Attitude of brazilian dentists and dental students regarding the future role of artificial intelligence in oral radiology: a multi-center survey

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the attitude of dentists and dental students in Brazil regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in oral radiology, and to evaluate the effect of an introductory AI lecture on their attitude. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared, comprising statements regarding the future role of AI in oral radiology and dentistry. A lecture of approx. 1 h was prepared, comprising the basic principles of AI and a non-exhaustive overview of AI research in medicine and dentistry. Participants filled in the questionnaire prior to the lecture. After the lecture, the questionnaire was repeated. Results: Throughout seven sessions at six locations, 293 questionnaires were collected. The majority of participants were undergraduate dental students (57%). Prior to the lecture, there was a strong agreement regarding the various future roles and expected impact of AI in oral radiology. Approximately one third of participants was concerned about AI. After the lecture, agreement regarding the different roles of AI in oral radiology increased, overall excitement regarding AI increased, and concerns regarding the potential replacement of oral radiologists decreased. Conclusions: A generally positive attitude towards AI was found; an introductory lecture was beneficial towards this attitude and alleviated concerns regarding the effect of AI on the oral radiology profession. Given the unprecedented, on-going revolution of AI-augmented radiology, it is pivotal to incorporate AI topics in dental training curricula.