Awareness and knowledge of impression techniques for cleft lip and palate among dentists: A cross-sectional survey

Management of cleft lip and palate (CLP) requires precise impression techniques, yet the awareness and application of these methods among general dental practitioners in India remain underexplored. In this cross-sectional survey of 380 dentists using a validated 18-item questionnaire, 64% were familiar with conventional approaches, but only 20% knew of digital techniques. Urban practitioners showed significantly higher knowledge scores than rural counterparts (72 ± 9 vs. 61 ± 11; p<0.01), while just 30% felt confident using digital methods. Lack of training (70%) and limited access to equipment (58%) were the main barriers and only half recognized procedural risks such as compromised neonatal nasal breathing. These findings reveal substantial knowledge gaps, underscoring the need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance CLP management skills.