Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia—A Survey-Based Study

Aim: This study aims to assess Croatian dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology, while also identifying perceived barriers to AI and modern technology adoption and evaluating the need for further education and training. Materials and Methods: A c...

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Main Authors: Ana Ivanišević, Antonija Tadin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Clinics and Practice
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/14/6/207
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author Ana Ivanišević
Antonija Tadin
author_facet Ana Ivanišević
Antonija Tadin
author_sort Ana Ivanišević
collection DOAJ
description Aim: This study aims to assess Croatian dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology, while also identifying perceived barriers to AI and modern technology adoption and evaluating the need for further education and training. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2024 among general dentists in Croatia using a self-structured questionnaire. A total of 200 respondents filled out the questionnaire. It included five sections: socio-demographic and professional information, self-assessment of AI and modern technology use, knowledge of AI in dentistry, current innovations and devices used in practice, and barriers to AI and modern technology integration in practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a regression analysis to explore relationships between socio-demographic factors and AI knowledge. Results: The mean knowledge of AI systems was 3.62 ± 2.56 out of a possible score of 7, indicating relatively poor knowledge, with 47.5% demonstrating knowledge below the median. Most respondents (76.0%) did not use AI systems and modern technology in practice; however, prosthodontics (13.0%) and oral surgery (10.0%) were identified as the primary fields utilizing these technologies. Respondents rated their knowledge of modern technologies and AI as weak or moderate, with 60.5% engaged in continuous education. Despite 76.0% not using AI daily, 71.0% believed that these technologies could enhance patient care. Participants interested in further training showed significantly better knowledge of AI applications (<i>p</i> = 0.030). Major barriers included acquisition and maintenance costs (59.0%) and financial constraints (58.0%). Conclusions: The study revealed that most respondents had poor knowledge of AI systems. Despite this, there is a recognition of AI’s and modern technology potential in dentistry, emphasizing the need for enhanced education and training in this field.
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spelling doaj-art-bc50cade16454bb2afd8673bd0fdfe832025-08-20T02:00:35ZengMDPI AGClinics and Practice2039-72832024-12-011462623263610.3390/clinpract14060207Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia—A Survey-Based StudyAna Ivanišević0Antonija Tadin1Department of Restorative Dental Medicine and Endodontics, Study of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, CroatiaDepartment of Restorative Dental Medicine and Endodontics, Study of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, CroatiaAim: This study aims to assess Croatian dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technology, while also identifying perceived barriers to AI and modern technology adoption and evaluating the need for further education and training. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2024 among general dentists in Croatia using a self-structured questionnaire. A total of 200 respondents filled out the questionnaire. It included five sections: socio-demographic and professional information, self-assessment of AI and modern technology use, knowledge of AI in dentistry, current innovations and devices used in practice, and barriers to AI and modern technology integration in practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a regression analysis to explore relationships between socio-demographic factors and AI knowledge. Results: The mean knowledge of AI systems was 3.62 ± 2.56 out of a possible score of 7, indicating relatively poor knowledge, with 47.5% demonstrating knowledge below the median. Most respondents (76.0%) did not use AI systems and modern technology in practice; however, prosthodontics (13.0%) and oral surgery (10.0%) were identified as the primary fields utilizing these technologies. Respondents rated their knowledge of modern technologies and AI as weak or moderate, with 60.5% engaged in continuous education. Despite 76.0% not using AI daily, 71.0% believed that these technologies could enhance patient care. Participants interested in further training showed significantly better knowledge of AI applications (<i>p</i> = 0.030). Major barriers included acquisition and maintenance costs (59.0%) and financial constraints (58.0%). Conclusions: The study revealed that most respondents had poor knowledge of AI systems. Despite this, there is a recognition of AI’s and modern technology potential in dentistry, emphasizing the need for enhanced education and training in this field.https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/14/6/207dental medicineartificial intelligencemodern technologyknowledge assessmentclinical practicebarriers to implementation
spellingShingle Ana Ivanišević
Antonija Tadin
Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia—A Survey-Based Study
Clinics and Practice
dental medicine
artificial intelligence
modern technology
knowledge assessment
clinical practice
barriers to implementation
title Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia—A Survey-Based Study
title_full Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia—A Survey-Based Study
title_fullStr Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia—A Survey-Based Study
title_full_unstemmed Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia—A Survey-Based Study
title_short Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technology in Dentistry: Attitudes, Knowledge, Use, and Barriers Among Dentists in Croatia—A Survey-Based Study
title_sort artificial intelligence and modern technology in dentistry attitudes knowledge use and barriers among dentists in croatia a survey based study
topic dental medicine
artificial intelligence
modern technology
knowledge assessment
clinical practice
barriers to implementation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/14/6/207
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