Quality of Communication between Dental Technicians and Dentists during the Fabrication of Removable Partial Dentures in Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Communication between the dentist and the dental laboratory technician plays an essential role in the success of prosthetic treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe the quality of communication between dentist and dental technicians, and to highlight the different constraints encountered by the laboratory technician when making removable partial prostheses. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 94 dental technician working in the private sector in Casablanca. To collect data an auto administrated questionnaire was distributed to the dental technicians. This tool included five sections : Identification, communication methods, prosthetic design, communication difficulties and the added value of digitizing the prosthetic chain. Data were statistically processed using SPSS 20 software. Results: A total of 94 dental technicians working in Casablanca were interviewed. All these laboratory technicians (100%) used the laboratory form as their main means of communication. Additional means of communication were used to complete missing information (phone, photo sharing, e-mail). 72.3% of dental technicians designed the metal framework for cast partial dentures themselves and 67% of prosthetists said that digitizing the prosthetic chain could improve dentist - dental laboratory technician communication. Conclusion: Effective communication between dentist and dental technician is essential for successful prosthetic treatment and patient satisfaction