What is automation bias?

Automation bias refers to the phenomenon where individuals place undue trust in automated systems, such as artificial intelligence, leading to a situation where they may not critically evaluate the outputs or recommendations provided by these systems. This tendency can result in overlooking errors or inaccuracies since users might default to the assumption that an automated process is more reliable than human judgment.

In the context of dentistry and healthcare, this bias can be particularly concerning. For instance, if a clinician receives a diagnostic recommendation from an AI system, they might implement that suggestion without adequately considering the nuances of the patient's case. Recognizing automation bias is crucial as it underscores the importance of maintaining a critical eye on technology, ensuring that practitioners do not surrender their expertise or critical thinking skills to the perceived authority of automated tools.

Understanding automation bias highlights the need for training and strategies designed to keep human oversight at the forefront of decision-making processes, ensuring that AI serves as a supportive tool rather than a definitive answer.