Comprehensive Assessment of Patient\u27s Awareness and Knowledge about Removable Partial Denture Treatment: A Questionnaire Based Original Research Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: Removable partial denture is an integral portion of Prosthodontic rehabilitative procedures. It frequently restores esthetics, functions and phonetics to a certain extent. Here authors have attempted to evaluate the relative awareness and knowledge levels about RPD in studied patients. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Prosthodontics of the institute wherein all patients were screened and selected for the study. We analyzed 100 patients of both the genders. For analyzing the awareness levels, we had used a pre-framed questionnaire containing 8 questions related to knowledge and awareness. We had processed the data of patients those recorded as responses of the questionnaire. Responses were recorded in tables and data was processed statistically to estimate real awareness and satisfaction levels. Results: Statistical analysis was done using statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The resultant data was employed to suitable statistical tests to obtain p values, mean, standard deviation, standard error an 95% CI. P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Total 91 patients think that it is an excellent option for those who can’t afford advanced treatment options like Implants, etc. Total 51 patients believe that patients usually experience pain while wearing RPD. Total 62 patients believe that RPDs have deleterious effect of remaining natural standing teeth. The overall measured significant level (p value) was 0.01. Conclusion: Considering all the limiting factors, authors have finally concluded that level of knowledge and awareness about RPD was moderate in the studied population. However it could differ in other population groups especially in urban setups. Most of the studied patients were not completely aware about RPD therapy. Therefore, awareness exercises and other measures must be conducted periodically so as to raise overall awareness and knowledge levels