Communication methods and production techniques in fixed prosthesis fabrication: a UK based survey. Part 1: Communication methods

Statement of the problem The General Dental Council (GDC) states that members of the dental team have to 'communicate clearly and effectively with other team members and colleagues in the interest of patients'. A number of studies from different parts of the world have highlighted problems and confirmed the need for improved communication methods and production techniques between dentists and dental technicians.Aim The aim of this study was to identify the communication methods and production techniques used by dentists and dental technicians for the fabrication of fixed prostheses within the UK from the dental technicians' perspective. The current publication reports on the communication methods.Materials and methods Seven hundred and eighty-two online questionnaires were distributed to the Dental Laboratories Association membership and included a broad range of topics. Statistical analysis was undertaken to test the influence of various demographic variables.Results The number of completed responses totalled 248 (32% response rate). The laboratory prescription and the telephone were the main communication tools used. Statistical analysis of the results showed that a greater number of communication methods were used by large laboratories. Frequently missing items from the laboratory prescription were the shade and the date required. The majority of respondents (73%) stated that a single shade was selected in over half of cases. Sixty-eight percent replied that the dentist allowed sufficient laboratory time. Twenty-six percent of laboratories felt either rarely involved or not involved at all as part of the dental team.Conclusion This study suggests that there are continuing communication and teamwork issues between dentists and dental laboratories

Communication methods and production techniques in fixed prosthesis fabrication: a UK based survey. Part 2: Production techniques

Aim The aim of this study was to identify the communication methods and production techniques used by dentists and dental technicians for the fabrication of fixed prostheses within the UK from the dental technicians' perspective. This second paper reports on the production techniques utilised.Materials and methods Seven hundred and eighty-two online questionnaires were distributed to the Dental Laboratories Association membership and included a broad range of topics, such as demographics, impression disinfection and suitability, and various production techniques. Settings were managed in order to ensure anonymity of respondents. Statistical analysis was undertaken to test the influence of various demographic variables such as the source of information, the location, and the size of the dental laboratory.Results The number of completed responses totalled 248 (32% response rate). Ninety percent of the respondents were based in England and the majority of dental laboratories were categorised as small sized (working with up to 25 dentists). Concerns were raised regarding inadequate disinfection protocols between dentists and dental laboratories and the poor quality of master impressions. Full arch plastic trays were the most popular impression tray used by dentists in the fabrication of crowns (61%) and bridgework (68%). The majority (89%) of jaw registration records were considered inaccurate. Forty-four percent of dental laboratories preferred using semi-adjustable articulators. Axial and occlusal under-preparation of abutment teeth was reported as an issue in about 25% of cases. Base metal alloy was the most (52%) commonly used alloy material. Metal-ceramic crowns were the most popular choice for anterior (69%) and posterior (70%) cases. The various factors considered did not have any statistically significant effect on the answers provided. The only notable exception was the fact that more methods of communicating the size and shape of crowns were utilised for large laboratories.Conclusion This study suggests that there are continuing issues in the production techniques utilised between dentists and dental laboratories

Current trends in complete denture teaching in British dental schools

Aims Against the background of the publication of the General Dental Council's interim report on undergraduate dental education the aim was to investigate current trends in teaching of complete denture construction to undergraduates in the twelve long established dental schools and to gather the opinions of lead teachers of complete denture courses regarding students' competence on graduation. Materials and method A questionnaire containing twenty-five factual questions and eight opinion questions was sent by email to the lead teacher in each of the twelve long established dental schools. Results Replies were received from all twelve schools. All schools teach complete denture construction although the number of cases students are required to treat varies from 5-6 to 1-2. Laboratory courses also varied in content and in most schools all technical work for patients was completed by technicians. Opinions varied regarding the level of competence achieved by students and their preparedness for Vocational Training. Three respondents thought students were adequately prepared, four thought they were, but with reservations and five thought their students were under prepared. The majority thought that the external examiner system, Teaching Quality Assessments and GDC visitations did not ensure GDC requirements for competence in complete denture construction were being met