Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to Silicon Valley or futuristic concepts like self-driving cars. In Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Shenilee Hazell, founder of Smile Inn Dental, is pioneering the use of AI in dentistry, transforming how patients receive dental care. Her clinic has become the first in the Caribbean to adopt Dental Monitoring, an AI-powered system that allows patients to monitor their oral health from home, eliminating the need for frequent in-person visits.
Patients are provided with a ScanBox device that connects to their smartphones. Once a week, they record a short video of their teeth, which the AI analyzes for over 130 factors, including aligner fit and gum health. Within hours, patients receive personalized feedback, such as whether to proceed to the next aligner or wait a few more days. This innovative approach offers continuous, adaptive care without the hassle of leaving home.
Dr. Hazell emphasizes that time is a significant barrier to oral health. By integrating AI into patients’ lifestyles, Smile Inn Dental delivers precision care while saving valuable time. Studies show that AI-assisted monitoring can reduce diagnostic time by nearly half and detect issues earlier than traditional methods, leading to faster treatments, fewer complications, and better outcomes.
Globally, AI is reshaping dentistry, with machine learning systems reading X-rays, mapping facial structures, and even guiding surgical procedures. Companies like Pearl AI, VideaHealth, and Align Technology have developed algorithms trained on millions of images, enabling faster detection of decay, bone loss, and gum disease. At Smile Inn, Dr. Hazell uses Invisalign’s ClinCheck AI and Smile Architect software to design personalized smiles based on each patient’s facial symmetry.
Beyond treatment, Smile Inn employs near-infrared light to identify weak enamel before cavities form, aligning with global trends in predictive dentistry. This proactive approach allows patients to focus on preventive care rather than waiting for problems to arise.
Despite its benefits, AI in dentistry can evoke concerns about dehumanization and algorithmic bias. Dr. Hazell addresses these issues by ensuring AI remains a supportive tool, not a replacement for clinicians. She also advocates for regional data partnerships to ensure AI systems reflect the Caribbean’s diversity.
AI-enabled tele-dentistry has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in the Caribbean, where geography often limits access. Patients in remote areas, such as Tobago, can now receive weekly monitoring from specialists in Port of Spain without incurring travel costs. This innovation also enhances the region’s medical tourism appeal, offering world-class precision care locally.
Dr. Hazell’s leadership extends beyond technology. She is training her all-female team, piloting AI-driven X-ray diagnostics, and even 3D-printing aligners in-house. Her efforts inspire young Caribbean professionals, particularly women, to merge science, technology, and creativity in healthcare.
AI has entered the dental chair, offering precision, transparency, and time savings for both practitioners and patients. Dr. Hazell and Smile Inn Dental exemplify how innovation thrives in the Caribbean, proving that cutting-edge technology isn’t limited to overseas markets.