## 4 Discussion
### Procurement Responsibility and Specification Awareness  
Additionally, procurement responsibility was positively associated in this study with greater knowledge of material standards, including ISO certification, product longevity, and regulatory compliance. Dentists who were directly involved in the acquisition of resin-based restorative materials demonstrated higher familiarity with manufacturer specifications and performance data, suggesting that active engagement with procurement processes may facilitate deeper material literacy [5,48]. This finding highlights the role of hands-on exposure to product documentation and supplier communication in supporting evidence-based clinical decisions. It aligns with previous studies showing that involvement in supply chain processes and sustainability-oriented training enhances a more informed and proactive approach to material evaluation and procurement [76,77]. In dental practice, similar mechanisms to those observed in broader organizational and healthcare contexts may operate, as suggested by our data. Clinicians involved in material procurement appeared more attuned to regulatory compliance, product innovation, and life-cycle performance, consistent with findings that direct engagement in procurement enhances both technical knowledge and strategic awareness of product standards [78].  
In addition, dentists with frequent purchasing responsibilities showed greater familiarity with ISO specifications and material performance indicators in our study. This finding aligns with broader evidence that procurement is a key leverage point for embedding quality and environmental standards into clinical practice [79]. Similarly, dental professionals engaged with environmental issues, particularly those in decision-making roles, are more likely to integrate sustainability principles into workflows [80]. Our results reinforce this pattern, suggesting that procurement responsibilities can promote both regulatory compliance and environmentally responsible practices. Enhancing procurement literacy may, therefore, serve as an effective strategy to improve material competence and sustainability awareness in dental practice [81].  
Interestingly, although many participants emphasized the importance of ISO compliance, especially ISO 4049:2019 [13], which defines the physical and mechanical properties of resin-based restorative materials, no significant correlation was found between pro fessional characteristics (e.g., age, experience, postgraduate education) and the priority given to regulatory adherence. This suggests that adherence to standards is viewed as a fundamental expectation, irrespective of demographic or experiential factors. These findings are consistent with previous research reporting that ISO compliance is universally recognized as essential for clinical success and patient safety [17]. Finally, the absence of variation in attitudes toward compliance in our data reinforces the notion that regulatory awareness is now a normative expectation in restorative dentistry, reflecting both professional training and institutional procurement practices. This widespread consensus may indicate the successful dissemination of ISO-related knowledge through dental education and continuing professional development, establishing compliance not as a differentiator but as a foundational aspect of responsible clinical practice [82].