Comparison of Prosthetic Status of Dental Patients Attending Government and Private Dental Universities: A Retrospective Study Using Patient Records in Riyadh, KSA

Abstract

Tooth loss impairs quality of life, requiring prosthetic rehabilitation. We aimed to analyze prosthetic status differences between patients at public versus private dental universities in Riyadh across demographics through a retrospective cross-sectional study of 400 edentulous Saudi patients treated with fixed/removable prostheses. Statistical analyses revealed prosthetic disparities by university, gender, socioeconomics, and education (p<0.001). Private university patients utilized more fixed treatments like implants and bridges, while public university patients relied on basic removable dentures. Males preferred removable partial dentures and females had more complete dentures. Higher socioeconomic status associated with greater fixed prosthesis use compared to lower income removable dentures. Uneducated individuals mostly had removable partial dentures while educated patients utilized more complete dentures and implants. Overall, disadvantaged groups demonstrated reduced access to advanced fixed prosthetic options. Reasons for selection pattern differences warrant further qualitative and quantitative research. Targeted initiatives promoting equitable, comprehensive prosthetic access could mitigate demographic prosthetic inequality. This study provides evidence on Saudi prosthetic disparities to inform clinical practices and policy reforms ensuring optimal outcomes for diverse patients