Dentists' Awareness and Knowledge of 3D Printing Technologies

This research article evaluates the awareness and knowledge levels of dentists regarding 3D printing technologies in dentistry. The study employed a 19-question survey distributed to 358 dentists in Türkiye, assessing demographic characteristics and technical knowledge related to 3D printing. The results indicate that 61.5% of respondents were general dentists, with a significant portion lacking experience in using 3D printers. Notably, 75% of participants reported not using 3D printers, while varying frequencies of use were noted among the remaining respondents. The findings suggest that knowledge of 3D printing technology is notably higher among dentists with five years or less of professional experience, and high costs of 3D printing systems are identified as a primary barrier to their adoption in clinical practice. The study aims to contribute to the effective integration of 3D printing technologies into dental education and clinical applications, addressing the gaps in knowledge and usage among dental professionals.