Scholarlink

Background <p>Edentulous patients seek services from dental professionals to replace lost teeth with removable complete dentures. The dentist and dental technologist are expected to work together to fulfill the patients’ expectations. Effective communication is important in ensuring that dentures are well-fabricated and fitted, and also influences the working relationship between the two professionals. This study explored how dental surgeons and dental technologists communicate and work together during the fabrication of removable complete dentures.</p> Methods <p>A qualitative study was conducted with dental surgeons and dental technologists at Makerere University Dental Hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five purposively selected participants. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, and NVivo 14 software was used to manage the data.</p> Results <p>Participants identified effective communication as essential to complete denture fabrication, noting that clear instructions to dental technologists reduce errors. They reported positive relationships with colleagues, characterized by open discussions, mutual support, collaborative problem-solving and willingness to repeat procedures if mistakes occurred. Strong collaboration was viewed as a vital safety measure that helps reduce workload-related errors. Written laboratory request forms were the primary communication tool, supported by phone calls and digital platforms for clarification. Communication challenges included unclear, incomplete or delayed instructions and misinterpretation of instructions. Participants recommended clearer written information, active listening, seeking clarification, using standardized laboratory request forms, timely follow-up, and the use of multiple communication methods.</p> Conclusion <p>Overall, the findings indicate that effective communication and strong collaboration are central to successful complete denture fabrication. Use of multiple complementary communication channels supports the minimization of errors and quality patient care.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Communication and teamwork between dental surgeons and dental technologists during fabrication of removable complete dentures in Uganda: a qualitative interview study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月1日

查看全文
  • David Nono,
  • Godfrey Bagenda,
  • Isaac Okullo,
  • Charles Mugisha Rwenyonyi

摘要

Background

Edentulous patients seek services from dental professionals to replace lost teeth with removable complete dentures. The dentist and dental technologist are expected to work together to fulfill the patients’ expectations. Effective communication is important in ensuring that dentures are well-fabricated and fitted, and also influences the working relationship between the two professionals. This study explored how dental surgeons and dental technologists communicate and work together during the fabrication of removable complete dentures.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted with dental surgeons and dental technologists at Makerere University Dental Hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five purposively selected participants. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, and NVivo 14 software was used to manage the data.

Results

Participants identified effective communication as essential to complete denture fabrication, noting that clear instructions to dental technologists reduce errors. They reported positive relationships with colleagues, characterized by open discussions, mutual support, collaborative problem-solving and willingness to repeat procedures if mistakes occurred. Strong collaboration was viewed as a vital safety measure that helps reduce workload-related errors. Written laboratory request forms were the primary communication tool, supported by phone calls and digital platforms for clarification. Communication challenges included unclear, incomplete or delayed instructions and misinterpretation of instructions. Participants recommended clearer written information, active listening, seeking clarification, using standardized laboratory request forms, timely follow-up, and the use of multiple communication methods.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings indicate that effective communication and strong collaboration are central to successful complete denture fabrication. Use of multiple complementary communication channels supports the minimization of errors and quality patient care.