Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding digital dentistry among Turkish dentists: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Digital technologies are increasingly integrated into dental practice, yet their adoption may vary according to professional and institutional factors. This cross-sectional study evaluated dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding digital dentistry and factors associated with clinical adoption in Turkiye. A total of 225 dentists completed an online questionnaire. Mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11.2 ± 4.1, 24.4 ± 2.7, and 12.2 ± 5.3, respectively. Public hospital dentists demonstrated lower knowledge and practice scores, while practice scores were also lower among university hospital dentists than among those working in private-sector settings. Knowledge and attitude were positively correlated with practice (ρ = 0.311 and ρ = 0.250, respectively; both p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, male sex, older age, and private clinic/corporate dental chain employment were independently associated with higher practice scores, whereas public hospital employment was independently associated with lower practice scores. Overall, favourable attitudes towards digital dentistry did not consistently correspond to clinical adoption, indicating differences between attitudes and reported clinical practice. These findings highlight associations between professional and practice-setting characteristics and the clinical use of digital technologies.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Scientific Reports, 2026 · DOI ↗