Federal Grant Given to University of Rhode Island's Computer Science and Environmental and Occupational Health Department for Implementing AI to Decrease Oral Health Inequalities
The University of Rochester is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to combat tooth decay in underserved communities. The project, known as SMARTeeth, is backed by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The SMARTeeth app, developed by scientists at the University of Rochester, is designed to detect tooth decay using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This innovative approach allows for early and accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
The app is not confined to traditional dental clinics. Instead, it is integrated into digital health centers situated within underserved communities. These centers are equipped with the necessary technology for capturing dental images and using the SMARTeeth app.
By leveraging AI technology and digital health centers, the SMARTeeth app aims to bridge healthcare gaps that often plague underserved communities. These communities frequently face obstacles such as limited access to dental professionals and high costs. The app's AI-driven diagnostic support at digital health centers reduces the need for specialist intervention for early detection, leading to quicker interventions, fewer complications, and lower overall healthcare costs.
The study, led by Jiebo Luo, a professor at the University of Rochester's Computer Science department, has several primary goals. These include creating supportive environments outside traditional dental care settings, reorienting health services from curative to preventive, and using AI technology for population-wide dental screening and early detection.
The long-term goal of the study is to promote prevention, early detection, and treatment of tooth decay. The study will establish interactive oral health community centers as part of its infrastructure, support by a grant from the NSF.
Severe tooth decay, also known as Early Childhood Caries, is a common preventable disease that is on the rise worldwide. Untreated tooth decay can cause children great pain, affecting their ability to chew, sleep, and learn. The SMARTeeth app addresses this issue by allowing users to secure a virtual dental visit if tooth decay is detected.
Other principal investigators for the study include Michael Mendoza, Monroe County's Public Health commissioner, Kevin Fiscella, professor of Family Medicine, and Timothy Dye, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The study will measure and assess outcomes during its duration to ensure its effectiveness. The ultimate goal is to reduce the severity of tooth decay and dental disease-related emergencies, particularly among underserved racial and ethnic minorities who often bear the brunt of this preventable disease.
The SMARTeeth app, a health-and-wellness innovation, employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect tooth decay in underserved communities, enabling early and accurate diagnosis. This project, backed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to bridge healthcare gaps by integrating the app into digital health centers equipped for dental imaging.
The study's primary goals, led by Jiebo Luo from the University of Rochester's Computer Science department, include creating community health centers outside traditional dental care settings, reorienting health services from curative to preventive, and utilizing AI technology for population-wide dental screening and early detection.
The long-term goal of the study is to promote prevention, early detection, and treatment of tooth decay, particularly among underserved racial and ethnic minorities. Fitness-and-exercise, education-and-self-development, and learning are critical aspects as new community oral health centers will be established, providing virtual dental visits and support for health-and-wellness, data-and-cloud-computing, and learning resources.
Throughout the study's duration, outcomes will be measured and assessed for effectiveness to ensure a reduction in the severity of tooth decay and dental disease-related emergencies in underserved communities. The study's principal investigators, including Michael Mendoza, Monroe County's Public Health commissioner, Kevin Fiscella, professor of Family Medicine, and Timothy Dye, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, all work towards this comprehensive approach to community health.
Finally, the study addresses the rise of Early Childhood Caries, a preventable disease causing children great pain, affecting their ability to chew, sleep, and learn. By providing accessible and accurate dental care solutions through technology and education, the SMARTeeth app aims to make a significant impact on community health, healing, and health-and-wellness.
