Dentist's role in maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation: Outlook of undergraduate dental students of aimst university: A questionnaire-based study

Abstract

Statement of Problem: Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is a lack of literature regarding the awareness of maxillofacial prostheses among dental students. Purpose: This study identifies the level of cognition of undergraduate dental students in various aspects of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using a questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 undergraduate dental students were involved in the study for the analysis of a series of structured questionnaires, related to awareness of dentist's role in maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation. Results: The results of the study showed that 90% of the cohort were aware of a maxillofacial prosthesis. About 78% of the cohort had heard of various types of maxillofacial prosthesis. Only 18.3% and 28.9% of the cohort had knowledge that silicone elastomer and acrylic is used in the fabrication of such prosthesis, respectively, but 41.7% were not sure about it. About 80% and 86.1% of the cohort think that maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation is an alternative treatment option for plastic reconstructive surgery and maxillofacial prosthetists should be the team member of anaplastology team, respectively. Conclusions: The majority of the students were aware of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation to a certain degree. This survey underlines the need for providing adequate awareness initiatives for dental students to further enhance their knowledge and exposure regarding this field of expertise.