The article explores the transformative impact of AI in dental education and training, including its integration in various areas such as diagnostics, simulations, and treatment planning, as well as the advantages, obstacles, and ethical considerations of AI integration in the field.
The Transformative Impact of AI in Dental Education and Training
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had a profound impact on dental education and training, ushering in a new era of technology-driven pedagogy and clinical practice [2]. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual technologies in dental education, including AI-powered tools and platforms [2]. AI’s applications extend across various areas of dental education, including radiological examinations, clinical diagnoses, and anatomy training. It is crucial to develop appropriate curricula and guidelines to ensure the ethical and effective integration of AI in dental education.
For instance, AI techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, artificial neural networks, and convolutional neural networks have been used to enhance dental education. These techniques have proven instrumental in improving diagnostic skills, radiological interpretation, and denture design, among other areas.
AI Applications in Dental Simulations and Virtual Reality
AI and virtual technologies have found significant applications in dental simulations. 3D scans, metaverse, and blockchain technology are being increasingly adopted in dental education [2]. For example, digital twins, which integrate physical and digital worlds, can be used to analyze and predict complex dental issues.
These technologies are paving the way for more interactive and realistic dental education experiences. They offer opportunities for students to practice procedures in a risk-free environment, enhancing their understanding of dental anatomy and improving their clinical skills.
AI-Powered Tools for Enhanced Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
AI is playing a transformative role in enhancing diagnostic processes in dental education. The use of AI to automate the interpretation of dental imaging procedures and detect dental caries and other oral diseases has proven highly valuable. This automation not only increases the efficiency and accuracy of diagnoses but also provides students with a powerful tool for learning and practicing their diagnostic skills.
Moreover, AI’s role extends to treatment planning. It can analyze a wealth of data to predict outcomes and recommend the most effective treatment options. This capability can significantly enhance the quality of dental care and serve as an invaluable learning resource for dental students.
Advantages and Obstacles of Integrating AI in Dental Education
The integration of AI in dental education offers numerous benefits. It has the potential to enhance healthcare delivery and improve students’ comprehension assessment through automated facial recognition. However, the implementation of AI in dental education is not without challenges. These include insufficient time in curricula, anonymizing patient information, faculty expertise, and assessment measures.
Moreover, the use of AI in dentistry raises legal and ethical concerns related to plagiarism and the need to properly credit sources. Therefore, it is essential to navigate these challenges carefully and responsibly to harness AI’s full potential in dental education.
Shaping the Future: AI’s Role in Dental Education and Training
The rapid advancements in AI necessitate a revised core curriculum for dental education to increase dentists’ AI literacy. Several dental schools have already implemented successful initiatives for integrating AI in dental training. The future of dental education and training is likely to be heavily influenced by further advancements in AI applications [2,3].
For instance, the introduction of AI language models will change communication with patients and the foundations of dental education, including essay writing and scientific paper writing. This shift will require dental educators to adapt their teaching methods and curricula to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven environment.
Ethical and Responsible AI Integration in Dental Education
The integration of AI in dental education needs to be done responsibly and ethically. There are concerns related to plagiarism, bias, and the ethical use of AI in dental education [2,4]. It is essential to address these issues to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically in dental education.
The implementation of AI in dental education requires collaboration between dental and AI experts. Only through such collaboration can dental education and training effectively leverage AI to enhance pedagogy and clinical practice while ensuring ethical and responsible use of this transformative technology.