Exploring Dentists’ Perceptions and Capacity to Adopt Digital Records and Telediagnostics: A Step Towards AI and Teledentistry Integration in Dental Clinics

Authors

  • Ammar Ahmed Siddiqui BDS, MDentPH, MFDS RCPSG, FRSPH UK, DDPHRCS Eng Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha’il, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8816-6421
  • Hassan Jan BDS, MSc Department of Operative Dentistry & Endodontics, Peshawar Medical & Dental College, Peshawar, Pakistan, https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0758-4454
  • Malik Zain Ul Abideen BDS, MME Department of Dental Education & Research, College of Dentistry, Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College, Multan, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9465-7166
  • Wajahat Hussain BDS, M.PHIL Department of Science of Dental Materials, Multan Medical & Dental College, Multan, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5674-7800
  • Yasser Riaz Malik BDS, M.intl.ph Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha’il, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5815-8263
  • Junaid Amin DPT, MHPE Department of Physiotherapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Aimen Batool BDS, MDSc Department of Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Bakhtawar Amin Medical & Dental College, Multan, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0445-403X
  • Nashwa Alzaki A. Bushara BDS, Clinical MD Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Ha’il, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30953/thmt.v11.635

Keywords:

Artificial intelligence, dentist, Pakistan, teledentistry, telediagnosis

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI), electronic dental records (EDRs) and telediagnostics promise improvements in diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency, and access to specialist care. In Pakistan, the transition from manual to digital dental practice is constrained by infrastructure, finance, and training gaps. This study explored dentists’ perceptions and capacity to adopt EDRs and telediagnostics in Multan, Pakistan.

Methods:

A qualitative exploratory design was used. Fifteen licensed dentists ( ≥1 year experience) from  private, public and mixed settings in Multan were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews (26–32 minutes) were conducted in person or virtually, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Braun & Clarke thematic analysis. Two researchers independently coded transcripts, with member-checking and peer debriefing supporting trustworthiness. Reporting follows COREQ.

Results: Most participants were aged 35–44 years (46.7%), with 53.3% male and 53.3% practicing as general dentists. Five themes emerged: (1) Professional background & digital engagement (extent of exposure; learning pathways); (2) Current practice & workflow (hybrid documentation; use of digital imaging/data sharing); (3) Barriers & enablers to adoption (financial/resource constraints; infrastructural/technical capacity; platform availability); (4) Perceptions & preparedness (anticipated benefits for remote diagnosis; concerns regarding data privacy, reliability; variable practical readiness); and (5) Recommendations for policy & governance (awareness vs. implementation gap; call for incentives, guidelines, and targeted training). Participants reported the pragmatic adoption of imaging and hybrid record-keeping but identified interconnected financial, technical, and governance barriers that limit broader uptake.

Conclusions: Dentists show early, yet uneven adoption of digital tools. To enable safe, equitable integration of telediagnostics and AI, policymakers and institutions should prioritize affordable interoperable EDRs, accredited modular training, technical support, and clear governance mechanisms.

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Siddiqui, A. A., Jan, H., Abideen, M. Z. U., Hussain, W., Malik, Y. R., Amin, J., … Bushara, N. A. A. (2026). Exploring Dentists’ Perceptions and Capacity to Adopt Digital Records and Telediagnostics: A Step Towards AI and Teledentistry Integration in Dental Clinics. Telehealth and Medicine Today, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.30953/thmt.v11.635

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): Telehealth and Medicine Today

Section

Original Clinical Research

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Ammar Ahmed Siddiqui; Hassan Jan; Malik Zain Ul Abideen, Wajahat Hussain, Yasser Riaz Malik, Junaid Amin, Aimen Batool, Nashwa Alzaki A. Bushara

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright of their work, with first publication rights granted to  Telehealth and Medicine Today (THMT).

THMT is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.