Knowledge and Awareness About the Emerging Trends in Oral Radiology Among Dental Students

Abstract

Background: Oral radiology plays a crucial role in dental practice, with emerging trends such as 3D imaging, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and tele-dentistry reshaping the field. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of these trends among dental students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 104 dental students in Chennai, using a structured questionnaire. The participants included undergraduate and postgraduate students. Data were collected through online platforms and analysed using PSPP 3.0 software. Results: The study revealed that 48.1% of participants had some awareness of recent advancements in dental imaging. 30.1% correctly identified 3D imaging, AI integration, and tele-dentistry as emerging trends. Of these, 29.2% were familiar with all three trends, with AI integration being the most recognized at 34.6%. Notably, 41.3% engaged in monthly learning to stay updated, though 13.3% never did. 25% strongly agreed that CBCT should be used routinely. For tele dentistry, 31.5% recognized improved patient convenience, and nearly 40% believed it should be integrated into oral medicine practices. Conclusion: Dental education programs need to ensure comprehensive exposure to these trends. Efforts to improve knowledge, address adoption barriers, embrace tele dentistry, and prepare for the evolving role of AI are crucial. This study provides insights to guide dental education and practice in this rapidly evolving field.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Oral radiology is a fundamental component of dental practice, serving as an indispensable tool for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of oral and maxillofacial conditions. It empowers dental professionals with the ability to visualize structures within the oral cavity, facilitating early detection and accurate assessment of dental and craniofacial abnormalities. However, the field of oral radiology has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, characterized by the emergence of innovative technologies and techniques that have revolutionized the way dental imaging is conducted.1,2 It is imperative for dental students, as the future custodians of oral health, to remain abreast of these cutting-edge developments in oral radiology. The traditional methods of radiography, such as intraoral and panoramic radiographs, have been supplemented, and in some cases, supplanted, by state-of-the-art advancements like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), digital radiography, 3D imaging, and artificial intelligence-assisted radiological interpretation.3,4 These emerging trends offer unprecedented precision, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and reduced patient exposure to ionizing radiation, all of which contribute to a more comprehensive and patient-centric approach to oral healthcare.5 In this context, dental students must not only possess a foundational understanding of conventional radiological techniques but also be well-versed in the applications, advantages, and limitations of these emerging technologies. This study embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the knowledge and awareness of dental students concerning the emerging trends in oral radiology.

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted among dental students involving both undergraduates and postgraduates in a privately dental college situated in Chennai. A total of 104 participants willingly agreed to take part in this study. We employed a carefully designed survey questionnaire (Table 1) that consisted of 15 questions pertaining to their understanding and awareness of emerging developments in oral radiology.

To collect responses, we utilized Google Forms and shared the questionnaire via different social media platforms. After data collection, we transferred the gathered information into an Excel spreadsheet for further analysis. The data analysis was carried out using PSPP 3.0 software. Any p- value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

III. RESULTS

Among the participants, 31.1% were house-surgeons (CRRI), and 26.2% were postgraduates. Mean age of participants was 23 years. 48.1% of the participants had some level of awareness regarding recent advancements in dental imaging Approximately 30.1% of the respondents identified 3D imaging, artificial intelligence integration, and tele-dentistry as recent emerging trends, with p-values of 0.2304, 0.2407, and 0.2816, respectively, indicating that these observations were not statistically significant. However, 29.2% of participants were familiar with all three trends, while 41.3% engaged in monthly learning to stay updated, both of which were not statistically significant with p-values of 0.2407 and 0.2816. On the other hand, 33.7% recognized the advantages of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) over traditional 2D radiography (p-value: 0.0145), and 25% strongly supported regular CBCT usage (p-value: 0.0473). Additionally, 39.4% found that artificial intelligence streamlines administrative tasks (p-value: 0.0422), and a majority (51%) believed in its selective integration (p-value: 0.0088). Furthermore, 31.5% considered improved patient convenience as the primary advantage of teledentistry (p-value: 0.0007), with 39.8% supporting its routine integration (p-value: 0.0004) and 47.1% recognizing its role in oral health education and preventive care (p-value: 0.003). However, obstacles to CBCT adoption included radiation concerns (p-value: 0.2289) and equipment costs (p-value: 0.1793). Lastly, 35.9% believed that AI had the potential to enhance patient outcomes (p-value: 0.0082), and 38.8% expected significant changes in the role of oral radiologists (p-value: 0.0051) in the future.

IV. DISSCUSSION

One of the central findings of the study is the varying degrees of awareness among participants regarding emerging trends in oral radiology. A significant proportion (48.1%) demonstrated some level of awareness, indicating that many dental students have been exposed to these trends. However, there is room for improvement in enhancing awareness.  The study highlighted that a substantial portion (30.1%) of participants correctly identified 3D imaging, artificial intelligence integration, and tele-dentistry as recent emerging trends in oral radiology. Furthermore, 29.2% were familiar with all three trends, with artificial intelligence integration being the most recognized at 34.6%. These findings underscore the importance of students staying informed about these contemporary developments. An encouraging observation is that a significant number of participants (41.3%) engaged in regular learning activities to stay updated with emerging trends. However, the fact that 13.3% never engaged in such activities indicates a need for more comprehensive and consistent educational efforts to ensure that students remain well-informed. Participants' opinions on the advantages of emerging technologies were diverse. For instance, the recognition of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for improved diagnostic accuracy and reduced radiation exposure indicates an understanding of the benefits of this technology.6  In the study conducted by Smita Singh Bhardwaj et al., 44.4% of the participants believed that cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) should be preferred for 3D imaging in dentistry7, while in our study, it was 31.3%. Similarly, the positive perceptions of artificial intelligence in streamlining administrative tasks and potentially enhancing patient outcomes are noteworthy. The study highlights the perceived convenience of teledentistry by 31.5% of participants. Furthermore, nearly 40% agreed that teledentistry should be routinely integrated into oral medicine practices for consultations and diagnoses. In a study by Nandini Sen et al., 69% agreed that teledentistry is a time-saving approach.8 In a study by Devina Pradhan, 74.4% of students had knowledge regarding teledentistry, and 79.2% of students contemplated practicing teledentistry in the future.9 This suggests that dental students recognize the potential of teledentistry in improving access to care and patient convenience. The participants identified common obstacles to the adoption of these emerging trends. For CBCT, concerns about radiation and equipment costs were noted, indicating the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the safe and affordable integration of CBCT into dental practices. Participants expressed their belief in the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in oral radiology. The idea that AI could significantly change the role of oral radiologists in the future, even though the changes are expected to be limited, suggests an awareness of the evolving landscape of dental practice, which was also seen in the studies by Kalaimani G. et al. (63.5%) and Sridhar M. et al. (88.3%).10,11 Dental education programs need to ensure that students are exposed to and educated about emerging trends in oral radiology to better prepare them for contemporary practice. Efforts should be made to improve knowledge levels, especially among those who do not regularly engage in learning activities. Dental institutions should consider addressing concerns related to the adoption of CBCT and AI to facilitate their wider use in dental practice. Teledentistry could play a significant role in improving patient access to oral healthcare, and dental professionals should be prepared to embrace this technology. The evolving role of AI in oral radiology will require dental students and professionals to adapt and continuously update their skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of dental education programs in ensuring that students are well-prepared for the dynamic field of oral radiology. Efforts should be made to improve knowledge levels, especially among those who do not actively engage in continuous learning. Dental institutions should consider addressing concerns related to the adoption of emerging technologies to facilitate their wider use in dental practice. Teledentistry has a significant role to play in enhancing patient access to oral healthcare, and dental professionals should embrace this technology. The evolving role of artificial intelligence in oral radiology necessitates continuous skill development among dental students and professionals. Overall, this study offers valuable insights that can inform and guide dental education programs and dental practice in a rapidly evolving field.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Manju. J, Priya Ramani, Gifty Winlet. D, Nirmal Raj D. R., Dharani. G, Domini . C. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.