Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Objective The increasing use of digital technologies in dentistry raises the question about their current application in the manufacture of occlusal stabilization splints. This study evaluated the utilization of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology in Michigan splint production in dental laboratories in Germany. The focus was on the manufacturing method, dependent active working time, equipment used, and the costs. Materials and methods A cross-sectional online questionnaire using the SoSci Survey platform was sent by the Association of German Dental Technicians (VDZI) to all their members and additionally to 3,470 dental laboratories in Germany via email. The survey was divided into four sections: general questions about splint fabrication, CAD/CAM specific questions for users, questions for non-CAD/CAM users, and demographic data. Results A total of 192 questionnaires were analyzed. Most respondents reported using CAD/CAM technology (82.8%, n = 159) for Michigan splint production. Subtractive manufacturing was the most frequently reported (59.9%, n = 115). Digital workflows were associated with significantly shorter active working time reports than conventional methods (p < 0.001). However, higher costs were reported with the use of CAD/CAM technology. Hybrid workflows remain the predominant approach. Conclusions In dental laboratories in Germany, the most used manufacturing workflow for Michigan splints is the subtractive CAD/CAM approach. Digital manufacturing processes should be considered with higher costs than conventional workflows but result in a significant association of the reduction in active working time. Hybrid workflows currently remain predominant due to the continued use of conventional clinical data acquisition.</p>