Preparing the AI-Ready Dentist: A Call for a Competency Framework in Dental Education

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) that assist clinical workflows and processes demand systematic educational strategies to cultivate AI competencies within dental curricula. This perspective calls for prioritising educational initiatives to create an AI-proficient dental workforce. AI education should be integrated vertically throughout preclinical to clinical years while ensuring horizontal coherence with existing competencies. Early-stage students should focus on beginner-level competencies, acquiring foundational AI knowledge and ethical considerations. Senior learners should demonstrate the ability to implement AI tools for clinical tasks and to critically interpret AI-generated outputs. Advanced students should be equipped with skills to innovate AI-driven studies and novel applications for oral healthcare. Assessments should also be well designed to capture and evaluate the expected AI competencies. As curricula include massive amounts of both technical and nontechnical content, integrating AI teaching and learning must be carefully balanced with the core competencies required of dental professionals.