Quality of prescription and fabrication of single‐unit crowns by general dental practitioners in Wales

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to describe the quality of prescription and fabrication of single-unit crowns by general dental practitioners in Wales. One hundred pre-piloted questionnaires were distributed to commercial laboratories in Wales with large catchment areas, and 20 pre-piloted questionnaires were distributed to the production laboratory at the Cardiff Dental Hospital. Information was collected relating to the quality of prescription and master impressions for single-unit crowns. One hundred and seven completed questionnaires were returned (response rate = 89%). Sixty per cent (n = 64) of questionnaires related to single-unit crowns being made in general practice under private funding arrangements, 30% (n = 32) were being made in general dental practice under National Health Service (public) funding arrangements and 10% (n = 11) were collected from the Dental Hospital. Polyvinylsiloxane impression material was used to record the master impression in all cases (n = 107). Plastic stock trays were used to make the master impression in 79% of cases (n = 85), metal stock trays were used in 19% of cases (n = 20) and special trays were used in 2% of cases (n = 2). Eighty-five per cent (n = 91) of master casts were considered to be adequate for crown fabrication. Less than 50% of written instructions (n = 52) were considered 'clear' and of sufficient detail to adequately specify the planned crown. In 21% of cases (n = 22), the technician had to contact the dentist for clarification of the design prior to making the crown. While the quality of impression making for single-unit crowns was of a reasonable standard, the quality of the accompanying written communication was poor and more than one-half of written instructions examined failed to meet the requirements of the European Union Medical Devices Directive.