Exploring Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions toward the Artificial Intelligence among Malaysian Clinical-Year Dental Undergraduate Students: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Abstract Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to rapidly transform dentistry. Understanding dental students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of AI is essential for its successful adoption in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and questionnaire-based online survey was conducted among Bachelor of Dental Surgery students in Malaysian Dental Faculty. The validated questionnaire comprised five sections assessed participants’ demographic details, knowledge, attitudes, perspectives, and views on integrating AI into the dental curriculum. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact tests were used to evaluate the associations across clinical years. Results: A total of 144 responses were received. Most students rated their AI understanding as moderate, with the most recognized applications being image analysis (81.7%) and implant positioning and planning (69.3%). Majority acknowledged AI’s ability to accelerate processes, reduce the errors (79.1%), and provide vast real-time data (71.9%) as key clinical advantages. Majority of students supported AI in dentistry (88.6%–93.8%) and believed it enhances clinical efficiency ( P < 0.05). Majority were open to integrating AI into practice, and many disagreed that AI could replace dentists. Most (93.2%–97.9%) recognized adoption challenges, primarily due to inadequate knowledge (71.2%) and limited AI access (69.9%), while cost was the least reported obstacle (1.4%). Opinions on AI’s impact on traditional roles were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Majority of the participants (82.7%–95.5%) supported AI integration into dental education. Conclusion: Clinical-year dental students acknowledged AI’s potential and expressed willingness to integrate it into future practice and dental education. However, addressing knowledge gaps and accessibility challenges will be crucial for its successful adoption in dentistry.

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