Knowledge, Perception, and Future of Artificial Intelligence Among Graduates and Undergraduates. A Cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the understanding, attitudes, and future outlooks regarding AI among under-graduate and postgraduate students at Baqai Dental College.
Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November and December 2024. A pre-validated questionnaire was shared with 200 participants via WhatsApp groups, achieving a response rate of 86.5% (173 partici-pants). The survey assessed participants’ demographic information, knowledge of AI, perceptions of its potential appli-cations, and outlook on AI in dentistry. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with frequencies and percentages presented in table format.
Results: The results showed that 88.4% of participants were familiar with AI, and 87.9% recognized its beneficial appli-cations in medicine. However, 48% were unaware of AI's potential in diagnosing oral soft tissue lesions, while 52% be-lieved AI could significantly advance dentistry. Diagnostic applications were perceived as the most valuable use of AI (31.8%). When faced with discrepancies between AI recommendations and their own judgment, 61.3% of participants favored their judgment. Additionally, 47.4% expressed intentions to integrate AI into their future diagnostic and treatment planning processes.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for greater AI literacy through foundational curricula in dental education. Promoting ethical awareness and trust is essential for successful integration into clinical practice. Overall, AI holds sig-nificant promise for revolutionizing dentistry and improving patient care outcomes.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Dental Students. Knowledge, Radiography.