Policy Statement on Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research

Published on: April 3, 2026

IADR and AADOCR Policy Statement on Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research

J. Cunha-Cruz, N. Dame-Teixeira, M. Daou, I. Garcia, C. Godoy, P. Gupta, A. Hbibi, G. Kotsakis, S. Naavaal, B.F. Nicolau, L. Pinzon, R. Sherwood, A. Stavropoulos, M. Tatullo, L.M.A. Tenuta, O. Uti, M. Charles-Ayinde, and C. Fox

Given the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into dental, oral, and craniofacial research and clinical practice, including applications such as image analysis for early disease detection, predictive modeling of treatment outcomes, personalized oral health care planning, and large-scale data mining for epidemiological studies, as well as its use in writing and reviewing research reports, the IADR and AADOCR affirm their commitment to ethical implementation.

1. Uphold Core Ethical Principles

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is defined as the capability of a device to perform functions that are normally associated with human intelligence such as reasoning, learning, and self-improvement1. Generative AI has the capability to generate new content, including text, code, imagery, video, and speech, based on human prompts2.

AI technologies in dental research and practice must be developed and applied according to foundational principles of transparency, integrity, accountability, equity, privacy, and human oversight. AI tools should be explainable and interpretable for researchers, clinicians, patients, and research participants, supporting rather than replacing clinical judgment and research conduct.

2. Recognize and Respect the Rights and Empowerment of Patients and Research Participants

IADR and AADOCR affirm a commitment to safeguarding the autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice of patients and research participants involved in AI-related dental, oral, and craniofacial research and practice.

  1. Ensuring informed consent processes explicitly convey the role, benefits, and limitations of AI technologies in research and clinical care.
  2. Providing clear communication and accessible explanations about AI's function and implications.
  3. Guaranteeing transparency about data collection, privacy protections, secondary uses, and potential risks.
  4. Implementing rigorous confidentiality and data security measures.
  5. Minimizing risks and promoting equitable benefit sharing.
  6. Ensuring accountability through independent ethical review and oversight.
  7. Engaging patients, research participants, and community representatives early in the design and evaluation of AI tools.