Challenge Awards Spotlight: Riverside County’s Dental AI Pilot

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is proud to honor  Riverside County’s Dental Screenings Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Pilot with a 2024 Challenge Award for its innovative approach to improving student health and access to care. 

Launched in February 2024, this pilot program brings state-mandated kindergarten oral health assessments directly into schools using AI technology. It’s led by Riverside University Health System’s public health department in partnership with the Riverside County Office of Education, Nuview Union School District, First 5 Riverside County, California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine, and Dental.com. 

The process is simple yet impactful: Trained school staff use a smartphone app to take photos of students’ mouths. These images are then analyzed by Dental.com’s AI system and reviewed by a remote dentist, who provides a comprehensive report to parents. This method has proven to be as effective — and in some cases more so — than traditional in-person assessments by dental hygienists. 

By eliminating the need for on-site dental professionals, the program reduces costs and barriers to care, ensuring more children receive essential dental screenings. The success of this pilot demonstrates the potential for broader implementation across California, aiming to enhance student health and academic success. 

To learn more about the CSAC Challenge Awards and other innovative county programs, click here.