Oral prosthetics from a Nordic perspective.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe oral prosthetics in a context intended for other, primarily Nordic, health professionals and health authorities.


METHODS
An article describing oral prosthetics for the general public was formulated on the basis of recent data and publications in prosthodontics from Scandinavian authors. A draft was presented to the educational committee of the Scandinavian Society for Prosthetic Dentistry for verification and consensus. Following modifications and amendments by representatives from the 11 dental schools in the Nordic countries, the educational committee has approved the present article.


RESULTS
The report consists of four sections describing oral prosthetics, prosthetic therapy, undergraduate teaching in oral prosthetics, and advanced oral prosthetics, from a Nordic perspective. The report appraises the various factors in context with demographic, cultural, and professional circumstances and suggests strategies for improvement of present conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between the undergraduate curriculum in oral prosthetics and the public need for advanced oral prosthetics must continuously be monitored so that patients can obtain optimal care from the profession.
Jokstad
Asbjørn
A
Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Norway. jokstad@odont.uio.no
D002983:Clinical Competence; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000628:therapy; D004497:Education, Dental; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000453:epidemiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011476:Prosthodontics / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012537:Scandinavian and Nordic Countries / Q000453:epidemiology; D013039:Specialties, Dental