Analysis of dentists' readiness to adopt artificial intelligence in implant prosthodontics: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into dentistry, including implant prosthodontics, data on dentists’ readiness to use these technologies in clinical practice remain limited. Available Russian publications predominantly contain reviews and descriptive studies, whereas a structured assessment of knowledge levels and professional readiness of clinicians and future specialists to use artificial intelligence in clinical practice is largely lacking.

AIM: This study aimed to analyze the knowledge and readiness of practicing dentists and senior dental students to use artificial intelligence technologies in implant prosthodontics.

METHODS: This comparative cross-sectional observational study included practicing dentists (n = 30) and senior dental students (n = 23). Inclusion criteria were ≥ 5 years of clinical experience for dentists and enrollment in the senior years of a dental school program for students. Knowledge was assessed using an author-developed questionnaire consisting of 174 closed-ended questions, including a section on artificial intelligence technologies and a section on dental implantology and implant prosthodontics. The primary outcome was the proportion of correct answers overall and within individual sections of the questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and comparisons between groups using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS: The mean proportion of correct answers for the entire questionnaire was 46.9% among dentists and 53.7% among students (p = 0.140). In the artificial intelligence section, students showed a significantly higher proportion of correct responses than dentists (65.6% vs 52.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between groups in the dental implantology and implant prosthodontics section of the questionnaire (p = 0.10–0.11). Internal consistency of the test was high in both groups (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.8).

CONCLUSION: Senior dental students have a higher level of theoretical knowledge of artificial intelligence than practicing dentists, whereas knowledge levels in implant prosthodontics are comparable between groups. These findings indicate a need to develop educational programs aimed at building competencies among practicing dentists in the safe and informed integration of artificial intelligence technologies into clinical practice. Study limitations include the cross-sectional design and the limited sample size.