A qualitative study on the impact of virtual 3D printing technology on improving patient experience in endodontic surgery
YANG Ping
JIA Lieni
LYU Shaodi
MA Xiaoqin
ZHAO Boxi
WANG Yi
Abstract：Objective To explore how virtual 3D printing technology improves the patient experience in endodontic surgery,with the goal of developing targeted interventions.Methods Using purposive sampling,24 patients who received virtual 3D printing-assisted endodontic microsurgery from September 2024 to February 2025 in the Emergency and Comprehensive Clinical Department of the School of Stomatology,Air Force Medical University,were selected as study subjects.Based on the capability,opportunity,motivation-behavior(COM-B)model,semi-structured interviews were conducted through descriptive qualitative research methods.The interview data were systematically organized and analyzed using content analysis methodology.Results Three core themes and eight sub-themes were identified:capability factors(patient cognitive acceptance,sense of participation,and autonomy in decision-making),opportunity factors(family support,financial decision-making behavior,and concerns about data security),and motivation factors(self-efficacy in treatment,perceived treatment benefits,and management of treatment expectation).Conclusion The COM-B model-based study indicates that the application of virtual 3D printing technology in endodontic surgery requires focused attention on the synergistic effects of three dimensions:patient cognitive capability,external support resources,and intrinsic motivation,which can significantly enhance the perioperative experience for patients.
Keywords：virtual 3D printing technologycapability opportunity motivation-behaviour(COM-B)modelendodontic surgerypatient experience
Publication Date：2026-01-28
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-11(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 16-20 )