## 2 Materials and Methods
### Data Collection  
This research employed an anonymized survey-based approach using a questionnaire that was conducted on dental practitioners to explore their self-reported perspective regarding the influence of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled digital technologies on perceived treatment outcomes [11; 14]. A questionnaire was chosen as the primary data collection tool after a thorough assessment of alternative methodologies. Due to its simplicity, adaptability, and capacity to collect standardized responses across a large participant pool, the questionnaire proved to be the most effective means for capturing nuanced self-reported professional experiences. While qualitative methods such as interviews or focus groups may provide rich, in-depth insights, they are not always practical for studies with broader participant representation due to their time and resource demands. The selected survey method allowed for a comprehensive yet efficient data collection process, particularly suitable for subsequent statistical analysis. Anonymous participation further encouraged candid responses regarding professional attitudes and perceptions related to digital technology adoption in dentistry. The main questionnaire used in this study was previously validated by similar studies [15; 16] and structured into three main sections to ensure the collection of both background information and topic-specific insights. The first section gathered demographic and professional data, including age, gender, years of clinical experience, and practice type. These variables were considered essential for contextualizing the responses and identifying potential patterns in attitudes and experiences across different professional profiles. The further sections present a series of statements (Table 1) addressing key focus areas of the study:  
The second section of the questionnaire comprised 16 self-reported items, categorized into five thematic domains: Digital Imaging Tools (4 items), AI Software Usage (1 item), Job Satisfaction (3 items), Time and Communication (4 items), and Patient Expectations (4 items). These categories were designed to assess how different aspects of digital integra \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c l} \hline \hline Digital Imaging Tools & Photographic cameras are essential. \\  & Intraoral scanners are indispensable. \\  & Cone Beam CT is indispensable. \\  & I am satisfied with the dental equipment I have. \\ \hline AI software & I use AI software for diagnosis or treatment planning. \\ \hline Job Satisfaction & I have enough time to dedicate to my patients. \\  & I am satisfied with my current workload. \\  & My patients value my work. \\ \hline Time and communication & I can communicate the treatment plan with clarity to my patients. \\  & I can communicate with clarity with staff. \\  & I can communicate with clarity with the dental laboratory \\  & I can show the patient the result before embarking on treatment. \\ \hline Patient expectations & I often deliver results that correspond to my patients’ anticipated outcome. \\  & I always have a pleasant relationship with my patients. \\  & My patients do not complain about long, uncomfortable treatments. \\  & My patients often like the aesthetic result. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Sections and statements featured in the second subdivision of the questionnaire. tion influence dentists' perceptions of their clinical effectiveness, workflow optimization, and patient care quality. * The Digital Imaging Tools domain included statements addressing the essential role of photographic cameras, intraoral scanners, and CBCT devices in dental clinics, along with a general assessment of satisfaction with available equipment. * The AI Software domain consisted of a single item, focusing on the use of AI-powered software for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes, consisting of three different qualitative open-ended follow-up questions to identify specific tools, their functions, and rationale for use.