Would you trust a robot with your smile? As technology continues to advance rapidly, the concept of robotic dentistry is becoming a reality. We are on the brink of a new era in dental care where artificial intelligence and robotics are not just ideas, but real-life options.

Imagine walking into a dental office, sitting back in the chair and having a highly precise robotic system handle your dental needs in a fraction of the time it currently takes. 

However, this intersection of technology and health care raises important questions about trust, safety and the future of patient care.

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World’s first fully automated dental procedure

In a groundbreaking development, Perceptive, a Boston-based company, has successfully completed the world’s first fully automated dental procedure on a human in Barranquilla, Colombia. This milestone was achieved using an AI-driven robotic system. The technology integrates advanced 3D imaging, artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance the precision and efficiency of dental procedures, potentially transforming the patient experience and setting a new standard of care in the industry.

A patient getting fully automated AI dental procedure by a robot. (Perceptive)

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How does dental robotics work?

The Perceptive dental robotics system integrates AI-driven 3D imaging software with a robotic arm designed to perform dental procedures, starting with restorative dentistry, with unparalleled speed and precision. The process begins with an optical coherence technology (OCT) scan, capturing detailed 3D images of the patient’s mouth, including beneath the gum line. 

These images are analyzed by AI algorithms to plan and execute the procedure with high precision. This innovative approach aims to reduce the time required for procedures such as crown placements from hours to just 15 minutes, significantly improving efficiency and patient flow.

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Fully automated AI dental robot. (Perceptive)

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The impact dental robotics could have on dentistry

Perceptive’s technology aims to make high-quality dental care more accessible by cutting down on manual labor and reducing the chances of human error. The system’s ability to detect dental caries with over 90% accuracy without the ionizing radiation of traditional X-rays further enhances patient safety and care quality. This advancement is backed by significant funding and partnerships with leading institutions. We reached out to Perceptive, and its CEO and founder, Dr. Chris Ciriello, says:

“We’re excited to successfully complete the world’s first fully automated robotic dental procedure. This medical breakthrough enhances precision and efficiency of dental procedures, and democratizes access to better dental care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes. We look forward to advancing our system and pioneering scalable, fully automated dental healthcare solutions for patients.”

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Fully automated AI dental robot. (Perceptive)

The challenges and future prospects of dental robotics

Despite the promising potential, the technology is still about five years away from obtaining regulatory approval in the U.S. The company continues to refine its system to ensure safety and reliability, even in conditions where patient movement is prevalent. As robotic surgery becomes more common in other medical fields, the integration of such technology in dentistry could revolutionize treatment protocols and patient care.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

So, what does all this mean for the future of dentistry? Perceptive’s breakthrough in robotic dentistry could revolutionize how we approach dental care. But it also brings up some important questions. For instance, where do human dentists fit into this high-tech picture? And how do we ensure that patients feel comfortable and safe with robots handling their dental procedures? As we move forward, it’s essential to strike the right balance between embracing these cutting-edge technologies and maintaining the trust and safety that patients expect.

Would you feel comfortable having a robot perform your dental procedure? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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An appeals court has revived the District of Columbia’s antitrust case against Amazon, which the District claims illegally drives up prices on rival platforms. In a decision on Thursday, the DC Court of Appeals ruled that the District’s allegations “plausibly suggest” that Amazon already has monopoly power over online marketplaces or is close to achieving it.

Former DC Attorney General Karl Racine filed the antitrust lawsuit against Amazon in 2021, but it was tossed out in court in 2022. The lawsuit alleges Amazon engages in anticompetitive behavior by restricting third-party sellers from offering products on other online stores, including their own websites, for less than they charge on Amazon — effectively controlling the price of goods outside of its own platform.

Though Amazon retracted a policy that required sellers to offer products at the lowest prices on its online marketplace in 2019, the lawsuit argues that Amazon’s Fair Pricing Policy amounts to “an effectively identical substitute.”

Amazon, unsurprisingly, doesn’t agree with the court’s decision to bring back the case. “Just like any store owner who wouldn’t want to promote a bad deal to their customers, we don’t highlight or promote offers that are not competitively priced,” Amazon spokesperson Tim Doyle says in a statement to The Verge. “It’s part of our commitment to featuring low prices to earn and maintain customer trust, which we believe is the right decision for both consumers and sellers in the long run.”

Amazon is also facing antitrust scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission, which filed a massive lawsuit against Amazon over claims its monopoly power stifles competition and harms consumers.

Uber has signed up another robotaxi company to offer driverless rides inside its app. Starting sometime next year, for “qualifying” rides, Uber will give you the option to take the trip in one of Cruise’s autonomous vehicles. The two companies announced a “multiyear strategic partnership” on Thursday.

Cruise halted its robotaxi service in October following an incident where a Cruise car dragged a pedestrian. The company recently brought autonomous vehicles back to the road with safety drivers. Cruise spokesperson Tiffany Testo tells The Verge that the launch of its partnership with Uber will happen after Cruise brings back its driverless ridehailing service.

In their press release, Uber and Cruise didn’t say what cities the service might be available in, but Testo says that users can “expect” it to launch in one of the cities where it’s doing supervised testing: Phoenix, Dallas, and Houston.