Jong-Woo Kim

Kwan-Ha Shin, Jong-Woo Kim, Jong-Kyoung Park. Journal of Technologic Dentistry 2026;48:1-8. https://doi.org/10.14347/jtd.2026.48.1.1

Jong-Woo Kim, Kwan-Ha Shin. Journal of Technologic Dentistry 2025;47:226-31. https://doi.org/10.14347/jtd.2025.47.4.226

Background: The use of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology is rapidly expanding in modern dentistry. However, differences may exist in educational experiences and utilization competencies between dental hygiene and dental technology students. Objectives: This study aimed to assess CAD/CAM educational exposure and competencies by major and grade level. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 464 undergraduate students in Korea. The questionnaire covered general characteristics, CAD/CAM education experience, and competencies in scanning, CAD design, CAM operation, and post-processing. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and correlation analysis. Results: A total of 464 valid responses were analyzed. Dental technology students reported significantly higher experience with CAD/CAM education compared with dental hygiene students (p < 0.001). Scanning, CAD design, CAM operation, and post-processing competency were all significantly higher among dental technology students and senior (3–4 year) students compared with dental hygiene and junior (1–2 year) students (p < 0.001). CAD/CAM competencies varied significantly by major and grade level. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need to strengthen CAD/CAM training in dentistry curricula and to promote interdisciplinary digital dentistry education to prepare practice-ready graduates for a digitized clinical environment.

The increasing recognition of interprofessional education in dentistry has further stimulated interest in digital dentistry-based convergence education as a means of fostering collaboration and enhancing clinical competence. Therefore, this study aimed to examine perceptions, experiences, perceived necessity, and educational needs regarding digital dentistry convergence education among undergraduate students majoring in dental hygiene and dental technology in South Korea. A total of 464 valid responses were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed for general characteristics, perceptions of convergence education, prior learning experience, perceived necessity, and preferred curriculum areas. Frequency analysis, chi-squared tests, and correlation analyses were applied. The participants’ direct experience with convergence education was limited, but more than 90% of the respondents recognized its necessity. Dental hygiene students most frequently preferred convergence with dental technology, while dental technology students preferred convergence with dental hygiene. Both groups prioritized clinical and basic courses as areas for convergence education and expected improvements in job-related knowledge as the primary educational outcome. Dental hygiene and dental technology students strongly acknowledged the importance of digital dentistry convergence education and interdisciplinary collaboration. These findings support the development of learner-centered convergence curricula and highlight the need to establish feasible educational models through curriculum innovation.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is transforming dentistry by enabling precise and personalized treatments in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. However, challenges such as high costs, material limitations, and post-processing requirements hinder its broader adoption. This scoping review aims to explore and map the breadth of evidence regarding the clinical applications, benefits, and limitations of 3D printing in these disciplines, while identifying research gaps and future opportunities. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA for scoping reviews framework. Research from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was systematically searched, covering studies from January 2006 to November 2024. Key topics included applications, material properties, and technological challenges in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. Results: In prosthodontics, 3D printing facilitates the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and dentures with high accuracy, though material strength and stability remain challenges. Orthodontics benefits from 3D-printed aligners and diagnostic models, improving patient comfort and treatment precision, but issues with material durability persist. In endodontics, 3D-printed surgical guides and training models enhance procedural accuracy and educational outcomes. Across disciplines, 3D printing reduces production time and enhances customization but incurs high costs and requires significant post-processing. This scoping review highlights the transformative potential of 3D printing in dentistry, providing an overview of current and future advancements and limitations. While 3D printing has improved precision, efficiency, and patient satisfaction, material and cost-related barriers remain. Future research should address these challenges to expand its clinical applicability and enhance personalized dental care.

Background/Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is transforming dentistry by enabling precise and personalized treatments in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and en-dodontics. However, challenges such as high costs, material limitations, and post-processing requirements hinder its broader adoption. This review evaluates the clinical applications, benefits, and limitations of 3D printing in these disciplines. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, covering studies from January 2006 to November 2024. Key top-ics included applications, material properties, and technological challenges in pros-thodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. Results: In prosthodontics, 3D printing fa-cilitates the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and dentures with high accuracy, though material strength and stability remain challenges. Orthodontics benefits from 3D-printed aligners and diagnostic models, improving patient comfort and treatment precision, but issues with material durability persist. In endodontics, 3D-printed sur-gical guides and training models enhance procedural accuracy and educational out-comes. Across disciplines, 3D printing reduces production time and enhances custom-ization but incurs high costs and requires significant post-processing. Conclusions: 3D printing has revolutionized dental care by improving precision, efficiency, and patient satisfaction. However, material and cost-related barriers limit its widespread clinical use. Ongoing research and technological advancements are essential to address these challenges, improve material properties, and reduce costs, paving the way for broader applications and better patient outcomes in personalized dental care.