Artificial Intelligence for Diagnosing and Classifying Periodontal Disease

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, and its integration into dentistry — particularly periodontology — offers exciting opportunities to enhance diagnostic accuracy, efficiency and clinical outcomes. This course explores the potential of AI to support and advance the classification and diagnosis of periodontal disease in alignment with the most recent updates to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Classification System. This course introduces clinicians to core concepts and terminology of AI and machine learning, specifically as they relate to periodontal diagnostics. It outlines how AI-powered systems can enhance the accuracy and consistency of clinical attachment level measurement, radiographic bone loss detection, and classification staging and grading. Attendees will examine how AI platforms can integrate with current diagnostic protocols to provide real-time data analysis, minimize inter-examiner variability and support more personalized treatment planning.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of AI and its relevance in periodontal diagnostics.
• Review the 2017 AAP Classification System, including staging, grading and systemic modifiers.
• Explore how AI enhances diagnostic accuracy, particularly in bone loss and clinical attachment level assessment.
• Evaluate the role of AI in supporting evidence-based treatment planning and long-term disease monitoring.

Speaker Bio  

Marianne Dryer, RDH, MEd, is a dynamic speaker, educator and corporate consultant specializing in curriculum development for dental and dental hygiene education. With over 30 years of experience in the field of dentistry, she is widely recognized for her engaging presentations and expertise in periodontal instrumentation, particularly ultrasonic technique, as well as periodontal risk assessment, infection prevention and radiographic technique. Dryer is a graduate of the Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists and Old Dominion University. She earned her master's degree in education from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. Her extensive teaching career includes serving as the first-year dental hygiene coordinator at Collin College in Dallas, Texas, where she was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award. She has been a faculty member at Cape Cod Community College and has served as the program director since 2019. In recognition of her outstanding academic contributions, Dryer was honored with the 2025 Sunstar Award of Teaching Excellence for her dedication to advancing dental hygiene education. She has lectured both nationally and internationally, and her contributions continue to shape the future of dental hygiene education and clinical excellence.

Additional Information

This course is sponsored by Crest Oral-B.