Revolutionising dental technologies: a qualitative study on dental technicians’ perceptions of Artificial intelligence integration

Lin et al. BMC Oral Health (2023) 23:690 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-03389-x BMC Oral Health Open Access RESEARCH Revolutionising dental technologies: a qualitative study on dental technicians’ perceptions of Artificial intelligence integration Galvin Sim Siang Lin1*, Yook Shiang Ng2, Nik Rozainah Nik Abdul Ghani2 and Kah Hoay Chua3 Abstract Background The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry has the potential to revolutionise the field of dental technologies. However, dental technicians’ views on the use of AI in dental technology are still sparse in the literature. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perceptions of dental technicians regarding the use of AI in their dental laboratory practice. Methods Twelve dental technicians with at least five years of professional experience and currently working in Malaysia agreed to participate in the one-to-one in-depth online interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns, themes, and categories within the interview transcripts. Results The analysis revealed two key themes: “Perceived Benefits of AI” and “Concerns and Challenges”. Dental technicians recognised the enhanced efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and precision that AI can bring to dental laboratories. They also acknowledged the streamlined workflow and improved communication facilitated by AI systems. However, concerns were raised regarding job security, professional identity, ethical considerations, and the need for adequate training and support. Conclusion This research sheds light on the potential benefits and challenges associated with the integration of AI in dental laboratory practices. Understanding these perceptions and addressing the challenges can support the effective integration of AI in dental laboratories and contribute to the growing body of literature on AI in healthcare. Keywords Artificial intelligence, Computer-aided design, Dental technician, Dental technology, Qualitative study *Correspondence: Galvin Sim Siang Lin 1 Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia 2 Conservative Dentistry Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia 3 Department of Dental Technology, Faculty of Dentistry, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, 08100 Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia © The Author(s) 2023. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data. Lin et al. BMC Oral Health (2023) 23:690 Background The field of dental technology encompasses various tasks involved in the fabrication of dental prostheses, such as veneers, crowns, bridges, and dentures, in order to restore oral function and aesthetics [1, 2]. Traditionally, dental technicians have relied on manual techniques and specialised craftsmanship to create these prostheses [3]. Nonetheless, the field of dental technology has undergone significant transformations in recent years due to advancements in technology. One such advancement that has gained considerable attention is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in dental practice [4]. AI refers to the ability of machines to simulate human intelligence, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human cognition [5]. Undeniably, advancements in digital dentistry and AI present new opportunities to optimise and automate certain aspects of the dental laboratory workflow [6]. In the context of dental technology, AI can support dental technicians in various ways, including digital impressions, computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), image analysis, and quality control [1, 6]. Moreover, AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of dental data, recognise patterns, and generate predictions or recommendations to aid dental technicians in their decision-making processes [7]. For instance, AI algorithms can analyse digital impressions [8], generate customised designs [9], and provide instructions for automated milling or three-dimensional printing of prosthetic restorations [10]. This not only improves the fit and aesthetics of dental prostheses, but also reduces manual labour and turnaround time in dental laboratories [11, 12]. It is worth noting that AI has the potential to revolutionise the way dental technicians work, offering opportunities for increased efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in dental laboratories. However, the successful implementation of AI in dental technology relies not only on its technical capabilities but also on the perceptions and acceptance of dental professionals, particularly dental technicians. Dental technicians play a pivotal role in the fabrication process of various dental prostheses [13], and their acceptance and engagement with AI technologies are crucial for the implementation’s effectiveness. Understanding the perceptions of dental technicians is pertinent for effectively incorporating AI into dental technology and ensuring its successful adoption within dental laboratories. While there is existing research on AI applications in dentistry [7, 14, 15], information on dental technicians’ perspectives, specifically on the use of AI, is still sparse in the literature. Hence, this qualitative study aims to explore the perceptions of dental technicians regarding the use of AI in the field of dental technology. By delving into their concerns, considerations and expectations, Page 2 of 8 the current research can shed light on the potential benefits and challenges associated with the integration of AI in dental laboratory practices. Furthermore, this research will also contribute to the growing body of literature on the integration of AI in healthcare. Methods Ethical considerations Ethical approval was obtained from the first author (GSSL) institutional review board (e (...truncated)