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Complete denture education in U.S. dental schools.
Vicki C Petropoulos1, Behnoush Rashedi
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6003, USA. VPetropoulos@aol.com
Summary
A 2001 survey of U.S. dental schools reveals consensus on complete denture materials and techniques. However, integration of newer technologies like dental implants and alternative processing methods remains limited in predoctoral education.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- Dental Education
Background:
- Complete denture fabrication is a cornerstone of predoctoral dental education.
- Standardization of curricula and techniques is essential for consistent clinical outcomes.
- Evolving technologies necessitate updates in dental school curricula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current state of clinical complete denture programs in U.S. dental schools.
- To identify common materials, teaching philosophies, and techniques employed.
- To evaluate the adoption of new technologies in predoctoral prosthodontic training.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to prosthodontic/restorative department chairpersons at 54 U.S. dental schools.
- A response rate of 82% was achieved with 44 schools returning completed questionnaires.
- Data analysis included computation of means, medians, and ranges for survey responses.
Main Results:
- Widespread agreement exists on materials like irreversible hydrocolloid and light-cured composite resin for record bases.
- Most schools utilize semiadjustable articulators and semianatomic posterior teeth.
- Common techniques include protrusive records, conventional compression molding, and clinical remount procedures.
Conclusions:
- While many aspects of complete denture education are standardized, significant variation exists between dental schools.
- The incorporation of dental implants and implant-retained overdentures into predoctoral curricula is limited (55%).
- Adoption of newer processing techniques like injection molding is also not widespread.