Appropriateness of knowledge and practices of dentists relating to using clasps in removable partial dentures

To investigate the knowledge and appropriateness of practices relating to RPD clasps of dentists working in NWFP.

A questionnaire-based-survey conducted at the Department of Prosthodontics, Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar.

Participant's qualifications, experience in dental practice and the proportions of practice time they devoted to RPD services were recorded. Their knowledge and practices appropriateness relating to RPD clasps were documented as responses to statements pertaining to use, design and type of clasps and problems, causes and management methods for replacing RPD clasps.

One hundred out 153 dentists completed questionnaires. Participants were house officers (23%), dental practitioners only BDS qualified (63%), and specialists (14%). Their mean practice experience was 8.4 years with < 30% time given to RPD services. Delegation of RPD design to technicians was routine. Seventy-four percent dentists preferred wrought-wire-clasps. Circumferential and projection clasps were used by 52% and 40% respectively. Sixty-nine percent were not surveying jaw-cast with 62% not knowing correct cast-tilt for identifying undercuts for clasps. Correct amount of undercut was not known for cast-cobalt-chromium and steel-wire clasps on molars to 68% and 52% dentists respectively. Seventy-six percent and 66% were unfamiliar with using Adams and RPI design clasps respectively. Some more than half of dentists were experiencing clasp fit and clasp seating problems or their RPD eliciting the complaint of pain in abutments. Many did not know methods for adjustment or replacement of RPD clasps.

Appropriateness of knowledge and practices of local dentists were considered poor. Need for enhancement of RPD clasp understanding is highlighted.