Knowledge, perception, and attitude of Egyptian dental students toward the role of robotics and artificial intelligence in dental practices - a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Rapid technological progress has made robotics (R) and artificial intelligence (AI) essential components of our everyday existence. In addition, robots designed for dental applications have been created. This study aimed to assess Egyptian dental students’ Knowledge, perception, and attitude toward the role of robotics and AI in dental practices.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted involving 204 Egyptian students from the Faculty of Dentistry at October University for Modern Sciences and Arts. The electronic link to the questionnaire was created using Google Forms and distributed to the students via email. The questionnaire included 26 questions that assessed the students’ knowledge, perception, and attitude toward the role of R and AI in Dentistry.

Results: A total of 85.8% of students were familiar with the concepts of R and AI. Among them, 66.2% demonstrated a good understanding of the applications of R and AI in dentistry, while 59.3% showed a positive attitude towards these technologies. Dental students perceived the use of R and AI favorably, particularly in dental implants and CAD/CAM technologies, with 80.6% and 82.3% expressing approval, respectively. However, 66.9% opposed the idea of replacing dentists with these technologies. Additionally, 75% expressed a desire to learn more about R and AI in the future.

Conclusions: Dental students possess a good understanding of and positive attitudes toward the use of R and AI in diagnosis and interpretation. They believe that AI can play an active role in various aspects of dental practice. However, they express uncertainty about the possibility of AI and robotics replacing dentists.