Decoding AI Curricular Integration: Navigating Course Quality in Brazilian Dental Master's Programs

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts into dental education is a critical transformation that has the potential to revolutionize patient care. However, the understanding of the extent to which AI concepts have been integrated into dental master's programs in Brazil is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of AI-related content in Brazilian master’s degree programs for Dental Professionals. Using official data, from the Brazilian Government 92 master programs were analysed. Within the 2161 disciplines evaluated it was observed that only 13 courses, usually higher quality scored courses (p < 0.001) offered AI-related content. Besides, no correlations were demonstrated between the offering of AI-related content and the course's geographic location (p > 0.05), type of master course (academic or professional) (p > 0.05), and whether it was offered from a public or private institution (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the integration of AI-related content into Brazilian dental master's programs is limited, and usually related to higher quality scored courses. While demonstrating the impacts of the course quality on its innovative method this study emphasizes the urge for a multidimensional approach ensuring an effective integration of AI in the dental profession in Brazil.