HIGHLIGHTING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING CAD/CAM TECHNOLOGY AMONG ORAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN CLUJ-NAPOCA

Authors: Alexandru-Victor BURDE, Sorana BACIU, Daniela POPA, Mariana CONSTANTINIUC2, Marius MANOLE, Eva KALLAY, Radu-Septimiu CÂMPIAN

Abstract:

Aims. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and degree of acceptance of dental CAD/CAM systems among oral healtcare providers in the city of Cluj- Napoca, Romania. Materials and methods. A questionnarebased survey containing 23 questions was distributed by
means of a web-based social platform to the dentists practising in the city of Cluj-Napoca. 103 valid questionnaires from oral healthcare physicians with more than one year experience in clinical practice were obtained. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and results were expressed as number and percentage for each question. Results and discussion. A significant percentage of dentists asserted they have theoretical knowledge about this technology (85.4%), while only nine dentists (8.73%) currently use CAD/CAM technology in their clinical practice. However, over 75% of the surveyed subjects intend to use at least an intraoral digital scanner in the next 5 years. Most of the surveyed clinicians consider that their profession is not affected by the introduction of subtractive manufacturing systems, however the role of the dental technicians is diminished by the introduction of this technology. Conclusions. At present, a relatively small number of oral health providers are using CAD/CAM systems in their clinical practice, even most of them plan to use this technology in the near future.

Keywords:
  • CAD CAM
  • dentistry
  • subtractive manufacturing.
  • survey