group (purebred Danish Landrace) and in the third experimental group (Fr) in terms of seven farrowings, the indicators did not differ statistically. However, piglets of group II (F1) during the sixth farrowing had the highest values: the absolute increase was 6.18 kg, exceeding the first by 0.58 kg or 10.36% (p <0.05), the average daily gain – 221 g, which is higher than the average for the first farrowing in the group by 20 g or 10.50 % (p<0.05) and a relative increase of 138.62%, which is higher than the results of the first by 7.23% (p <0.01).

scholarly journals A Pilot Comparative Study of Dental Students’ Ability to Detect Enamel-only Proximal Caries in Bitewing Radiographs With and Without the use of AssistDent® Deep Learning Software

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh Devlin ◽  
Martin Ashley ◽  
Tomos Williams ◽  
Brian Purvis ◽  
Reza Roudsari
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
False Positives ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Preventive Dentistry ◽  
Proximal Caries ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Learning Software

AbstractEnamel-only proximal caries, if detected, can be reversed by non-invasive treatments. Dental bitewing radiograph analysis is central to diagnosis and treatment planning and when used to detect enamel-only proximal caries it is an important tool in minimum intervention and preventive dentistry. However, the subtle patterns of enamel-only proximal caries visible in a bitewing radiographs are difficult to detect and often missed by dental practitioners. This pilot study measures the ability of a cohort of third-year dental students to detect enamel-only proximal caries in bitewing radiographs with and without the use of a deep learning assistive software AssistDent®. We demonstrate an increased ability in the detection of enamel-only proximal caries by the students using AssistDent, showing a mean sensitivity level of 0.80 (95%CI ± 0.04), increased from 0.50 (95%CI ± 0.13) p<0.01 shown by students not using AssistDent. This improvement in ability was achieved without an increase in false positives. Mean false positives per bitewing radiograph recorded by students when using AssistDent was 2.64 (95%CI ± 0.57), and by students without using AssistDent was 2.46 (95%CI ± 1.51). Based on these results we conclude that the AI-based software AssistDent significantly improves third-year dental students’ ability to detect enamel-only proximal caries and could be considered as a tool to support minimum intervention and preventive dentistry in teaching hospitals and general practice. We also discuss how the experience of conducting this pilot study can be used to inform the design and methodology of a follow-on study of AssistDent in dental practice use.

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