Digital Technology and Digital Workflow Application in the Current Landscape of Private Practice Orthodontics

Abstract

This study examined which demographic factors and practice characteristics influence orthodontists to utilize a digital workflow in their private practice, as well as which factors influence their opinions on the current and future landscape of digital technology in orthodontics. For this study, digital workflow was defined as acquiring a digital scan to generate a study model via intraoral scanning or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and utilizing in-office 3D printing for any orthodontic purpose. A 22-question survey, approved by the UMKC IRB, was distributed to 2,256 corporate or private practice orthodontists via email through the American Association of Orthodontists Partners in Research program. The survey was divided into three domains including orthodontist demographic factors, orthodontic practice characteristics, and technology usage and opinions. Demographic factors considered in the survey were gender, age, race, residency graduation year, etc. Orthodontic practice characteristics examined were primary office location, number of employees, number of active patients, and number of adult patients, among others. Technology usage focused on intraoral scanners, CBCT, and 3D printing, while opinion questions addressed the benefit of using a digital workflow, the future use of digital technology in orthodontics, and the practicality of in-house aligner fabrication. To determine associations between utilization of a digital workflow and all variables, Fisher’s Exact or Chi-squared tests were used. Survey data revealed a statistically significant association between utilization of a digital workflow and male gender, job status of sole owner, practices with greater than 10 employees, practices with less than 300 active patients or greater than 700 active patients, and practices that treat greater than 30% of their cases with clear aligners. Opinion questions revealed that cost and work/time required were the two factors mentioned most often when orthodontists were asked about their views concerning digital workflow use in orthodontics. Overall, results of this study suggest that some orthodontist demographics and orthodontic practice characteristics are significantly associated with use of a digital workflow in private practice.