Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just changing how we write, communicate, and analyze data. It has become more integrated into the world of medicine, and Southeast-based startups are leading the change.
There are ventures like Atlanta-based RIF Robotics using AI to improve the sterilization process inside of hospitals and Loyal bringing AI-driven chatbots to doctor’s offices.
Now, Atlanta-based startup Adravision is bringing AI innovation to your dental office.
The startup, co-founded by dentist-turned-entrepreneur Dr. Hamed Fesharaki, Yasaman Nemat, PhD, and Shifeng Chen, has just cleared FDA approval for its first AI-driven product, Adravision Perio, that helps dentists and dental hygienists measure bone levels on dental radiographs during an appointment. For busy dentists, the tool can streamline the identification and prevention of gum disease.
It is all about optimizing how dental offices work, says Fesharaki. And that could have a major impact on our overall health.
“Dentistry has seen remarkable advancements in the past 15 years, revolutionizing a century-old practice. From the introduction of intraoral 3D scanning and enhanced radiograph quality to the transition from paper-based records to cloud-based Practice Management Systems (PMS), dentistry has embraced digitalization,” Nemat told Hypepotamus. “This shift digitized all practice information, paving the way for the integration of AI in dentistry. The transformation is accelerating, propelling dentistry into a new era of innovation and efficiency.”
Adravision’s Perio software can play an important role in “diagnosing and planning treatments for periodontal disease,” she added. That is particularly important as periodontal disease (gum disease) affects up to 90% of the population.
“In the United States, cross-sectional studies indicate that approximately 50% of adults currently grapple with some form of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. Left unaddressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, posing risks of tooth loss and discomfort during chewing. Adravision’s AI-driven solution can help dentists and hygienists more effectively identify signs of periodontal disease and clearly communicate findings with patients in a highly engaging and visual presentation format. Adravision Perio also employs interactive and engaging tool to help dentists and hygienists to better explain problems to their patients which results in more quality and timely care.”
Healthcare Software
Nemat, a scientist turned entrepreneur, got her master’s degree in biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech before pursuing her PhD in Singapore.
The startup got off the ground in Singapore two years ago and graduated from the prestigious startup incubator Y Combinator in 2021.
But Fesharaki and Nemat are scaling the company from Atlanta, a move that has proved fruitful for the young startup. Adravision was one of ten finalists at Venture Atlanta this year and is currently involved with ATDC, the State of Georgia’s business incubator located in Midtown.
After just two years into operations, Adravision recently secured its initial FDA clearance after displaying that its “automated bone level measurement capabilities [were] akin to a proficient team of dentists,” added Nemat.
Looking into 2024, Nemat said that the startup will be focused on bringing its software into more clinical settings.
“Ultimately, our goal is to empower dentists and hygienists, enabling them to serve their patients more effectively and with higher quality,” she added.
