Dental Students and the AI Revolution: Exploring Awareness and Perception

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) implies a machine’s overall capacity to carry out tasks that require human intelligence. AI’s active role in medical and dental practices has resulted in the advancement of patient care systems with enhancement in the healthcare industry. This research aimed to assess dental students’ awareness and perception of the use of AI and its potential application in the prospects of dentistry. Methods: This cross-sectional, survey-based research was carried out using an electronic questionnaire at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine Karachi, from July to August 2022. With convenience sampling, a total of 160 students were selected, questionnaire was divided into three sections demographic details, general awareness, and perception of students for AI. They were directed to rate their responses for each statement on a 5-point Likert scale. Using SPSS version 26, the data was evaluated for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The majority of the students 128 (80%), were aware of AI, with about 105 (65.6%) of them recognizing its use in dentistry. The mean of responses for awareness (1.86) and perception (2.01) sections falls in the range of “agree” (1.81-2.60) to the statements. There was no significant difference present regarding gender and all four years of BDS education for the concept and utilization of AI. Conclusion: Dental students are well aware of the advantages and utilization of AI tools in dentistry, with a strong perception that some aspect of AI should be added to the undergraduate dental curriculum and clinical training.

Keywords

• dental general practice
• dental education
• artificial intelligence