Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Dentistry from Diagnosis To Decision: An Updated Review

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in pediatric dentistry, offering enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and personalized care for children. AI-powered digital workflows—such as automated treatment planning, orthodontic simulations, and caries-risk prediction models—enhance clinical decision-making and reduce chairside time. In preventive dentistry, AI enables personalized recall intervals and risk-based protocols based on large datasets of pediatric oral health patterns. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) and AI-enabled gamification tools contribute to improved patient cooperation and dental education. AI-based applications assist in monitoring children’s anxiety levels through facial expression analysis, enabling practitioners to tailor communication and behavior guidance strategies. Despite its advantages, the integration of AI requires considerations regarding data privacy, algorithm transparency, pediatric-specific datasets, and ethical use to ensure safe, unbiased outcomes. With appropriate regulation and clinician training, AI has the potential to significantly elevate diagnostic precision, streamline treatment processes, and improve patient compliance in pediatric dental practice. Overall, AI represents a promising adjunct to conventional pediatric dentistry, supporting clinicians in delivering more efficient, child-centered, and evidence-based care. This article explores the applications of artificial intelligence in early diagnosis, treatment planning, behavior management for children using virtual reality, augmented reality and some AI based apps, softwares that are in use.