Science and Technology Health and Wellness General

MSU Texas alum authors breakthrough book in AI dentistry

Andy Newberry
24 October 2024
4 min read

Dr. Rohan Jagtap, a Midwestern State University alumnus, authored a breakthrough book in AI dentistry in January 2024, the first of its kind in the United States.

Jagtap earned his master’s in Health Services Administration at MSU Texas in 2018 and worked as a GA. He is the Director of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Care Planning and Restorative Sciences at the School of Dentistry.

He had many stops along his path, but Jagtap does appreciate what he learned at MSU Texas. “It was an excellent path for me and truly a pivotal point in my career. The program was not just about gaining a degree; it was about acquiring a holistic understanding of the health care system and developing the skills to lead within it. For anyone seeking leadership roles or aspiring to influence health care policy, operations, or patient care at a high level, this degree provides the necessary tools and knowledge to excel.”

He said every course in the MHA program felt “purposeful and directly relevant to the day-to-day responsibilities of working as an administrator.”

His book Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry was inspired by the “potential of AI to revolutionize dental practice.”

“Our motivation to write and publish this book stemmed from the profound impact we believe AI will have on the field of dentistry,” he said. “As AI technologies continue to advance rapidly, there was a clear need for a comprehensive resource that could guide dental professionals through these innovations. Our team, comprised of clinicians, specialists, engineers, and scientists with decades of combined experience, recognized that while AI holds immense promise, there was a gap in accessible, evidence-based knowledge that bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications.

“Ultimately, our goal was to provide a valuable resource that empowers dental professionals to stay at the forefront of innovation, navigate the complexities of AI responsibly, and harness its potential to advance the field of dentistry.”

Jagtap believes “Artificial intelligence represents one of the most innovative technologies in dentistry in recent years.” He says it can be summarized in two major ways.

Uniformity in Diagnosis: AI has the potential to significantly enhance the consistency and accuracy of diagnosing dental issues. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI systems can identify patterns and anomalies with a high degree of precision. This capability can help standardize diagnoses across different practitioners, reducing discrepancies and disagreements among dentists

and specialists. As a result, AI can lead to more accurate and uniform diagnoses, ensuring that patients receive consistent care regardless of which dental professional they consult.
Increased Patient Confidence: AI can also play a crucial role in building patients' trust in dental treatments. When AI systems provide diagnostic insights or treatment recommendations that align with what their dentist or specialist is suggesting, patients are more likely to feel confident in their treatment plans. This alignment can reassure patients that their care is based on reliable and corroborated information, thereby enhancing their trust in the recommendations provided by their dental professionals.

He said the integration of AI into dentistry and healthcare not only promises to improve the precision of diagnoses but also fosters greater patient confidence in the treatment process. As AI technology continues to advance, its potential to revolutionize health care will only grow, leading to better outcomes and enhanced trust between patients and providers.

Jagtap’s leadership in the field is another shining example of the program at MSU Texas.

“My experience with the Master’s in Health Services Administration (MHA) at Midwestern State University was transformative, professionally and personally,” he said. “The program provided me with a strong foundation in critical areas of health care management, including leadership, finance, and organizational behavior.

“One of the standout aspects of the program was its relevance to real-world health care settings. I had the opportunity to complete an internship at the Community Healthcare Center in Wichita Falls under the leadership of Mr. Allen Patterson and Mrs. DeeDee McKinney. During my time there as an intern, I gained invaluable insights into the practical aspects of being a health care administrator. I recommend everyone in the MHA program to do an internship at this organization.”

About Dr. Rohan Jagtap: Jagtap holds a dual appointment in the Department of Radiology at the School of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA. Dr. Jagtap received his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from MGV’s KBH Dental College & Hospital in Nashik, India. He earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry, Jackson, Mississippi. Additionally, he completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) residency at the prestigious University of Florida College of Dentistry.