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Enhancing Dental Students' History-taking Skills with a Generative Artificial Intelligence Chatbot

  • 0Sydney Dental School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Journal of dental education +

|

June 11, 2025

Abstract

PURPOSE

Accurate history-taking is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry yet there is insufficient time in pre-clinical years to practice this essential skill. This study evaluated dental student motivations and enjoyment using a generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to practice these skills.

METHODS

In 2024, first- and second-year Doctor of Dental Medicine students trialed a virtual patient (VP) chatbot using generative AI based on GPT-4 and then completed surveys to assess expectations, motivations, and feedback on the chatbot and compare their experience with in-person learning.

RESULTS

A total of 31 students participated in the trial. The cohort saw a significant improvement in perceived competence after using the chatbot. Second-year students found more value in the chatbot than first-year students. While the students felt the chatbot increased their participation and provided more practice opportunities, most found it less interesting compared to in-person teaching. Overall, students were supportive of the integration of the chatbot into the curriculum.

CONCLUSION

Educational chatbots can act as VPs, allowing users to practice patient history-taking. This chatbot was seen as a beneficial, supplementary resource for pre-clinical dental students, allowing them to supplement the currently limited opportunities to practice this skill.

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