Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of dentists regarding the use of digital workflow in pedo-prosthetic rehabilitation: a comparative study across three countries

Background: The integration of digital workflows in paediatric prosthetic dentistry has the potential to enhance treatment accuracy, efficiency and patient experience. However, limited research has explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of paediatric dentists toward digital prosthetics, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Pakistan. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, acceptance, and barriers to adopting digital workflows such as computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), intraoral scanning, and three-dimensional (3D) printing in paediatric prosthetic rehabilitation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among paediatric dentists in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Pakistan. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire disseminated via email, Telegram and WhatsApp. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices using Likert-scale responses. Statistical analysis was performed employing a chi-square test to compare categorical variables and Spearman’s correlation to evaluate relationships between knowledge, attitudes and practices. Results: Findings revealed that awareness of digital prosthetic solutions was highest in Saudi Arabia (66.4% strongly agreed) and Pakistan (61.4% strongly agreed), while Malaysia demonstrated slightly lower familiarity (50.7% strongly agreed). Despite a strong positive attitude toward digital prosthetics, formal training in digital workflows was limited, with only 16.8% of respondents in Saudi Arabia, 8% in Pakistan, and 16.7%in Malaysia receiving relevant training. Cost emerged as a primary barrier to adoption, with 69% of Saudi dentists, 54.5% of Pakistani dentists, and 47.2% of Malaysian dentists identifying it as a concern. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in knowledge levels among designations (p < 0.05), but no significant correlations were found between awareness, attitudes and practices (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: The study highlights a promising outlook for digital prosthetics in paediatric dentistry, with strong acceptance but limited training and financial constraints hindering widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges through educational initiatives and cost-reduction strategies will be essential to enhancing integration and accessibility of digital workflows in paediatric prosthetic rehabilitation.

Digital workflows; Pediatric prosthetic dentistry; CAD/CAM technology; 3D printing in dentistry; Dentists’ perceptions

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