A Literature Review of the Future of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Oral Pathology, and Oral Surgery in the Hands of Technology.

In the realm of dentistry, a myriad of technological advancements, including teledentistry, virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and three-dimensional printing, have been extensively embraced and rigorously evaluated, consistently demonstrating their remarkable effectiveness. These innovations have ushered in a transformative era in dentistry, impacting every facet of the field. They encompass activities ranging from the diagnosis and exploration of oral health conditions to the formulation of treatment plans, execution of surgical procedures, fabrication of prosthetics, and even assistance in patient distraction, prognosis, and disease prevention. Despite the significant strides already taken, the relentless pursuit of new horizons fueled by human curiosity remains unabated. The future landscape of dentistry holds the promise of sweeping changes, notably characterized by enhanced accessibility to dental care and reduced treatment durations. In this comprehensive review article, we delve into the pivotal roles played by AI, VR, augmented reality, mixed reality, and extended reality within the realm of dentistry, with a particular emphasis on their applications in oral medicine, oral radiology, oral surgery, and oral pathology. These technologies represent just a fraction of the technological arsenal currently harnessed in the field of dentistry. A thorough comprehension of their advantages and limitations is imperative for informed decision-making in their utilization.

A Call for Action to Safely Deliver Oral Health Care during and Post COVID-19 Pandemic.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak started just a couple of months ago and it grew rapidly causing several deaths and morbidities. The mechanism behind the transmission of the virus is still not completely understood despite a multitude of new specific manuscripts being published daily. This article highlights the oral cavity as a possible viral transmission route into the body via the Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor. It also provides guidelines for routine protective measures in the dental office while delivering oral health care.