Educators' Perspectives on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

Area of Science:

• Dental Hygiene Education
• Artificial Intelligence Applications
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers potential benefits for dental hygiene clinical practice and education.
• Understanding educators' perspectives is crucial for effective AI integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore dental hygiene educators' views on AI implementation in education.
• To assess educators' concerns regarding AI's impact on student preparedness for clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory qualitative design utilizing virtual interviews with 22 US dental hygiene educators.
• Data analysis involved coding and categorization into themes and subthemes.
• Validity and reliability ensured through pilot interviews, member checks, and investigator triangulation.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified: Informed, Misgivings (Intellectual Deterioration, Neophobia), Resources, Academic Integrity (Misuse, Guidelines), Implementation, and Professional Assimilation.
• Educators highlighted concerns about potential intellectual deterioration and neophobia.
• Issues surrounding academic integrity, including misuse and the need for guidelines, were prominent.

Conclusions:

• Formalized training, resources, and ethical guidelines are essential for integrating AI into dental hygiene didactic and clinical settings.
• Further studies are needed to understand student perspectives on AI and effective clinical implementation strategies.