Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: A cross-sectional survey

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping various aspects of human life, including healthcare. In the Western world, AI is increasingly applied in education and clinical practice through algorithms designed to analyze health data, aid in prediction, and assist with disease diagnosis. However, developing countries like India face obstacles in adopting AI due to limited resources and socio-cultural factors.

This study seeks to assess and compare the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AI in dentistry among undergraduate and postgraduate students in South India.

A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted among dental students in South India. The survey included 21 validated, structured, close-ended questions addressing demographic details, self-assessment of knowledge, attitudes toward AI applications in dentistry, and self-perceived understanding of AI practice in the field.

Of 208 respondents (81.8% response rate), 95.6% were familiar with the term AI. Postgraduates demonstrated significantly greater awareness of AI applications (90.9%) compared to undergraduates (25.8%). About 78.3% of undergraduates believed AI supports diagnosis and treatment planning, while 33.4% of undergraduates and 43.2% of postgraduates expressed concern that AI may replace dentists in the future. Most respondents acknowledged AI's role in oral radiology (UG: 79.1%; PG: 72.2%). Interest in future learning was high (UG: 82.5%; PG: 92.2%). Level of education was a significant predictor of knowledge (p<0.01), while male students showed more positive attitudes (p<0.01). First-year postgraduates reported better AI-related practices than other groups (p<0.01).

Although most dental students lacked sufficient knowledge regarding the use of AI in dentistry, they displayed positive and encouraging attitudes toward its application. A large proportion expressed willingness to learn AI technologies to apply them in clinical practice. It is therefore recommended that universities and government bodies work together to integrate AI related topics into the dental curriculum to strengthen dental education in India.