Assessment of knowledge for use of Artificial Intelligence in dentistry among post graduate dental students of Gujarat: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: In this era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is literally at every corner of our lives, application of these computer-generated simulations in the field of dentistry has become cyberspace. From clinical diagnosis of a particular lesion to their treatment planning, AI has proven to be a boon in dentistry. Objectives: To examine mindsets of post graduate dental students of Gujarat on the impact of AI in dentistry. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the postgraduate dental students of Gujarat, India to evaluate post graduate dental students’ mindsets on the impact of AI technologies in dentistry. A structured, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire consisting of 13 questions related to use of AI in dental science was constructed and distributed via Google Forms. Those students who gave consent through google forms were part of this study. Results: 34.3% participants were males and 65.7% were females. It was observed that 7.4% got information about AI from friends and family, 18.1% from newspaper and magazines, 15.3% from lectures in university, 59.2% from social media. The mean rank was high among third year participants on the use of AI as a “definitive diagnostic tool” and “treatment planning tool” in diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry. Conclusion: Majority of students agreed that AI applications should be part of dental training. Follow-up surveys and multicenter studies need to be carried out to further investigate these issues.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, dental students, dental health survey, questionnaire