Assessing Clinical Communication for Fixed Prosthodontics Construction between Dental Laboratories and Dentists

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to estimate the communication between dental practitioners and dental technicians, through fixed prosthodontics from a dental laboratory technician's point of view, study the weak points, and try to offer them. Methods. In Tripoli, a randomized sample of private dental laboratories was chosen. A hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed, and 130 were received (response rate=87%). A part of the questionnaires was mailed to the laboratory directors of dental laboratories and others were distributed to the dental technicians personally (face to face). The survey asked questions about the following areas of work authorization: Academic certificate, Years of work as a dental clinician, choice of materials for the prosthesis, design of the fixed prosthesis, and shade description. The use of impression materials for fixed prosthodontics was part of the questionnaire. For each question, the number of responses received was tabulated and converted to a percentage. Data were collected and analyzed statistically with (SPSS) version 25 software and Pearson’s Chi-square test p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results. The findings showed that the telephone 42.9% and written dental prescription 24.2% are the main communication tools. The technician is more likely to choose fixed prosthesis design alone when conversing with doctors verbally or via email, while they sometimes choose it when sending them written prescriptions. Therefore, the best form of cooperation would be a written prescription. 84.6% of dental technicians received impressions in a non-disinfected state. The plastic stock tray was the most common choice of impression tray (75.4%). The minority of dental technicians 19.7% are discussing pontics design with the dentist. Conclusion. According to Tripoli dental technicians, good quality communication between both dental technologists and dentists is not always present. The connection between these two dental offices still needs work.