Barriers and Enablers for Artificial Intelligence in Dental Diagnostics: A Qualitative Study

• Main Authors: Anne Müller, Sarah Marie Mertens, Gerd Göstemeyer, Joachim Krois, Falk Schwendicke
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical Medicine
• Subjects: artificial intelligence; radiography dental digital; qualitative research; models psychological; models theoretical
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/8/1612

The present study aimed to identify barriers and enablers for the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in dental, specifically radiographic, diagnostics. Semi-structured phone interviews with dentists and patients were conducted between the end of May and the end of June 2020 (convenience/snowball sampling). A questionnaire developed along the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capabilities, Opportunities and Motivations influencing Behaviors model (COM-B) was used to guide interviews. Mayring’s content analysis was employed to point out barriers and enablers. We identified 36 barriers, conflicting themes or enablers, covering nine of the fourteen domains of the TDF and all three determinants of behavior (COM). Both stakeholders emphasized chances and hopes for AI. A range of enablers for implementing AI in dental diagnostics were identified (e.g., the chance for higher diagnostic accuracy, a reduced workload, more comprehensive reporting and better patient–provider communication). Barriers related to reliance on AI and responsibility for medical decisions, as well as the explainability of AI and the related option to de-bug AI applications, emerged. Decision-makers and industry may want to consider these aspects to foster implementation of AI in dentistry.