Overjet Launches Innovative Technology to Enhance Patient Understanding of Dental X-Rays Using Artificial Intelligence
Dentists often show patients their X-ray images and point to specific areas to explain the need for particular treatments. However, many patients struggle to fully comprehend these images. Overjet’s CEO, Wardah Inam, sees this lack of understanding as a common reason for patients declining recommended dental treatments. She states, “Patients often avoid these procedures simply because they don’t fully understand the explanations provided.”
Iris System: AI-Enhanced Precision in Diagnosing Dental Issues
Overjet aims to transform this experience with its intelligent imaging system, Iris, powered by the company’s AI platform, trained on millions of dental X-rays. This technology improves image clarity by adding colors and details that make identifying dental issues easier. Inam, 37, explains that this smart imaging system does more than capture images; it analyzes them using AI to provide meaningful insights.
Founded in 2018 at Harvard University, Overjet’s team combines computer scientists and dental professionals. The primary goal is to develop AI-powered tools that help dentists make more accurate diagnoses for their patients.
Overjet Gets Funding and Support from Leading Investors
Overjet has raised over $134 million from major investors such as General Catalyst and Insight Partners, valuing the company at around $550 million. Overjet’s technology is currently used in over 2,000 dental clinics across the United States.
Key Regulatory Milestones and Future Plans
In 2021, Overjet received its first FDA approval for software that measures bone structure to assess gum disease. Subsequent approvals have followed in recent years, with the latest in 2024 for detecting cavities in children. In September of this year, the company received FDA approval for a new program that enhances dental images, a core component of the Iris system.
This system not only aids dentists in making precise diagnostic decisions but also empowers patients by helping them understand their dental health, which encourages adherence to treatment plans. Inam notes that visually presenting decay in red or showing bone loss measurements makes it easier for patients to understand compared to verbal explanations alone.
Expansion Plans and Technical Upgrades
Thousands of U.S. dentists already use Overjet’s AI solutions, and the company plans to roll out Iris more broadly. Inam shared, “We already have a waitlist, thanks to referrals from clinics that participated in the pilot program.”
Overjet’s next move involves adding 3D imaging capabilities to broaden diagnostic options and offer more comprehensive solutions for both dentists and patients. Inam concludes, “Integrating AI in dentistry is no longer a question; it’s essential for enhancing clinical performance and delivering better patient care.”
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