Knowledge, attitude, and practices of clear aligners among general dentist and non-orthodontic postgraduates – A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

Background. Over the past few years, there has been a discernible surge in the demand for orthodontic treatments involving clear aligners. Although orthodontists have long held expertise in offering braces treatments, the advent of clear aligners has put out the curiosity of general dental practitioners. This study is thus centered on the assessment of general dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and approaches in incorporating clear aligners in their practice. Materials and methods. A Google Form with a questionnaire was created which consisted of 25 multiple choice closed-ended questions. Results. A total of 156 participants responded to the questionnaire. The comparative analysis showed a highly significant difference in knowledge, attitude and practice scores between general dentists and non-orthodontic postgraduates. No significant correlations were observed, except for the specialty and qualification related to orthodontic knowledge and found that most of them were familiar with aligners. The results of the study showed that nearly 50% of participants were not aware of aligner material, type of tooth movements easier with aligners, the use of composite attachments, retention protocols followed and case preference and only 56% of participants held the view that Orthodontists' involvement was imperative for clear aligner treatment. Conclusion. The study revealed a moderate level of knowledge and a favorable attitude towards clear aligner treatment among both general dentists and non-orthodontic postgraduates. Equipping these professionals with the requisite knowledge and competencies holds the potential to enhance their ability to deliver efficient orthodontic options to their patients down the line.