Chinese Robot Dentist

There is a shortage of trained dentists in China. In response to this researchers at the Beihang University have developed a robot that is actually a skilled dental surgeon. The robot took four years to be refined to the point where it managed to conduct it’s first dental surgery on a patient, where it fit two new teeth implants.

The robot dentist carried out the hour long procedure in Xian, Shaanxi. The implants were created by 3D printing and were fitted within a error margin of 0.2- 0.3 mm. This is well within the acceptable limit for this kind of surgery. Human medical staff were present but did not participate during the dental surgery.

Dr. Zhao Yimin, who is a oral rehabilitation specialist, felt that the robot combined the expertise of a dentist with the latest technology to benefit the patients. It’s not just the Chinese who feel that using a robot dentist is a good idea. In March this year the Food and Drug Administration also approved a robot system called Yomi, which is set to assist human dentists while fitting implants.

Not all human patients may be comfortable letting a robot dentist handle their oral rehabilitation, but this science project has proved that it is possible. Considering the shortage of qualified dentists, it may soon become commonplace to have robotic dental surgeries.