Perception, usage, and concerns of artificial intelligence applications among postgraduate dental students: cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Future dental applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are anticipated to be widely adopted across all dental specialities. However, there are some concerns among many users about the accuracy of the given information. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate postgraduate' dental students' perception, usage, and concerns towards AI systems' applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online self-administered survey, consisting of 19 closed-ended questions in the English language, and a 3-point Likert-type scale was used to obtain a simple and straightforward response from participants in a "forced-choice" response format that was distributed to postgraduate dental students in the faculty of dentistry of multiple Universities. RESULTS: Younger participants and BDS holders are more likely to use AI-based software (p < 0.001), as well as showing more optimism about AI's potential to advance dentistry, whereas PhD holders are more skeptical about its integral role in healthcare (p < 0.001). Speciality influenced AI adoption significantly, with Endodontics showing the highest percentage (52.4% for 1 + years of AI usage; p = 0.006). Concerns about AI reliability and originality in research vary significantly by level of education and Speciality (p < 0.05). Younger participants show greater belief in AI's potential for major advancements in dentistry (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postgraduate dental students generally perceive AI positively, recognizing its potential to enhance care. Usage remains moderate, with higher adoption in specialities like Endodontics and Periodontics. Concerns include AI's accuracy, ethical implications, and integration challenges, highlighting the need for further education and research. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.