Knowledge, attitude and practice assessment regarding 3D imaging among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) imaging has been widely utilized in dentistry to improve diagnosis, treatment planning and appliance fabrication.Technology was come increasingly important with developments in 3D imaging and modeling technology such as (CBCT), intraoral scanning and CAD/CAM. 3D imaging provides more precise and realistic diagnosticinformation on craniofacial hard and soft tissue, making 3D analysis easier, faster and more reliable, to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding 3D imaging in Saudi Arabian dental practitioners. Methodology: In our study, a Google forms online survey consisting of 25 questions was sent to orthodontists, orthodontic residents and general dentists and dental interns in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the questionnaire was asked about dental practitioner perceptions of three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The data obtained was analyzed using the following tests: Descriptive statistics tests (frequency, mean, median and mode, range and standard deviation), chi square test. Results: The study included 1574 participants, 58.1% of them were males and 41.9% were females. 40.2% were intern, 38.4% had less than five years of experience, 12.4% had 5-ten years of experience and 9% had more than ten years of experience. 91.4% of participants think that 3D imaging has advantages over other digital imaging modalities. Conclusion: The study shows that Saudi dentists have moderate knowledge of 3D imagining in dentistry. Knowledge levels have a strong correlation with ages, practice, residence region, gender and work experience.