Biometric Technologies in Dentistry: Applications, Advantages, and Ethical Safeguards

Abstract

Biometric technologies are increasingly being integrated into dental practice, reflecting a wider trend in healthcare toward digital transformation and personalized care. Biometrics, defined as the automated recognition of individuals based on unique physiological or behavioral traits, encompass fingerprints, iris patterns, facial geometry, dental prints, palatal rugae, and oral activity monitoring. In dentistry, these modalities have diverse applications, ranging from secure patient identification and streamlined record management to forensic investigations, fraud prevention in insurance, and the customization of prosthodontic, orthodontic, and implant therapies. Biometric tools also support teledentistry by ensuring secure remote consultations and enable real-time monitoring of patient compliance with oral hygiene and appliance use. The benefits of such technologies include improved accuracy, enhanced data security, efficiency in clinical workflows, better patient adherence, and forensic reliability. Nevertheless, significant concerns remain regarding privacy, data security, legal and ethical safeguards, cost barriers, and patient acceptance. Unlike replaceable identifiers such as passwords, biometric data are permanent, raising particular concerns about breaches and misuse. The future of biometrics in dentistry lies in the integration of artificial intelligence, multimodal biometric systems, blockchain-secured databases, and smart oral devices, which together may foster precision and personalized dentistry. Overall, while biometrics hold substantial promise for transforming dental practice and research, their adoption must be carefully balanced with strong ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible and equitable use.