Are we abusing our alginate impressions? An audit

Alginate is the commonest material that is used in dentistry for impressions, but are proper clinical handling procedures being followed? This paper describes an audit of alginate impressions undertaken in an undergraduate teaching clinic to check that proper operator technique and clinical handling procedures of alginate material are in place.

To achieve this aim, the outcome of this study is to establish a series of steps which should be followed that will assist in achieving a good impression to help undergraduates and trainee nurses in making a good alginate impression. These will form a series of guidelines based on scientific principles and best practice. Such guidelines may also be used as a teaching tool to show clinicians how to produce a clinically acceptable impression.