Short answer
When designing and marketing CAD/CAM systems for dental professionals, prioritize features and pricing that appeal to specialists and private practices, while also developing strategies to make the technology more accessible to public sector and academic dentists.
- Field
- Modelling
- Source
- International Dental Journal (2026)
- Method
- Cross-sectional survey
- Sample
- 374 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Specialists and those in private practice are significantly more likely to adopt CAD/CAM technology, irrespective of their years of experience. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2026 study published in International Dental Journal. Using Cross-sectional survey with 374 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing and marketing CAD/CAM systems for dental professionals, prioritize features and pricing that appeal to specialists and private practices, while also developing strategies to make the technology more accessible to public sector and academic dentists.
CAD/CAM adoption in dentistry is driven by specialty and practice type, not experience.
Specialists and those in private practice are significantly more likely to adopt CAD/CAM technology, irrespective of their years of experience.
International Dental Journal · 2026
Key Findings
- 01The adoption rate of CAD/CAM technology was 39.3%.
- 02Adoption was significantly associated with dental specialty and practice type.
- 03Prosthodontists and orthodontists showed higher adoption rates, while dentists in public institutions and academia showed lower rates.
- 04High cost was the primary barrier for non-users.
- 05A majority (71.4%) of non-users expressed an intention to adopt CAD/CAM in the future.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing and marketing CAD/CAM systems for dental professionals, prioritize features and pricing that appeal to specialists and private practices, while also developing strategies to make the technology more accessible to public sector and academic dentists.
How to apply
When developing new digital design and manufacturing tools for professional use, analyze the specific needs and economic realities of different professional segments and practice types to inform product development and market entry strategies.
Project actions
- 01When researching technology adoption, consider segmenting your target users by their professional roles and practice environments.
- 02Investigate the economic factors and perceived value of a technology for different user groups.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Nationwide scope within the Dominican Republic.
- +Inclusion of multiple factors influencing adoption, including barriers and future intentions.
Limitations
This study relies on self-reported data and a single geographic region, which might not be representative of all dental communities. The cross-sectional nature means it captures a snapshot in time.
Reliability & validity
The study used a validated questionnaire and statistical analysis (chi-square, logistic regression), enhancing its reliability and validity. However, the cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and potential response bias in online surveys could affect external validity.
Think critically
Given that cost is a major barrier, how might designers innovate to reduce the upfront or ongoing expenses of CAD/CAM technology without compromising quality or functionality?
Design Principles
"Technology adoption is influenced by specialized application needs and practice economics, not solely by practitioner experience."
This insight highlights that the integration of advanced digital modelling tools like CAD/CAM is influenced more by the specific demands of a dental specialty and the resources available in different practice environments than by the general experience level of the practitioner. Designers and manufacturers of such technologies should consider tailoring their marketing and support strategies to these key segments.
What This Means for Your Design
Dentists who specialize in areas like prosthodontics or orthodontics, or who work in private clinics, are much more likely to use advanced computer design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) tools than dentists in public hospitals or universities. It doesn't matter as much how many years they've been practicing; it's more about their job and where they work. The biggest reason people don't use it is the cost, but many still want to use it in the future.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this study to justify focusing your design project on a specific user group (e.g., specialists) or to explore how to overcome barriers (e.g., cost) for broader adoption of your designed solution.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research indicates that the adoption of advanced digital modelling technologies like CAD/CAM in professional settings is strongly correlated with specific professional roles (e.g., specialists) and practice environments (e.g., private practice), rather than general professional experience. Barriers such as high costs are significant for non-adopters, yet future adoption intentions remain high, suggesting a market ripe for accessible solutions. This highlights the importance of tailoring technology development and market strategies to the distinct needs and economic realities of different professional segments.
Source
International Dental Journal
Adoption and Barriers to CAD/CAM Technology Among Dentists in the Dominican Republic: A Cross-Sectional Study
journal · 2026
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about cad/cam adoption in dentistry is driven by specialty and practice type, not experience?
- When designing and marketing CAD/CAM systems for dental professionals, prioritize features and pricing that appeal to specialists and private practices, while also developing strategies to make the technology more accessible to public sector and academic dentists. Evidence: International Dental Journal (2026).
- Why does "CAD/CAM adoption in dentistry is driven by specialty and practice type, not experience." matter for design?
- This insight highlights that the integration of advanced digital modelling tools like CAD/CAM is influenced more by the specific demands of a dental specialty and the resources available in different practice environments than by the general experience level of the practitioner. Designers and manufacturers of such technologies should consider tailoring their marketing and support strategies to these key segments.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing and marketing CAD/CAM systems for dental professionals, prioritize features and pricing that appeal to specialists and private practices, while also developing strategies to make the technology more accessible to public sector and academic dentists.
- What were the main findings?
- The adoption rate of CAD/CAM technology was 39.3%.. Adoption was significantly associated with dental specialty and practice type.. Prosthodontists and orthodontists showed higher adoption rates, while dentists in public institutions and academia showed lower rates.. High cost was the primary barrier for non-users.
- What research method was used?
- Cross-sectional survey with 374 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2026 journal from International Dental Journal.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing new digital design and manufacturing tools for professional use, analyze the specific needs and economic realities of different professional segments and practice types to inform product development and market entry strategies.
- What are the limitations?
- The study was cross-sectional, limiting the ability to establish causality. Data was collected via an online survey, which may introduce selection bias. Geographic region did not show a significant association with adoption.