The Quality of Written Prescriptions Received at Dental Laboratories in Tabriz, Iran.

AIM: This study was aimed at evaluating the quality of written prescriptions for fixed and removable prosthesis in Tabriz, northwest Iran.

METHODS: To assess the quality of written prescriptions for fixed and removable partial dentures, a total of 600 questionnaires were distributed among 15 licensed dental laboratories receiving both fixed and removable prosthesis projects. The technicians were instructed to complete the questionnaires for all the received projects of fixed and removable partial prostheses and the responses were evaluated.

RESULTS: Only 9.3% of prescriptions had clearly mentioned the status of disinfection. The patient's demographic data (age and sex) was noted in 41.3% of written prescription. Information about the shade, ceramic veneering area, and margin design of fixed partial dentures were determined in 82.6%, 16.3%, and 13.3% of cases, respectively. The number of pontics was mentioned in 41% and pontic design in 11% of written prescriptions. For removable partial prostheses, the clasp type and position and connector design were specified in 47.7% and 30.7% of cases, respectively. However, artificial tooth molds were only mentioned in 27.3% of prescriptions.

CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, written prescriptions were mostly incomplete which may adversely affect the quality of prosthetic treatment.