Providers30 April, 2025

The Evolution of Dental Imaging Technologies—and the Role of AI

Mario Paganini
Mario Paganini
Senior VP of Marketing, Overjet
The Evolution of Dental Imaging Technologies—and the Role of AI
Mario Paganini
Mario Paganini
Senior VP of Marketing, Overjet
Providers30 April, 2025

Dental imaging has always been the cornerstone of diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry. From detecting decay and assessing bone levels to planning implants and managing periodontal disease, the ability to visualize oral structures is essential to delivering high-quality care.

As imaging technology has evolved, so has its potential. Today, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with imaging systems is setting a new standard—one that offers speed, precision, and consistency like never before.

At the forefront of this transformation is Overjet IRIS, the dental industry’s leading AI imaging platform, serving the unique needs of dental practices, DSOs, dental schools, and insurers alike.

See Dental AI in action

A Timeline of Dental Imaging Technology

Dental imaging has evolved dramatically over the last several decades, transforming how clinicians diagnose conditions, plan treatments, and communicate with patients. Each stage in this progression has brought new capabilities—but also new challenges—ultimately leading to today’s era of AI-enhanced imaging.

Traditional Film Radiographs

For many years, film-based X-rays were the standard in dental diagnostics. While effective for basic assessments, they were limited by slow processing times, higher radiation exposure, and inconsistent image quality. Interpretation also varied greatly between providers, making standardization difficult.

Digital Radiography (2D)

The introduction of digital imaging marked a major leap forward. Clinicians gained access to sharper images, lower radiation doses, and immediate viewing—greatly improving efficiency. However, digital 2D imaging still depends heavily on the clinician’s subjective judgment and lacks depth for more complex evaluations.

3D Imaging (CBCT)

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) brought volumetric imaging into everyday practice. It provides detailed views of teeth, bone, nerve pathways, and other anatomical structures—critical for implants, endodontics, orthodontics, and surgical procedures. Yet with this increase in detail came a massive increase in data, requiring more time and skill to interpret accurately.

AI-Enhanced Imaging

Today, AI is reshaping dental imaging by overlaying intelligent analysis onto both 2D and 3D images. AI assists with real-time pathology detection, automated measurements, and standardized decision support—making imaging not just faster, but smarter.

As the dental industry continues to evolve, AI-powered platforms like Overjet are helping clinicians extract more value from every scan—enhancing both clinical outcomes and operational performance.

How Dental AI Enhances Imaging Technology

Artificial intelligence isn’t here to replace dental imaging—it’s here to revolutionize how we use it. Traditional and even digital imaging methods rely heavily on a clinician’s interpretation, which can vary between providers and be limited by time or fatigue. By integrating AI into the imaging workflow, every radiograph becomes a smarter, more actionable tool—one that supports better diagnosis, faster treatment planning, and clearer patient communication.

AI-enhanced imaging works by analyzing X-rays in real time and surfacing clinically relevant insights directly on the image. These insights can include highlighted areas of concern, precise measurements, and comparative data that support more informed decision-making.

Key Benefits of AI-Enhanced Dental Imaging:

  • Real-Time Detection of Caries and Bone Loss: AI instantly flags potential pathology, improving diagnostic speed and reducing missed findings.

  • Automated Measurements: Clinically accurate assessments of periodontal bone levels, helping providers track progression and support documentation.

  • Visual Overlays for Patient Communication: Annotated images help patients clearly understand their diagnosis, increasing trust and case acceptance.

  • Standardized Diagnostics Across Providers: AI ensures consistent interpretation, which is especially valuable in DSOs and group practices.

  • Streamlined Workflows: With faster, objective analysis, clinicians can reduce chair time and improve operational efficiency.

Overjet’s FDA-cleared AI platform exemplifies how AI is already transforming dental imaging. By enhancing both 2D and emerging 3D workflows, Overjet helps practices and DSOs deliver care that’s not only smarter—but also more consistent, patient-friendly, and scalable.

Overjet: The Leading AI Imaging Platform Across Dentistry

Overjet is uniquely positioned to deliver value across the full dental ecosystem, offering tailored benefits for:

Dental Practices

  • Increase case acceptance with clear, annotated visuals

  • Improve diagnostic speed and confidence

  • Enhance patient communication at the point of care

DSOs (Dental Support Organizations)

  • Standardize care across multiple providers and locations

  • Monitor clinical performance through provider-level dashboards

  • Ensure quality assurance, compliance, and scalable training

Dental Education

  • Provide students with real-time diagnostic feedback

  • Reinforce consistency in radiographic interpretation and case analysis

  • Support evidence-based learning through AI-enhanced visuals

Dental Insurers and Payers

  • Streamline claims review with AI-validated radiographic documentation

  • Reduce manual review time and improve claim accuracy

  • Identify trends and anomalies across claims data for proactive audits

Overjet’s ability to serve all stakeholders—from chairside providers to insurance analysts—makes it a truly versatile and future-ready platform.

Clinical and Business Benefits of AI-Driven Imaging

The integration of artificial intelligence into dental imaging doesn’t just improve diagnostics—it transforms how dental practices operate and engage with patients. By combining clinical intelligence with visual clarity, AI-driven imaging unlocks value across every level of care, from diagnosis to documentation to patient education.

Clinically, AI supports earlier and more accurate detection of conditions such as caries and bone loss. By analyzing images in real time and surfacing objective findings, AI helps clinicians identify issues that may otherwise go unnoticed, reducing the likelihood of missed pathology.

Operationally, AI brings consistency and efficiency to the diagnostic process. In group practices and DSOs, where multiple providers may interpret images differently, AI ensures a standardized, evidence-based approach—promoting clinical alignment and improving quality assurance across the organization.

Key Clinical & Business Advantages:

  • Earlier and more precise detection of dental disease

  • Reduced diagnostic variability between providers and across locations

  • Enhanced patient communication using clear, annotated visuals

  • Improved documentation that strengthens treatment justification and insurance claims

  • Faster onboarding and training for new providers with real-time decision support

With Overjet’s AI-powered imaging platform, dental teams gain a competitive edge—delivering smarter, more consistent care while streamlining daily operations. Whether you're focused on clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, or organizational scalability, Overjet empowers your practice to thrive in a modern, data-driven dental landscape.

The Future of Dental Imaging: Unified, Intelligent, and Scalable

As dentistry continues to embrace digital transformation, AI is rapidly becoming the central force connecting imaging, diagnostics, analytics, and patient care. The future of dental imaging isn’t limited to advancing technology—it’s about creating a unified, intelligent, and scalable ecosystem that supports clinical excellence at every level.

Rather than viewing 2D and 3D imaging as separate tools, the next generation of solutions will integrate both modalities into a seamless, AI-enhanced workflow. This will enable clinicians to make faster, more accurate decisions and promote diagnostic consistency across entire organizations.

Overjet is building that future today—developing AI technology that not only analyzes radiographs in real time, but also integrates with practice management systems, supports provider education, and enhances payer efficiency.

What the Future Looks Like with Overjet:

  • Unified Imaging Intelligence: Seamless integration of 2D and 3D data into a single diagnostic view

  • Consistent Clinical Standards: AI-powered interpretation ensures uniform quality across providers and locations

  • Faster, Smarter Decision-Making: Real-time insights support timely diagnoses and treatment planning

  • Scalable Infrastructure: Built for solo providers, multi-site DSOs, dental schools, and insurance organizations

  • Adaptability to Evolving Needs: Tools that grow with your practice or organization as demands shift

Whether you're operating a private clinic, scaling a DSO, educating future clinicians, or streamlining insurance claims, Overjet empowers you to deliver smarter, faster, and more consistent care—at scale.

Smarter Imaging Starts with Overjet

From film to digital, from 2D to 3D, dental imaging has come a long way. Now, AI is pushing it even further—turning images into insights and transforming how care is delivered, taught, and reimbursed.

Overjet is the trusted partner in this evolution, helping providers, educators, and payers harness the full power of dental imaging through intelligent, real-time analysis.

👉 Ready to see what AI-enhanced imaging can do for your organization?

See Overjet's Dental AI Technology in Action

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of imaging does Overjet support?

Overjet currently supports 2D radiographs (bitewings, periapicals) with FDA-cleared AI and is actively expanding capabilities to support 3D imaging workflows.

2. How does Overjet help improve case acceptance?

Overjet provides real-time visual overlays that make diagnoses more understandable to patients, leading to increased trust and treatment acceptance.

3. Can Overjet be used in dental schools or academic settings?

Yes. Overjet is used in dental education to reinforce consistent diagnostic training and provide real-time feedback to students and faculty.

4. What value does Overjet offer dental insurers?

Overjet helps insurers streamline claims review by offering objective, AI-supported documentation and reducing the time needed for manual claim evaluation.

5. Is Overjet scalable for DSOs or group practices?

Absolutely. Overjet is built for scalability, offering centralized dashboards, performance tracking, and consistent diagnostic support across multiple locations and providers.

Mario Paganini

Mario Paganini

Mario Paganini is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Overjet, where his focus is making dental AI the industry standard for oral health. He is a four-time head of marketing — leading two startups to unicorn status and one through exit. Outside of work, Mario is a competitive ultramarathon runner, eats more vegetables than you, and is way better at basketball than he looks.