Fixed Prosthodontic Need of Patients at MOHC

Introduction: Fixed prostheses are the treatment of choice for most young patients who consider removable options crippling to their self-image and self-esteem. Approximately 850-900 patients visit MOHC monthly. Of these, a certain unknown percentage needs fixed prosthodontics. At the same time students must treat a minimum number of patients to fulfil their quota requirements. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the number of patients needing fixed prosthodontics with quota requirements and to estimate the financial cost to the Institution of meeting these needs. Methods: All patients presenting for treatment at the MOHC were screened and the number of fixed prosthodontic units needed per patient was counted, and used to estimate the total number of units needed for the year. The number of students in all the clinical years was established and multiplied by the number of units needed in their quotas per annum. These two figures were then compared to see the relationship between patient and student needs. Patient group classifications were also recorded to ascertain how much of their treatment they could afford, and how much would need to be subsidised by the institution. Results: The average number of patients per annum needed fixed prosthodontic treatment was calculated and compared to the total number of units needed by all the students. Conclusion: There were sufficient patients to meet the required student quotas, however as most of them fell into the lowest income groups, the institution will have to budget and bear a substantial amount of the costs for their treatment.