Imagine your next visit to the dentist, where you might wear a virtual reality headset to distract yourself, have your treatment plan generated by artificial intelligence (AI), and be screened for your genetic risk of colorectal cancer.
This is exactly the future that researchers at McGill University’s Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences are envisioning. The Faculty brings together experts from multiple disciplines, including biomaterials, cell biology, neuroscience, and more, to conduct innovative, life-changing research.
“Our research team is not only pushing the frontiers of dental medicine, but is also redefining the future of patient care and preventive care,” said Associate Dean Bettina Willie. “They are using artificial intelligence and technological innovation to set a new standard in oral health research and bring about transformative advances.”
New breakthroughs in cancer treatment
One of the Faculty’s studies, led by graduate student Sydnie Zuckerman, focuses on the genetic link between periodontal disease and colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer in Canada.
Scientists discovered a possible link between the two diseases in the early 2000s. Zuckerman compiled the first comprehensive list of genes associated with periodontal disease, laying the foundation for exploring its genetic link to systemic diseases such as colorectal cancer.
Her mentor, Assistant Professor Amal Idrissi Janati, pointed out: “It is not yet fully clear what genes are common to both diseases because of the lack of detailed genetic information. Sydnie’s research will fill this gap.”
Zuckerman confirmed that some common genes have been found. She plans to make the relevant information public on the website after completing the list so that the public can understand the connection with other diseases.
Artificial intelligence empowers dentistry
Graduate student Pritha Bhasin focuses on the responsible application of artificial intelligence in dentistry, especially pediatric dentistry. She conducts research under the guidance of Associate Professor Samira Abbasgholizadeh-Rahimi.
Bhasin believes that “artificial intelligence has the potential to move dentistry from passive treatment to active prevention. For example, AI can analyze images and medical history to detect early signs of tooth decay or developmental abnormalities in advance.”
She pointed out that the current pediatric AI models are mostly based on adult data, which leads to misdiagnosis and unfair treatment. Specialized child data sets and strict accountability mechanisms are urgently needed.
“We are committed to developing safe and responsible AI tools, with a special focus on vulnerable groups, to ensure that technology improves health care rather than poses risks,” Abbasgholizadeh-Rahimi said.
The school has also recently been actively exploring virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence and deep learning. “Innovation is at the core of our research, and embracing technological breakthroughs has cemented McGill’s position as a leading dental school in the world,” said Dean Elham Emami, who also mentioned that the school’s research impact ranked high in the 2024 global subject rankings.