Attitudes of dentists in British Columbia toward removable prosthodontics

Abstract

A survey was sent to all registered dentists in British Columbia regarding their training and attitudes in removable prosthodontics. A reasonable number of the questionnaires were returned so that general comments can be made about perceived needs and suggestions to improve training and practice. There was a clear feeling among the dentists surveyed that dental school training had not prepared them adequately for the clinical practice of removable prosthodontics. It was suggested that increased emphasis be placed on both didactic and clinical instruction. Increasing the number and quality of faculty was frequently mentioned. There was a perceived need for integrated instruction with other disciplines and increased emphasis on total patient care, including areas such as nutrition and psychology. In general, removable prosthodontics was felt to be an important area of continuing education. Short courses, study groups, and programs at meetings were perceived to be desirable and necessary. Prosthodontic care was felt to be a significant need of the population. Inadequate training in dental school would be a disservice to both the practitioners and their patients. Access to high-quality dental care is an important aspect of the quality of life, and removable prosthodontics is an integral and important part of dental care.