Perception and Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry and Dental Education:A Cross-Sectional Study

Sana Tariq; Jamilah Riaz Janjua; Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua; Rimsha Shiraz; Maryam Naseem

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v76i1.14200

Authors

Sana Tariq HBS Institute of Healthcare and Allied Health Sciences Islamabad Pakistan
Jamilah Riaz Janjua HBS Institute of Healthcare and Allied Health Sciences Islamabad Pakistan
Muhammad Riaz Shahbaz Janjua HBS Institute of Healthcare and Allied Health Sciences Islamabad Pakistan
Rimsha Shiraz HBS Institute of Healthcare and Allied Health Sciences Islamabad Pakistan
Maryam Naseem HBS Institute of Healthcare and Allied Health Sciences Islamabad Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v76i1.14200

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence; Dental education; Dental trainees; Academic perception; Utilization

Abstract

Objective: to assess perception, awareness and utilization of artificial intelligence in dental education and dental practice.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Online Survey across Pakistan from Mar to Oct 2025.

Methodology: A structured questionnaire was distributed electronically. Assessing demographics, awareness, Al utilization, academic benefits and perceptions regarding the role of Al in dental practice. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22:00.

Results: A total of 210 undergraduate dental students and house officers participated in the study. The majority of respondents were familiar with artificial intelligence (86.7%), and 70.5% reported regular use of AI tools. ChatGPT was the most commonly used platform (76.2%), followed by Google Gemini (45.2%) and Grammarly (41.9%). Most participants perceived AI as beneficial in academics, particularly for summarizing learning material (85.7%), writing assignments (81.9%), and improving learning efficiency (80.0%). In clinical practice, a high proportion acknowledged the role of AI in early detection of oral diseases (86.7%), interpretation of digital radiographs (83.8%), and diagnosis (81.0%). Although 89.5% believed AI will play an important role in the future of dentistry, 57.1% expressed ethical concerns, and the majority (65.7%) disagreed that AI could replace teachers.

Conclusion: Dental trainees demonstrated a generally positive perception and increasing utilization of artificial intelligence. Higher AI use was significantly associated with favorable academic perceptions and viewed as a supportive adjunct rather than a substitute for educators.

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