Quality of Final Impressions and Prescriptions for Fixed Prosthodontics

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of final impressions and prescriptions for fixed restorations that were received by private and educational institute’s laboratories in Sudan. Materials and methods: Two hundred and seventeen questionnaires were distributed to eight private laboratories and seven dental schools in Sudan. The questionnaires were filled by the dental technicians and who were trained and instructed to complete one questionnaire per one final impression for fixed restoration immediately after it was received. Results: Total response rate was 87%; the responding technicians had found evidence of obvious contamination in 23.8% of the examined impressions; blood was clear in 68.9% of these cases. Metal stock trays were used in 57.1% of the examined sample. About two-third of the impressions had been taken using condensation silicone (64.6%). Poor or no written instructions were observed in half of the sample (n = 103). Conclusion: According to results of this study there was widespread use of inappropriate impression materials; the cross-infection control of sent impressions was below standard and there were poor prescriptions and communications with laboratory technicians in Sudan.