Prosthetic accuracy, laboratory fabrication techniques, and preventive oral hygiene interventions in specialized dental care: a systematic review of primary research involving dental technologists, dental laboratory technologists, and dental hygienists

Background: Specialized dental care depends on accurate prostheses, efficient laboratory workflows, and sustained plaque control around natural teeth, fixed restorations, and implant-supported prostheses. This systematic review evaluated primary research addressing digital and conventional prosthetic workflows and preventive oral-hygiene interventions relevant to dental technologists, dental laboratory technologists, and dental hygienists.   Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA principles. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to June 30, 2026. Two authors independently screened records, reviewed full texts, extracted data, and resolved disagreements through discussion. Eligible primary studies evaluated prosthetic accuracy, clinical or laboratory efficiency, digital or conventional fabrication methods, or preventive oral-hygiene interventions in patients receiving fixed, removable, or implant-supported prostheses.   Results: Seven eligible primary-study reports were included. Digital workflows reduced active laboratory working time for single crowns and three-unit fixed partial dentures compared with conventional workflows. Clinical evidence showed that impression efficiency varied according to the scanner, indication, and scanned arch length. Preventive interventions involving supportive implant care, powered toothbrushing, and oral irrigation improved plaque-related or microbial outcomes, although additional chemical adjuncts produced limited incremental benefit.   Conclusion: Digital laboratory workflows offer important efficiency advantages without consistent evidence of inferior clinical fit for selected prosthetic indications. Preventive oral-hygiene care remains integral to prosthetic maintenance, particularly for implant-supported restorations. Coordinated clinical, laboratory, and dental-hygiene protocols are needed to optimize long-term restorative outcomes. 

Keywords: dental technology; dental laboratory technology; dental hygiene; computer-aided design; computer-aided manufacturing; dental prosthesis