A study to assess communication hindrances by the means of work authorization for fixed dental prosthesis: A survey

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the hindrances in communication between the prosthodontic office and the laboratory technicians through work authorization. SETTING AND DESIGN: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out to assess communication gap between dentist and lab technicians through work authorization for FDPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 114 dental laboratory technicians were provided with a questionnaire regarding work authorization form via Google doc files. The survey focused questions pertaining to fulfilling the following areas of work authorization: patient's information, name of the prescribing dentist, material for the prosthesis, pontic design of the prosthesis, shade description, and date of completion of work. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The number of responses received was statistically evaluated using Fisher's t-test and nonparametric Spearman's correlation coefficient (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Eighty-five (74.5%) out of 114 laboratory technicians surveyed responded to the questionnaire. The patient's general information was satisfactorily filled in 75%–100% of the forms. Information regarding the pontic design, staining diagram, and preferred margin were on the lower side of the scale ranging between 25% and 50%. CONCLUSIONS: The survey concluded that areas of work authorization with respect to fixed dental prosthesis require attention and need to be adequately filled by the dentist. In addition, the study suggests that the foundation of communication skill training programs in work authorization should be laid from the undergraduate curriculum. The concerned authorized bodies/specialty organizations should formulate a standardized work authorization format which can bridge the wide gap between the crown and bridge office and laboratory.