Acceptability of artificial intelligence in dental radiology among patients in India: are we ready for this revolution?

Objective: In recent times, artificial Intelligence (AI) has gained popularity in medical as well as dental radiology. Studies have been conducted among medical and dental students and professionals about the knowledge and understanding towards AI. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions and acceptability of AI in dental radiology among a group of Indian patients seeking dental treatment.

Methods: A cross-sectional research was planned with a validated questionnaire, containing ten close ended questions amongst 1562 patients. Their sociodemographic characters, opinions and attitudes regarding AI and feasibility of acceptance of AI-based dental radiological diagnosis among patients was evaluated. The study sample was divided in various groups on the basis of their age; group-1(16-30 years), group-2(31-45 years) and group-3(>45 years), educational status and urban/rural background. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test with significance value set at p< 0.005.

Results-: The participants possessed impressive knowledge about AI. Patients' awareness, attitudes and acceptability towards AI for dental radiographic diagnosis were substantially influenced by age, education level and residential background. Although many of them, especially the urban and more educated participants believed that AI could be more accurate, they preferred the human judgement. Overall, a negative attitude in terms of acceptability of AI in dental radiology was observed in this study.

Conclusions: Participants opined that AI should only be used as an auxiliary tool and valued clinical judgment over AI in ambiguous situations. It is recommended that this promising technological advancement can be used for initial screening in dental radiology.