Abstract
INTRODUCTION: As the demand for comprehensive patient records grows, dental practices increasingly adopt Electronic Dental Records (EDRs). This study evaluates the usability of the Salud EDR application implemented at the College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on potential users without prior experience using the application to identify usability challenges and areas for improvement. Theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) were employed to contextualize the findings. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods. Think-Aloud sessions captured participants' cognitive processes during task completion, while semi-structured Exit Interviews provided insights into their overall experience and feedback. The System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire measured satisfaction, and navigation pathways were analyzed to compare task performance between potential users and an experienced user. RESULTS: Potential users required significantly more clicks to complete tasks than experienced users, indicating navigation challenges. The SUS questionnaire yielded a mean score of 31.1, categorized as "not acceptable", reflecting low Perceived Usefulness and Ease of Use as outlined by TAM. DOI attributes such as high Complexity and low Compatibility were also evident in user feedback. Exit Interviews revealed that participants found the interface complex, with design issues such as unclear icons and terminology further complicating navigation. DISCUSSION: The findings underscore the need for interface design improvements, including clearer icons, terminology, and navigation pathways, to enhance usability and satisfaction. The application of TAM and DOI frameworks provided a structured lens to interpret usability challenges and inform targeted recommendations. This study demonstrates the importance of usability testing in identifying and addressing challenges in EDR systems, contributing to better user experiences and more effective adoption.