Comparative Assessment of the Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices Regarding an Artificial Intelligence Tool (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer or ChatGPT) Among Dental Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students and the Teaching Faculty

Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming dentistry by enhancing diagnostics, treatment planning, and education. Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT), a conversational AI, offers the potential for improving communication, academic learning, and clinical decision-making. However, challenges like data privacy, ethical implications, and limited validation remain. This study evaluated the knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding ChatGPT among dental students and the teaching faculty in Maharashtra, India. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 participants: 161 undergraduates, 138 postgraduates, and 85 members of the teaching faculty. A pre-validated, closed-ended questionnaire with 22 questions assessed their knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding ChatGPT. Data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results A total of 384 participants, including undergraduates (n=161), postgraduates (n=138), and members of the teaching faculty (n=85), were surveyed about their knowledge, awareness, and use of ChatGPT in dentistry. The majority (87.2%) recognized ChatGPT as an AI-based neural network and were aware of its role in guiding patients and assisting in clinical decision-making. Postgraduates showed the highest knowledge and acceptance. Concerns about data privacy were prominent, especially among the teaching faculty (91.8%). Postgraduates frequently used ChatGPT for additional dental information and as a knowledge repository. However, faculty members were less likely to use ChatGPT for presentations, with significant differences observed across groups (P<0.05). Conclusion ChatGPT is gaining recognition for its diverse applications in dentistry, with the teaching faculty demonstrating increased awareness and postgraduate students demonstrating better knowledge and greater practical use. Integrating AI into dental education and developing targeted training programs can enhance its role in advancing education, research, and patient care.