Evaluation of Anxiety Levels and Ethical Opinions on Artificial Intelligence among Dental Students and Academicians : A Pilot Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the concerns regarding artificial intelligence(AI) applications and the opinions on AI ethics among students of Istanbul Gelişim and Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Dentistry, as well as among academics in dentistry faculties across Turkey. METHODS: Google Forms-an online survey was created and shared with participants. The survey consists of three sections including participants' demographics, concerns about the use of AI in dentistry, and thoughts on ethics. Mann-Whitney U Test and Spearman Rho Correlation Analyses were employed to examine the relationship between professional experience/class and levels of concern. RESULTS: A total of 315 individuals participated in the survey, with 85% being dentistry students. AI concern scores of dentistry students (7.49±4.51) were found to be similar to those of academics (8.47±4.34). As the students' class levels increased, their levels of concern increased (p=0.05, r=0.11). Conversely, as academics' professional experience increased, their levels of concern decreased significantly (p=0.02, r=-0.37). The general consensus regarding the ethical acceptability of AI applications was 55%, suggesting acceptance with education and oversight. However, the majority (61%) believed that the use of AI applications in dentistry education should be important but limited. CONCLUSION: Both dental students and academicians were concerned about AI applications. They emphasize the importance of education and supervision for ethical usage.