Impression materials and techniques used in fixed prosthodontics: A questionnaire-based survey to evaluate the knowledge and practice of dental students in Riyadh city

INTRODUCTION: Among the several materials and techniques being used in fixed prosthodontics, impression materials and techniques were the major focus of this study. These materials are available in the market to be used by dental practitioners. However, their choice depends on certain factors, which include their properties, advantages, disadvantages, and cost. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students using online survey. (2)Dental students from Riyadh city willing to take part in this study were requested to fill up and submit the survey questionnaire. RESULTS: Six hundred and sixteen out of 800 dental students from Riyadh city took part in this study. It was noted from the findings that 88% male students used alginate for diagnostic impressions, which was statistically significant and lower than females (94%). Ninety-one percent of the interns reported that they used retraction cord for gingival retraction as compared to 81% fourth-year students, with the difference being statistically significant (P value: 0.016). CONCLUSION: Dental students in Riyadh city have a strong inclination toward a particular material, either for primary or secondary impressions or gingival retraction options.