The quality of fixed prosthetic work provided by undergraduate dental students and its correlation with patient satisfaction: a prospective study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the quality of fixed prosthetic work provided by the undergraduate dental students at The University of Jordan Hospital after 3 years follow up, and its’ effect on patients’ satisfaction with the dental treatment provided. Methods: Patients who received fixed prosthetic work by the undergraduate dental students in the summer of 2021 were enrolled in the study and reviewed after 36 months. Some details were obtained over the phone and then followed by clinical examination of the prostheses using a modified United States Public Health Service Criteria (USPHSC). Patients’ satisfaction about the treatment they received 3 years ago was also investigated. Chi-square with Fisher’s exact test was used for the variables’ correlations. Results: A total of 67 patients (38 female, 29 male) who received 69 fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and single crowns (SCs) were reviewed after 3 years. The total survival rate was 87%. The overall satisfaction rate was 84%. There was positive correlation between prosthesis survival and overall patient satisfaction with the treatment (P < 0.001). Main factors that negatively impacting patients’ satisfaction included the loss of abutment teeth (P = 0.001), having discomfort or pain (P = 0.002), being unsatisfied with the aesthetic of the prosthesis (P < 0.001), and the inability to masticate effectively with the prosthesis (P = 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between gender and patients’ satisfaction (P = 0.867). Conclusions: The fixed prosthetic work provided by the undergraduate dental students demonstrated survival rate, aesthetics, and functionality comparable to that of qualified dentists. This is reflected in high patient satisfaction. However, certain aspects were influenced by the students’ limited clinical experience and warrant closer attention and guidance from their supervisors. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.