Digital impression (intraoral scanners) and factors affecting its accuracy - an insight into knowledge and awareness amongst graduates, and clinical practitioners.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and practice of intraoral scanners (IOS) and the factors affecting their accuracy amongst dental interns and practitioners.

Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study in which data was collected from a representative population in Saudi Arabia, with the help of online questionnaires. The forms were distributed to 500 dental interns and practitioners and the questionnaire's validity and reliability were evaluated for vetting and remarks. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: the participants' demographic details, questions on the awareness and knowledge of participants regarding IOS, and the factors affecting the accuracy in clinical use of IOS. Questions were to be answered with 'yes', 'no' and 'I don't know'. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the control chart technique and the chi-squared test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Most of the participants (58%) knew about the IOS and its applications (47.5%), but the majority of the participants did not use IOS in their clinics (43.5%). The majority of males (57.39%) and females (50.86%) strongly agreed that cost was a barrier to purchasing an IOS. To better get more knowledge on IOS, the specialists 66 (16.5%) and interns 54 (13.5%) chose continuing dental education programs and workshops. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) of knowledge and awareness, perception, and factors affecting parameters with different categories and years of experience.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, most participants had a positive stance towards IOS but due to inadequate knowledge and understanding, its use and applications were minimal. IOS was well-received regardless of operator training and experience. There is a significant need to increase awareness of this concept, as it may increase treatment efficiency and effectiveness.