Digital Dentistry: How Technology Reshapes Dentists’ Work, Satisfaction, and Stress

A closer look at how digital tools change daily life in modern dental practices

The Digital Turn in Dentistry

Over the past decade, dentistry has undergone a major transformation. Digital radiography, intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM restorations, teledentistry, and AI-assisted diagnostics are no longer futuristic concepts they are now part of everyday dental practice.

While these technologies promise greater efficiency and precision, an important question remains: How do dentists actually experience working in a fully digital dental environment? Does digitalisation make their work easier, or does it create new sources of stress?

A recent qualitative study published in Clinical Practice (2025) explores this question by listening directly to dentists working in digitalised practices.

What Did the Researchers Do?

The study, conducted by Gebhardt et al., used a qualitative research approach to capture real-world experiences rather than numerical trends.

• 30 dentists in Germany were interviewed

• Participants worked in private practices, group practices, and dental clinics

• All had at least six months of experience using digital dental systems

• Interviews focused on:

• • Job demands

  • Job resources

  • Job satisfaction

  • Stress and well-being in a digital workplace

The analysis was guided by the Job Demands Resources (JD-R) model, a well-established framework used to understand how work conditions influence stress, motivation, and job satisfaction.

Digital Dentistry as a Job Resource

Many dentists described digital technologies as a powerful support system in their daily work.

1. Fewer Errors and Better Precision

Digital impressions, digital radiography, and 3D imaging were widely perceived as more accurate than traditional analogue methods. Dentists appreciated the ability to immediately detect and correct mistakes, reducing clinical risks and improving confidence.

2. Time Savings and Workflow Efficiency

Tools such as CAD/CAM systems and digital documentation helped speed up treatments and reduce repetitive manual tasks. Faster access to patient data and the possibility of delegating digital tasks to trained assistants also improved overall efficiency.

3. Improved Treatment Quality and Aesthetics

Digitally fabricated restorations were often described as better fitting and more aesthetic. Many dentists felt proud of the high-quality outcomes they could achieve with digital tools.

4. Higher Job Satisfaction and Motivation

For many participants, digital dentistry made work more enjoyable. Learning new technologies, producing precise results, and receiving positive patient feedback contributed to a sense of professional fulfilment.

When Digital Tools Become Job Demands

Despite these benefits, digitalisation was not universally stress-free.

1. Technical Failures and System Dependency

Software crashes, scanner malfunctions, and connectivity issues were among the most common stressors. When systems failed, dentists felt a loss of control over their workflow.

2. Learning Curves and Digital Stress

Less experienced users reported frustration and stress during the adaptation phase. Constant software updates and the need for ongoing training added to cognitive load.

3. Fear of Skill Loss

Some dentists worried that heavy reliance on digital systems could weaken their manual skills over time, especially in complex procedures.

4. Financial and Organisational Pressure

High investment costs, maintenance expenses, and integration into already busy practice routines sometimes increased overall workload rather than reducing it.

Digitalisation and Stress: A Double-Edged Sword

Interestingly, the study found that digital tools could both increase and reduce stress depending on how well they were implemented.

• Poorly integrated systems and lack of training increased frustration

• Reliable technology, good support, and team-based learning reduced stress

• Experienced users were more likely to report positive psychological effects

In other words, digital stress is not caused by technology itself, but by how it is introduced and supported.

Why Training and Support Matter

One of the strongest conclusions of the study is the importance of adequate training and organisational support.

Dentists who felt supported through training, clear workflows, and teamwork were more likely to see digitalisation as a resource rather than a burden. In contrast, insufficient guidance increased the risk of stress, dissatisfaction, and burnout.

Conclusion: Finding the Balance in Digital Dentistry

This study highlights that digital dentistry is neither purely beneficial nor inherently stressful. Instead, it reshapes dental work by introducing new demands alongside powerful resources.

When implemented thoughtfully, digital technologies can:

• Improve efficiency and treatment quality

• Enhance job satisfaction

• Reduce physical and mental strain

However, without proper training, technical reliability, and organisational planning, they may also increase stress and workload.

The key takeaway? Successful digital dentistry depends not only on technology but on people, processes, and support systems behind it.

Reference

Gebhardt, J. S., Harth, V., Groneberg, D. A., & Mache, S. (2025).

Job Demands and Resources Perceived by Dentists in a Digital Dental Workplace and Perceived Effects on Job Satisfaction and Stress: A Qualitative Study.

Clinical Practice, 15, 92.

DOI: 10.3390/clinpract15050092