Dentists' perception and use of AI and robotics in the care of persons with disabilities

Despite the growing role of AI and robotics in healthcare, little is known about their integration into dental care for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess dentists' perceptions and attitudes towards and use of RT/AI in dentistry and identify the predictors of using RT/AI to care for PWDs in the Saudi context. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a previously validated online self-reported questionnaire via SurveyMonkey, targeting 309 Saudi and non-Saudi licensed dentists and dental/oral health practitioners, to collect data on the following: 1) Personal and work-related characteristics, 2) Perception toward RT/AI use, 3) Attitude toward using AI and RT in dentistry, and 4) Current use of RT and AI. RT/AI use rate was calculated for each clinical aspect and each type of impairment. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of dentists' use of RT and AI to provide care for PWDs. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Our study revealed that 59.2% of dentists who worked with PWDs reported utilizing RT/AI in various clinical aspects. Almost one-fourth of dentists reported using RT/AI in clinical examinations (23.9%), managing complications (26.8%), and performing invasive procedures (28.6%). Nearly one-third of respondents reported using RT/AI for taking a history (30%), non-invasive procedures (31.5%), behavioral training sessions (32.9%), health education (36.2%), medical diagnosis (36.6%), diagnostic tests (38%), and treatment planning (43.7%). Over one-half (54.9%) and one-fourth (28.6%) of the dentists reported a positive perception and attitude towards RT/AI use in dentistry. However, after adjusting for possible confounders, only previous RT/AI training remained a significant predictor of RT/AI use among dentists working with PWDs (OR = 9.18, 95% CI 2.92-28.90, p < 0.001). Our study is the first in the Saudi context to investigate the use of RT and AI by dentists caring for PWDs. Previous training was associated with greater use of RT/AI in this context. Potential collaborations between dental institutes and stakeholders in the RT and AI industry are recommended.