Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of a group of Egyptian dental students toward artificial intelligence: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Artificial intelligence (AI) applications have increased dramatically across a wide range of domains. Dental students will undoubtedly be impacted by the emergence of AI in dentistry. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of a group of Egyptian dental students toward artificial intelligence. MATERIALS AND METHOD: An online survey was conducted using a questionnaire sent to dental students via Google Forms. The questionnaire comprised 18 questions on participant's knowledge and perceptions regarding the future of AI in dentistry. The collected data was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 384 students answered the questionnaire. Of the participants, (49%) had a basic knowledge of the principles of AI, and (48%) participants were aware of AI usage in dentistry. Social media was the most common information source for AI applications. Most of the participants agreed on the leading role of AI in the advancement of dentistry and disagreed on the ability of AI to replace dentists in the future, (53%) and (44%) respectively. Moreover, (49%) and (52%) respectively of students approved the incorporation of AI applications in undergraduate and postgraduate dental training. CONCLUSION: Egyptian dental students are acquainted with AI and its possible applications in dentistry. They consider the use of AI diagnosis exciting and approve of its definitive role in disease prediction. There is a necessity to include, enhance, and increase AI training in dental schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered in clinical trials. gov with an identifier: NCT06348758.