Patient Perceptions of New Robotic Technologies in Clinical Restorative Dentistry

Patient perception research has failed to focus on burgeoning technology within the dental field. Specifically, researchers have yet to focus on developing robotic technologies which are being utilized by dentists to help perform certain procedures with added precision and route mapping. The current study attempts to fill the gap created by a lack of intersection between dental technology research, consumer perceptions research, and automation research. The current research takes a two-study approach, with study 1 investigating if gender or price of the procedure affects willingness to undergo a robotic dental procedure. Study 2 further investigates this phenomenon, identifying ten separate types of dental procedures (ranging from minimally invasive to extremely invasive) to further understand consumer perceptions. Results indicate that females are less willing to undergo a robotic dental procedure, and that participants in general are more willing to undergo a procedure if it is half price than if it full price. Willingness is influenced by gender and the type of procedure being performed – participants were less willing to undergo invasive procedures such as gum surgery than noninvasive procedures such as teeth whitening. These results, and their theoretical and practical significance are discussed.