Shaping the Future: Pediatric Dentist Views on Artificial Intelligence
Year: 2025 Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Pages: 1–13
Authors
Amrutha¹, Sathya Priya², Nidhi³, Tanushree³
Corresponding Author
Dr. Sathya Priya Email: truetwenty8@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare by enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and predictive modelling. Although AI applications are increasingly being adopted in dentistry, the awareness, perception, and readiness of pediatric dentists to incorporate AI into clinical practice remain uncertain. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and future perspectives of pediatric dentists regarding Artificial Intelligence in pediatric dental practice. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 150 postgraduate students and qualified pediatric dentists from South Bangalore using a validated 24-item questionnaire. The survey evaluated AI-related knowledge, attitudes, perceived clinical applications, and future perspectives. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Most participants (88.3%) were familiar with AI, and 71.1% believed it had useful applications in pediatric dentistry. More than half supported AI-assisted diagnosis, workflow improvement, and curriculum integration. Participants familiar with AI demonstrated significantly greater willingness to use AI software, attend AI-related workshops, and adopt AI in clinical practice (p<0.05). Most respondents viewed radiographic interpretation as AI's most valuable application, while the majority did not believe AI would replace pediatric dentists. Conclusion: Pediatric dentists recognize the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence and its potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and clinical efficiency. Although enthusiasm for AI integration is high, continued education and curriculum incorporation are necessary to facilitate its effective adoption in pediatric dentistry.
