DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/4JWQ-8N51
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Dr. Tiffany Williams
Second Advisor
Dr. Bhavna Shroff
Third Advisor
Dr. Jayakumar Jayaraman
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Caroline Carrico
Abstract
Objective: The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of providers regarding incorporating a digital scanner for impression taking in children born with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP). Methods: A survey was sent out to members of the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The survey included questions regarding the providers’ perception of incorporating digital intraoral scanners for impressions for fabrication of obturators. The survey also included questions about the providers’ reservations in using this technology in practice, what their experience has been with the incorporation of this technology into practice, and what is the reason, if any, for not utilizing this technology for this purpose. Results: A total of 308 respondents answered the survey, with 58% identifying as female, 58% having greater than 10 years of experience in practice, 64% serving in private practice, and 43% currently treating patients with cleft lip and/or palate. The results of the study indicated that 73% of respondents either agree or strongly agree that they are willing to dedicate the time and effort required to learn about digital technologies. Some commonly reported barriers were- cost, lack of training in residency, and limited use of digital scanners in a pediatric dental practice. Those who self-reported use of an intraoral (IO) scanner had significantly higher agreement with statements about the ease of digital technology (pConclusion: Our study has shown that practitioners in the US view digital scanning as a viable option for fabrication of obturators and that the major limiting factors seem to be cost and lack of training during residency. Our study has yielded promising results regarding incorporating digital dentistry to obtain impressions for obturators. We hope to encourage pediatric practitioners to employ digital dentistry and expand its use to treating children born with cleft and/or palate.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-4-2023