Key Factors Influencing the Adoption of CAD/CAM in the Fabrication of Indirect Dental Restorations

Introduction: Over recent decades, CAD/CAM (computer assisted design/computer assisted manufacture) has become increasingly prevalent in dentistry. These systems offer alternatives to various stages of the conventional workflow for indirect restorations. While CAD/CAM has been explored in previous studies, their use in New Zealand (NZ) remains under-researched. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CAD/CAM usage and identify factors influencing their adoption among dentists and dental technicians. Methods: Questionnaires adapted from previous research were distributed to 1703 registered dentists and 198 dental technicians via the DCNZ registry. Responses were analysed descriptively, with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests used to examine associations. Results: A total of 332 dentists responded (19% response rate) and 40 dental technicians responded. CAD/CAM was used by 59% of dentists and 87% of technicians for indirect restorations. Intraoral scanning and chairside systems were the most common applications, used by 93% and 66% of CAD/CAM users, respectively. Key barriers included cost and lack of training; primary facilitators were increased efficiency and staying current with technology. Gender, practice typeand volume of restorations were significantly associated with adoption among dentists. Conclusion: This study's findings highlight the growing prominence of CAD/CAM in dentistry, with dental technicians adopting them more rapidly than dentists. To close this gap, enhancements in dental education and targeted training programmes are crucial for supporting and accelerating the integration of digital workflows into clinical practice.