Introduction to Large Language Models and the Application of Generative Artifical Intelligence in Dental Education and Clinical Practice.

This article analyzes how large language models (LLMs) and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are reshaping dental education and practice. In education, they enable simulated clinical cases, adaptive learning, and reinforcement of diagnostic reasoning. LLMs and GenAI assist clinicians with diagnosis and treatment planning, tailor patient communications, and streamline documentation via electronic health record automation. Key constraints include ethical obligations, data reliability, and the risk of misleading outputs, making rigorous validation and human oversight essential. The article argues that safe, effective adoption depends on continuous monitoring, clear governance, and expert guidance, integrating AI into curricula and workflows without displacing clinician judgment.