Survey of prosthodontic service provided by general dentists in Virginia

Activities in prosthodontic treatment may be changing due to prevalence of disease and new treatment options. Studies cite conflicting evidence in regard to prosthodontic services, particularly removable prosthodontics.

This project was designed to describe the amount of prosthodontic services provided by general dentists in Virginia. Results may enhance understanding practice patterns in Virginia and regions with similar demographics.

Licensed Virginia dentists (n=600) were randomly selected from the Virginia Department of Health Professions website. Each individual was mailed a survey of questions about his or her demographics and practice activities with regard to prosthodontics.

Of the 333 respondents, 195 provide prosthodontic treatment and function as general dentists. On average, they spend 25% of their practice time providing prosthodontic services (17% fixed and 8% removable). They provide at least 1 complete denture for a mean total of 24.3 patients per year, at least 1 removable partial denture for a mean total of 28.7 patients per year, at least 1 fixed partial denture for a mean total of 23.0 patients per year, at least 1 implant-supported crown for a mean total of 12.3 patients per year, and at least 1 implant-supported fixed partial denture for mean total of 3.3 patients per year. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data for total population and median income were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

Virginia dentists continue to provide considerable numbers of fixed prosthodontic restorations, removable partial dentures, and complete dentures, while providing a growing number of implant-supported restorations.