Journal of Korean Society of Dental Hygiene (J Korean Soc Dent Hyg)
Original Article

A study on awareness and educational needs regarding digital intraoral scanners

Department of Dental Hygiene, Cheongam University

Correspondence to Eun-Ju Jung, Department of Dental Hygiene, Cheongam University, 57997, 1641 Noksaek-ro, Suncheon-si, Korea. Tel: +82-61-740-7383, +82-10-4879-7914, Fax: +82-61-740-7418, E-mail: dhh3117@naver.com

Volume 25, Number 6, Pages 589-600, December 2025.
J Korean Soc Dent Hyg 2025;25(6):589-600. https://doi.org/10.13065/jksdh.2025.25.6.12
Received on November 05, 2025, Revised on November 24, 2025, Accepted on December 02, 2025, Published on December 30, 2025.
Copyright © 2025 Journal of Korean Society of Dental Hygiene.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0).

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the awareness and educational needs regarding digital intraoral scanners among dentists and dental hygienists in dental institutions in the Jeonnam region. Methods: Between May 12 and July 26, 2025, 159 dentists and dental hygienists participated. A survey was used to collect data on general characteristics, awareness and use of intraoral scanners, and related educational needs. Results: Among the participants, 94.3% (n=150) were aware of intraoral scanners and 67.3% had used them. The mean perception scores were 3.28±1.17 for convenience, 3.39±1.17 for accuracy, and 3.64±1.20 for future prospects. In total, 91.2% (n=145) agreed on the need for education on intraoral scanners, and 84.9% (n=135) supported its inclusion in the university curriculum. The need for education was significantly higher among those with clinical duties and 3-4 years of experience (p<0.05), and the demand for curricular inclusion was highest among those with <3 years of experience (p<0.01). Conclusions: Most participants were aware of intraoral scanners, and many had practical experience; however, their educational experience was limited. Nevertheless, the perceived need for education is very high. Therefore, this study suggests the need to develop future formal and non-formal curricula for the systematic and efficient implementation of digital-related courses.

Keywords

Dental hygienists, Dental impression taking, Digital intraoral scanners, Educational needs

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