The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Technology (RT) is rapidly transforming healthcare, but its specific application in dentistry—especially for patients with disabilities—has remained largely unexplored, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia. A groundbreaking new study published in Scientific Reports sheds light on this very topic, exploring how dentists perceive and use these advanced technologies to care for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The study, the first of its kind in the Saudi context, offers valuable insights into the current landscape and future potential of AI in specialized dental care.
How Are Dentists Using AI and Robotics Today?
The research, conducted via a comprehensive online survey of 309 dental professionals in Saudi Arabia, found that a significant number of dentists are already leveraging AI and RT in their practices.
Among dentists who work with PWDs, 59.2% reported using AI/RT in various aspects of clinical care5. The technology is being applied across a wide spectrum of dental work:
Treatment Planning: This was the most common application, with 43.7% of dentists using AI/RT.
Diagnostic Tests and Medical Diagnosis: These areas saw high usage, at 38% and 36.6% respectively.
Health Education and Behavioral Training: AI/RT was used by 36.2% of dentists for health education and 32.9% for behavioral training sessions.
Clinical Procedures: Nearly a quarter of dentists reported using these technologies for clinical examinations (23.9%), while 28.6% used them for invasive procedures and 31.5% for non-invasive procedures9.
This widespread adoption indicates that AI is not just a futuristic concept but a practical tool that is actively enhancing the quality of care for PWDs today.
Perceptions and Attitudes: A Mix of Positivity and Neutrality
How do dentists feel about using these technologies? The study revealed a generally favorable, albeit cautious, view.
A majority of dentists (54.9%) held a positive perception of using AI/RT in dentistry.
However, when it came to their personal attitude towards adoption, only 28.6% reported a positive attitude, with the majority feeling neutral.
Interestingly, a large majority of dentists see the benefits. For instance, 97.3% agreed that AI/RT can increase career productivity and medical education.
A surprising 81.5% of dentists even agreed or strongly agreed that AI could one day permanently replace them, highlighting a powerful belief in the technology's potential.
The Single Biggest Factor for Adoption: Training
Despite positive perceptions and a variety of work settings, the study found one overwhelmingly significant predictor for whether a dentist would use AI and robotic technology: previous training.
After analyzing all variables, dentists who had received prior training in AI or RT were
9.18 times more likely to use these technologies in their care for PWDs than those without training15151515. This finding underscores a critical point: exposure and education are the keys to unlocking the full potential of AI in the dental field. The lack of standardized AI courses was identified as a major barrier to adoption.
The Path Forward: Education and Collaboration
This pioneering study makes it clear that while AI and robotics are already making an impact, there is an urgent need for greater integration of these topics into dental education—from undergraduate studies to continuing professional development.
The authors recommend promoting collaborations between dental institutions and stakeholders in the AI and robotics industry to deepen the exploration of these technologies and demonstrate their practical benefits. By bridging the training gap, the dental community can ensure that these powerful tools are used effectively and ethically to improve oral health outcomes for all patients, especially the most vulnerable.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10988-x
Original Article: Barnawi, N.A., AlAmmar, F.A., Aldabeis, S.A. et al. Dentists' perception and use of AI and robotics in the care of persons with disabilities. Sci Rep 15, 27551 (2025).