Applications of cad/cam technology in dentistry

Digital dentistry has been introduced for over 40 years, but their overspread use has become available in the last two decades, after year 2000. First to introduce it in dentistry was a dentist, but the widespread of the digital dentistry was carried out mostly by dental technicians. In Romania, digital dentistry had become available with state funding projects for the dental field. Objective The aim of the study was a broader assessment of the use of CAD/CAM systems in dental practices and dental technology laboratories. Materials and method. The study consisted in a survey based on a questionnaire, distributed in electronic form, applied to two branches of dentistry, respectively, for dentists and dental technicians. The study was attended by dentists and dental technicians, from the urban environment. Results were analyzed using statistical methods with Microsoft Excel. Results. The results of the present study showed a high degree of knowledge regarding CAD/CAM technology, as most of the participants were aware of the introduction and use of digital technology in dentistry. Majority of dental technicians have introduced and have worked with CAD_CAM systems, comparative with dentists, which only a third part worked usually with these technologies. Conclusions. Even though digital dentistry is a modern technology with advantages, there are still some concerns from dentists and technicians about the quality and costs of CAD/CAM restorations.