Knowledge and Awareness of Precision Attachments among Dental Students

Abstract

Significant reconstruction of damaged teeth requires a great deal of new and traditional treatment methods, and the design of attachment retained removable partial dentures is one such therapeutic approach in prosthodontics. Customized semi-precision fittings with partial dentures provide strength and enhanced aesthetics in situations with limited space. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge and understanding of precision attachments amongst dental students. A descriptive survey was conducted among undergraduate and postgraduate dental students using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered information on the respondent's knowledge regarding the use of precision attachments among dental practitioners in dentistry. Out of the 100 students,60% of them believed that based on the geometric configuration and design of the attachment precision attachments can be classified as the key lock, 20% believed that they were classified as latch type attachments and the rest 20% believed that they were classified as ball and socket attachment. Out of the 100 students who took the survey, 80% believed that the advantages of using precision attachments were all except increasing the stress to abutment and 20% believed that the advantages were all except decreasing torsional forces. All the students who had taken part in the survey had moderate knowledge about the use of precision attachments in dentistry. More intensive educational and awareness initiatives should be undertaken to increase the awareness levels about precision attachments among dental students.