Efficiency and Usability Gains through Digital Management: a Comparative Study in Dental Education

This study examines the impact of a software-supported knowledge management system on clinical workflows and dental education compared to a conventional file-based approach, focusing on user experience, efficiency, and the facilitation of student learning.

Twenty participants (10 specialists, 10 students) performed 10 standardized clinical information retrieval tasks using a conventional folder system and a software-supported standard operating procedure (SOP) platform. Processing time was recorded, and usability was assessed with the validated User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha (α) and Guttman's lambda-2 (λ₂). Statistical evaluation included two-way ANOVA and benchmarking against industry standards.

The software-supported system reduced processing time significantly (specialists: 1.7-0.3 min, students: 1.8-0.7 min; p < 0.001) and gained markedly higher user experience scores across all UEQ dimensions (p < 0.001). Particularly strong gains were observed in efficiency, perspicuity, and dependability, while high internal consistency validated the reliability of the user feedback.

Software-supported knowledge management systems improved efficiency and user experience, providing structured access to validated SOPs that may support learning and more consistent clinical practice. Further studies are needed to confirm the effects on education and patient care.