Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Digital Dental Technologies Among Dentists in Jiangsu Province

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with regard to digital dental technologies among dentists in Jiangsu province. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study enrolled dentists in Jiangsu province during June, 2023. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect the demographic characteristics of the participants and KAP regarding digital dental technologies. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to analyze the associations between KAP dimensions. Results: A total of 284 questionnaires were collected, of which 212 (74.65%) were valid, and 108 (50.94%) of the participants were male. Their knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 14.33 ± 3.59 (possible range: 0-19), 26.17 ± 3.40 (possible range: 8-40), and 10.73 ± 3.11 (possible range: 4-16), respectively, indicating sufficient knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was the most well-understood digital dental technology among the dentists (205, 96.70%), followed by intraoral scanning/models and digital impression scanning/facial scanning (198, 93.40%), computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) (177, 83.49%), three-dimensional printing (175, 82.55%), and surgical guides (175, 82.55%). CBCT was the most frequently used technique (90.09%), followed by intraoral scanning (72.17%), impression scanning (54.25%), and CAD/CAM (42.45%). The SEM showed that knowledge had a direct effect on attitude (β = 0.283, p < 0.001), and attitude had a direct effect on practice (β = 0.280, p < 0.001), demonstrating that knowledge had an indirect effect on practice. Knowledge also had a direct effect on practice (β = 0.310, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dentists in Jiangsu province had sufficient knowledge, a positive attitude, and proactive practice with regard to digital dental technologies. However, policies should encourage dentists to integrate digital technologies into their practice by establishing sufficient understanding and positive attitudes.