FROM TELL-SHOW-DO TO BEHAVIOUR BOTS: GAUGING THE CLINICAL ADOPTION AND HURDLES OF ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCEIN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY ACROSS KERALA

Background:-Managing childrens behaviour during dental treatment is an important part of pediatric dental practice. Dental anxiety and fear can make treatment difficult and may affect cooperation between the child and the dental team. Conventional behaviour guidance techniques remain important, but advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies have introduced additional approaches for distraction, communication, education, and behavior guidance. However, information regarding the awareness and actual use of these technologies among pediatric dentists in Kerala is limited. Aim:-To assess the awareness, familiarity, perceived effectiveness, utilization, educational needs, and barriers related to AI and digital technologies used for behaviour guidance among pediatric dentists in Kerala, India.