Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42243731›Full record

ArticleBMC oral health2026

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers toward guided endodontic access among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Ahmed A Madfa, Bassam A Anazi, Abdulmjeed S Al-Enizy, Sulaiman M Alshammari, Rawan H Alshammari, Fai A Alfaleh, Heba A AlKhairAllah, Abdullah F Alshammari

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC oral health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

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.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Ahmed A MadfaDepartment of Restorative Dental Science, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ahmed_um_2011@yahoo.com.
Bassam A AnaziDepartment of Basic Dental and Medical Science, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abdulmjeed S Al-EnizyDepartment of endodontics, Qassim Regional Dental Center, Al-Qassim Health Cluster, Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Sulaiman M AlshammariCollege of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Rawan H AlshammariCollege of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Fai A AlfalehCollege of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Heba A AlKhairAllahCollege of Dentistry, Qassim University, Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah F AlshammariDepartment of Basic Dental and Medical Science, College of Dentistry, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Abd.alshamari@uoh.edu.sa.

Funding

Scientific Research Deanship at University of Ha'il - Saudi Arabia RG-25 118
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundGuided endodontic access (GEA) is an emerging digital technique that integrates cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with three-dimensional printing to enable precise and conservative access cavity preparation. It enhances canal localization and reduces procedural errors, particularly in cases with pulp canal calcification or complex root canal anatomy. Despite these advantages, its clinical adoption remains limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers toward GEA among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia and to examine factors influencing its adoption.

methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental practitioners actively engaged in clinical practice in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured, validated electronic questionnaire distributed via professional dental networks. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, awareness and training in GEA, perceived clinical benefits, and barriers to implementation. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and chi-square tests were applied to evaluate associations between practitioner characteristics and GEA-related knowledge, attitudes, and adoption patterns. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

resultsA total of 401 dental practitioners participated in the study. Most respondents (85.5%) reported prior awareness of GEA, and 78.8% indicated having received formal training. Participants demonstrated generally positive attitudes toward GEA, with most agreeing that it improves procedural accuracy, enhances safety, and facilitates management of complex endodontic cases. However, barriers to implementation included high cost, increased procedural time, and the need for specialized training and equipment. Significant associations were observed between GEA knowledge and adoption and practitioners' gender, clinical experience, and academic qualifications.

conclusionsDental practitioners in Saudi Arabia demonstrate high awareness and favorable perceptions of GEA; however, practical barriers continue to limit its widespread adoption. Addressing cost limitations, expanding training opportunities, and integrating digital workflows into dental education may facilitate broader clinical implementation.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelDentistsHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeAdultCone-Beam Computed TomographyCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPrinting, Three-DimensionalSaudi ArabiaSurveys and QuestionnairesCone-beam computed tomographyDental practitionersDigital dentistryEndodonticsGuided endodontic accessSaudi Arabia.Technology adoption

Identifiers

PMID42243731
PMCPMC13505114

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.