title: Neural networks: a new technique for development of decision support systems in dentistry.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To outline the key concepts of neural network based systems and to evaluate the potential applications of such systems in dentistry.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published work on neural networks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neural networks may initially seem complex and computer intensive, but actually integrate well with a clinical environment. Neural network expert systems may be trained with only clinical data and as such can be used where 'rule based' decision making is not possible. This is the case in many clinical situations. Neural networks may therefore become important decision making tools within dentistry and have applications both in improving clinical care and in maximizing the cost benefit of care.
authors.affiliation: University of Wales College of Medicine, Department of Oral Surgery, Medicine and Pathology, Dental School, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Brickley
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Shepherd
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Armstrong
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003729:Dental Care / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D003813:Dentistry; D005103:Expert Systems; D006801:Humans; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012985:Software Design