CAD/CAM Education Experience and Utilization Competency of Dental Hygiene and Dental Technology Students: A Comparative Study

<b>Background:</b> The use of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology is rapidly expanding in modern dentistry. However, differences may exist in educational experiences and utilization competencies between dental hygiene and dental technology students. <b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to assess CAD/CAM educational exposure and competencies by major and grade level. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 464 undergraduate students in Korea. The questionnaire covered general characteristics, CAD/CAM education experience, and competencies in scanning, CAD design, CAM operation, and post-processing. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples <i>t</i>-tests, and correlation analysis. <b>Results:</b> A total of 464 valid responses were analyzed. Dental technology students reported significantly higher experience with CAD/CAM education compared with dental hygiene students (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Scanning, CAD design, CAM operation, and post-processing competency were all significantly higher among dental technology students and senior (3–4 year) students compared with dental hygiene and junior (1–2 year) students (<i>p</i> < 0.001). CAD/CAM competencies varied significantly by major and grade level. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings emphasize the need to strengthen CAD/CAM training in dentistry curricula and to promote interdisciplinary digital dentistry education to prepare practice-ready graduates for a digitized clinical environment.