The role and perception of CAD/CAM in fixed prosthodontics : a survey of private-practice dentists in Greater Casablanca

Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has revolutionized dentistry by offering digital prosthetic restorations. However, its adoption and practitioners’ perception remain poorly documented, particularly in Morocco. To analyze the current perceptions, attitudes and practices of private-sector dentists in Greater Casablanca regarding the use of CAD/CAM. A cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiological survey was conducted among 314 private-sector dentists in Greater Casablanca between December 2025 and January 2026. Data were collected via an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The study revealed a predominance of female practitioners (67.8%) and a majority of young practitioners aged 25 to 35 (35.4%). Only 14.65% of practitioners (46/314) regularly used CAD/CAM for fixed prostheses, with a further 1.27% (4/314) reporting occasional use. The high investment cost was the main barrier, cited by 72.7% of non-users. Among the 50 current users, 88% used semi-direct CAD/CAM and 12% used direct and/or indirect CAD/CAM. The main motivation was time savings (88%). CAD/CAM use was significantly more frequent among male practitioners and among those with more years of experience (both p < 0.001). The majority of practitioners (86%) reported that incorporating CAD/CAM into their university curriculum could have had a positive impact, and 100% were convinced of its importance for the future of dentistry. The adoption of CAD/CAM remains limited among dentists in the Greater Casablanca region, primarily due to cost. Nevertheless, a strong perception of its importance and a desire for training underscore the need to further integrate this technology into the university curriculum and to facilitate access to it for practitioners. This survey reveals that semi-direct CAD/CAM, used by 88% of adopters, constitutes a realistic and accessible gateway to digital dentistry. For hesitant practitioners, purchasing a simple intraoral scanner allows them to reap the benefits of digital technology (time savings, simplified communication with the laboratory) without the massive investment required for a milling machine, thereby facilitating a gradual and controlled transition to a fully digital workflow.