Evaluation of Dentistry Students\u27 Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Objective: Artificial intelligence’s (AI) potential to analyze medical data and improve patient outcomes is driving its rapid integration into healthcare systems. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding Kazakhstani dental students’ attitudes toward AI in dentistry. Methods: A survey with 213 participants assessed dental students’ views on AI in dentistry at two Kazakhstani universities. A self-administered questionnaire (22 items) via Google Forms was used to gather data on demographics, baseline knowledge (information sources, understanding of AI principles, and familiarity with dental AI applications), and attitudes/perceptions. Frequency analyses and chi-square tests (p \u3c 0.05) explored the responses. Results: The survey included 213 dental students (mean age: 21.79 ± 1.82 years). Two-thirds of participants reported basic knowledge of AI principles; however, the rate of dental AI application awareness was lower (40.9%). Friends and family (65.7%) were the primary sources of information, followed by lectures (14.1%) and social media (13.6%). The year of study and sex did not significantly impact AI knowledge or attitudes (p \u3e 0.05). Conclusion: This study in Kazakhstan reveals dental students’ limited awareness of dental AI applications despite possessing basic AI knowledge. This study recommends taking AI-related dental courses and participating in AI workshops to equip students for the future of dentistry and empower them to contribute to and potentially lead Kazakh-specific dental AI advancements