Robot demonstrates dental implant procedures

The latest in artificial intelligence (AI) dentistry came to the School of Dental Medicine last week in the form of a robot with a winsome name.

Dental students had the opportunity to interact with Yomi, a robot that assists with implant surgery, and experimented with cutting-edge software during the “AI Implant Immersion Experience” held March 3 and 4 on the South Campus.

Nathalia Andrade, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, organized the event with help from members of the dental school’s student-led Innovation and Technology Club.

A representative from the technology company Yomi by Neocis demonstrated how the robot can assist with implant surgery with an artificial bone block simulation exercise.

“Yomi is the first and only FDA-cleared robotic system for dental surgery,” said Andrade, who has embraced AI as an advantageous tool in her field. Last year, she received a $5,000 seed grant from UB’s Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation to create a new course weaving AI into periodontics. This year, she received an additional $5,000 grant as an AI fellow to continue her projects and help with others at the university.

When she saw Yomi at a conference last year, Andrade said she knew she had to bring it to the dental school. Already, Yomi robots have been used in more than 70,000 implant procedures throughout the country.

“We were thrilled to have the chance to see how this robot can assist with delicate and complex implant procedures,” Andrade said. “This isn’t the future — it’s the present. Our students need to understand and feel comfortable using AI technology as they prepare to launch their careers.”

On the first day of the event, 50 participants, from second-year dental students to residents, got a chance to train with the robot, which has an arm connected to a handpiece.

“Yomi lets you know the ideal position to place the implant and the exact depth to drill,” Andrade said. “The robot will not allow the dentist to make a mistake, such as going too far inside the bone and damaging a critical nerve.”

As amazing as this robot is, she said its skills don’t replace that of a dental professional.

“You always need humans to give instructions to the robot,” she stressed. “When given the instructions, the robots can help by making our work more efficient and precise. They also reduce anxiety for dentists because they can prevent mistakes.”

On the second day, 40 participants were divided into two sessions: one focused on basic skills for dental students and the other on advanced skills for residents in periodontics, oral surgery and prosthodontics, where Andrade demonstrated software that plans the location of implants.

The students came to the event, scheduled late in the afternoon both days, following their clinical work, Andrade noted.

“I wasn’t sure if they would want to stay the whole time, and I was impressed that they did,” she said. “In fact, after working with the robot and trying out the new software, the dental students didn’t want to leave. They were so engaged.”