Evaluation of Knowledge and Practice of Dentists in Yazd about Tooth Preparation Principles of Abutment Teeth for a Metal-Ceramic Crown in 2019

Improper tooth preparation in a fixed metal-ceramic prosthesis leads to a prosthesis construction with an insufficient thickness of porcelain or too thick porcelain on the base metal structure. The present designed study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of dentists in Yazd about the basic principles of tooth preparation for the metal-ceramic veneer.

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A valid and reliable questionnaire containing personal information, seven knowledge questions, and six practice questions was designed. After confirmation, it was distributed and collected among general dentists in Yazd in 2019.Data were analyzed by t-test and ANOVA.

177 dentists answeredQuestionnaires. Average knowledge scores were 4.50 ± 1.51 out of 7 and mean performance scores were 4.59 ± 0.81 out of 6. The knowledge of the group under 30 years old was higher than the group of 30 to 39 (p value = 0.017). Differences in participants' performance scores based on age groups weren’t significant (p value = 0.827). Women had higher knowledge than men (p value = 0.029). But no difference was observed in the performance scores of the two genders (p value = 0.092). According to work experience, there were no significant differences in Comparison of knowledge, practice scores and participation in additional courses (p value > 0.05).

The knowledge of Yazd dentists and their level of practice have been moderate and favorable. In some areas, lack of knowledge and practice were significant. It also seems that the current postgraduate courses don’t have much impact on the knowledge and practice of dentists. Therefore it’s necessary to correct and update these courses.