Abstract:

Objective

The aim of this investigation was to examine the quality of communication between dentist and dental technicians for fixed prosthodontics in China.

Methods

400 pre-piloted questionnaires were distributed to large commercial dental laboratories in China.Information was sought relating to the quality of written instructions for fixed prosthodontics， as well as the response of dental technician to the written instructions.

Results

Information was received relating to 336 items. Only 7 percent of these items clarified disinfection of impressions or models delivered. 33 percent of written instructions provided the patient's general information of gender and age. Percentages of written instructions specifying color， surfaces covered by porcelain， labial/buccal margin design were 78， 16 and 9 respectively. In the 119 cases for metal ceramic bridges， 78 percent of written instructions provided the number of pontics to be included in its design， while 11 percent of written instructions specified pontic design. In all the 336 written instructions， technicians complained that only 18% contained all the information needed.However， under such circumstances， only 14% of them would contact dentist for clarification of the design porior to making the restoration.

Conclusions

At present， the communication between dentists and dental technicians was inadequate. Some information important for prosthesis making procedure was constantly ignored. It was indicated in this investigation that both dentists and dental technicians were lack of desire and willingness to communicate with each other， for which the reasons still remained to be discussed.

Key words: Fixed prosthodontics, Communication, Quality, Written instructions, Dental technicians