Developing a consent checklist for AI in dentistry: Thematic analysis and pilot survey validation

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into dentistry has potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and enable more personalized treatment planning. However, the practical and legal aspects of obtaining informed consent in this context remain unresolved.

The present article aimed to unify current positions found in the ethics literature with current legal standards in order to develop clinically applicable decision flowchart and checklist for patient consent in AI-assisted dentistry.

A qualitative thematic synthesis of 50 publications addressing AI, ethics, and informed consent in dentistry was conducted using Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework. Insights were translated into a structured consent checklist and a decision-making flowchart, which were then evaluated through a pilot survey of practicing dentists in Serbia who use AI tools.

Twelve dentists completed the survey. Most rated the checklist and flowchart as clear, practical, and feasible for clinical application. Over 90% agreed that standardized consent improves patient communication and trust when AI is explained as being under clinician supervision.

The proposed consent checklist and flowchart provide a clinically applicable framework that strengthens patient autonomy, supports ethical and transparent AI use in dentistry, and offers guidance for practitioners navigating emerging regulatory requirements.