Quality of communicating design features for cobalt chromium removable partial dentures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

PurposeThis survey aimed to investigate quality of communicating design features forthe construction of cobalt chromium removable partial dentures (RPDs) amongdentists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Materials and MethodsA survey of nine commercial dental laboratories located in Riyadh was carried out.In each visit, master casts for cobalt chromium RPDs and dentists’ prescriptions wereexamined. A quality score for the provided instructions was developed and rangedfrom 0 to 4. A zero score means that no instructions were sent from the dentist forthe design of the RPD. A score of 4 means that instructions were provided for thedesign of four main elements of the RPD, i.e., shape of major connector, type ofdirect retainers, position of direct retainers, position of dental rests.Results162 dentists’ prescriptions for RPDs and related casts were assessed. The majorityof RPD cases were designed by the dental technician alone (64.2%). Shape ofthe major connector was the most frequent element in dentists’ prescriptions(35.8%). The mean quality score of dentists’ instructions was 0.96 (sd=1.54). 18%of the provided instructions achieved quality score equal to 4. Prescriptions forKennedy Class III cases achieved significantly higher mean quality score comparedto Kennedy Class II cases (p