Impression materials and techniques for crown and bridgework: a survey of undergraduate teaching in the UK

The aim of this study was to document the teaching of impression materials and techniques for crown and bridgework in the undergraduate curriculum in UK dental schools. A questionnaire sent to each school during the 1993/1994 academic year elicited fourteen replies (100% response). Addition-cured silicones were found to predominate; 71% of schools taught and used clinically a one-stage, full arch impression technique involving stock trays, and 57% of schools a full-arch custom tray technique. Routine disinfection of impressions was taught and practised in 43% of schools. The results demonstrated variation between UK dental schools in their teaching of impression materials and techniques for crown and bridgework in the undergraduate curriculum.