Citation Information :
Selvaraj A, Palanivel S, Arumugam EM, Anandakumar K, Dhakshnamoorthy K, Saketharaman P. Knowledge Attitude and Awareness about Flexible Dentures among Nonprosthodontist and General Dentists in Chennai City: A Cross-sectional Study. World J Dent 2023; 14 (8):677-682.
Aim: The present survey was aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and awareness of the use of flexible dentures among general dentists and nonprosthodontic specialists across Chennai city through a questionnaire.
Materials and methods: A total of 100 nonprosthodontist and general clinical practitioners with 0–20 years of clinical experience were taken into this cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study across Chennai city. A questionnaire of 17 questions was prepared and distributed through online platforms to randomly selected dentists. The questionnaire was about the awareness of flexible dentures, its longevity, its advantages, indications, and the materials used. A total of 15 days was given for the participants to fill out the survey, and after reaching 100 responses, the survey was closed to attain the appropriate sample size estimated. Data were collected and analyzed.
Results: General dental (GD) practitioners prefer fixed partial dentures, while nonprosthodontist dental practitioners (NPDP) opt for flexible dentures for patients allergic to acrylic resins and those with severe undercut areas, indicating that deciding and following flexible denture as a predominant treatment option is statistically significant among the study groups (p < 0.0001). The survey also revealed no significant differences in familiarity (p > 0.8168), longevity (p > 0.3794), retention type (p > 0.8168), handling of flexible denture prostheses (p > 0.8168), and advantages (p > 0.2717) between the two groups.
Conclusion: Despite adequate knowledge and attitude awareness, there is definitely a need for more effective training programs, clinical workshops, hands-on sessions, personal clinical experience, and follow-up studies that can largely influence the long-term success and shift in practice toward flexible denture prosthesis.
Clinical significance: Flexible thermoplastic dentures possess excellent compatibility, lower flexural modulus, and follow the contour of the tooth without compromising the retention and stability of the denture. Despite several advantages, the application of flexible dentures with adequate knowledge in routine dental practice is still crucial to ensure a successful treatment outcome.
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