ArticleCureus2025
Bridging the Knowledge and Training Gap Between Educational Needs and Practices of Orthodontists and General Dental Practitioners Towards Clear Aligner Therapy in India: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.
Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Pain and safety outcomes of different anesthetic techniques in hypospadias surgery: a network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.World journal of urology · 2026Pooled it
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundClear aligner therapy (CAT) has rapidly evolved as a preferred orthodontic treatment option due to its aesthetic appeal, comfort, and removability. Despite increasing availability, variability exists in practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and practical application of CAT.
objectiveThis study aimed to determine the knowledge and demand for CAT education amongst practitioners so as to offer insights for future tailored curricula on CAT.
methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 112 licensed orthodontists and general dentists. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire that focused on CAT-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and training needs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), with significance set at p < 0.05.
resultsParticipants had a mean age of 33.97 years, with 73.2% (n = 89) being orthodontists. While 60.7% (n=68) had received CAT training, and 57.1% (n=64) had access to CAT systems within their clinics, 41.1% (n=41) reported no clinical experience with CAT. Major barriers identified included cost (77.7%, n = 87) and patient compliance (46.4%, n = 52). Most respondents recognized CAT as suitable for minor to moderate malocclusions and polyurethane as the standard material used in this context. A majority acknowledged the need for fewer clinical visits with CAT compared to traditional braces. Practitioners expressed a willingness to pursue further CAT training and integrate it into their routine practice. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between access to CAT systems and confidence in patient education and clinical application.
conclusionThis study highlights the gaps between theoretical knowledge and the clinical application of CAT, with cost and patient compliance being key challenges that must be addressed. The findings underscore the importance of targeted continuing education in enhancing the adoption of CAT and optimizing patient care in modern orthodontics.
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