Quality of written prescriptions and master impressions for fixed and removable prosthodontics: a comparative study

Abstract

A Ai im m: Various ethical and legal guidelines require dental practitioners to adequately design, prescribe and fabricate good quality prostheses. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the quality of written instructions and choice of impression trays and materials for both fixed and removable prosthodontics in Ireland and the United Kingdom. M Ma at te er ri ia al ls s a an nd d m me et th ho od ds s: A pre-piloted questionnaire was distributed to a number of large commercial laboratories geographically distributed throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Information was sought relating to the quality of written instructions and use of impression trays and materials for three forms of 'dental precision casting' -cobalt-chromium based removable partial dentures, full veneer porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and conventional fixed bridges. R Re es su ul lt ts s: Six hundred questionnaires were distributed, and information was received relating to 447 items of prosthodontic treatment (response rate= 75%). Ninety-five per cent of cases were privately funded. Using pre-determined grading criteria, poor or no written instructions were provided in one-half of cases examined. One-half of master impressions were made using a plastic stock tray. The technician felt that material had been appropriately disinfected prior to being sent to the laboratory in only 57% of cases. C Co on nc cl lu us si io on n: : The written instructions and master impressions examined in this study failed to meet the relevant ethical and legal guidelines in approximately 50% of cases.

UK dental laboratory technicians' views on the efficacy and teaching of clinical-laboratory communication

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] They reported specifically on the quality of written prescriptions in the construction of both fi xed and removable partial prostheses. Lynch and Allen 8 stated that the 'literature has highlighted the poor quality of written prescription for removable partial dentures (RPD) and that the problem still exists'.…”

Why do dentists struggle with removable partial denture design? An assessment of financial and educational issues

“…The problem of inadequate prescription of cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures (CCRPDs) is not new, [1][2][3] and is demonstrated by published studies from as early as 1974 4 through to the early 1990s [5][6][7] in many countries, such as Sweden, 4,6,8 Canada, 7 the USA, [9][10][11] South Africa, 5 and, more recently, in Ireland. [1][2][3] Various studies carried out in the United Kingdom, 3,[12][13][14][15] including a seminal investigation published by Basker et al in 1988, 15 confirm that there is a problem with CCRPD design and fabrication in the United Kingdom.…”

“…[1][2][3] Various studies carried out in the United Kingdom, 3,[12][13][14][15] including a seminal investigation published by Basker et al in 1988, 15 confirm that there is a problem with CCRPD design and fabrication in the United Kingdom.…”

Partial denture design comparisons between inexperienced and experienced undergraduate students and the teaching staff of a UK dental school

“…Overall this does not help students to carry out the number of cases needed to become confi dent at RPD designing. During their outreach training 61 fourth/ fi fth year students attended 20 weeks of outreach for four days per week and carried out from 0-20 acrylic RPDs (two students made 0) and 0-6 Co/CR RPDs (43 students made 0, 18 made from [1][2][3][4][5][6]. This means that during their university training the most conscientious student could qualify having undertaken a maximum of 24 RPDs and some students can leave having completed no Co/Cr RPDs and only one or two acrylic RPDs!…”