Dutch study finds strong dental support for AI

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 13. January 2026

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AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: According to a new cross-sectional study, dental professionals and students in the Netherlands are broadly positive about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical dentistry. However, many respondents identified a need for structured training on using AI, and the authors called for education on the technology to be integrated into formal dental training.

Most of the 166 respondents viewed AI not as a threat to clinical roles but as a supportive technology with the potential to save time and improve patient outcomes. Participants identified substantial potential for AI in specialist and advanced care, particularly in supporting planning for jaw surgery and implant placement. The second area of strongest perceived value related to image-based diagnostic tasks, including the detection of caries, periodontal and endodontic abnormalities, and jaw pathologies, as well as evaluation of treatment success. Together, these findings reflect growing interest in using AI across diagnostic and planning workflows in both general and specialist dentistry.

Importantly, both clinicians and students emphasised the need for AI education; however, most respondents indicated a preference for training to take place at conferences instead of in dental schools. The authors wrote: “We do not know the reasons behind this preference, and further research should be carried out before designing education or training programmes. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend the structural incorporation of AI education into dental curricula and professional education.” The authors argued that preparedness will be crucial not only for utilisation but also for responsible co-development and evaluation of emerging AI tools in dentistry.

Bridging the gap between innovation and practice

While AI technologies have advanced rapidly in recent years—particularly in radiographic interpretation and predictive analytics—clinical adoption has lagged behind technological capabilities. The study helps shed light on one key barrier: acceptability among end users.

By documenting predominantly positive perceptions among Dutch dental professionals and students and a strong appetite for education, the research suggests that confidence in AI and competence in using it may be as important as the technology’s capabilities. As AI applications expand across dental specialties, the study offers evidence that practitioners are ready and willing to embrace these tools when supported by robust training and clear clinical value. The authors highlight that further research with larger, diverse cohorts and longitudinal follow-up is needed to deepen understanding of how educational interventions could shape AI adoption in dentistry.

The study, titled “AI acceptability in dentistry: Insights from dental professionals and students in the Netherlands: A pilot study”, was published online in the December 2025 issue of the International Dental Journal.

Topics:

General Dentistry

Tags:

Artificial intelligence Dental education Dental research Dental training Netherlands

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