Department of Dental Materials, Faculty of Dentistry, Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, 08100, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia.
Conservative Dentistry Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
BMC Oral Health. 2023 Sep 25;23(1):690. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03389-x.
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.
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.
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.
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.
人工智能（AI）在牙科领域的整合有潜力彻底改变牙科技术领域。然而，文献中牙科技术人员对 AI 在牙科技术中应用的看法仍然很少。这项定性研究旨在探讨牙科技术人员对在其牙科实验室实践中使用 AI 的看法。
12 名具有至少五年专业经验且目前在马来西亚工作的牙科技术员同意参加一对一的在线深入访谈。采访进行了录音、逐字转录并翻译。对访谈记录进行了主题分析，以确定主题、主题和类别。
分析揭示了两个关键主题：“对 AI 的感知益处”和“关注和挑战”。牙科技术员认识到 AI 可以为牙科实验室带来更高的效率、生产力、准确性和精度。他们还承认 AI 系统促进了简化的工作流程和更好的沟通。然而，人们对工作保障、职业身份、道德问题以及对充足培训和支持的需求表示担忧。
这项研究揭示了与 AI 在牙科实验室实践中的整合相关的潜在益处和挑战。了解这些看法并解决挑战可以支持 AI 在牙科实验室中的有效整合，并为医疗保健领域的 AI 文献提供更多信息。
