ChatGPT and dental education: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

The advent of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT), a conversational artificial intelligence application, has sparked considerable interest and debate within the educational sphere. This narrative article explores the potential implications of ChatGPT on dental education, including its applications, challenges, and ethical considerations. In the realm of dental school admissions, the use of ChatGPT raises questions about academic integrity and the equitable access to resources for applicants. While it may offer benefits in aiding students with writer's block, concerns arise regarding plagiarism and the authenticity of personal statements. Furthermore, its impact on the learning experiences of dental students presents both opportunities and challenges. While ChatGPT can serve as a helpful learning tool, its use may also hinder the development of critical thinking skills and lead to issues of academic dishonesty. In the realm of research, ChatGPT holds promise for facilitating literature analysis, question-answering, and information retrieval. However, its limitations, such as the lack of domain-specific knowledge and potential for bias, must be considered. Ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content, including misinformation and transparency, necessitate careful regulation and oversight. Looking ahead, the integration of generative AI models into dental education requires collaborative efforts to establish best practices and ethical guidelines. Future research should focus on developing tailored AI models specific to dental education and investigating their long-term effects on learning outcomes and patient care. Ultimately, as educators, it is imperative to embrace technological advancements while ensuring responsible and equitable integration into dental education curricula.