Awareness on Recent Advances in Materials Used in Maxillofacial Prosthesis Among Undergraduate Dental Students - A Cross Sectional Survey

The aim of this study was to assess the awareness on recent advances in materials used in maxillofacial prosthesis among dental students. Maxillofacial deformities are embarrassing to patients and may negatively affect their physical and physiological health, potentially resulting in serious psychiatric, familial and social problems. Maxillofacial prosthesis have an impact on the patient's quality of life. Several materials, techniques and clinical approaches have been used for maxillofacial prosthesis. So this study aims at evaluating the awareness on recent advances in materials used in maxillofacial prosthesis among undergraduate students of saveetha dental college. A set of 10 questionnaires was framed and an online survey was conducted among Saveetha dental college students using survey planet.100 students have taken the survey and the results were statistically analysed from the responses. From the results, 57% of students were not aware about the recent advances in materials for maxillofacial prosthesis. 59% students were aware of silicone block polymer but 57% were not aware about its properties. 53% students were not aware about polyphosphazenes. 56% were not aware about A-2186 (Factor 11) and silphenylenes. 78% students agree that the future of maxillofacial prosthesis depends on the development of new materials. Hence, the study draws attention that the students are not aware about recent advances of materials used in maxillofacial prosthesis. We need to create more awareness by seminars, CDE programs and hands on lectures on recent advances in maxillofacial prosthesis.