Comparison of the perception of orthodontists and general clinicians on the use of digital dental models in the city of Aracaju/Sergipe

ABSTRACT Context: Digital study models have become a safe and advantageous alternative for diagnosis and planning in dentistry. Despite the superior characteristics in comparison with traditional plaster models, professionals seem to resist the use of new technologies. Aims: To assess the level of knowledge and the use of digital models through a questionnaire applied to dental professionals. Methods: A questionnaire with 12 multiple-choice questions about plaster models, digital, and use of the 3Shape - 3D viewer software was answered by 76 orthodontists (42 women and 34 men; mean age =37.82 years (SD ± 7.60)) and 30 general dental surgeons (18 women and 12 men; mean age of 33.93 years (SD ± 8.45)) in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. Data were tabulated in Excel spreadsheets and then analyzed using the SPSS statistical software version 20. An absolute analysis of frequency and percentage of responses was performed. Results: Most professionals reported using plaster models and claimed their low cost as justification for their use (P = 0.001). Aware of the benefits of digital models, professionals of both classes highlighted the facilitated storage and search for information as the main advantages, the cost and infrastructure as the main disadvantages. Regarding the use of the 3Shape - 3D viewer software, orthodontists showed better utilization of this resource than general dental surgeons (P = 0.0198). Conclusion: It verified that most professionals make use of plaster models. However, despite knowing the advantages of digital models, their cost is sees as a limiting factor for adherence to this technology.