As AI use becomes increasingly integrated in higher education, faculty are establishing course- and assignment-level policies to clarify when and how students may use AI tools. Yet students often encounter inconsistent expectations and receive minimal insight into  why AI is permitted in some contexts but restricted in others. As a result, conversations about AI frequently focus on compliance rather than meaningful learning.

Explore how to move beyond rules and restrictions to provide the context that helps students understand, navigate and meet AI expectations. Drawing on principles of student motivation, transparency and professional identity formation, participants will examine strategies for communicating the purpose behind AI policies, connecting expectations to learning outcomes and framing AI use within the context of future clinical practice. Leave this session with practical approaches for helping students understand not only what the rules are, but why they matter.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze how the rationale behind AI expectations can influence student motivation, engagement and adherence to course policies.
• Align AI expectations with specific learning outcomes and the knowledge, skills and professional judgment students are expected to develop.
• Develop a communication strategy that explains what AI use is permitted or restricted, why the expectation exists and how it connects to students’ future professional practice.

Original Release Date:  October 8, 2026

Expiration Date: October 8, 2029

Questions?  Contact [email protected]

Teaching Method: Lecture

Disclaimer 

The purpose of this program is to educate and inform. Information provided in this program is not a substitute for professional care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests at this presentation express their own experience, opinions and conclusions, which do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or any organization or group with whom they may be affiliated. Expressed viewpoints and opinions by speaker(s), presenter(s), guest(s) and/or facilitator(s) are also not those of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), ADEA staff or the ADEA Board of Directors. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an endorsement by ADEA. 

CE Information

ADEA is an ADA CERP recognized provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a continuing education (CE) provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ada.org.

ADEA designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credits.

CE credit is awarded for overall participation in the ADEA eLearn webinar, "Beyond Compliance: Helping Students Understand the “Why” Behind AI."

All speakers agree they do not have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.

Technological Assistance 

For technological assistance, please reach out to the ADEA eLearn team at [email protected].  

Content Questions  

For questions related to the content or educational materials, please reach out to the ADEA eLearn team at [email protected].  

Membership Assistance 

For membership related questions (e.g. login issues, password reset, etc.), please reach out to the ADEA membership team at [email protected].