Knowledge and Experience of Saudi Dental Practitioners with Intraoral Scanners

Teeth are digitalized using intraoral scanners, which is an efficient way to get a patient-provided direct digital model. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the experience of Saudi dental practitioners with intraoral scanners, investigate the current knowledge and improve the practice accordingly.

Electronic questionnaires were randomly sent to Saudi dental professionals. Of the 400 questionnaires that were submitted for the study, 310 were determined to be reliable. Details on the practitioners' gender, experience level, and practice level were documented. The capabilities and advantages of intraoral scanners, which require IOS knowledge and training, and understanding of how to use IOS were also recorded. The gathered data was examined using descriptive statistics, which includes numbers and percentages. The findings were analyzed using the Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests.

There were 161 women (51.8%) and 149 men among the participants (47.9%). General practitioners (198, or 63.7%) had the most subjects, followed by specialists in restorative (80, or 25.7%) and consultants (32, or 10.3%). In terms of IOS use in dental practice, most participants (70.6%) do not use it, while less than one-third do. The majority of participants (52.3%) intend to purchase IOS with significant variations based on gender, experience, and level of practice (p<0.05). Compared to traditional, most participants believe that IOS will eventually replace it, improve quality, and be more aesthetically pleasing. Most dentists believe that using IOS requires special skills and training. More than half of dentists believe IOSs have the same level of accuracy as conventional in producing three units FPDs, implant prosthesis, and complete denture.

It can be concluded that dentists have a high level of satisfaction and a favorable attitude toward using IOS technology in clinical dentistry practice.