@article{ajphr20261413,
author={{Deshpande, Dr. Shilpi and Singh, Dr. Sandeep and Elbanna, Dr. Latifa and Kothapalle, Dr. Jayeesha and Chakor, Dr. Manjiri and Badve, Dr. Sonali and Bhola, Dr. Ridhi},
title={Evaluating Knowledge of Complete Denture Fabrication Procedures among General Dentists: A Questionnaire-Based Study},
journal={American Journal of Public Health Research},
volume={14},
number={1},
pages={13--17},
year={2026},
url={https://pubs.sciepub.com/ajphr/14/1/3},
issn={2327-6703},
abstract={<b>Background</b>: Fabrication of complete dentures is a fundamental prosthodontic skill for restoring function and esthetics in edentulous patients. However, the knowledge and confidence of general dentists in performing each procedural step can vary considerably. <b>Objective</b>: To assess the knowledge and self-reported confidence of general dentists regarding complete denture fabrication procedures using a structured questionnaire. <b>Methods</b>: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 126 general dentists. The questionnaire comprised demographic details and 15 knowledge-based items covering primary impressions, border molding, neutral zone concept, mandibular retention, facebow transfer, articulator transfer, SPA factors, try-in evaluation, laboratory procedures, post- insertion management, balanced occlusion, follow-up protocols, relining/rebasing, and adequacy of undergraduate training. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics. <b>Results:</b><b> </b>Most respondents were aged above 40 years (55.6%), with 35.7% having more than 10 years of clinical experience. A majority reported confidence in primary impressions (84.1%), border molding (82.5%), and the neutral zone concept (78.6%). Confidence was moderate for balanced occlusion (64.3%) and facebow transfer (46.0%), but lower for articulator transfer (42.9%). Although 87.3% routinely provided post-insertion instructions, only 68.3% consistently scheduled follow-up appointments. Undergraduate training was considered adequate for complete denture fabrication by 81.7% of participants. <b>Conclusion</b>: The study revealed generally high self-reported knowledge in most aspects of complete denture fabrication, but notable gaps were identified in facebow and articulator transfer, balanced occlusion, and follow-up practices. These findings highlight the need for targeted continuing education to strengthen competencies in these critical areas},
doi={10.12691/ajphr-14-1-3}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}