The Ethical Boundaries of Chairside Generative Artificial Intelligence in Dental Education.

Abstract

In dental school clinics, students are increasingly using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT during patient care. This chairside, or point of care, use raises ethical concerns, particularly around supervision, patient safety, and training quality. This paper argues that GenAI can be ethically used in dental education if implemented with transparency, structured oversight, and robust ethics training. Using a utilitarian framework, the paper explores how GenAI can maximize benefits, such as consistency and efficiency, while minimizing harm when used appropriately. It emphasizes that faculty must guide students in GenAI use, and that patients should have the opportunity to provide informed consent when GenAI influences care. Responsibly incorporating GenAI in dental school clinics should prepare students to become competent, ethical clinicians in a technology-integrated healthcare system.