Should Artificial Intelligence Literacy Be Integrated in Postgraduate Endodontic Programs?

Dear Editor

Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively transforming different aspects of dentistry, with endodontics poised to experience significant impacts.1, 2, 3 Promising applications encompass radiographic interpretation, cone beam computed tomography analysis, automated detection of periapical pathoses, treatment outcome prediction, case triage, and clinical decision support systems.¹ Although many of these innovations are still maturing, it is evident that future endodontic practice will necessitate clinicians to not only adeptly utilise these technologies but also possess a critical understanding of them. This raises a pivotal educational consideration: should AI literacy be an obligatory component of postgraduate endodontic training?

Historically, postgraduate programs have prioritised biological foundations, technical proficiency, clinical management, and research methodologies.⁴ These elements continue to be fundamental; however, contemporary specialist education must also equip graduates for a digital health care landscape where AI tools increasingly inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient communication. Insufficient training may lead clinicians to either accept AI outputs uncritically or dismiss potentially beneficial technologies outright, neither of which optimally serves patient care.

AI literacy does not imply that residents need to become computer scientists or software developers. Instead, it encompasses practical competency in understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI, the nuances of algorithm training, the significance of data quality, bias risks, limitations in generalisability, and the distinctions between probability and certainty. Furthermore, postgraduate trainees should be familiar with concepts such as explainability, accountability, privacy, and medicolegal considerations regarding AI-assisted decision-making in clinical settings.

This focus is particularly pertinent in endodontics, where clinical uncertainty is commonplace. Tasks such as diagnosing pulpal disease, interpreting ambiguous radiographic findings, weighing the options between vital pulp therapy and root canal treatment, and evaluating retreatment case prognoses are complex and multidimensional. As AI systems increasingly inform these decisions, specialists must be well prepared to critically engage with recommendations instead of passively accepting them.

There is also a compelling academic rationale for this training. Postgraduate programs are expected to cultivate future researchers, educators, and leaders in the specialty. Graduates lacking familiarity with AI methodologies may find it challenging to critically scrutinise emerging literature, contribute to innovative practices, or advocate for responsible AI implementation within their institutions. Conversely, those equipped with AI literacy are better positioned to ensure the ethical and evidence-based introduction of new technologies.

Crucially, AI education should complement—not supplant—traditional specialist training. Sound clinical judgment, biological insights, and hands-on skills remain indispensable. In fact, as technological assistance increases, the critical role of human judgement becomes even more pronounced. Therefore, training should position AI as a supplementary resource within clinician-led care.

Practical implementation of AI education need not impose significant burdens. Concise curriculum modules, journal clubs centred on AI-related literature, interdisciplinary seminars, and case-based discussions could serve as effective starting points. The goal is not to achieve mastery of coding but to foster informed and critical engagement with AI technologies.

Endodontics has historically adapted well to technological advancements, from rotary instrumentation to sophisticated imaging techniques and operating microscopy.⁵ AI may represent the next major evolution in the field. If this is the case, postgraduate education must take a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. AI literacy should be considered an essential professional competency for the emerging cohort of endodontists.

Conflict of interest

None disclosed.