Utilization of Chairside restorative CAD/CAM Technology at General Dental Practices: A Cross-Sectional Survey

This is a cross-sectional survey, investigating the adoption of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology among general dentists working in private practices. It explores the prevalence of restorative CAD-CAM utilization and describes self-reported perceptions of the technology. The 23-question instrument comprised three sections catering to both CAD-CAM users and non-users and was disseminated using the Qualtrics platform to actively practicing general dentists in the state of Maryland (USA). Data was analyzed and presented descriptively. The most reported profile of a general dentist who is CAD-CAM user in Maryland is a white male, in his forties, with over a decade of professional experience. Most respondents have a DDS/DMD supplemented by continuing education (CE) training in digital dentistry, and practice in urban areas. Motivations reported by participants for implementing a restorative CAD-CAM system were reduced overhead costs, increased productivity, and enhanced restoration quality control. Most users had a favorable perception towards the technology and acknowledged that training and practice are necessary to achieve proficiency in a restorative CAD-CAM workflow. In-house restorative CAD-CAM systems are associated with self-reported positive outcomes such as increased productivity and improved restoration quality. Incorporating these technologies is beneficial in improving access to care. Dental program curricula must adapt to support the change in delivery of dental care.