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Call for papers - Data-driven dentistry

Guest Editors

Tim Joda, PhD, MSc, eMBA, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Hollis Lai, PhD, MBA, MEd, BSc, University of Alberta, Canada

Submission Status: Open   |   Submission Deadline: 6 November 2025


BMC Oral Health invites researchers to submit to our latest Collection, Data-driven dentistry. This Collection aims to explore the intersection of data-driven approaches and dentistry, showcasing research that utilizes health information technology, dental informatics, and AI. We welcome submissions that investigate how these innovations can enhance precision dentistry and improve patient care. By fostering a deeper understanding of patient data and personalized medicine, this Collection seeks to contribute to the advancement of oral health practices and outcomes.

Meet the Guest Editors

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Tim Joda, PhD, MSc, eMBA, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Prof Dr Tim Joda is the Head of eHealth at the Clinic of Reconstructive Dentistry, University of Zurich since 2022. He is triple board-certified in Prosthodontics, Periodontology, and Implant Dentistry. Dr Joda holds an MSc degree in Prosthodontics and Biomaterials, a PhD in Biomedical Technology and an executive MBA. Dr Joda was appointed Associate Professor at the University of Bern and was also the founding Director of the Division of Digital Reconstructive Technology and Implantology. He was appointed Vice Chair and Program Director of Postgraduate Education at the Department of Reconstructive Dentistry, University of Basel in 2018. Dr Joda is actively involved in clinical and translational research on implant workflows and prosthetic treatment concepts in the field of digital technologies and data science using Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.

Hollis Lai, PhD, MBA, MEd, BSc, University of Alberta, Canada

Dr Hollis Lai is a data scientist, professor, and senior director of Innovation and Quality Improvement at the School of Dentistry at the University of Alberta. Dr Lai’s research focuses on applying intelligent methods and data-centric solutions in oral health and education domains. Over the past 15 years, he has led the development and consulted on many software used worldwide. He has expertise in methodology and has served on technical groups, boards, and committees with professional organizations and government agencies.

About the Collection

BMC Oral Health is pleased to announce our upcoming Collection, Data-driven dentistry. The integration of data-driven approaches in dentistry marks a transformative shift in how oral health is understood and managed. This Collection invites research that focuses on the application of health information technology, dental informatics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance precision dentistry. By applying patient data, dental professionals can gain deeper insights into individual health profiles, treatment efficacy, and disease prevention strategies. As we move toward personalized medicine, the role of data in improving patient outcomes in oral health becomes increasingly critical. 

The significance of this research lies in its potential to revolutionize dental practice through evidence-based decision-making. Recent advancements in AI and machine learning have enabled the analysis of large datasets, allowing for the identification of trends and patterns that were previously unnoticed. Such developments not only enhance clinical practice but also contribute to more efficient healthcare delivery systems. By focusing on patient-centered care, the dental community can improve both treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. 

Continued research in this field could lead to groundbreaking innovations in dental practices, such as predictive analytics that help in the early diagnosis of oral diseases and personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients. Additionally, the ongoing evolution of open data initiatives may foster collaboration among researchers and practitioners, ultimately paving the way for improved health outcomes on a broader scale. 

We invite submissions that explore various aspects of data-driven dentistry and practice, including, but not limited to: 

  • Precision dentistry applications in clinical practice
  • Innovations in dental informatics and patient care 
  • The role of AI in predictive dental health analytics 
  • Leveraging open data for improved dental outcomes 


All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

Image credit: © Toowongsa / Stock.adobe.com

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Data-driven dentistry" from the dropdown menu.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.