Evaluating Knowledge of Complete Denture Fabrication Procedures among General Dentists: A Questionnaire-Based Study

Dr. Shilpi Deshpande¹, Dr. Sandeep Singh^2, , Dr. Latifa Elbanna³, Dr. Jayeesha Kothapalle⁴, Dr. Manjiri Chakor⁵, Dr. Sonali Badve⁶ and Dr. Ridhi Bhola⁷

¹BDS, GDC Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India

²MDS (Prosthodontics), Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India

³(PhD, Prosthodontics) Faculty of Dental Medicine - AlAzhar University, Cairo, Egypt

⁴BDS/MPH. AECS Maaruti Dental College and Research Centre, India

⁵MDS (Oral and Maxillofacial surgery), RD Dental College and Research Center, Nagpur, India

⁶BDS, Bharti Vidyapeeth Dental College, India

⁷MDS, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India

Cite this paper:
Dr. Shilpi Deshpande, Dr. Sandeep Singh, Dr. Latifa Elbanna, Dr. Jayeesha Kothapalle, Dr. Manjiri Chakor, Dr. Sonali Badve and Dr. Ridhi Bhola. Evaluating Knowledge of Complete Denture Fabrication Procedures among General Dentists: A Questionnaire-Based Study. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2026; 14(1):13-17. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-14-1-3

Abstract

Background: 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. Objective: To assess the knowledge and self-reported confidence of general dentists regarding complete denture fabrication procedures using a structured questionnaire. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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

Keywords:
Complete denture fabrication General dentists Knowledge assessment Prosthodontics

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