Perceptions of portable dentistry in Asia using machine learning models

Access to healthcare is a significant challenge for individuals with limited mobility, particularly in developing countries and among vulnerable populations in Asia. Portable dentistry offers an innovative solution by delivering essential dental services directly to patients' homes. This study explores the perceptions of patients and dentists regarding portable dentistry's feasibility and acceptability and employs machine learning models to predict its regional need and willingness. A cross-sectional, multi-country study was conducted over six months (June-November 2024) involving 1,550 patients and 1,320 dentists from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using validated questionnaires distributed online and in person. Machine learning models-Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machine, and Logistic Regression-were applied to predict the acceptance and regional needs of portable dentistry. The models were evaluated for accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and ROC-AUC metrics. Qualitative analysis was performed on open-ended responses to identify thematic insights. Approximately 76% of patients and 74% of dentists expressed a need for portable dentistry, with urban residents, women, and younger dentists showing the highest interest. Random Forest consistently achieved the highest predictive accuracy, reaching up to 97.10% for patients and 88.17% for dentists. Feature importance analysis revealed that demographic factors, professional experience, and perceived demand strongly influenced acceptance. Qualitative findings highlighted portable dentistry's potential benefits, including improved access, reduced travel, and personalized care, alongside challenges such as equipment limitations and operational constraints. The study demonstrates a substantial demand for portable dentistry in Asia, supported by robust predictive modeling and thematic analysis. Targeted awareness campaigns, professional training programs, telehealth integration, and economic viability assessments are recommended to facilitate the sustainable implementation of portable dentistry, addressing healthcare disparities and improving accessibility for underserved populations.