J Dent Educ. 74(2): 104-109 2010
© 2010 American Dental Education Association
Milieu in Dental School and Practice |
Clinical Experience of Residents with RPD Treatment in U.S. Graduate Prosthodontics Programs
Avinash S. Bidra, B.D.S., M.Dent.Sc., F.A.C.P.;
John R. Agar, D.D.S., M.A., F.A.C.P.
Key words: removable partial denture, survey, clinical experience, prosthodontics residency, resident
Submitted for publication 07/30/09;
accepted 10/23/09
This cross-sectional study was conducted to quantify the clinical experience of prosthodontic residents with cast metal removable partial denture (RPD) treatment based on their year of training, geographic location of the program, and nature of the program. A web-based survey consisting of five questions was e-mailed to program directors from forty-two programs across the United States. A 62 percent response rate was obtained (26/42). Thirteen of the programs (50 percent of respondents) stipulated a specific number of RPDs to be done prior to completion of the program. Clinical experience of residents varied vastly based on year of training, geographic location of the program, and nature of the program. Prosthodontic residents from southern states, university-based programs, and public school programs had more clinical experience than residents from other programs. The average clinical experience for a prosthodontic resident during three years of training was eight traditional RPDs and two implant-supported RPDs. This is the first study done exploring this topic and provides baseline information on residents’ clinical experience in RPD treatment. Future studies will determine educational trends and reassess this portion of the curriculum in graduate prosthodontics.
Copyright © 2010 by the American Dental Education Association.
