IADR Abstract Archives
Impact of AI-Based Chatbot on Orthodontic Patient Education: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Objectives: Today, orthodontic patients' collaboration is influenced not only by the information provided by the orthodontist but also by that available from Internet platforms and, more recently, from AI-based chatbots. AI-based chatbots have proven effective in promoting healthy lifestyles. However, little is known about the impact that the use of AI-based chatbot systems has on the knowledge and compliance of orthodontic patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact that a chatbot, which uses AI, has on orthodontic patient education in terms of compliance with oral hygiene procedures.
Methods: A total of 72 patients due to start fixed multi-bracket orthodontic therapy or aligner therapy were enrolled and divided into two groups. Control group received information leaflets (n=36), and Chatbot group received access to an AI-based chatbot (n=36). The chatbot was instructed by experienced orthodontic operators based on guidelines in the field. Plaque Index (PI) and Modified Gingival Index (MGI) were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 5 weeks of treatment (T1). Statistical investigations were conducted to carry out intra- and inter-group evaluations. Post-hoc analyses were carried out to compare the effects of the two therapies on the independent variables analysed.
Results: At T1 a statistically significant increase in MGI and PI was observed (P<0.001 and 0,01, respectively) in both analyzed groups. However, the increase in MGI in the chatbot group was statistically lower than that observed in the control group (P<0.001). Univariate and multivariate ANOVA indicated that in the chatbot-fixed orthodontic therapy subgroup, the increase in MGI was statistically higher than in the chatbot-aligners subgroup (p<0.001).
Conclusions: It can be inferred that the use of an AI-based chatbot, whose reliability of the information provided can be validated, positively influences patient compliance in terms of knowledge and adherence to oral hygiene manoeuvres. Indeed, patient-chatbot interactions, mimicking a dialogue between individuals, are an enabler of knowledge generation due to increased learner engagement and instant feedback and support. However, further studies with longer follow-ups are needed to better understand the impact chatbots may have on orthodontic patient management.
Methods: A total of 72 patients due to start fixed multi-bracket orthodontic therapy or aligner therapy were enrolled and divided into two groups. Control group received information leaflets (n=36), and Chatbot group received access to an AI-based chatbot (n=36). The chatbot was instructed by experienced orthodontic operators based on guidelines in the field. Plaque Index (PI) and Modified Gingival Index (MGI) were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 5 weeks of treatment (T1). Statistical investigations were conducted to carry out intra- and inter-group evaluations. Post-hoc analyses were carried out to compare the effects of the two therapies on the independent variables analysed.
Results: At T1 a statistically significant increase in MGI and PI was observed (P<0.001 and 0,01, respectively) in both analyzed groups. However, the increase in MGI in the chatbot group was statistically lower than that observed in the control group (P<0.001). Univariate and multivariate ANOVA indicated that in the chatbot-fixed orthodontic therapy subgroup, the increase in MGI was statistically higher than in the chatbot-aligners subgroup (p<0.001).
Conclusions: It can be inferred that the use of an AI-based chatbot, whose reliability of the information provided can be validated, positively influences patient compliance in terms of knowledge and adherence to oral hygiene manoeuvres. Indeed, patient-chatbot interactions, mimicking a dialogue between individuals, are an enabler of knowledge generation due to increased learner engagement and instant feedback and support. However, further studies with longer follow-ups are needed to better understand the impact chatbots may have on orthodontic patient management.