The metaverse, a convergence of digital technologies is reshaping various industries and holds significant potential to revolutionize dentistry. The study aimed to appraise the knowledge, understanding, and awareness of dental students and professionals regarding the application of the metaverse in dental practice. A cross-sectional study was administered to gather insights from both dental students and professionals, evaluating their familiarity with metaverse technologies such as XR, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Digital Twins, and AI, and their perceived potential in patient care, education, and training. A total of 328 participants were involved in the study. The questionnaire link was distributed via WhatsApp Groups and targeted dental students, both undergraduates and postgraduates, and dental faculty. It consisted of 28 questions, regarding demographic details, general information, metaverse in patient care and education, metaverse application in dental training, and conclusive questions. The results revealed varying levels of awareness among participants, with a majority expressing interest and enthusiasm towards integrating metaverse technologies into their practice and education. However, concerns regarding technical proficiency, privacy, and data security were also identified as potential barriers to adoption. The findings highlight the need for targeted educational initiatives to enhance awareness and proficiency in metaverse technologies among dental professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to leverage its transformative potential for improved patient care and education in dentistry.
