Use Of Digital Technologies In Prosthodontic Clinical Practice Among Prosthodontists In Tamilnadu And Pondicherry : A Questionnaire Survey

Aswitha Ganapathy; C J Venkatakrishnan

doi:10.55995/j-cpi.2024009

Authors

Aswitha Ganapathy Tagore Dental College and Hospital, Melakottaiyur Post, Rathinamangalam, Vandalur, Chennai Tamilnadu 600127
Dr venkatakrishnan CJ Tagore Dental College and Hospital, Melakottaiyur Post, Rathinamangalam, Vandalur, Chennai Tamilnadu 600127

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55995/j-cpi.2024009

Keywords:

computer-aided design computer-aided manufacturing, dental practice, digital dentistry, prosthodontists

Abstract

Background: Digital dentistry includes treatments performed by means of digital or computer-controlled components rather than using mechanical or electrical equipment. The advancement of digital technology and the commencement of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and 3D printing has brought large changes to the traditional manufacturing method, where manual work is carried out after oral impression taking.

Aim: To conduct a questionnaire survey on use of digital technology in prosthodontic clinical practice among Prosthodontists in Tamilnadu and Pondicherry.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based online survey was undertaken amongst 183 Prosthodontists in Tamilnadu and Pondicherry (Group 1 – Both private practitioners and teaching faculty, Group 2 – Private practitioners, Group 3 – Teaching faculty). The questionnaire consisted of 21 questions which evaluated their awareness, knowledge and practices towards digital dentistry. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test in each group, using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The p-value 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Majority of the study participants were private practitioners in the age group of 25 – 45 years(93%).Among the three groups private practitioners had good knowledge, practice and awareness about the application of digital technologies.

Conclusion: Most of the participants were aware about digital technology in dentistry. The private practitioners showed better understanding about the digital technology. However, to make them familiar with CAD/CAM, dental education programs, workshops and hands on program should be conducted which will enable an emerging dentists who will be well versed with digital dentistry.

Author Biographies

Aswitha Ganapathy, Tagore Dental College and Hospital, Melakottaiyur Post, Rathinamangalam, Vandalur, Chennai Tamilnadu 600127

Post Graduate, Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge.

Dr venkatakrishnan CJ, Tagore Dental College and Hospital, Melakottaiyur Post, Rathinamangalam, Vandalur, Chennai Tamilnadu 600127

Principal, Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge

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