AI in oral healthcare
Healthy Generations
18 July 2025
What is your PhD research about?
‘My PhD focuses on using AI for early detection and prevention in oral healthcare, with a special emphasis on reusing data from Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Dentists collect valuable information on clinical findings, lifestyle, and medical history. AI can use this data to detect conditions like periodontitis at an early stage, making preventive care more efficient and tailored. My research is a collaboration between Inholland University of Applied Sciences and ACTA (a joint faculty of the University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam).’
How does this exchange benefit your research at ACTA?
‘This experience has deepened my expertise in AI for dentistry, which is important given the growing demand for AI solutions in the Netherlands. I’ve also improved my scientific English, soft skills, and expanded my professional network—all of which help strengthen future collaborations and increase the impact of my work.’
Researchers at the University of Sydney tend to operate on a high theoretical level, whereas Dutch researchers are strong in terms of organisation and planning.
What are the main differences between the research environments in Sydney and Amsterdam?
‘Sydney is innovation-driven and adopts new technologies faster, while the Netherlands is more risk-averse, often waiting for proven effectiveness before implementation. Researchers at the University of Sydney tend to operate on a high theoretical level, whereas Dutch researchers are strong in terms of organisation and planning. In Australia, clinicians and AI experts work more closely together, and PhD candidates develop their expertise faster thanks to more autonomy.’
How do you see your research impacting the future of dentistry?
‘AI has the potential to make oral healthcare more efficient and personalised, but only if it is applied responsibly. Better data documentation enables AI to make reliable predictions and support healthcare professionals more effectively. I aim to continue contributing to international collaborations, because the success of AI in healthcare depends on shared efforts.’