Elsevier

Dental Abstracts

Volume 59, Issue 4, July–August 2014, Pages 192-193
Dental Abstracts

The Big Picture
Switching to the new technologies

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.denabs.2014.03.009Get rights and content

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Background

The development of dentistry today often includes digital technologies. These can range from computer-mediated patient contact methods to digital means for producing impressions, planning treatment, and performing implant surgery. Some technology is quickly integrated into dental practices, but other methods are rarely seen. Digital technologies can be viewed as offering opportunities or introducing unknown risks. Both of these views influence the dentist's willingness to embrace technology. A

Methods

Eleven experts in dentistry, dental technology, and dental education were surveyed using semi-structured qualitative interviews. The transcribed interviews were then analyzed for thematic content.

Results

The experts agreed that most Dutch dental practices use digital administration and communication systems, but other technologies, including intraoal scanners and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, are not yet widely accepted. The prevalence of more advanced treatment devices and implant planning technologies is largely unknown, but considered rare.

Most experts identified the relative advantages digital technologies offer compared to analogue methods as the

Discussion

The adoption or rejection of new technologies rests on considerations far beyond the technical properties they offer. The factors most often identified as motivating or discouraging adoption were perceived relative advantages, including financial, time-saving, and quality aspects, compared to current methods. These perceptions align with the practitioner's personal and professional orientation, social pressures, and perceived barriers to be overcome.

Clinical Significance

Many factors influence

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Van der Zande MM, Gorter RC, Wismeijer D: Dental practitioners and a digital future: An initial exploration of barriers and incentives to adopting digital technologies. Br Dent J 215:E21, 2013

Reprints available from MM van der Zande, Dept of Social Dentistry and Behavioural Sciences, Academic Ctr for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Univ of Amsterdam and VU Univ, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004 ‘081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands; e-mail: [email protected]

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