Audit to assess the quality of communication between operators and technicians in a fixed prosthodontic laboratory: educational and training implications

Dickie, J., Shearer, A.C. and Ricketts, D.N.J. (2014) Audit to assess the quality of communication between operators and technicians in a fixed prosthodontic laboratory: educational and training implications. European Journal of Dental Education, 18(1), pp. 7-14. (doi: 10.1111/eje.12050) (PMID:24423170)

Abstract

Objective: This audit aimed to assess the quality of communication between dental students/qualified dentists and dental technicians, increase the percentage of satisfactorily completed laboratory prescriptions and reduce the number of errors that can result from poor communication. A subsidiary aim was to educate students and staff in this respect.

Method: An audit of laboratory prescription completion was conducted within Dundee Dental Hospital. Four hundred and eighteen prescriptions for indirect fixed restorations completed by dental undergraduates and qualified staff were audited over a three month period (first audit cycle). Educational reminders on laboratory prescriptions were then provided to undergraduates and qualified staff, a further three hundred and twenty-two prescriptions were audited (second audit cycle) and compared with the first cycle.

Results: Satisfactorily completed prescriptions increased from 28% to 43% following basic educational intervention. However, this percentage still signifies a poor level of completion and the need for improvement. Some aspects of the prescription were completed better than others, but overall the standard remained poor with a significant number failing to comply with guidelines set by the UK General Dental Council, the European Union's Medical Devices Directive and the British Society for Restorative Dentistry (BSRD).

Conclusion: Further undergraduate and staff training on laboratory prescription writing will be necessary through staff training events and developments in the undergraduate curriculum.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dickie, Mr Jamie
• Authors: Dickie, J., Shearer, A.C., and Ricketts, D.N.J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: European Journal of Dental Education
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
• ISSN: 1396-5883
• ISSN (Online): 1600-0579