AI and Medical Technology

 There’s a lot going on

Here we begin a short series on the impact of AI on Medical Technology. First up – EHRs. Electronic Health Records.

Easily the most pervasive impact of technology on the medical community is how we document and share patient health information. Can you imagine 20 years ago when all they had was paper?

Electronic health records solve so many problems for us both as patients and as providers. In Southeast Asia, Singapore and Malaysia are leading the way in this field. Singapore, for example, has implemented a National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system that allows for the sharing of patient information across public and private healthcare institutions. With the power of AI, the depth of functionality of these systems has the potential to shower us with new functionality, better interoperability and closer engagement between doctor and patient.

Pros of AI in EHRs

  There are many many pros, too many to list here. But by far and away the single largest boost that AI gives to medical technology is Enhanced Clinical Decision Support

• AI can analyse vast amounts of patient data within EHRs to provide real-time clinical decision support. This includes predictive analytics for identifying patients at risk of certain conditions, personalized treatment recommendations, and automated alerts for potential adverse drug interactions or deviations from care protocols.

Cons of AI in EHRs

The single biggest red flag in the AI / MedTech debate revolves around Privacy and Security Risk.

• The use of AI in EHRs raises some concerns about data privacy and security. AI systems require access to large amounts of patient data, which increases the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Ensuring the security of AI algorithms and the data they process is critical.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to significantly enhance EHR systems by improving clinical decision-making, personalizing care, and increasing efficiency. However, successful integration requires addressing challenges related to data quality, usability, security, and ethical considerations. Balancing these factors is crucial to realizing the full benefits of AI in EHRs while minimizing potential risks.

Ask the Dentist: What Happens When You Take a Break from Wearing Your Clear Aligners?

 

Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) offer a comfortable and modern approach to straightening teeth, without traditional braces. Typically worn 20 to 22 hours a day, these custom-made trays gradually align your teeth. They need to be changed according to the interval stipulated by your orthodontist, usually 7-14 days, as your teeth move closer to their desired positions. What happens if you take a break from wearing them?

Taking a break from wearing aligners, even briefly, can significantly affect your treatment progress. Clear aligners work by applying consistent pressure to gently move your teeth. When you stop wearing them, even for a day or two, your teeth may begin to shift back to their original positions. Also known as a dental relapse, this regression can undo some of the progress you've made. You might have to wear your current aligners longer before moving on to the next one.

Longer breaks can lead to even more noticeable setbacks. If you stop wearing your aligners for a week or more, your teeth could shift enough that your current aligners no longer fit. In such circumstances, you may need to revert to a previous set of aligners or even have a new series made, significantly extending your treatment time and possibly increasing the overall treatment fee.

It's also worth noting that taking breaks can cause discomfort when you start wearing your aligners again. Your teeth may have shifted slightly, making the aligners feel tighter and more uncomfortable than before.

In summary, consistency is critical to the success of your aligner treatment. To achieve the best results, it's crucial to wear your aligners as advised by your orthodontist, minimising breaks to ensure steady progress and a smoother journey toward your perfect smile!

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and a Visiting Associate Consultant at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh provides orthodontic treatment across all ages, including young kids and adults. She has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and the management of jaw deformities. vwww.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883

Unleashing every student’s musical potential with Canadian International School Academy of Music

Canadian International School (CIS) recently launched an Academy of Music, which aims to nurture aspiring musicians by enhancing existing musical opportunities in school and creating new possibilities for CIS students to train, learn, and perform.

Under the Academy of Music, students will have varied opportunities. Primary and secondary students can participate in ensembles such as orchestra, choir, modern band and even music technology workshops. Other exciting activities include participating in external competitions, attending masterclasses with faculty at the local music conservatory, and having private lessons with professional instructors.

One of the academy’s unique offerings is school-day instrumental and vocal lessons, where students can learn how to play an instrument. They can also take buddy lessons with one or two friends from the same grade level. 

The Academy of Music builds upon CIS’s well-established music and arts programme, which offers numerous performance opportunities across different platforms such as concerts, musicals, and solo acts in recitals. CIS’s music programme has enabled many students to hone their musical skills and pursue music after graduation with acceptance into prestigious universities such as the Royal Academy of Music and participation in distinguished international programmes. Five IB diploma programmes students, for example, were recently accepted into the summer music programme at Berklee College of Music in Boston. 

Interested to learn more about CIS’ music programme? Visit CIS’s upcoming Open House on 20 September. Register for the Open House here!