This startup is using AI to help patients decode their X-rays

AI-powered dental imaging revolutionizes patient understanding: Overjet, a Boston-based startup, is launching Iris, an innovative imaging system that transforms dental X-rays into clear, annotated pictures to improve communication between dentists and patients.

• Overjet’s CEO, Wardah Inam, highlights that patients often opt out of recommended dental procedures due to a lack of understanding, with more than half of patients declining treatment.
• The Iris system aims to address this issue by utilizing Overjet’s AI platform, which has been trained on millions of dental images to enhance X-rays and add visual elements that clearly highlight potential dental health problems.

Advanced AI capabilities and FDA clearances: Overjet’s journey from its inception in 2018 to its current position as a leader in dental AI technology has been marked by significant milestones and regulatory approvals.

• The company has raised over $134 million in investment and is valued at $550 million, with its products being used by thousands of dentists across the United States.
• Overjet has received multiple FDA clearances since 2021, including software for bone measurements to assess gum disease, cavity detection and outlining in X-rays, hardened plaque detection, and identification of root canal infection signs.
• Recent clearances in 2024 include cavity detection software for children, an automated dental charting system, and AI-enhanced dental imaging software.

The Iris system: Combining AI capabilities for comprehensive dental care: Iris integrates all of Overjet’s AI technologies to provide a holistic approach to dental diagnosis and treatment planning.

• The system uses both X-rays and photos to identify dental issues, generating visualizations that assist dentists in making accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
• Iris’s enhanced images make it easier for patients to understand their dental conditions, potentially increasing the likelihood of them proceeding with recommended treatments.
• The software is already being rolled out nationally, with a waitlist forming based on positive feedback from beta-testing clinics.

Future developments and industry impact: Overjet is not resting on its laurels and has plans to further expand its AI capabilities in the dental field.

• The company is working on adding 3D-imaging capabilities to its AI platform, which would enable the diagnosis of a broader range of dental problems and provide additional support for doctors and patients.
• Inam believes that dental AI has become essential in the industry, helping dentists work more effectively and ensuring patients receive optimal care.

Analyzing the broader implications: While Overjet’s technology promises to improve dental care and patient understanding, it also raises questions about the future of dentistry and healthcare in general.

• The integration of AI in dental practices may lead to more standardized diagnoses and treatment plans, potentially reducing human error but also raising concerns about over-reliance on technology.
• As patients become more informed through AI-enhanced imaging, it could lead to increased engagement in their dental health, but may also result in challenges to dentists’ authority or increased demand for unnecessary procedures.
• The success of AI in dentistry could pave the way for similar applications in other medical fields, potentially transforming the way healthcare is delivered and understood by patients across various specialties.