Multi-Omics and Imaging for Precision Dentistry

Dentistry is increasingly being transformed by genomics, multi-omics, advanced medical imaging, and artificial intelligence. Genomic studies, including genome-wide association studies, have identified genetic variants and molecular pathways associated with oral diseases, while saliva and other accessible biological samples offer opportunities for minimally invasive risk assessment. Integrative multi-omics approaches combining genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics can provide a more comprehensive understanding of disease susceptibility, biological mechanisms, and progression. However, important challenges remain in translating these complex datasets into clinically validated tools. Questions concerning reproducibility, population diversity, data interoperability, biological interpretation, privacy, and clinical utility continue to shape ongoing research. Advanced imaging modalities such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), together with artificial intelligence-based segmentation and analysis, offer complementary structural and functional information. Nevertheless, robust frameworks for integrating imaging, molecular, and clinical data remain limited, and further investigation is needed to establish reliable, equitable, and actionable approaches to precision dentistry.This Research Topic aims to advance the integration of multi-omics, genomic information, advanced imaging, and artificial intelligence in dental research and clinical care. It will examine how molecular and imaging biomarkers can improve the prediction, diagnosis, classification, monitoring, and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases. Particular attention will be given to determining whether combined genomic and imaging data can improve diagnostic accuracy, identify individuals at elevated risk, support earlier intervention, and enable prevention or treatment strategies tailored to individual biological profiles. The Research Topic also seeks to address the development, validation, interpretability, and responsible clinical implementation of computational tools, including systems for image segmentation, multimodal data analysis, decision support, and patient communication.To gather further insights into the use of multi-omics and advanced imaging for precision dentistry, this Research Topic welcomes research addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Genomic and multi-omics biomarkers of dental and oral diseases.• Genetic variants, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and susceptibility to oral cancer and other oral conditions.• Saliva-based genomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and metabolomic diagnostics.• Integration of genomic, imaging, and clinical data for individualized risk prediction.• Molecular mechanisms underlying dental disease development and progression.• CBCT and MRI applications in oral and maxillofacial diagnosis.• Imaging-based assessment of dental, periodontal, craniofacial, and mandibular structures.• Automated segmentation of mandibular nerves, teeth, molars, and other anatomical structures.• Artificial intelligence for dental implant planning, orthodontic treatment, and diagnostic imaging.• Multimodal machine learning for combined genomic and imaging datasets.• Validation, interpretability, bias, privacy, and clinical translation of dental artificial intelligence.• AI-enabled tools and chatbots for oral-health education, hygiene support, and preliminary assessment. Topic editors: Suraiya Jabin, Deepa Anand, Mandeep Kaur Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86314/multi-omics-and-imaging-for-precision-dentistry