Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Clinicians and Dental Technologists on Removable Complete Denture Fabrication Procedures in Uganda: A Qualitative Study

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJAR.2014.13.02.Art010

Authors : David Nono, Charles Mugisha Rwenyonyi, Godfrey Bagenda, Isaac Okullo

Abstract:

Removable Complete Dentures (RCDs) are crucial for restoring function and aesthetics in edentulous patients. The prevalence of edentulism rises with age, affecting 2.3% of the world's population. This study explored the knowledge and attitudes of dental clinicians and technologists regarding Removable Complete Denture (RCD) fabrication procedures at Makerere University Dental Hospital, Uganda. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach and 25 respondents were purposively selected to elicit data on a range of patient-specific considerations and needs during the Removable Complete Dentures fabrication process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed thematically. Respondents identified the critical steps in RCD fabrication, including examination and diagnosis, impression taking, determination of Occlusal Rim Block (ORB) height, proper jaw relation recording, and meticulous fabrication techniques during RCD fabrication, continuous professional development and patients’ education, and went further to explain how these processes align with international guidelines. While dental clinicians and technologists generally adhered to international guidelines, our findings highlighted the need for updated and context-specific guidelines tailored to the Ugandan setting, as well as the importance of effective communication and synchronization among dental practitioners for successful RCD fabrication. The study highlighted dental clinicians' and technologists' knowledge of critical steps in removable complete denture (RCD) fabrication emphasized the need for updated, context-specific guidelines, particularly in impression taking, occlusal rim block height, removable complete denture fabrication steps, examination and diagnosis and patient education, to ensure accurate measurements and improved patient outcomes.

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