title: Attitude and awareness of dentist towards resin bonded bridges in Saudi Arabia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Resin bonded bridges (RBBs) offer a conservative approach to tooth replacement. However, the use of this treatment option has been limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of dentists in Saudi Arabia, including general dental practitioners (GDPs) and prosthodontic and restorative specialists (SPs), toward RBBs.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires designed to survey knowledge of RBB performance factors were distributed to GDPs and SPs (n = 400). Specifically, opinions of GDPs and SPs regarding clinical, mechanical, technique- and patient-dependent performance factors of RBBs were obtained. Average significance and Chi-square tests were used to identify the frequency, pattern, and significance of the response variables identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A majority (65.3%) of the subjects reported using RBBs in less than 10% of their prosthodontic cases. The most common reason for the limited clinical application of RBBs was perceived poor retention (23.45%). In addition, SPs regarded the influence of enamel structure, number of pontics, cement type, RBB design, and surface treatment as "very significant" factors with respect to RBB survival. Overall, a statistically significant difference was observed between the responses of GDPs and SPs regarding their knowledge of performance factors for RBBs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In comparison to SPs, GDPs reported greater disagreement with current standards for RBB success factors. Moreover, 60% of SPs and 71% of GDPs used RBBs for less than 10% of their prosthodontic cases. Therefore, continuing education opportunities are needed for practicing dentists, and undergraduate students need to receive greater exposure to the clinical application of RBBs.
authors: Prosthetic Dental Science (SDS), College of Dentistry, King Saud University, PO Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Fahim Ahmed
authors: FA
authors: Vohra
authors: SDS Department, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, PO Box 60169, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia.
authors: Muhammed Ayedh
authors: MA
authors: Al-Qahtani
keywords: Attitude; Awareness; Clinical performance; Dental practitioner; Resin bonded bridges; Specialist