Awareness, perceptions and barriers to digital dentistry adoption among dentists in India: A questionnaire survey

Studies in India report general awareness of digital dentistry among dental practitioners; however, its clinical use remains inconsistent. There are significant gaps in practical understanding, particularly of advanced digital tools. Assessing dentists' attitudes, barriers and identifying gaps in awareness are therefore essential to integrate digital dentistry in clinical practice. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based online survey was conducted among 408 dentists by the Department of Periodontology, K. M. Shah Dental College and Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. The survey assessed knowledge and use of digital radiography, CBCT, smile design software, intraoral scanners and 3D printing. Digital radiography showed the highest adoption, followed by CBCT, while advanced digital tools had lower awareness and usage. Overall awareness was moderate, with adoption constrained by cost, integration issues and data security concerns, emphasizing the need for enhanced training in CBCT and oral radiology.