Beyond the Diagnosis: How the TIA Centre Is Advancing AI-Powered Risk Prediction in Oral Dysplasia

In this episode, Sidney Ocanagil-Tunstall is joined by Dr Adam Shephard, Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick's Tissue Image Analytics (TIA) Centre, and Dr Hanya Mahmood, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Oral Surgeon at the University of Sheffield, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the diagnosis and management of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED).The conversation focuses on OYDN, an AI-powered computational pathology model developed through a collaboration between the TIA Centre and the University of Sheffield. Adam and Hanya discuss how the technology supports more objective diagnosis, improves risk stratification for patients at risk of developing oral cancer, and is helping uncover novel digital biomarkers that could shape future treatment strategies.The discussion broadens into the challenges of translating AI from research into routine clinical practice, exploring the importance of explainable AI, robust validation, clinician confidence, and NHS adoption. Looking ahead, the guests share their vision for how AI can support pathologists, standardise clinical decision-making, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients through earlier, more accurate intervention.