A closer look at the current knowledge and prospects of artificial intelligence integration in dentistry practice: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals have expressed worries about using AI, while others anticipate more work opportunities in the future and better patient care. Integrating AI into practice will directly impact dentistry practice. The purpose of the study is to evaluate organizational readiness, knowledge, attitude, and willingness to integrate AI into dentistry practice. METHODS: a cross-sectional exploratory study of dentists, academic faculty and students who practice and study dentistry in UAE. Participants were invited to participate in a previously validated survey used to collect participants' demographics, knowledge, perceptions, and organizational readiness. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four responded to the survey with a response rate was 78% from the invited group. Results showed excitement to implement AI in practice accompanied by medium to high knowledge and a lack of education and training programs. As a result, organizations were not well prepared and had to ensure readiness for AI implementation. CONCLUSION: An effort to ensure professional and student readiness will improve AI integration in practice. In addition, dental professional societies and educational institutions must collaborate to develop proper training programs for dentists to close the knowledge gap.