A study on the rate of knowledge and use of denture adhesives among Tehran dental practitioners in 2004

A study on the rate of knowledge and use of denture adhesives among Tehran dental practitioners in 2004 Dr. SM. Sahebi* - Dr. AA. Lashkari** *- Assistant Professor of Prosthodontics Dept. - Faculty of Dentistry – Tehran University of Medical Sciences. **- Dentist. Background and Aim: Denture adhesives are one of the productions which are used to increase retention and stability in complete dentures and are found in three forms of powders, paste and sheet. These products are used clinically in different stages such as stabilizing temporary bases in jaw relation record stage. In addition, for patients suffering from xrostomia due to medication side effects, history of head and neck radiation, systemic or salivary gland diseases and also for those with major problems in wearing dentures because of insufficient retention, are applicable. The goal of this study was to determine the rate of knowledge and use of Tehran's dentists of these products in order to improve their knowledge in this field, if necessary. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, 250 dentists of Tehran were participated. Data were collected through questionnaires. The questions were mostly arranged on the knowledge and use of denture adhesives among dentists. In the evaluation of knowledge, dentists were classified in groups of good, moderate, weak and lack of knowledge. In the evaluation of use, dentists were classified in good, moderate and weak practice groups. Results: Dentists' knowledge toward denture adhesive were good, moderate, weak in 14%, 32% and 37.6% of cases, respectively. 16.4% of dentists had no knowledge. 10.4% of dentists had good practice, 69.2% had moderate and 20.4% had weak practices toward denture adhesives. Additionally, 15.2% of dentists used these products where as 84.8% did not use at all. Conclusion: Dentists' knowledge on denture adhesives was not sufficient and more training seemed necessary. Key words: Denture adhesive – Knowledge – Practice – Dentists.