Table 4 Thematic analysis of the focus group discussion

Benefits of AI in Dentistry

• Improved patient-centered care

“ by using data management tools like Dolphin in orthodontics, we can predict treatment outcomes, along with that streamline patient progress, identify the errors in treatment and modify the treatment mechanics”

• Enhanced diagnostic accuracy

“ the advanced imaging and predictive analysis are making revolution by diagnosis of precancerous lesions”

“ AI based programs make radiological diagnosis and analysis much more easy as compare to traditional methods”

“AI based programs are utilizing data for forensic diagnosis as well”

• Assistance in treatment planning

“ using dental scanner for digital images and planning dental implants position on a AI based 3D software makes the treatment planning more convenient for us”

• Workflow assistance

“ if my appointment are automatically scheduled and patient data is maintained I will more time to invest on my patients”

AI Assistance in Dental Education

• Incorporation of virtual reality, augmented reality and robotics based application for clinical learning

“ by using AI based programs that effectively simulate clinical scenarios our students can have firsthand experience with the fear of harming he patient”

“Well! the good part is that these applications provide instant feedback, so student can improve their clinical practice”

• Assistance in student evaluation

“AI based simulated scenarios can be effectively used in Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs)”

• AI applications for teaching and learning assistance

“ many of us are utilizing the AI based application to make the presentations and lesson plan for the students, it saves our time”

“if students utilize these applications correctly, instead of just copy and pasting, they can use them as their study partners”

AI and Research and Development

• AI as a research tool

“ AI tools for statistical analysis and citation manager can help student in research so that they can shift their focus from manual task on critical thinking and analysis”

“AI tools can make the literature review much quicker and precise”

• Innovations in AI for dentistry

“ promoting and funding AI based project for innovation in dentistry can be fruitful for the patients locally as well as internationally”

Barriers to AI Adoption

• Lack of faculty awareness and training

“ many of our faculty members are still unaware of the AI advances and definitely require training and guidance for their use”

• Financial and technical constrains

“Most of the AI tools are not free, moreover data management systems like Dolphin and 3D CAD-CAM programs are quite expensive to afford in developing countries like ours”

• Ethical and legal concerns

“Too much reliance of students on AI for learning or research can lead to lack of development of critical thinking and problem solving skills”

“I am unsure if there are any guidelines that exist in terms of data protection when utilizing AI systems”

Recommendations for AI Integration in Dentistry and Dental Education

• Integration of AI in dental Curriculum

“Incorporation of module/courses of AI for undergraduates/graduates will ensure adoption of AI in dentistry in the future”

“Students should be guided to use AI responsibly, as it cannot replace fundamental research skills”

• Training and capacity building of faculty/dental graduates

“Basic digital skills are necessary for more advanced AI skills”

“Affordable workshops should be offered more often by the institutions and organizations with the available resources to overcome the technical constrains faced by dentists during practice”

• Infrastructure development

“We need resources allocations for CAD-CAM systems, diagnostic systems or VR simulators”

“Support from government or international organizations can help to the acquire AI advance tools in key healthcare units”

• AI based public health care initiatives

“ due to availability of smartphones, AI based applications can play a major role in community dental health awareness, education and disease prevention”

• Interdisciplinary collaborations

“Research collaborations should be ensured between dentistry, computer science, and engineering students so that we can help develop our own AI programs and applications”