Uso de la Inteligencia Artificial por Docentes de Odontología en la Universidad Católica de Cuenca: Use of Artificial Intelligence by Dentistry Faculty at the Catholic University of Cuenca

Cristina Michelle Ortiz Vázquez; Marco Antonio Marín Guamán

doi:10.29394/Scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.37.10.201-219

Authors

Cristina Michelle Ortiz Vázquez Universidad Católica de Cuenca, UCACUE https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4422-6422
Marco Antonio Marín Guamán Universidad Católica de Cuenca, UCACUE https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2210-6872

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29394/Scientific.issn.2542-2987.2025.10.37.10.201-219

Keywords:

artificial intelligence, teaching personnel, higher education, educational technology

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a tool with growing application in dentistry, although its incorporation into university teaching faces multiple obstacles. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, use, and perception of AI among faculty members of the Dentistry Program at the Catholic University of Cuenca during March-September 2024. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 faculty members using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results indicated that 75% of faculty members have partial or complete knowledge about AI; however, only 20% use it regularly in their classes. Younger faculty members and those with postgraduate degrees showed greater familiarity with these tools. 95% consider AI valuable for dental practice. The main barriers identified were lack of specific training, limited technological infrastructure, and resistance to change. No statistically significant associations were found between demographic variables and AI use. It is concluded that, despite existing knowledge, practical application of AI in dental education remains limited, highlighting the need for faculty training programs and improvements in institutional infrastructure.

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Author Biographies

Cristina Michelle Ortiz Vázquez, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, UCACUE

Nacida en Cuenca, Ecuador, el 22 de diciembre del año 1999. Egresada de la Carrera de Odontología por la Universidad Católica de Cuenca (CACUE); Integrante del proyecto de Vinculación con la Sociedad en la Clínica Especializada de Labio Paladar Fisurado de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca (CACUE); Practicas preprofesionales en la Clínica de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca (CACUE); he participado en Congresos Nacionales e Internacionales en mi área de estudio.

Marco Antonio Marín Guamán, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, UCACUE

Nacido en la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador el 29 de mayo del año 1976. Ingeniero de Sistemas por la Universidad Católica de Cuenca (UCACUE); Especialista en Docencia Universitaria por la Universidad Católica de Cuenca (UCACUE); Magister en Procesos Educativos Mediados por la Tecnología por la Universidad Nacional de Córdova (UNC); Diplomado en Inteligencia Artificial Generativa por la Universidad de la Américas (UDLA); Diplomado en Inteligencia Artificial Aplicada a la Docencia; Diplomado en Criminología y Ciencias Forenses; Doctor en Comunicación por la Universidad de La Habana (UH); Docente Universitario con 25 años de experiencia; autor de varios artículos relacionados con educación, redes sociales e inteligencia artificial; expositor en diferentes congresos nacionales e internacionales; miembro de la Red de Editores y Revistas Científicas Ecuatorianas (RERCIE); miembro de Red de Docentes de América Latina y del Caribe (RedDOLAC).

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Use of Artificial Intelligence by Dentistry Faculty at the Catholic University of Cuenca