title: Examination forms for edentulous patients--a survey.
abstract: Examination and diagnosis forms for edentulous patients from 46 dental colleges in the United States were used in this study. Selected data were taken from each form and compiled under four general and 15 specific entries. Some college forms use entries requiring few and succinct responses,while other forms use entries requiring many and detailed responses. It appears that a correlation does exist between the thoroughness of the examination form and the proficiency of the dental student rendering complete denture therapy. Stated in a positive manner, this survey of college complete denture examination forms suggests that most dental students: use a separate complete denture form for the examination and diagnosis; ask for the chief complaint of the patient; ask one to four questions on past dental history; record 10 to 19 entries relating to oral anatomy; record one to four entries relating to oral physiology; record the mental attitude using two to four descriptive terms; and record one prognosis. Stated in a negative manner, this survey of college complete denture examination forms suggest that most dental students: do not examine the present complete dentures worn by the patient; do not use oral diagrams to show unfavorable or abnormal areas; do not ask for a prognosis in two or more areas; do not ask if the patient wears complete dentures at night; do not ascertain the attitude of the patient after receiving complete dentures; do not ask questions on complete denture expectations; do not use an interview form; and do not work with a staff dentist who has a psychology degree. The intent of this study is to create a spectrum of awareness concerning the presence or absence of specific information on the examination forms. Complete denture examination forms would be more beneficial to the dental student if they provided a high quality of pertinent clinical information. This information would aid the dental student in making an intelligent diagnosis, treatment plan, and prognosis.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012575:Schools, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States