Vascular Tumors in Nigeria Middle Belt: A Histopathological Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Prosthetic Dentistry pertains to provision of artificial substitutes for missing oral structures. It was reported as an unpopular dental specialty in Nigeria, which necessitated the current follow up research.

Objective: To assess the level of acceptability and interest in Prosthetic Dentistry, highlight major factors influencing dental graduates in their choice of specialties, deduce possible explanations for their observed impact on Prosthetics and offer useful suggestions necessary to achieve a positive change
.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed among all resident dentists in five teaching hospitals.

Results: Seventy-eight dentists with a mean age of 31.2 years 4.8 comprising 9 Senior Registrars, 29 House Officers and 40 Registrars responded. Thirty-two respondents decided on their specialty of choice during clinical training while only 3(3.8%) took the decision pre-university
Two of the respondents [2.6%] considered prosthetics a first choice specialty, in contrast to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 16(20.5%), Orthodontics 15(19.2%) and Conservative 14(17.9%), Table 3. A similar pattern in the distribution of specialties of choice was also recorded for consultants/lecturers. The most stated reason that influenced the participants in deciding their specialty of choice is challenges associated, followed by influence of their lecturers. Most respondents showed positive attitudes towards basic procedures in prosthetics.
Seventy-five dentists (96.2%) claimed acrylic denture was always provided as against metal denture, fixed denture and maxillofacial prostheses that were never or occasionally provided. The most frequently mentioned suggestion to improving prosthetics dentistry specialty popularity were adequate supply of materials and equipment (48.7%) followed by provision of more teaching aids 9(11.5%).

Conclusion: The most stated reason that influenced the participants in deciding their specialty of choice is challenges associated, followed by influence of their lecturers. The study established apparent low interest of dental graduates in prosthetics which this may be attributed to the narrow prosthodontic services being provided currently in the country, which has hitherto made the practice unstimulating. Urgent steps should be taken to address the anomaly.


Keywords: Prosthetic Dentistry; Nigerian Dental Resident Doctors,Choice of Specialties.

NQJHM Vol. 16 (4) 2006: pp. 114-116