379 - Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Dentistry: A National Survey on Perceptions, Applications, and Adoption

Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Dentistry: A National Survey of Perceptions, Applications, and Adoption

Han Z, Swee G, Loo CY
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
Statistician: Shruti Jain

Purpose:
To evaluate pediatric dentists’ familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI), current and intended use of AI in practice, perceived benefits and concerns, and demographic or practice-related factors associated with AI adoption in pediatric dentistry.

Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted among licensed pediatric dentists practicing in the United States. Prior to national distribution, the survey underwent face and content validity testing. The final survey was distributed electronically through the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) listserv using a secure Qualtrics link. Survey items included demographics and multiple-choice, yes/no, and Likert-scale questions assessing AI familiarity, current use, intended future use, perceived benefits, and barriers to adoption. Descriptive statistics summarized respondent characteristics and survey responses. Associations between demographic variables and AI-related responses were evaluated using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, as appropriate. Analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4.

Results:
Among 167 respondents, 22.6% reported formal AI training, 45.2% reported current AI use, and 63.9% planned to integrate AI into practice. The most common AI applications were administrative/scheduling tasks, radiographic interpretation/diagnosis, and patient communication/education. Respondents most strongly endorsed AI for documentation, education, and workflow efficiency, while the leading concerns were privacy/security, dehumanization, and uncertainty about AI-related risks. No significant associations were found between demographic variables and either current AI use or willingness to integrate AI.

Conclusion:
Pediatric dentists showed generally positive attitudes toward AI, but limited formal training and persistent concerns highlight the need for targeted education and thoughtful implementation.