Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that employs machines to replicate intelligent human behavior. Advances in digital technology for clinical examination have enabled the clinic to generate massive dental patient health data, which can be used for the training of artificial intelligence algorithms. While truly autonomous medical robotic systems are still beyond reach, the algorithm model based on clinical big data can already assist in many clinical problems. The algorithm model can provide visual anatomical guidance for clinical treatment, simulate and evaluate expected results, and predict the occurrence and prognosis of oral diseases, which is expected to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of dental diagnosis and treatment. At present, AI has witnessed significant advancements and applications in various dental subspecialties, including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Cariology and Endodontics, Periodontics, Orthodontics, and Prosthetic Dentistry.

The potential obstacles to the routine implementation of AI in contemporary algorithms encompass deficiencies in data management, and sharing; incapacity to account for internal decision-making processes; insufficiency of computing power; and disregard for ethical principles in the design of AI frameworks.

It is necessary to maintain a proactive attitude toward AI to ensure its affirmative development and promote human-technology rapport to revolutionize dental practice. This report aims to introduce the progress and potential applications of artificial intelligence in dental auxiliary diagnosis, treatment and disease prediction, and discuss its limitations and impact on stomatology.