Use Of Digital Technologies In Prosthodontic Clinical Practice Among Prosthodontists In Tamilnadu And Pondicherry

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.