The Knowledge and Practice of Fixed Prosthodontics: A Survey among Saudi Arabian Dental Practitioners

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and fixed prosthodontics practice guidelines amongst dental practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Setting: This study was done amongst 500 Dental Practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2020-21. Methods: 500 dentists were selected randomly from private and public dental sectors and dental schools. A survey was conducted through e questionnaire composed of 19 questions. An IBM SPSS statistical program was employed for the analysis. Chi square test was used to compare between males and females. All questions had the p value < 0.05 that means there is statistically significant difference. Results were analyzed and compared using Chi-square. Results: This study showed that 320 (64%) participants fabricated study cast before proceeding with the fabrication of the fixed prostheses and 420 (82%) of them assessed abutment tooth radiographically. The vitality test for restored abutments was always done by 330 (66%) of the respondents, Carbide and diamond burs were used by 230 (46%) and additional cured silicone was used by 380 (76%) of them for making final impression. Maximum number of participants [410 (82%)] used retraction cord before making final impression. Both written prescriptions and verbal instructions were used by 360 (72%) of the practitioners for communication with the lab. Conclusion: Dental practitioners showed acceptable level of knowledge, awareness and practice of fixed prosthodontics. There was no gender variation in the knowledge regarding the fixed prosthesis.