Attitude, perception and barriers of dental professionals towards artificial intelligence

AIM: To know attitudes, perceptions and barriers towards the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dentistry in India among undergraduate and postgraduate students. METHODOLOGY: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among participants pursuing graduation and postgraduation. The questionnaire consisted of 23 close-ended and 2 open-ended questions divided into various sections of attitude, perception and barriers. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. RESULT: Out of 937 responses, 55.2% responded that they get information about AI from social media platforms. 51.3% of respondents have basic knowledge about the use of AI in dentistry. 59.6% agreed that AI can be used as a “definitive diagnostic tool” in the diagnosis of diseases. 66.5% agreed that AI can be used for radiographic diagnosis of tooth caries. 71.3% stated that AI can be used as a “treatment planning tool” in dentistry. 55.7% stated that AI should be part of undergraduate dental training. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that both dental students are aware of the concept of AI. Participants were positive when asked if AI can increase the efficiency of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning procedures as well as in managing patient data. Both participants believed that the barriers to the introduction of AI in dentistry are a lack of technical resources and a lack of training personnel in college.