AI speech tools could revolutionise dental record-keeping

A new study from King’s College London suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) speech recognition tools could significantly improve how dental professionals record patient information—saving time, reducing administrative burden, and enhancing clinical efficiency. However, researchers warn that careful implementation and ethical oversight are essential to avoid potential risks.

The study, conducted by the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, explored how automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems could be integrated into dental practices. These tools, which convert spoken language into written text, are already used in some healthcare settings to streamline documentation. In dentistry, they could allow clinicians to dictate notes during or immediately after patient interactions, improving accuracy and freeing up time for patient care.

Lead author Dr. Shalini Nayee highlighted the potential benefits:

“Dentists spend a significant portion of their day on record-keeping. ASR tools could reduce this burden and improve the quality of documentation.”

Yet the study also raises concerns. Researchers found that while ASR systems performed well in controlled environments, they struggled with dental-specific terminology, accents, and background noise in real-world settings. There are also risks around data privacy, consent, and the potential for over-reliance on technology.

The team recommends a cautious, phased rollout of ASR tools in dentistry, with robust testing, clinician training, and clear guidelines on data governance. They also call for further research into how these tools affect patient communication and clinical decision-making.

This study forms part of a broader conversation about the role of AI in healthcare. As technologies evolve, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility will be key to ensuring they serve both professionals and patients effectively.

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