Study on the Attitudes toward Artificial Intelligence and Digital Literacy of Dental Hygiene Students

Background: The Fourth Industrial Revolution highlights the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy in dental hygiene education. However, research on students’ attitudes toward AI and their digital literacy levels is limited. Therefore, this study investigated the attitudes of dental hygiene students toward AI and digital literacy levels. Methods: In total, 167 dental hygiene students in Baekseok University participated in the study and provided informed consent. The survey tool included general characteristics, smartphone usage patterns, attitudes toward AI, and digital literacy levels. Attitudes toward AI and digital literacy based on general characteristics and smart device usage were analyzed using t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Correlations among attitudes toward AI, digital literacy awareness, and digital literacy behaviors were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis. The impact of AI attitudes and digital literacy awareness on digital literacy behavior was examined using linear regression analysis. Results: Students with higher interest in their major had more positive attitudes toward AI, and those with higher smart device usage showed increased AI attitudes and digital literacy (p＜0.05). Simple frequency or duration of smartphone use did not affect digital literacy, but students who perceived their smart device usage positively and believed that they used smart devices effectively in their studies exhibited higher levels of digital literacy (p＜0.05). A positive attitude toward AI is associated with higher levels of digital literacy (p＜0.05). Digital literacy awareness and attitudes toward AI influenced digital literacy behavior (p＜0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that the qualified utilization and application of digital devices in dental hygiene education are important. Improving the educational curriculum is necessary; as a result, digital technology can be effectively utilized, and various educational programs should be introduced to enhance digital literacy.