Generative Artificial Intelligence in Dental Education: Current Applications, Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a rapidly evolving technology with growing applications in healthcare education. Large language models, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Microsoft Copilot, are increasingly being used to support learning, assessment, scientific writing and educational content development. In dental education, these technologies offer opportunities to enhance access to information, facilitate self-directed learning, provide personalized educational support, and improve student engagement. This narrative review summarizes the current applications of generative AI in dental education and discusses its potential benefits, challenges, and future implications. Current evidence suggests that AI can support theoretical learning, clinical reasoning, assessment, feedback, and research-related activities. However, important concerns remain regarding the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated information, hallucinations, academic integrity, bias, data privacy, and excessive dependence on automated systems. The successful integration of generative AI into dental curricula requires the development of AI literacy, ethical guidelines, and evidence-based implementation strategies. Although AI technologies have considerable potential to enhance educational processes, they should complement rather than replace educators, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and hands-on clinical training. Continued research is needed to evaluate the long-term educational impact of AI and to establish best practices for its responsible use in dental education.