Development and Validation of a Questionnaire Comparing the Role of Conventional Versus Digital Technologies as an Innovating Tool in Prosthodontics
Background/Objectives: The rapid evolution of digital technologies has significantly transformed prosthodontic workflows, improving clinical precision, communication, and patient satisfaction. However, the extent to which dental professionals perceive, integrate, and evaluate these technologies remains insufficiently standardized. This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire for assessing perceptions, attitudes, perceived advantages, barriers, and future intentions regarding the use of digital technologies in prosthodontic practice. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 420 dental professionals (305 dentists and 115 dental technicians) from Northeastern Romania. The 27-item questionnaire, structured on five theoretical dimensions, was distributed online via the Survio platform. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha, and construct validity was analyzed through Exploratory Factor Analysis (Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation). Conclusions: Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients ranged from 0.700 to 0.799 across the five dimensions, indicating acceptable to very good internal reliability. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin value (0.646) and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity (p < 0.001) confirmed data suitability for factor analysis. The validated questionnaire represents a reliable and conceptually coherent tool for evaluating professional perspectives on digitalization in prosthodontics. Its application can inform educational strategies, guide institutional investments, and support a balanced transition toward integrated digital workflows in clinical and laboratory settings.
Authors
- Monica Tatarciuc (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7178-8283)
- Oana Butnaru (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7404-399X)
- Florinel Cosmin Bida (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0319-0538)
- Dragoș Ioan Virvescu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6872-179X)
- Gabriel Rotundu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2536-7667)
- Zinovia Surlari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5914-2891)
- Florin Razvan Curca
- Ionut Luchian
- Carina Balcos
- Valentin Lamasanu
- Dana Gabriela Budala
Institutions
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Prosthesis
- Published
- 2025-12-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis8010002
- Primary Topic
- Dental Research and COVID-19
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00