Abstract:

Digital dentistry, which encompasses a range of state-of-the-art technologies, has not been a fad but a necessity for some years now, offering significant advantages over conventional dentistry:more efficient and precise treatment and a much higher level of predictability of the final outcome;X-rays with a much lower level of radiation; a smile perfectly integrated into the facial physiognomy, configured on the computer; dental reconstructions completed in less than 24 hours; "speed" is a requirement that every patient demands when they come to the dentist's office.
Our study is focused on quantifying the role that digital dentistry plays in the formative aspects of the future practitioner. By means of a questionnaire we analyzed how four digitization trajectories influence the performance of the dental student compared to the corresponding classical variants.
The four approaches in the digitized way are represented by: Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Condylography, Digital smile design ,Intraoral scanning;
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is the newest imaging technology that generates 3D visual information of the dental arches. CBCT technology is based on a cone beam of X-rays, which is totally different from the linear beam used in medical CT scans, so the CBCT scanner rotates once around the patient's head to capture images in multiple planes, with a much lower radiation dose than conventional CT scans. Using software, the information is then grouped into a high-resolution, three-dimensional image of the jaw bone, which the doctor divides into sections starting at 0.5 mm thick.
Condylography is a digitized non-invasive diagnostic technique of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that allows correct and effective treatment of patients with dysfunctions of the craniomandibular system. TMJ diagnosis is done with the condylograph - a complex device with a mechanical and an electronic component, connected to a computer, containing complex software, with the help of which the dentist, specializing in the craniomandibular system, can visualize the future goals of medical treatment.
Digital smile design (DSD) is an innovative concept in planning and previewing dental treatments (dental veneers, implants, prosthetic restaurations) performed for aesthetic purposes. The procedure offers the possibility to visualize the result even before the dental treatments start.
Whereas until a few years ago most patients were skeptical about starting complex dental treatments for fear that the end result would not meet their expectations, today doctors can convince them much more easily with DSD; patients can see a simulation of the treatment result.
Intraoral scanning is the latest, most accurate, fastest, and most comfortable method of rendering the prosthetic field; it is performed using a scanner connected to a computer containing special software. It can be used to scan: the upper and lower prosthetic field (scanning takes up to 2 minutes);dental occlusion (scanning is done in maximum 1 minute); in dentistry, digitized technology is slowly but surely taking the place of traditional procedures.
Conclusions:The role of digitization in the formative aspects is extremely important without diminishing the importance of knowledge of classical methods but by its high degree of attractiveness and precision it focuses students' attention, leading to optimal results in theoretical and practical training.

Keywords:

Digital dentistry, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Condylography, Digital Smile Design, Intraoral scanning.