Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Dental Education: A Review and Guide for Curriculum Update

Abstract

In this intellectual work, the clinical and educational aspects of dentistry were confronted with practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI). The aim was to provide an up-to-date overview of the upcoming changes and a brief analysis of the influential advancements in the use of AI in dental education since 2020. In addition, this review provides a guide for a dental curriculum update for undergraduate and postgraduate education in the context of advances in AI applications and their impact on dentistry. Unsurprisingly, most dental educators have limited knowledge and skills to assess AI applications, as they were not trained to do so. Also, AI technology has evolved exponentially in recent years. Factual reliability and opportunities with OpenAI Inc.’s ChatGPT are considered critical inflection points in the era of generative AI. Updating curricula at dental institutions is inevitable as advanced deep-learning approaches take over the clinical areas of dentistry and reshape diagnostics, treatment planning, management, and telemedicine screening. With recent advances in AI language models, communication with patients will change, and the foundations of dental education, including essay, thesis, or scientific paper writing, will need to adapt. However, there is a growing concern about its ethical and legal implications, and further consensus is needed for the safe and responsible implementation of AI in dental education.

Exploring students’ perspectives from two Canadian dental schools toward online learning experiences

“…For instance, some studies discussed the promising potential that online and digital tools may have, including computer-assisted design 29,30 and artificial intelligence software in both preclinical and clinical phases of dental education. 31 Although the COVID-19 pandemic itself has negatively impacted the well-being of oral health sciences students, 29 our data reveals that online learning may have contributed positively to students' well-being by allowing more time for students to connect with family members and practice self-care. A recent Canadian study has indicated that students who started or experienced dental school in the online era were reportedly more resilient than their peers in other years.…”

“…Thirty-one (31) interviews were conducted at UBC with dental and dental hygiene students. Four focus groups were conducted at UofT with undergraduate and graduate dental students (Table 1).…”

“…Nowadays, many recommendations are being made all over the world to take advantage of the diversity of instructional methods and features offered by online resources. For instance, some studies discussed the promising potential that online and digital tools may have, including computer‐assisted design 29,30 and artificial intelligence software in both preclinical and clinical phases of dental education 31 …”

Phenotyping Genetic Diseases Through Artificial Intelligence Use of Large Datasets of Government-stored Facial Photographs: Concept, Legal Issues, and Challenges in the European Union

“…Current advances in generative AI are transforming all relevant fields including medical education [18] and have significant impact on various forensic applications including human remains identification [19]. Omnipresent mobile devices can recognize 3D faces with increasing precision [20].…”

The transformative potential of ChatGPT in dentistry—Advantages, limitations, ethical concerns and way forward

“…Dental education programmes should incorporate AI and its applications into their curriculum to familiarize future dentists with the technology. 6 Teaching students how to leverage ChatGPT effectively and ethically will equip them with the skills needed to integrate AI seamlessly into their practice while recognizing its limitations. 7 In conclusion, the transformative potential of ChatGPT in dentistry is a promising development that demands careful consideration and a well-thought-out approach.…”