Assessment of Knowledge and Practices in Fixed Prosthodontics among Dentists in Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
Abstract
Background: Fixed prosthodontics is essential for restoring oral function and aesthetics, yet its success depends on dentists' adherence to evidence-based practices.
Objective: This study was aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of fixed prosthodontics among Yemeni dentists in 2025, evaluating material preferences, adherence to international guidelines, and barriers to optimal care.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 dentists using stratified random sampling in both urban (76.8%) and rural (23.2%) Yemen. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire assessing theoretical knowledge, clinical practices, and barriers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: Only 41.2% of dentists knew the correct occlusal reduction for zirconia crowns (1.0 mm). Advanced-degree holders (18.6% of participants) scored 28% higher on knowledge assessments (p < 0.001). Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns were the most commonly used material (58.7%), with rural dentists using them 3.2 times more frequently than urban counterparts (78.9% vs. 48.3%; p = 0.003). Guideline adherence was low (49.5%), though prosthodontists complied 4.7× more than general dentists (p < 0.001). Cost (82.4%), lack of training (67.1%), and patient affordability (59.3%) were primary barriers. Rural practitioners faced 2.1× higher complication rates (p = 0.007). Predictors of advanced practice included a master’s degree (OR = 4.2), urban practice (OR = 3.1), and continuous education training (OR = 2.8), which correlated strongly with zirconia adoption (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Yemeni dentists exhibit significant gaps in knowledge and adherence, driven by socioeconomic and educational disparities. Interventions such as subsidized materials, mandatory continuing education, and specialty training are essential to align practices with global standards.
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##
Fixed prosthodontics, Yemen, zirconia, guideline adherence, barriers, dental education
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
YJMS publishes Open Access articles under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. If author(s) submit their manuscript for consideration by YJMS, they agree to have the CC BY license applied to their work, which means that it may be reused in any form provided that the author(s) and the journal are properly cited. Under this license, author(s) also preserve the right of reusing the content of their manuscript provided that they cite the YJMS.
