As the landscape of modern healthcare evolves, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, particularly in the realm of dentistry. A recent comprehensive study conducted in Saudi Arabia investigates the attitudes and perceptions of dental students and interns towards AI in dentistry. This research highlights the growing intersection between technology and healthcare education, offering insights that could shape the future integration of AI into dental practices.
The study, led by Alazmah, Kaabi, and Abushanan, sheds light on how the future generation of dental professionals perceives the role of AI in their field. The burgeoning prevalence of AI technologies in clinical settings necessitates a deeper understanding of how these future practitioners view these advancements. By focusing on dental students and interns, the research taps into a critical demographic that will shape the upcoming standards in dental care.
Through a cross-sectional survey, the researchers collected data from a diverse cohort of dental students and interns across several institutions in Saudi Arabia. The survey was meticulously designed to gauge not only the awareness of AI technologies but also the participants’ comfort levels and expectations regarding their integration into dental education and practice. By examining these attitudes, the researchers aimed to highlight potential barriers and opportunities in adopting AI in dental curricula.
One of the most significant findings of the study reveals a general positivity towards the inclusion of AI in dentistry among the surveyed participants. Many dental students expressed excitement about the potential of AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment outcomes. The respondents identified AI’s capability to assist in tasks such as radiographic analysis, patient management, and personalized treatment planning, emphasizing the technology’s potential to augment their professional skills.
Conversely, the research also identified a degree of apprehension among dental students regarding the use of AI. Some participants voiced concerns about the implications of AI on patient relationships and the ethical considerations of relying heavily on technology for decision-making in clinical settings. These concerns reflect a broader anxiety within the medical community about maintaining the human element in patient care, a critical aspect that contributes to trust and empathy in healthcare.
The survey further examined the participants’ level of familiarity with AI technologies. It was discovered that while a considerable number of respondents were aware of AI’s applications in various fields, their knowledge specifically about AI in dentistry was relatively limited. This gap highlights the necessity for educational initiatives that focus on informing dental students about the capabilities and limitations of AI tools, promoting a more comprehensive understanding of how these technologies can be effectively utilized in practice.
Training and educational exposure to AI-related topics emerged as crucial factors influencing the students’ attitudes towards AI in dentistry. The researchers noted that participants who had received AI-related education during their studies exhibited more favorable perceptions of the technology. This finding emphasizes the importance of integrating AI-focused content into dental school curricula to prepare future practitioners for a rapidly evolving landscape where technology plays an essential role.
Another noteworthy aspect of the research lies in the diversity of participants’ backgrounds and their influence on perceptions of AI. The survey captured a range of responses from students hailing from urban and rural settings, revealing disparities in their exposure to advanced technologies. Students from urban areas tended to exhibit a more proactive stance on embracing AI, likely due to greater access to technology and resources. This geographic divide indicates that educational institutions must consider varying levels of accessibility when implementing AI training programs.
The implications of these findings extend beyond educational aspects; they also touch upon the potential for AI to improve healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia and beyond. With an increasing focus on patient-centered care, dental professionals equipped with AI tools can streamline workflows, reduce wait times, and enhance overall patient experience. AI could serve as a bridge between advanced technology and compassionate care, merging efficiency with empathy in dental practices.
In addition to optimizing clinical workflows, the integration of AI in dentistry has the potential to transform research methodologies. The ability to analyze vast datasets swiftly can lead to key insights into treatment outcomes and patient behavior. Dentists equipped with AI tools can harness this power to drive evidence-based decision-making and improve the quality of care provided to patients, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both practitioners and their clients.
Moreover, the findings of the research can inform policymakers and educational leaders about the need for guidelines and frameworks that govern the ethical use of AI in healthcare. As the integration of AI becomes more prevalent, establishing a clear ethical stance on its use in dentistry will protect both patients and practitioners from potential pitfalls. Developing these guidelines requires collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare providers, and tech developers to ensure that the implementation of AI aligns with the core values of patient-centered care.
The research underscores a pivotal moment in the intersection of education, technology, and healthcare. As dental students venture deeper into their professional journeys, their understanding and perceptions of AI will shape the future of dental medicine. Ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate this digital landscape becomes imperative—not only for their success but for the advancement of the dental field as a whole.
As we embrace this evolving paradigm, it is crucial to foster open dialogues about the future of AI in dentistry. Stakeholders at all levels must engage in conversations that explore not only the possibilities but also the limitations and ethical considerations of AI utilization. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of AI while preserving the essential human elements of healthcare practice—a balance that ensures the best possible outcomes for patients and practitioners alike.
Moving forward, the study serves as a call to action for educational leaders and dental institutions worldwide. By prioritizing the integration of AI into curricula and fostering a culture of innovation, we can prepare the next generation of dental professionals to meet the demands of an AI-driven future. The findings from this research may just be the spark needed to ignite a more robust and informed approach to AI in dentistry, ultimately enhancing care and improving patient health outcomes.
As the world continues to advance technologically, the dental field must evolve in parallel. Embracing AI not only positions dental professionals on the cutting edge of innovation but also enriches the overall patient experience, reinforcing the role of dentists as trusted caregivers in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.
Subject of Research: Attitudes and perceptions of dental students and interns toward AI in dentistry
Article Title: Attitudes and perceptions of dental students and interns toward AI in dentistry: a cross-sectional survey in a Saudi population
Article References:
Alazmah, A.S., Kaabi, H.H., Abushanan, A.F. et al. Attitudes and perceptions of dental students and interns toward AI in dentistry: a cross-sectional survey in a Saudi population. BMC Med Educ (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-08524-6
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-025-08524-6
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Dentistry, Dental Education, Healthcare Technology, Student Attitudes, Saudi Arabia.
