Systematic review of AI and immersive digital technologies in periodontal education for 3062 dental trainees and practitioners

This systematic review assessed the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive digital technologies in periodontal education. The study population comprised 3062 dental trainees and practitioners. Interventions included haptics-based virtual reality, 360°VR, virtual patient simulations, explainable AI, AI-enhanced imaging, and large language models, compared against conventional methods and traditional training. Follow-up duration was not reported.

Main results indicated that procedural skills, learner engagement, and communication abilities were improved with immersive digital technologies. In contrast, AI-assisted diagnostic tools demonstrated limited advantage. Large language models (LLMs) showed variable accuracy and reliability when used as test-takers. The review noted that automation bias may be introduced with certain AI applications.

Safety and tolerability data were not reported, and no adverse events or discontinuations were identified in the available evidence. Key limitations included mixed outcomes for AI applications and the variable accuracy of LLMs. The authors emphasized the need for future multi-center randomized controlled trials to assess long-term effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

Regarding practice relevance, dental educators should consider using blended, sequenced immersive digital technologies to enhance procedural and communication skills. AI diagnostic tools require safeguards against automation bias. While LLMs can assist with grading, they are currently unreliable as test-takers. The evidence does not support overstatement of benefits for AI diagnostic tools or LLMs in high-stakes testing scenarios.