ORIGINAL: Opinions of Dental Technologists in Nigeria on Quality of Work Authorization for Removable Dental Prosthesis

West Afr J Med. 2024 July; 41(7): 783–788 PMID: 39356728

Abstract

Background: When fabricating a removable dental prosthesis, clear and sufficient communication between the dentist and dental laboratory technologist is crucial to ensure a successful outcome.

Objectives: To evaluate the quality of communication between dentists and dental laboratories via work authorizations for the fabrication of removable prosthesis across the six geographical zones in Nigeria.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among dental technologists in Nigeria. A 22- item, online survey questionnaire was sent to all the participants through their respective states and the National Dental Technologist Association across the six geographical zones in the country. Data obtained were analyzed. Association between variables was carried out using the Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was used to predict group membership.

Results: A total of 62 dental technologists participated in this study; the highest percentage of respondents, 29.1% was from South West. Only 21% of the respondents reported that they received work authorizations with adequate information to complete a denture setup most time. Also, 16.1% of the technologists received casts with adequate rest seats and guide planes prepared on the abutment teeth. Eighteen respondents (29%) stated that the authorization card does not contain all the required information. Fabrication of more than 7cast RPDs could be used to predict dental technologists who hold a positive view on the provision of quality work authorization by dentists. (P≤0.05).