Patients showed a positive attitude towards the use of AI in dentistry

Muskan.ai
4 min readOct 10, 2023

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OVERVIEW

According to a research conducted by Nasim Ayad in Germany at the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University hospital Münster, and a private dental clinic in Münster, Germany, between November 2021 and March 2022 patients showed a positive attitude towards the use of AI in dentistry. It was a cross- sectional study with 265 subjects who were asked to fill a questionnaire which focused on demographics, self-perceived dental health, expectancy, accountability, trust, interaction, advantages and disadvantages.

INTRODUCTION

In the near future, AI could play a major role in nearly every part of dentistry, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, cariology and endodontics, periodontics, paediatric dentistry, orthodontics and prosthodontics . The image analysis of dental X-rays could be considered as the most important possible function of AI in dentistry. The frequent use of intraoral and panoramic images underlines the importance of the imaging sector in dentistry. Recently, AI has shown promising results in the analysis of dental X-rays in various studies. But now the question arises –

· What do patients thinks about this technological transformation ?

· Are they ready to embrace AI in dental chair?

Patients Voices: Understanding Expectations and Concerns

This study conducted an in-depth analysis of 265 patients’ responses to an 18-item questionnaire. The questionnaire covered a wide range of topics, including demographics, expectations, accountability, trust, interaction, advantages, and disadvantages related to AI in dentistry. The goal was to gain a comprehensive understanding of how patients perceive this technological shift and what they anticipate from it.

The top three advantages respondents perceived regarding the use of AI in dentistry were

1-Improved diagnostic confidence — A whopping 61% of patients believed that AI could boost diagnostic confidence among dental professionals. This is a significant benefit, as accurate diagnoses are the cornerstone of effective dental care.

2- Followed by ‘time reduction’ — Around 48% of patients anticipated that AI could lead to time savings in dental procedures. Shorter appointment times could translate to convenience for both patients and Dentists

3-More personalised and evidence based disease management- Approximately 43% of patients looked forward to more personalized and evidence-based disease management. AI’s data-driven capabilities have the potential to tailor treatment plans to individual patients. Another stated advantage was the dual-control principle. The dual-control-principle is a theory that requires for certain activities(i.e. decision making in diagnosing or treatment) at least two operators/systems in order to increase accuracy and transparency.

The Disadvantages: A Glimpse into Concerns

Patients were asked to identify the top disadvantages they associated with AI use in dentistry. The results unveiled some intriguing insights:

1-Impact on Workforce Needs: Nearly 38% of patients expressed concerns about how AI might affect the workforce in the dental field. This is a valid concern, as the integration of AI could potentially change the roles and responsibilities of dental professionals.

2-Doctor-Patient Relationships: Over 36% of patients worried about the potential impact of AI on the sacred doctor-patient relationship. The fear here is that technology might replace the human touch and empathy that patients have come to expect from their healthcare providers.

3-Increased Dental Care Costs: Approximately 32% of patients were apprehensive about the possibility of AI leading to higher dental care costs. While AI can improve efficiency, there are concerns that these benefits might come at a financial cost to patients.

Cited Advantages of using AI in dentistry

The Timeline: When Will AI Be Part of Dental Workflow?

When asked about their expectations regarding AI integration into dental workflows, most patients believed that AI would become an integral part of dental practices within the next 1 to 10 years. This optimism showcases a willingness to adapt to technological advancements in the dental field.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of AI-Driven Dentistry

A Positive Attitude Towards AI in Dentistry Overall, the study paints a positive picture of patients’ attitudes towards AI in dentistry. While concerns exist, patients are hopeful about the potential benefits that AI can bring to the field. This optimism can serve as a guiding light for dental professionals and researchers as they continue to explore the integration of AI into dentistry.

Understanding patients’ perceptions and expectations regarding AI in dentistry is crucial for shaping the future of dental care. As technology continues to advance, it’s imperative that the healthcare industry, including dental professionals, listens to patients’ voices and integrates AI in a way that enhances patient care and maintains the human touch that is so essential in healthcare. The future of dentistry is bright, and AI is poised to play a pivotal role in making dental care more efficient, accurate, and patient-centric. Embracing this technological shift while addressing patients’ concerns will pave the way for a new era in oral healthcare.

Reference:
https://head-face-med.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13005-023-00368-z

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