Dentists’ Attitudes Regarding Shortened Dental Arch Concept in Senior Dental Patients

Manal Alammari^1,

¹Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Cite this paper:
Manal Alammari. Dentists’ Attitudes Regarding Shortened Dental Arch Concept in Senior Dental Patients. International Journal of Dental Sciences and Research. 2017; 5(2):25-30. doi: 10.12691/ijdsr-5-2-3

Abstract

Objective: A complete dental arch is usually wanted though not affordable nor always achievable especially in old age dental patients with compromised general health. This study investigated dentists’ knowledge and attitude regarding the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a nine months period, during which 200 self-designed structured questionnaires were distributed to general dentists, restorative consultants and prosthodontists from 47 governmental hospitals and private dental clinics. General information about the SDA concept was included in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into four main sections including knowledge, use of SDA concept, its application and the common treatment options selected. Results: There is a significant relationship between higher level of education and the selection of SDA concept as an option for treatment. Governmental institutions are more aware of the selection of the Concept compared to Private, p-value = 0.044. Out of the responding154 dentists, 34.4% were aware of the SDA concept. However, 81% always replaced missing molars. Moreover, 69% did not apply the concept in their treatment plan and did not use it as a treatment option; in fact, 54% of cases potentially suitable for SDA would be restored with cobalt chrome removable partial dental prosthesis (RPDP). 52.6% believed that they would lose income if they applied the concept. 63% of the sample only became aware of the SDA concept when we introduced it. Conclusions: Most dentists agreed that the concept offers some benefits and may be considered as a method for old patients’ prosthodontic treatment. Nevertheless, most of the dentists in Jeddah did not apply the SDA concept. There is a need to rise the SDA awareness, approval as well as its implementation clinically. Moreover, RPDPs teaching and practicing should continue to be an integral part of Prosthodontics programs.

Keywords:
dentist awareness oral function attitude shortened dental arch senior dental patient

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