Knowledge, Use, and Confidence in Artificial Intelligence Applications Among Orthodontists in the UK and Ireland

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has been applied in orthodontics using different applications, including cephalometric tracing, remote and initial assessment, remote monitoring of treatment progress, and extraction decision-making. This study aims to assess knowledge, usage, confidence, and future interest in AI applications amongst orthodontists in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst orthodontists in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A self-reported questionnaire was used. Data was collected on participant demographics, as well as knowledge, usage, confidence, and future use of different AI applications. Pearson chi-square tests were used to assess if demographics, region of work, sector of work, and years of experience influenced responses. Results: A total of 331 responses were received. There was a general awareness that AI can be used in orthodontics in 80.4% of respondents. In addition, the overall mean knowledge, usage, and confidence levels of the examined AI applications were 51.3%, 16.6% and 18.7% respectively. Knowledge, usage, and confidence levels for specific AI applications differed, with the greatest familiarity, usage, and confidence observed in AI applications for cephalometric tracing and remote monitoring. Alternatively, the lowest awareness, usage, and confidence were attributed to AI applications that assisted in identifying the need for extractions. Additionally, most orthodontists (81%) consider AI to be beneficial for future use and the majority (96.7%) were open to learning about it. Statistically Significant associations (P >0.05) were discovered between knowledge, usage, and confidence in various AI applications and between multiple factors including healthcare sectors, practice regions, and gender. Conclusion: This study revealed differing levels of knowledge, usage, and confidence in various AI applications among practitioners in the UK and Ireland. The findings suggest a knowledge-implementation gap that might be beneficial to be targeted by educational means to increase the adoption of AI technology in the orthodontic practice.