Public Awareness and Acceptance of Advanced Dental Materials in Maxillofacial Treatments: A Multicenter Survey Study
Maxillofacial treatments often require the use of advanced dental materials such as titanium, zirconia, bioresorbable polymers, and 3D-printed implants to restore functionality, aesthetics, and structural integrity. While these materials offer significant clinical advantages, patient awareness and acceptance play a crucial role in treatment outcomes and compliance. To assess public awareness and acceptance of advanced dental materials used in oral and maxillofacial treatments and identify key demographic predictors influencing these perceptions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and June 2025 across two major dental centers in Karachi and Lahore. A total of 230 adult patients visiting outpatient departments were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, previous treatment experience, awareness of advanced materials, and attitudes assessed via a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression, using SPSS version 23. Titanium was the most recognized material (73.9%), while awareness of bioresorbable materials and 3D-printed implants remained low (32.6% and 26.1%, respectively). Most respondents expressed comfort with titanium implants (76.9%) and demonstrated a high reliance on dentists’ recommendations for material choices. Cost emerged as a significant factor influencing acceptance (86.1%). Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between awareness and age (p = 0.042), education (p = 0.003), and socioeconomic status (p = 0.012). Logistic regression identified education (OR = 2.10), prior treatment (OR = 1.67), and awareness (OR = 2.85) as significant predictors of material acceptance. While awareness of traditional materials like titanium is high, there is limited knowledge of emerging biomaterials among patients. Educational level, prior treatment experience, and awareness significantly influence acceptance. Targeted educational initiatives and clinician-patient communication are essential to improve informed decision-making and equitable adoption of advanced materials in maxillofacial care.
