Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Dental Education: A Review and Guide for Curriculum Update
In this intellectual work, the clinical and educational aspects of dentistry were confronted with practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI). The aim was to provide an up-to-date overview of the upcoming changes and a brief analysis of the influential advancements in the use of AI in dental education since 2020. In addition, this review provides a guide for a dental curriculum update for undergraduate and postgraduate education in the context of advances in AI applications and their impact on dentistry. Unsurprisingly, most dental educators have limited knowledge and skills to assess AI applications, as they were not trained to do so. Also, AI technology has evolved exponentially in recent years. Factual reliability and opportunities with OpenAI Inc.’s ChatGPT are considered critical inflection points in the era of generative AI. Updating curricula at dental institutions is inevitable as advanced deep-learning approaches take over the clinical areas of dentistry and reshape
In this intellectual work, the clinical and educational aspects of dentistry were confronted with practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI). The aim was to provide an up-to-date overview of the upcoming changes and a brief analysis of the influential advancements in the use of AI in dental education since 2020. In addition, this review provides a guide for a dental curriculum update for undergraduate and postgraduate education in the context of advances in AI applications and their impact on dentistry. Unsurprisingly, most dental educators have limited knowledge and skills to assess AI applications, as they were not trained to do so. Also, AI technology has evolved exponentially in recent years. Factual reliability and opportunities with OpenAI Inc.’s ChatGPT are considered critical inflection points in the era of generative AI. Updating curricula at dental institutions is inevitable as advanced deep-learning approaches take over the clinical areas of dentistry and reshape diagnostics, treatment planning, management, and telemedicine screening. With recent advances in AI language models, communication with patients will change, and the foundations of dental education, including essay, thesis, or scientific paper writing, will need to adapt. However, there is a growing concern about its ethical and legal implications, and further consensus is needed for the safe and responsible implementation of AI in dental education.
Executive Summary
This article reviews the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on dental education, highlighting the need for curriculum updates to incorporate AI applications. The authors discuss the exponential evolution of AI technology, its potential to reshape diagnostics and treatment planning, and the importance of addressing ethical and legal implications. The article provides a guide for dental educators to update their curricula and adapt to the changing landscape of dentistry. With the increasing use of AI language models, communication with patients and the foundations of dental education will need to evolve. The article emphasizes the need for further consensus on the safe and responsible implementation of AI in dental education.
Key Points
- ▸ The need for dental curriculum updates to incorporate AI applications
- ▸ The exponential evolution of AI technology and its impact on dentistry
- ▸ The importance of addressing ethical and legal implications of AI in dental education
Merits
Comprehensive overview
The article provides a thorough review of the current state of AI in dental education, highlighting its potential benefits and challenges.
Demerits
Limited discussion of implementation challenges
The article could have provided more insight into the practical challenges of implementing AI in dental education, such as the need for significant investments in technology and training.
Expert Commentary
The article highlights the critical need for dental educators to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in dentistry. As AI technology continues to advance, it is essential that dental educators develop the necessary skills to assess and integrate AI applications into their teaching practices. Furthermore, regulatory bodies must establish clear guidelines and standards for the use of AI in dental education to ensure patient safety and privacy. The article provides a valuable guide for dental educators to update their curricula and prepare for the future of dentistry.
Recommendations
- ✓ Dental educators should invest in professional development to acquire the necessary skills to assess and integrate AI applications
- ✓ Regulatory bodies should establish clear guidelines and standards for the use of AI in dental education