An Audit of Written Instructions Sent to the Laboratory for Fabrication of Fixed Prosthodontic Appliances in a Tertiary Health Institution in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To audit the prescriptions sent by dental practitioners to the dental technicians for fixed dental prostheses.
Methods: This was an audit of all written instructions for fixed dental prostheses sent to the advanced conservative dentistry laboratory of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Data of interest were status of requesting dental surgeon, type of prosthesis, age of the patient, gender of the patient, next appointment date, disinfection status of the impression, metal alloy requested, design of the margin, number of pontics and design, surfaces to be covered by metal only, occlusal scheme, shade, diagram for illustration and the type of porcelain glaze.
Results: Various types of fixed prostheses were requested with porcelain fused to metal single crowns accounting for more than half. The quality of
written instructions was clear only in 2.0% of the prescriptions while 56.8% had no instructions at all. There was no statistically significant relationship between the cadre of the dental practitioner making the request and the quality of written instructions. There was statistically  significant association between types of prosthesis requested and provision of diagrammatic illustration on the written instruction.
Discussion: Fixed prostheses are usually fabricated in the dental laboratory by dental laboratory technicians using impressions of the mouth made by dental practitioners. The quality of prosthetic restorations has been shown to be a reflection of the skills of the dentist and dental technicians as well as communication between them.
Conclusion: There is need for improved quality of written communication between the dentists and the laboratory personnel.