Student Perceptions of Digital Scanning Techniques Compared to Traditional Alginate Impressions

This mixed methods study, framed by Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, explored allied dental students' perceptions of alginate versus digital impression techniques at a US dental assisting and dental hygiene program in 2024. The central research question was, "What are students' perceptions of taking maxillary alginate impressions as compared to a digital scan of the maxillary arch?" and the sub-question was, "Do students have a preferred technique?"

A mixed methods approach enabled a deeper understanding of student perception through qualitative analysis related to using both the alginate impression and digital scanning techniques, and quantitative analysis related to evaluations of the final impressions and scans. Using Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory as a guide, this research study was centered around a concrete experience with hands-on learning and then student reflection related to the experience and their perceptions or abstract conceptualization. A convenience sample of 30 dental assisting and dental hygiene students currently enrolled in a dental materials course participated. Data collected via questionnaires, behavioral observation, and impression/scan analysis were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Coding was used to identify key themes in students' perceptions of alginate and digital impression techniques.

Five themes were derived from data collection for both maxillary alginate impressions and maxillary digital scans: emotions/feelings, technique/process, benefits, and drawbacks/obstacles. Overall, participants preferred using digital scanning over alginate impressions. Most students (79% n = 22) perceived alginate impressions as more time intensive despite objective time data suggesting otherwise. There was a statistically significant difference in the average time to complete an alginate impression compared to the digital impression. There was no difference in digital impression quality between dental assisting and dental hygiene students, and dental assisting students expressed more apprehension when using the alginate impression technique compared to dental hygiene students.

Echoing previous research, students recognized the advantages of digital scans, such as improved patient education, comfort, and ease of cleanup. Conversely, they shared concerns about the time constraints and rushed feeling associated with alginate impressions, also previously documented.