Bridging the gap between enthusiasm and competency: a national survey of knowledge, attitudes, and readiness for dental stem cell therapies among Saudi dental practitioners

Background: Regenerative dentistry, driven by dental stem cells (DSC), offers biologically based approaches for tissue repair and regeneration. Despite increasing scientific advances, clinical translation depends largely on dental practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and readiness to adopt these therapies. In Saudi Arabia, where biomedical innovation is emphasized under Vision 2030, the integration of DSC-based applications into routine dental practice remains insufficiently understood. Objective: This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice intentions (KAP) regarding dental stem cell applications among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia and identified key demographic and professional predictors. Methods: A nationwide, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted between November 2024 and August 2025 using a validated questionnaire. A total of 493 fully completed responses from actively practicing dentists were analyzed. Descriptive statistics summarized KAP outcomes, while chi-square tests and multivariate binary logistic regression were used to examine associations and independent predictors of good knowledge, positive attitude, and favourable clinical practice intention. Results: = 0.003) were also significant predictors of a positive attitude, while no factors independently predicted clinical practice intention. Conclusion: Saudi dentists show strong enthusiasm for regenerative dentistry but limited knowledge and clinical readiness. These findings highlight the need for structured curricular integration, targeted continuing professional development, and supportive regulatory frameworks to bridge the gap between theoretical interest and the safe, effective clinical application of dental stem cell-based therapies in Saudi Arabia.