Integrating artificial intelligence into dental student assessments: Current & future status.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Dental Education Technology
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Background:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in medical and dental education is cautiously optimistic.
• While AI in healthcare assessment is established, its use in dental student assessment is emerging.
• Dental educators report limited AI use due to a lack of support, confidence, and knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate international dental educators' perceptions and experiences with integrating AI into dental student assessment.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to AI adoption in dental education.
• To enhance student learning through AI-supported assessment strategies.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study utilizing a live online polling platform (Vevox™) during a European dental educators' conference.
• Data collection involved a workshop setting focusing on AI's impact on traditional assessment, effectiveness, and student learning.
• Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Main Results:

• 152 dental educators participated; 29.13% currently use AI in student assessment.
• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) were the most common AI-assisted assessment (31.25%).
• Only one participant reported using AI for reflective portfolios, indicating limited application.

Conclusions:

• International dental educators are in the early stages of AI integration for student assessment.
• Apprehension persists, highlighting the need for educator support and training.
• Clear recommendations and guidance are necessary to overcome challenges and leverage AI for robust dental student evaluation.