Awareness, Attitude and Clinical Adoption of Advanced Local Drug Delivery and Controlled Release Systems in Dental Practice: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study

Dr. Biswaroop Mohanty¹, Dr Mohammad Aleemuddin², Dr.Ipsita Mahapatra³, Dr. Nirmalya Biswas⁴,.Dr Divya Vyas⁵,.Dr. Harshika⁶

¹MDS, Professor, Department of Orthodontics. Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences. K.I.I.T University. Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
²MDS, Faculty, Reader, Department of Conservative and Endodontics, Yenepoya (Deemed to be university),Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, Karnataka.
³MDS, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Hi-tech dental college & hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
⁴MDS, Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry,  Pacific Dental College & Research Centre, Udaipur Rajasthan.
⁵MDS, Reader, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Maharishi Markandeshwar College of Dental Science and Research, Ambala, Haryana.
⁶MDS, Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, JCD Dental College, JCD Vidhyapeeth, Sirsa, Haryana... Hisar, Haryana.

ABSTRACT

Background: Advanced local drug delivery (LDD) and controlled release systems (CRS) have been introduced to enhance targeted antimicrobial therapy in periodontal and other dental conditions. Despite demonstrated clinical benefits, their adoption in routine practice remains inconsistent. Objective: To assess the awareness, attitude, perceived efficacy, barriers, and clinical adoption of advanced LDD/CRS among dental practitioners. Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous, online questionnaire survey was conducted among dental practitioners. The instrument was developed through literature review and expert validation. Content validity was established by subject experts, pilot testing was performed, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. The questionnaire included sections on demographics, awareness and knowledge, attitudes, clinical use patterns, and perceived barriers. Sample size estimation was performed based on reliability analysis and prevalence calculation. Data were collected over 8 weeks and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of 420 invited practitioners, 312 responded (74.3%). The mean age was 33.8 ± 7.2 years, and 56% were female. Participants included 48% general dentists, 34% periodontists, and 18% other specialists. Although 82% were aware of LDD/CRS products, only 39% reported good/very good practical knowledge. Regular use (≥1/month) was reported by 27.9%, while 43.9% used them rarely and 28.2% had never used them. Major barriers were high cost (72.1%), limited training (60.9%), uncertain reimbursement (53.8%), and concerns about long-term efficacy (39.1%). Periodontal specialization (adjusted OR 3.6; 95% CI 2.1–6.2) and prior continuing education attendance (adjusted OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.7–5.0) were significant predictors of regular adoption (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Although awareness of LDD/CRS is high among dental practitioners, routine clinical adoption remains limited. Addressing cost constraints, enhancing targeted continuing education, and strengthening clinical guidelines may improve integration of these technologies into standard dental practice

Keywords: Local drug delivery; Controlled release systems; Periodontics; Awareness; Clinical adoption; Dental practice; Continuing education

How to cite this article: Mohanty B, Aleemuddin M, Mahapatra I, Biswas N, Vyas D, Harshika H., Awareness, Attitude and Clinical Adoption of Advanced Local Drug Delivery and Controlled Release Systems in Dental Practice: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study.. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(1s): 225-231 DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16. 225-231