The knowledge and practice of fixed prosthodontics : a survey among Saudi Arabian dental practitioners

Abstract EN

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and fixed prosthodontics practice guidelines amongst dental practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Setting: This study was done amongst 500 Dental Practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2020-21.

Methods: 500 dentists were selected randomly from private and public dental sectors and dental schools.

A survey was conducted through e questionnaire composed of 19 questions.

An IBM SPSS statistical program was employed for the analysis.

Chi square test was used to compare between males and females.

All questions had the p value < 0.05 that means there is statistically significant difference.

Results were analyzed and compared using Chi‑square.

Results: This study showed that 320 (64%) participants fabricated study cast before proceeding with the fabrication of the fixed prostheses and 420 (82%) of them assessed abutment tooth radiographically.

The vitality test for restored abutments was always done by 330 (66%) of the respondents, Carbide and diamond burs were used by 230 (46%) and additional cured silicone was used by 380 (76%) of them for making final impression.

Maximum number of participants [410 (82%)] used retraction cord before making final impression.

Both written prescriptions and verbal instructions were used by 360 (72%) of the practitioners for communication with the lab.

Conclusion: Dental practitioners showed acceptable level of knowledge, awareness and practice of fixed prosthodontics.

There was no gender variation in the knowledge regarding the fixed prosthesis.