Would You Trust a Robot Dentist?

In 2024, an AI-controlled robot system performed a dental procedure on a human patient for the first time. Perceptive, a dental technology company, created the system. It featured a robotic arm and 3D-imaging technology. The robot successfully prepared a patient’s tooth for a crown. While most people probably won’t encounter this type of high-tech “dentist” anytime soon, we’d like to know: Would you trust a robot to perform dental work? Here’s what six kids had to say about the issue. Where do you stand?

Oscar Yocom-Piatt, 10

Northfield, Illinois

Robots could be even better than real dentists. They could go way faster and clean your teeth better. Plus, there could still be a real dentist in the room. That way, if the robot breaks down, the human dentist would be there to complete the work.

Avery Rosen, 11

Rescue, California

Robots have wires and batteries. What if a robot got wet when it went to clean your teeth? That could end very badly. Robots would also take the place of human dentists. Some people really like being a dentist. If a robot were to replace them, that might take away their joy.

Kaylee Su, 8

Bethesda, Maryland

Robots are smarter than people. They are machines. Machines can be really smart. Robots’ “brains” are computers. With all of that information, they can tell you the correct thing about taking care of your teeth. People don’t know everything, but machines know most things.

Claire In, 9

Los Altos, California

Robots can malfunction at any time, and even a small mistake could be dangerous when it comes to teeth. I think robots are useful and reliable in some places. But for something as serious as our health, I believe humans should always be in charge—not machines.

Madeline Martinez, 11

TFK Kid Reporter

Robots can be programmed to perform a task in a way that is more precise than humans. If a robot dentist were assigned to me, I’d have no concern about the risk of malfunction or something going wrong. These robots would have been tested first before being sent into the world of dentistry.

Vicky Sun, 12

TFK Kid Reporter

Everyone’s teeth are different. A robot might not understand something specific that’s wrong. And robots can’t pick up on how someone is feeling. They wouldn’t know if a patient were afraid. Dentist visits can be stressful. Having a dentist who can reassure patients is very important.

Aoi Ichinose, 11

Tokyo, Japan

Robot dentists might sound cool, but I wouldn't trust them. First, even though robots might be able to schedule appointments or send reminders, they can’t smile at you, ask how your day is going, or make you feel comfortable. Human dentists can tell when someone is scared or worried. They can notice body language, like if you’re gripping the chair or looking nervous. A real dentist’s kindness can help patients feel less nervous. Robots don’t have those caring instincts. Taking care of teeth is important, but so is making people feel safe and cared-for. Only real people can do both.

Evie A., 11

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Robots are a little too literal. For example, if you say, “My tooth is killing me! I wish it were gone,” a robot might think, “Oh, they want their tooth out. Maybe while I’m at it, I’ll take all their teeth out so they’ll feel less pain.” Robots are already helping in some aspects of healthcare, but they just aren’t cut out for dental work.

The Next Debate: Should kids be allowed to play contact sports? Email tfkeditors@time.com by December 12. Your response might be featured in an upcoming issue.

*Submissions have been edited only for length and clarity. They are not intended to reflect the views of TIME for Kids. Ages are accurate as of the time of submission.