TITLE:
Quality and Means of Communication between Dentists and Laboratory Technicians in Fixed Prosthesis: A Study within Prosthetic Dental Technicians in Casablanca, Morocco
AUTHORS:
Houda Moussaoui, Zineb Al Jalil, Laila Echajia, Nassiba Gnaoui, Nadia El Mesbahi
KEYWORDS:
Dental Technician, Dentist, Communication, Satisfaction, Fixed Prosthodontics
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.3,
March
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of communication between dentists and laboratory technicians during the design and production of fixed prosthetic restorations in Casablanca/Morocco and to determine the influence of digital tools on the quality of this communication. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to 94 dental technicians between 25th September 2023 and 28th November 2023. Results: The laboratory form was the main means of communication between the dental office and the prosthesis laboratory (98.9%). 25.5% of the laboratory forms received were completed to enable prosthetists to carry out their work, while 31.9% of these forms included a minimum of information. The gender of the patient was always indicated on the laboratory form according to 66% of dental technicians. Age was never mentioned according to 42.6% of laboratory technicians. 51.1% of dental technicians received both physical and digital impressions, while 9.6% of the laboratories surveyed received only digital impressions. 92.6% of the dental laboratories confirmed that the introduction of digital tools in the dental office and laboratory has a significant impact on improving dental team communication. 57.4% of laboratory technicians were very satisfied with their communication with dentists, 35.1% were moderately satisfied and 7.4% reported extreme dissatisfaction with the quality of this communication. Conclusion: To ensure long-term collaboration between dentists and laboratory technicians, good communication is essential. This involves both making efforts to effectively use traditional communication tools such as the laboratory form and investing in digital technology.