To study the communication hindrance between laboratory technicians and dentist of work authorization for FPD- A survey

Abstract

Aim of this survey was to determine the communication the level of communication between dentists and dental laboratories in specific areas of the work authorization forms for the fabrication of fixed partial dentures. A questionnaire was prepared to assess communication gap between dentist and lab technicians through work authorization for FDPs. A total of 70 dental laboratory technicians were provided with a questionnaire regarding work authorization form via Google doc files. The survey focused questions pertaining to fulfilling the following areas of work authorization: patient’s information, name of the prescribing dentist, material for the prosthesis, pontic design of the prosthesis, shade description, and date of completion of work. The number of responses received was statistically evaluated using Fisher’s t‑test and nonparametric Spearman’s correlation coefficient (P ≤ 0.05). Eighty out of 100 laboratory technicians surveyed responded to the questionnaire.The patient’s general information was satisfactorily filled in 75%–100% of the forms. Information regarding the pontic design, staining diagram, and preferred margin were on the lower side of the scale ranging between 25% and 50%. The survey concluded that areas of work authorization with respect to fixed dental prosthesis require attention and need to be adequately filled by the dentist. In addition, the study suggests that the foundation of communication skill training programs in work authorization should be laid from the undergraduate curriculum. The concerned authorized bodies/specialty organizations should formulate a standardized work authorization format which can bridge the wide gap between the crown and bridge office and laboratory.