NUCOHS reveals innovation plans for dental care through digital technology

This initiative includes the development of a dental imaging repository and AI modelling.

The National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS) has shared its long-term plan for dental care innovations through digital technologies during its fifth-anniversary event.

According to the NUCOHS, the initiative begins with the creation of a dental imaging repository to capture scans and records of dental patients for the development of treatment plans and data generation for ongoing research.

In line with this, the repository integrates computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in creating restorations such as dental prostheses, dentures, and crowns for improved functionality, aesthetics, efficient workflows, and shorter waiting times.

Meanwhile, the centre is also working towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) modelling with its electronic patient medical record system.

This development is aimed towards the primary care setting to enhance early detection and prediction of conditions, such as tooth decay and gum disease, reducing the need for complex treatments.

“At  NUCOHS, we have always leveraged technology and research to provide patient-centred dental care,” Patrick Tseng, NUCOHS Executive Director, said.

“Additionally, we hope to use our expansive data to study links and impact of a patient’s systemic condition and the medications they are taking, on dental disease progression and the prognosis of treatment,” Tseng added.