Current trends in removable partial prosthodontics education in dental colleges of Pakistan

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the current trends in undergraduate teaching of removable partial prosthodontics in various dental colleges of Pakistan. Methodology A cross‐sectional study was conducted in which a questionnaire was sent by email to head of Prosthodontics department of thirty‐one dental institutes of Pakistan. The survey included multiple questions regarding current trends in removable partial prosthodontics education in undergraduate dental colleges. Results Out of thirty‐one questionnaires, twenty‐six were completely filled and returned. In 19 (73%) dental colleges, removable partial denture is taught over a period of at least two years of undergraduate education. Students of only six dental colleges fabricate 10–12 removable partial dentures during their Prosthodontic rotation. Lectures and live clinical demonstration for construction of removable acrylic dentures are reported to be carried out in all the dental schools. Simple hinge articulator is the articulator of choice in 22 (84.6%) colleges. Even though twenty‐four out of twenty‐six colleges (92.3%) teach fabrication of cast partial dentures in lectures, none of the student fabricate these dentures during their Prosthodontic rotation. Conclusion This survey is the first to comprehensively report the teaching practices of removable denture Prosthodontics in undergraduate dental colleges of Pakistan. Faculty of all twenty‐six colleges give clinical demonstrations of acrylic partial denture construction before students start working in the dental OPD. Most of the dental colleges report use of similar impression materials and techniques in removable partial denture fabrication. More than 90% of dental colleges teach cast partial dentures theoretically, but their construction is grossly neglected in all the dental colleges. It is important that this skill is taught and practised by students in order to have the necessary skill set, so they can provide comprehensive treatment to partially dentate patients once they graduate.

Current trends in complete denture education in undergraduate dental colleges of Pakistan

“…This will also help them better communicate with the dental laboratory staff after they graduate and start independent clinical practice. 8,13 Implant-supported overdentures were taught theoretically at two-thirds of the dental colleges in the current study, but 90% of the colleges did not provide any clinical experience, including observation of surgical and restorative procedures, to students in the OPDs. Lack of resources, patient affordability and time constraints were the common reasons reported in this regard.…”

“…Therefore, it is a necessity that dental schools continue to evaluate the curricula of removable prosthodontics to make sure that recent clinical techniques and treatment modalities are being taught to undergraduate students. 13 This is of utmost importance so that they are competent to address dental health needs of CD patients after graduation from dental schools.…”

Current Trends in Fixed Prosthodontics Education in Undergraduate Dental Colleges

“…Rehabilitating patients with fixed prosthesis are as important a treatment modality as removable prosthesis; hence, students must be confident prior to treating such patients in their clinical years. 23 A recent international Delphi survey also reported that 96% of experts agreed to the importance of a dedicated preclinical course for fixed prosthodontics. 11 It is thus imperative that guidelines be formulated to enhance standards of preclinical prosthodontics so similar practices are carried out in all dental institutes across the country.…”