Knowledge and Opinions of Dental Practitioners for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dentistry: Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

Sana Adeeba Islam; Shikoh Naz; Saima  Asim; Irtiza Memon; Abdul Fatah Uqaili; Samreen Ahmed Pirzada

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i8.2586

Authors

Sana Adeeba Islam Department of Community Dentistry, Karachi Metropolitan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Shikoh Naz Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan
Saima Asim Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan
Irtiza Memon Department of Periodontology, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
Abdul Fatah Uqaili Department of Operative Dentistry, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
Samreen Ahmed Pirzada Department of Operative Dentistry, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i8.2586

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Dentistry, Dental Practitioners, Perception, Technology Integration

Abstract

Recent technological developments have paved the way for the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dental care, offering improvements in diagnosis, treatment planning, and overall service delivery. Objective: To assess the level of awareness and perceptions of dental practitioners in Pakistan regarding the utilization of AI in clinical dentistry. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was executed between January and June 2024, encompassing 126 dental professionals. A structured questionnaire was shared via email and social media, gathering data on demographics, familiarity, and perspectives on AI in dentistry. Perceptions were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0, employing both descriptive and inferential methods. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average participant age was 41.14±13.76 years, with a predominance of female respondents (66.7%). A considerable portion (74.6%) reported familiarity with AI, while 77.8% were informed about its uses in dentistry. Although practical engagement was limited, 48% acknowledged AI's potential to enhance the field, while the same proportion expressed concerns over AI possibly replacing dental professionals. Enthusiasm toward AI was notable, with 55% showing interest. Many participants recognized AI's benefits in diagnostics and prognosis. Conclusions: Despite strong awareness and interest, the practical implementation of AI in dental practice remains low. Educational updates and supportive policies are essential to promote the integration of AI tools in clinical workflows.

References

Schwendicke F, Singh T, Lee JH, Gaudin R, Chaurasia A, Wiegand T et al. Artificial intelligence in dental research: Checklist for authors, reviewers, readers. Journal of Dentistry. 2021 Apr; 107: 103610. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103610.

Sajjad IS, Abidi YA, Baig NA, Akhlak H, Lone MM, Ahned J. Awareness and perception of dentists regarding role and future of artificial intelligence in dentistry. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences. 2021 Dec; 15: 3555-8. doi: 10.53350/pjmhs2115123555.

Schwendicke FA, Samek W, Krois J. Artificial intelligence in dentistry: chances and challenges. Journal of Dental Research. 2020 Jul; 99(7): 769-74. doi: 10.1177/0022034520915714.

Alowais SA, Alghamdi SS, Alsuhebany N, Alqahtani T, Alshaya AI, Almohareb SN et al. Revolutionizing healthcare: the role of artificial intelligence in clinical practice. BioMed Central Medical Education. 2023 Sep; 23(1): 689. doi: 10.1186/s12909-023-04698-z.

Silcox C, Zimlichmann E, Huber K, Rowen N, Saunders R, McClellan M et al. The potential for artificial intelligence to transform healthcare: perspectives from international health leaders. NPJ Digital Medicine. 2024 Apr; 7(1): 88. doi: 10.1038/s41746-024-01097-6.

Yüzbaşıoğlu E. Attitudes and perceptions of dental students towards artificial intelligence. Journal of Dental Education. 2021 Jan; 85(1): 60-8. doi: 10.1002/jdd.12385.

Nguyen TT, Larrivée N, Lee A, Bilaniuk O, Durand R. Use of artificial intelligence in dentistry: current clinical trends and research advances. Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. 2021 May; 87(l7): 1488-2159.

Carrillo‐Perez F, Pecho OE, Morales JC, Paravina RD, Della Bona A, Ghinea R et al. Applications of artificial intelligence in dentistry: A comprehensive review. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2022 Jan; 34(1): 259-80. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12844.

Khanagar SB, Al-Ehaideb A, Maganur PC, Vishwanathaiah S, Patil S, Baeshen HA et al. Developments, application, and performance of artificial intelligence in dentistry-A systematic review. Journal of Dental Sciences. 2021 Jan; 16(1): 508-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jds.2020.06.019.

Ossowska A, Kusiak A, Świetlik D. Artificial intelligence in dentistry-Narrative review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022 Mar; 19(6): 3449. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19063449.

Patil S, Albogami S, Hosmani J, Mujoo S, Kamil MA, Mansour MA et al. Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of oral diseases: applications and pitfalls. Diagnostics. 2022 Apr; 12(5): 1029. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12051029.

Abbasi S, Ashraf H, Ayub T, Abid K, Memon SI, Saeed A et al. Determine the Attitude of Dental Students for Learning Communication Skills at Undergraduate Level. Annals of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Karachi Medical & Dental College. 2021 Jun; 26(1): 257-62. doi: 10.58397/ashkmdc.v26i1.434.

Abdullah S, Ali NA, Khan TA. What is artificial intelligence and how much are private practitioners aware of it?. Pakistan Oral & Dental Journal. 2023 Jun; 43(2): 45-51.

Akhtar H, Faheem S, Qasim R, Irfan F, Tanwir A, Hammad H et al. Assessment of knowledge and perceptions of artificial intelligence among dental students of Karachi, Pakistan. A multi-center survey. Pakistan Oral & Dental Journal. 2022 Oct-Dec; 42(4): 193-9.

Singh N, Pandey A, Tikku AP, Verma P, Singh BP. Attitude, perception and barriers of dental professionals towards artificial intelligence. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research. 2023 Sep; 13(5): 584-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2023.06.006.

Müller A, Mertens SM, Göstemeyer G, Krois J, Schwendicke F. Barriers and enablers for artificial intelligence in dental diagnostics: a qualitative study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021 Apr; 10(8): 1612. doi: 10.3390/jcm10081612.

Parthasarathy PR, Patil SR, Dawasaz AA, Baig FA, Karobari MI, RP P et al. Unlocking the potential: investigating dental practitioners' willingness to embrace artificial intelligence in dental practice. Cureus. 2024 Feb; 16(2): e55107. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55107.

Aboalshamat KT. Perception and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia. The Open Dentistry Journal. 2022 Oct; 16(1). doi: 10.2174/18742106-v16-e2208110.

Hamd ZY, Elshami W, Al Kawas S, Aljuaid H, Abuzaid MM. A closer look at the current knowledge and prospects of artificial intelligence integration in dentistry practice: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon. 2023 Jun; 9(6). doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17089.

Alzahrani AA. Perceptions and attitudes of dental practitioners toward robotic dentistry and artificial intelligence in Saudi Arabia. AIP Advances. 2024 Apr; 14(4). doi: 10.1063/5.0204058.