Removable partial denture teaching in Indonesian dental schools: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Prosthodontics
• Removable Partial Dentures

Background:

• Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are crucial for restoring patient function and aesthetics.
• General dental practitioners increasingly manage patients requiring complex RPDs.
• Undergraduate dental programs must equip graduates with RPD skills for high-standard patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current practices in teaching removable partial dentures (RPDs) in Indonesian dental schools.
• To identify variations in preclinical and clinical RPD instruction.
• To assess challenges and opportunities for improving RPD education.

Main Methods:

• A validated questionnaire was distributed to 37 Indonesian dental schools.
• Data collected covered curriculum, teaching methods, staff, facilities, and assessment.
• Responses were analyzed using Excel.

Main Results:

• A high response rate (84%) was achieved, with all schools offering preclinical RPD courses.
• Significant variations were found in clinical training, with nearly 50% requiring only one case.
• Supervisor-to-student ratios and laboratory access (in-house vs. external) varied considerably.

Conclusions:

• RPD teaching is integrated into Indonesian dental curricula, but substantial disparities exist.
• Minimal clinical case requirements in many institutions may limit graduate preparedness.
• Harmonizing RPD education is essential to enhance graduate competence in providing RPDs.