Digital workflow integration and standardized communication protocols in prosthetic dentistry: a multicenter cross-sectional study on innovation impact and interdisciplinary collaboration

Abstract

Background. The digitalization of prosthetic dentistry — encompassing CAD/CAM fabrication, intraoral scanning, and digital prescription platforms — represents one of the most transformative biotechnological shifts in contemporary dental practice. Despite these advances, the transition from analog to digital communication workflows remains incomplete in many clinical settings, and the relationship between communication modality, error frequency, and professional satisfaction has not been quantified in a multicenter international sample. This study investigates whether the adoption of structured digital and standardized communication protocols translates into measurable improvements in interdisciplinary collaboration outcomes.

Methods. An exploratory cross-sectional online survey was distributed via professional social media groups and institutional networks to dentists and dental technicians in five countries (Germany, Romania, France, Israel, United States). The questionnaire addressed communication modality, error frequency, satisfaction (1–10 scale), and turnaround time. Descriptive statistics and exploratory group comparisons (independent-samples t-test, chi-square) were applied; effect sizes (Cohen’s d) are reported where applicable. Given the achieved sample (n=162), all analyses are exploratory and hypothesis-generating.

Results. Verbal instructions were the most frequently used modality and were associated with the highest error rate (79% of technicians reported missing or incorrect information). Standardized work-authorization forms yielded the highest satisfaction scores (dentists 8.4/10, n=60; technicians 6.8/10, n=70) yet were incompletely filled in 76% of cases. Non-standard written requests generated the greatest frustration (44% of technicians cited poor communication). Turnaround time was shorter for in-house technicians (mean 5.17 days, SD=1.8) than external laboratories (mean 7.64 days, SD=2.3), though the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.08, d=0.24).

Conclusions. Structured communication protocols — particularly standardized digital prescriptions — are associated with lower interdisciplinary error rates and higher professional satisfaction in prosthetic workflows. These pilot findings support accelerated adoption of digital workflow solutions as a pragmatic, low-cost innovation with measurable clinical and organizational impact. Integration of CAD/CAM-compatible communication standards into dental education and practice guidelines is recommended to bridge the persistent gap between technological capability and everyday clinical use.