Patient Acceptance and Safety of Nanobot Use in Dentistry:

Dental nanorobotics is an emerging field with the potential to enhance oral healthcare through targeted, minimally invasive interventions. This review examines current evidence on patient acceptance, safety, and regulatory considerations of dental nanobots. Preclinical studies demonstrate applications in dentinal hypersensitivity management, root canal disinfection, biofilm removal, targeted drug delivery, and local anesthesia, employing magnetic guidance, swarm behavior, and biosensing. Clinical translation remains limited due to safety concerns, incomplete regulatory frameworks, and patient apprehension regarding device autonomy and long-term effects. Patient acceptance is influenced by trust, education, prior exposure, and cultural factors, while clinicians highlight the need for robust ethical and safety protocols. To bridge laboratory research and clinical practice, comprehensive preclinical evaluation, transparent patient engagement, and clear regulatory pathways are essential. Future studies should focus on patient-centered qualitative research, pilot clinical trials, and systematic safety validation to support ethical, effective, and acceptable integration of nanobots in dentistry.