An audit of prosthodontics undertaken in general dental practice in the South East of England

Abstract

by a third. 4,5 There are certain unknown infl uences such as the changes to remuneration in general practice and the effect of increasing costs of dentistry on patients' choice on whether to restore or extract teeth. Therefore, the true long-term trend towards decreasing edentulism is not fully known but changes have occurred which might have an impact on healthcare delivery in the form of complete dentures.Before embarking upon changes in teaching it is important to identify what are the commonly practised aspects of prosthodontics. The aim of this study was to assess the current range and quantity of fi xed and removable prosthodontics carried out in general dental practice in South East of England. This information could then be used when designing curricula for undergraduates. METHODA questionnaire was designed to record the range and frequency of prosthodontic techniques performed by dental practitioners. The potential criteria were discussed at length in focus groups with dentists and teachers in prosthodontics to identify the questions and their focus.

Tooth preparation for rest seats for cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures completed by general dental practitioners

“…These findings are similar to the findings of a survey conducted by Bartlett et al. (26) who found that in the south‐east of England, there were a low number of removable prostheses produced. They also found that few cobalt–chromium dentures were prescribed and that these were made in specialist private practice.…”

The teaching of fixed partial dentures in undergraduate dental schools in Ireland and the United Kingdom

“…A recent survey reported that 55% of Vocational Dental Practitioners and 71% of their trainers felt that the subject of FPDs had been 'poorly' or 'very poorly' covered at an undergraduate level (24). Furthermore, a recent examination of the provision of prosthodontic services in the South East of England indicates that many general dental practitioners are preferring to provide acrylic RPDs rather than FPDs, though this may be a reflection of costs involved in providing this treatment (9). These considerations suggest there is a potential for de-skilling within the dental profession in relation to FPDs.…”

“…However, it is clear that changes in the funding system within the NHS in the UK and the current difficult financial climate mean that this expensive treatment option is being used less often. The long-term effect of this may lead to de-skilling and mean that access for patients to dentists who are comfortable providing FPDs will become more problematic (9).…”

“… Implant‐supported prostheses are a highly predictable form of tooth replacement which, importantly, can be placed independently of adjacent teeth and supporting tissues (8). However, this form of restoration is expensive to provide and access to care is difficult, being mainly in the province of private specialist practitioners (9). Conventional FPDs have long been a popular treatment option for replacing missing teeth and offers the advantages of being attached to adjacent teeth and do not need to be removed for cleaning.…”

“…Implant‐supported prostheses are a highly predictable form of tooth replacement which, importantly, can be placed independently of adjacent teeth and supporting tissues (8). However, this form of restoration is expensive to provide and access to care is difficult, being mainly in the province of private specialist practitioners (9).…”