A former Bahrain student is making global waves in dentistry, having developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that is set to streamline patient referrals worldwide.
Dr Shivani Shivkumar Mallishery, a 29-year-old Indian national who also had a short stint at a Manama clinic, has been internationally recognised for bridging the gap between AI and clinical practice. Her work has earned her the prestigious O-1 visa for individuals of ‘extraordinary ability’ in the US, where she now practises.
Dr Mallishery’s journey, which included training at Nair Hospital Dental College in Mumbai, led her to pursue advanced degrees in the US, including a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Colorado and a certificate of Advanced Clinical Training in Endodontics from UCLA School of Dentistry. She is also an alumna of the New Indian School in the kingdom.
Her acclaimed research, titled: ‘The precision of case difficulty and referral decision: an innovative automated approach’, introduced a machine-learning algorithm that boasts 94.9 per cent accuracy in recommending patient referrals to endodontic specialists.
This revolutionary study led to the creation of an Android application designed to assist students and practitioners globally in making efficient, data-driven referral decisions instantly.
Dr Mallishery, who now practises at Chastain Park Dentistry in Atlanta, Georgia, was inspired by her high-volume clinical experiences.
“Having trained at Nair Hospital, a public hospital, where interns screened more than 200 patients daily, I realised the urgent need for innovative methods to help overworked clinicians make faster, data-driven referral decisions so patients receive optimal care,” she explained.
The impact extends beyond software. Her innovative spirit has also been recognised by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), which granted her patents this year for pioneering dental instruments designed to enhance ergonomics and education.
Her approved patents include the ‘Wrist Mounted Holder for Composite Instruments’ (registered on May 6, 2025) and a ‘Wrist band for holding instruments during amalgam restoration’ (registered on March 15, 2025).
“Studies involving dental students have shown that spine stresses caused by repeated twisting and awkward postures while trying to reach for instruments put students at a high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders,” Dr Mallishery noted.
“This wrist-mounted holder design directly solves these issues by securely accommodating instruments within immediate reach, reducing strain and promoting neutral wrist positioning.”
“It also functions as an educational tool, reminding students of the proper sequence of instruments required for procedures.”
The wristband for amalgam instrumentation also prevents accidental mercury spills from dropped instruments, further reducing procedural risks.
Dr Mallishery remains dedicated to advancing the role of AI in the early detection of dental lesions and infections, enabling faster referrals and better patient outcomes.
“I am currently collecting data for a study focused on detecting accessory root canals and underlying infections using only two-dimensional dental radiographs,” she revealed.
“The provider simply uploads an X-ray of the tooth, and the algorithm automatically analyses the image to assess case complexity and determine whether a specialist referral is required, eliminating the need for clinicians to manually complete assessment forms.”
Her ultimate vision is to integrate AI into general dentistry as an everyday tool – not just to analyse radiographs, but to also cross-reference patient medical history and other risk factors.
“This will aid clinicians in making more precise diagnostic decisions to improve patient treatment outcomes, and also make quality dental care more accessible, especially in high-volume areas,” she said.
Offering advice to current students in Bahrain intending to pursue a career bridging clinical practice and innovative technology, Dr Mallishery stressed the importance of balance.
“AI can never replace the empathy, trust, care and judgement that define the human side of healthcare,” she said.
“However, when used wisely, it can be an extraordinary tool to enhance patient care by helping clinicians diagnose earlier and plan more effectively.”
“The key is to build a strong foundation in clinical skills while staying curious and open to innovation. Balancing compassion with technological insight will shape the future of modern dentistry.”
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))