Application Of Prosthodontic Techniques By Private Practitioners In Northern India- A Survey

Abstract

ObjectivesTo know the various prosthodontic techniques followed by the private dental practitioners, to know the problems encountered by the private dental practitioners in various prosthodontic treatments and to compare the techniques prescribed and techniques followed by them. Materials and MethodsA survey was done to determine the prosthodontic techniques by some private practitioners in India. A pre-tested questionnaire performa containing questions on complete denture, removable partial denture and fixed partial denture fabrication was prepared for the private practitioners to be filled up. A total of 700 subjects were included in the final study (70% response rate).Results80.4% of the practitioners used to do the whole prosthetic treatment themselves. Only 23% of the practitioners took the case history in written form. 61.7% of the practitioners who responded (670) made the study casts before the start of the treatment. Many practitioners who responded faced problems during fabrication of complete dentures, removable partial denture and fixed partial prosthesis.ConclusionThe findings from this study showed that the respondents did not follow the techniques and procedures which were being taught in the dental schools which had been deemed to be clinically essential for the successful prosthodontic treatment and there was a need for continuing dental education programs for the private practitioners for up gradation of their clinical skills.