Attitude, awareness, and understanding of Artificial Intelligence AI among medical and dental students in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction: The rapid growth of AI has transformed various sectors, including healthcare. AI aids medical diagnoses and treatment planning, but challenges such as privacy and ethical concerns exist. Understanding AI is crucial for medical and dental students in Jordan to enhance patient care. This study examines students' attitudes, awareness, and understanding of AI to inform effective education and better healthcare practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan among medical and dental students from Nov 2022 to Mar 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman's correlation. Ethical approval was obtained, and SPSS was used for analysis. Result: A survey of 800 medical and dental students in Jordan revealed significant variations in AI awareness, understanding, and attitudes. Notably, 54.6% were female, average age 19.81. Only 38.8% had tech family background. 35.0% used social media for AI info. 28.0% believed AI would improve medical diagnosis. Correlation showed positive link between AI awareness and understanding (r: 0.491, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The younger generation of medical and dental professionals’ views AI as a collaborator in their practice. Strong interest and active engagement in AI-related courses highlight the importance of integrating AI education into medical curricula for innovative healthcare practices.