Facial Scans in Clinical Dentistry and Related Research: A Scoping Review

This scoping review examined the adoption of three-dimensional (3D) facial scanning technology in clinical dentistry, focusing on the range of scanning techniques, clinical applications, and related implementation trends. A systematic literature search of three major databases identified studies published between January 2020 and June 2024 that described 3D facial scanning of human participants in clinical dental settings. After screening 224 records, 48 from 19 countries met the inclusion criteria. Both clinical studies and case/technical reports showed that facial scanning was used in multiple specialties, including orthodontics, prosthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery, primarily for diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome assessment. The technologies such as stereophotogrammetry, structured light scanning, laser scanning, and mobile device-based solutions vary in accuracy and ease of integration. Mobile scanning, in particular, is growing in importance due to lower cost, accessibility, and compatibility with digital workflows. Despite these advances, standardized protocols for integrating facial scans with other digital records, such as cone beam computed tomography and intraoral scans, remain underdeveloped. This review demonstrates the growing importance of 3D facial scanning in improving clinician-patient communication and identifies areas where further research is needed, including long-term validation, cost-effectiveness, and standardized data management.