Evaluation of parents' attitudes and perceptions regarding the use of artificial intelligence in dental practice: a cross-sectional survey.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of parents of pediatric patients in our sample towards the growing use of artificial intelligence in dental practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted with parents of pediatric patients who visited the Kırıkkale University School of Dentistry for routine dental examinations between 2024 and 2025. A 23-question survey was designed for participants to complete. The survey was evaluated as a scale consisting of three sub-dimensions. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27. RESULTS: A total of 74.4% of participants reported having an average level of self-reported knowledge about the digital world (internet/technology). The biggest advantage of AI identified by the participants was saving time (64.3%). The AI-Health Education Score differed significantly according to educational status (p = 0.003). The participants with a bachelor's degree had higher mean scores on AI-Health Education than high school graduates. The effect size was small (η²=0.051). The mean Physician-AI Collaboration Score for men was significantly higher than that for women. The effect size was small (Cohen's d = -0.305). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that, within this sample, parents generally view AI positively and may be receptive to its integration into dental practice. These results may support the appropriate integration of AI into dental practice. It is also necessary to assess the effects on patient satisfaction and the quality of healthcare services.