Evaluating Knowledge, Adoption, Barriers, and Future Perceptions of Digital Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Dental Students and Dentists in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Digital technologies such as CAD/CAM, CBCT, and AI have transformed global dental practice by improving diagnostic precision, treatment efficiency, and patient outcomes. However, in Pakistan, the level of digital dentistry adoption remains limited despite growing awareness among students and practitioners. Understanding the current knowledge, usage patterns, and perceived barriers is essential for guiding educational and institutional reforms. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, adoption, barriers, and future perceptions regarding digital dentistry among dental students and dentists in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from May to September 2025 using a structured 23-item online questionnaire distributed via social media. The survey included 281 participants—dental students, house officers, general dentists, postgraduate trainees, and consultants. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 22.0, applying chi-square tests with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Overall awareness of digital dentistry was 96.4%, yet only 42.7% reported active use of digital tools. The most commonly used technologies were digital radiography/CBCT (33.5%) and intraoral scanners (16.4%). High cost (68.7%) and lack of training (61.5%) were the leading barriers, while diagnostic accuracy and time efficiency were key motivators (p=0.039). Nearly all participants (98.6%) supported structured training workshops, and 97.9% anticipated that 3D intraoral scanning and AI-powered diagnostics would dominate future practice. Conclusion: Despite widespread awareness, digital dentistry adoption in Pakistan remains constrained by financial and educational barriers. Structured training and curricular integration, supported by institutional investment, are crucial for enabling effective digital transformation in dental education and clinical practice