title: Practice-based PREP Panel handling evaluation of a new impression mixing device and the associated material.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the handling of a new impression mixing device and the associated impression material by general dental practitioner members of the PREP Panel.
  
  
  METHODS
  By means of a questionnaire, the participating practitioners recorded their views on the mixing machine and impression materials, having used these for ten weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  UK general dental practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  General dental practitioner members of a UK practice-based research group.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was designed to elicit views on the performance of the mixing device and impression material under test. This was distributed to the practitioners who had used the test materials for 10 weeks and the data thereby obtained collated and presented, principally in the form of VAS scales.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rating of various parameters of the mixing device and impression materials on VAS scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Pentamix 3 machine scored well for ease of initial use [4.8 on a visual analogue scale (VAS) where 1 = very difficult to use and 5 = very easy to use]. In a range of criteria (including cleanliness, easy handling, time to fill the tray and overall convenience) the Pentamix scored highly on VAS scales. A maximum score of 5 (on a VAS where 1 = very dissatisfied and 5 = very satisfied) was achieved for reproducible mixing quality. The appreciation of the Pentamix 3 mixing machine was demonstrated by the fact that 85% (n = 11) of evaluators stated that they would recommend it to colleagues. Regarding the impression material under evaluation, 85% (n = 11) of the evaluators stated that they would recommend Impregum Quick impression materials to their colleagues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Within the limitations of this study, the Pentamix 3 automatic impression mixing device scored highly in this assessment, together with the impression materials assessed.
authors: Primary Dental Care Research Group, University of Birmingham, School of Dentistry, Birmingham, UK. f.j.t.burke@bham.ac.uk
authors: F J Trevor
authors: FJ
authors: Burke
authors: Russell J
authors: RJ
authors: Crisp
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Klettke
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003760:Dental Impression Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000592:standards; D003761:Dental Impression Technique / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012117:Resins, Synthetic / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D003760:Dental Impression Materials; C022821:Impregum; D012117:Resins, Synthetic