Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: Survey on Dentists' and Final-Year Undergraduates' Perspectives

The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-based dental applications into clinical practice could play a significant role in improving diagnostic accuracy and reforming dental care, but its implementation relies on the readiness of dentists, as well as the health system, to adopt it in everyday practice. A cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted among experienced dentists and final-year undergraduate students from the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Belgrade (n = 281) in order to investigate their current perspectives and readiness to accept AI into practice. Responders (n = 193) in the present survey, especially final-year undergraduates (n = 76), showed a lack of knowledge about AI (only 7.9% of them were familiar with AI use) and were skeptical (only 34% of them believed that AI should be used), and the underlying reasons, as shown by logistic regression analyses, were a lack of knowledge about the AI technology associated with a fear of being replaced by AI, as well as a lack of regulatory policy. Female dentists perceived ethical issues more significantly than men regarding AI implementation in the practice. The present results encourage an ethical debate on education/training and regulatory policies for AI as a prerequisite for regular AI use in dental practice.

Automated summary

The introduction of AI-based dental applications in clinical practice can improve diagnostic accuracy and reform dental care. However, the readiness of dentists and the health system to adopt AI is crucial for its implementation. A survey among experienced dentists and final-year undergraduate students revealed a lack of knowledge about AI and skepticism towards its use. Reasons for this included a lack of knowledge about the technology and fear of being replaced by AI, as well as a lack of regulatory policy. Female dentists were more concerned about ethical issues related to AI implementation. These results highlight the need for an ethical debate and regulatory policies for AI in dental practice.