More than half of dental professionals are using artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical practice, but many are concerned about inaccurate results and a lack of guidance on using the technology, according to Dental Defence Union (DDU) research.
A DDU survey of 242 dental professionals found that 46% did not use AI in clinical practice.
Among those who did, generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot were the most common, followed by ambient scribes for automated record-keeping.
As well as taking clinical notes, a small number of respondents reported using AI for referrals, writing letters, providing advice and translating patient histories into English.
Clinical decision-support tools such as AI-assisted radiography were used by 11.3% of all respondents.
Most AI users reported using it at least once a day, with 20.8% using it during every consultation.
When asked about workplace restrictions, 58.2% of those who responded said their organisation had no restrictions or guidance on using AI.
A further 27.7% said they were limited to employer-provided tools or that their organisation had a policy specifying which tools were acceptable.
Clinical errors or inaccurate AI output were the most frequently cited concern associated with the technology, highlighted by 42.8% of respondents.
Other concerns included legal liability (9.8%), maintaining clinical judgement and oversight (9.8%), patient confidentiality and data protection (9.3%) and patient safety or harm (8.8%).
Just over half (51.9%) felt reasonably or very confident about using AI safely and legally, while the remaining 48.1% reported lower confidence or uncertainty.
Despite the concerns, 55.2% expected their use of AI to increase over the next 12 months, while a further 10% anticipated adopting its use.
Asked what support would be most valuable, 51.5% called for clearer regulation from the government or regulatory authorities, while 43% wanted training on using AI safely in clinical practice.
An NHS-approved list of AI tools was supported by 40%, with 36% seeking guidance on patient confidentiality and data protection, and 29.4% wanting greater clarity about legal liability.
Simon Kidd, head of the DDU, said: ‘The results suggest that most dental professionals recognise AI’s potential but adoption within practices has been ad hoc and many want more guardrails in place to protect them and their patients.’
The DDU has previously warned of the risks of using AI and advises practices to follow NHS guidance on adopting ambient scribes.
In September, Dental Protection called on the General Dental Council to develop clear guidance on professional expectations for AI use in dentistry.
Last year, a GDC report on AI in dental services found that real-world adoption remained limited, while earlier this year an international survey of 300 dentists found that 32% used at least one AI-powered tool in their daily workflow.