Innovation and application of Large Language Models (LLMs) in dentistry – a scoping review

Large Language Models (LLMs) have revolutionized healthcare, yet their integration in dentistry remains underexplored. Therefore, this scoping review aims to systematically evaluate current literature on LLMs in dentistry.

The search covered PubMed, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar, with studies selected based on predefined criteria. Data were extracted to identify applications, evaluation metrics, prompting strategies, and deployment levels of LLMs in dental practice.

From 4079 records, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. ChatGPT was the predominant model, mainly used for post-operative patient queries. Likert scale was the most reported evaluation metric, and only two studies employed advanced prompting strategies. Most studies were at level 3 of deployment, indicating practical application but requiring refinement.

LLMs showed extensive applicability in dental specialties; however, reliance on ChatGPT necessitates diversified assessments across multiple LLMs. Standardizing reporting practices and employing advanced prompting techniques are crucial for transparency and reproducibility, necessitating continuous efforts to optimize LLM utility and address existing challenges.