Evaluation of Undergraduate Dental Students’ Opinions on the Use of Digital Versus Conventional Design in Prosthodontics

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The integration of digital technologies into dental education is becoming increasingly important, particularly in prosthodontics, where digital design tools offer enhanced precision and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate second-year dental students' perceptions regarding conventional versus digital design in prosthodontics, assessing their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and attitudes toward these approaches. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 141 dental students enrolled in Faculty of Dentistry from "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, participated in an online survey consisting of 19 questions evaluating their understanding, preferences, attitudes, and expectations regarding digital and conventional prosthodontic workflows. Additionally, students' practical exam grades and task completion times for both conventional and digital design methods were evaluated. <b>Results</b>: Participating students reported sufficient understanding of theoretical concepts in both conventional (92.9%) and digital design (91.5%). A significant proportion (78.7%) felt confident in their practical skills for conventional design, while 78% expressed the same for digital design. Statistically significant correlations indicated that students who believed digital design could replace conventional methods associated digital design with greater accuracy (<i>p</i> = 0.020), predictability (<i>p</i> = 0.048), and sustainability (<i>p</i> = 0.032). Students who believed they had acquired enough skills in digital design responded more frequently that the time allocation for digital design by the university was sufficient (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Moreover, students scored significantly higher in digital design practical exams compared to conventional design (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Task completion times were also shorter for digital workflows, further supporting their efficiency. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings suggest that students are highly receptive to digital technologies in prosthodontics, favoring digital workflows over conventional techniques. These results highlight the need for continued integration of digital tools into dental curricula to enhance students' competency and prepare them for modern clinical practice.

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Publication Details

Journal
Dentistry Journal
Published
2025-05-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13060242
Citations
3
Primary Topic
Dental Research and COVID-19
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
8.47
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article

Evaluation of Undergraduate Dental Students’ Opinions on the Use of Digital Versus Conventional Design in Prosthodontics

Vlad Gabriel Vasilescu, Andreea Cristiana Didilescu, Mihaela Pantea, Ruxandra Ionela Sfeatcu et al.
3 citations
Dentistry Journal
Dental Research and COVID-19
8.47
article

Evaluation of Undergraduate Dental Students’ Opinions on the Use of Digital Versus Conventional Design in Prosthodontics

Vlad Gabriel Vasilescu, Andreea Cristiana Didilescu, Mihaela Pantea, Ruxandra Ionela Sfeatcu, Alexandra Totan, Ana Maria Cristina Țâncu, Lucian Toma Ciocan, Alexandra Popa, Silviu Pițuru, Marina Meleșcanu Imre
article en
3 citations

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The integration of digital technologies into dental education is becoming increasingly important, particularly in prosthodontics, where digital design tools offer enhanced precision and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate second-year dental students' perceptions regarding conventional versus digital design in prosthodontics, assessing their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and attitudes toward these approaches. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 141 dental students enrolled in Faculty of Dentistry from "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, participated in an online survey consisting of 19 questions evaluating their understanding, preferences, attitudes, and expectations regarding digital and conventional prosthodontic workflows. Additionally, students' practical exam grades and task completion times for both conventional and digital design methods were evaluated. <b>Results</b>: Participating students reported sufficient understanding of theoretical concepts in both conventional (92.9%) and digital design (91.5%). A significant proportion (78.7%) felt confident in their practical skills for conventional design, while 78% expressed the same for digital design. Statistically significant correlations indicated that students who believed digital design could replace conventional methods associated digital design with greater accuracy (<i>p</i> = 0.020), predictability (<i>p</i> = 0.048), and sustainability (<i>p</i> = 0.032). Students who believed they had acquired enough skills in digital design responded more frequently that the time allocation for digital design by the university was sufficient (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Moreover, students scored significantly higher in digital design practical exams compared to conventional design (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Task completion times were also shorter for digital workflows, further supporting their efficiency. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings suggest that students are highly receptive to digital technologies in prosthodontics, favoring digital workflows over conventional techniques. These results highlight the need for continued integration of digital tools into dental curricula to enhance students' competency and prepare them for modern clinical practice.

Dentistry JournalVol. 13(6)
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Dental Research and COVID-19
8.47
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