User Experience and Sustainability of 3D Printing in Dentistry

Tamas Hegedus, Patrik Kreuter, Aron Attila Kismarczi-Antalffy, Tamas Demeter, Dorottya Banyai, Adam Vegh, Zoltan Geczi, Peter Hermann, Michael Payer, Akos Zsembery, Ahmad Al-Hassiny, Khaled Mukaddam, Valentin Herber, Norbert Jakse and Daniel Vegh
Additional contact information
Tamas Hegedus: Department of Prosthodontics, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Patrik Kreuter: Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Aron Attila Kismarczi-Antalffy: Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Tamas Demeter: Department of General Dental Preclinical Practice, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Dorottya Banyai: Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Adam Vegh: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Maria utca 52., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Zoltan Geczi: Department of Prosthodontics, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Peter Hermann: Department of Prosthodontics, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
Michael Payer: Division of Oral Surgery and Orthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Medical University Graz, Billrothgasse 4, 8010 Graz, Austria
Akos Zsembery: Department of Oral Biology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
Ahmad Al-Hassiny: Institute of Digital Dentistry, 9 Hillary Court, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5010, New Zealand
Khaled Mukaddam: Department of Oral Surgery, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel (UZB), University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 40, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
Valentin Herber: Division of Oral Surgery and Orthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Medical University Graz, Billrothgasse 4, 8010 Graz, Austria
Norbert Jakse: Division of Oral Surgery and Orthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Medical University Graz, Billrothgasse 4, 8010 Graz, Austria
Daniel Vegh: Department of Prosthodontics, Semmelweis University, Szentkiralyi utca 47., 1088 Budapest, Hungary

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 4, 1-11

Abstract: Background: 3D printing is a rapidly developing technology in the healthcare industry and in dentistry. Its application clearly shows that this area of digital dentistry has potential for everyday usage across all fields, including prosthodontics, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and oral implantology. However, despite gaining ground, there is a lack of information about how specialists (dentists and dental technicians) use additive technology. Our research group aimed to investigate the impact of social media on additive manufacturing technology among dental specialists and their everyday usage of 3D printing. Methods: This paper investigated specialists’ everyday usage of 3D printers via an online survey (Google Forms). The survey questions aimed to discover the number of 3D printers used, the accessibility of the devices, the annual cost, and the design programs. Since specialists tend to build online communities on social media, we circulated our study questionnaire using our profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram platforms during our research. Results: A total of 120 responses were received from 20 countries, with the most significant numbers being from Hungary 23.7% ( n = 27), the United States 18.4% ( n = 21), and the United Kingdom 7.9% ( n = 9). Most of the participants were dentists ( n = 68) or dental technicians ( n = 29), but some CAD/CAM specialists ( n = 23) also completed our survey. The participants had an average of 3.8 years (±0.7) of experience in the 3D printing field, and owned a total of 405 printing devices (3.6 on average/person). Conclusions: The impact of social media on this research field is growing increasingly. Hence, we support specialists in joining virtual communities on professional platforms. This article intended to provide a practical overview, feedback, and direction for dentists interested in 3D printing technology. From our survey, we can conclude that additive technology is broadening dental applications and the services that we can provide for our patients.

Keywords: 3D printing; social media; dentistry; additive manufacturing; survey; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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