Digital Innovation in Oral Health Care: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies into oral health care is transforming the field, driving advancements in diagnostic precision, patient engagement, and access to care. This review evaluates the impact of mobile health (mHealth) applications, tele-dentistry, artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices, and advanced imaging systems on modern dentistry. Synthesizing findings from 125 studies published between 2010 and 2024, the paper identi-fies key achievements, including improved patient compliance, enhanced di-agnostic capabilities, and expanded access to care in underserved areas. Tele-dentistry has been pivotal in bridging geographical gaps, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, while AI tools have revolutionized diagnos-tics and personalized treatment planning. Wearable devices and mHealth ap-plications have empowered patients with real-time feedback, fostering sus-tained adherence to oral hygiene practices. The review also highlights the po-tential of digital tools to reduce healthcare disparities and operational costs, paving the way for more equitable and efficient dental care. By outlining crit-ical advancements and future directions, this paper underscores the trans-formative potential of digital health technologies in dentistry. It advocates for further research on data security, interoperability, and innovative applications of AI to maximize the benefits of these tools, ultimately shaping a more ac-cessible and patient-focused oral health ecosystem.