Aesthetic dental practices by dental and prosthodontic practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundThe level of aesthetic requirement in clinical practice has increased over the past decade, and this has made it necessary for dentists to constantly update themselves to meet the existing demand in this field.AimThe goal of this study was to assess the practice of aesthetic dentistry at the clinics by general practitioners (GPs) and prosthodontists.Materials and methodsSelf-administered questionnaires were distributed to general practitioners and prosthodontists working in private dental clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-eight questionnaires out of the original two hundred and fifty were completed (55.2%). More prosthodontists were found to be using CAD/CAMs for making ceramic crowns, Ceramic veneers, electronic shade guides and aesthetic posts as compared to GPs. On the other hand, more percentage of GPs (66.1%) (p < 0.05) was found to be using all ceramic crowns as compared to prosthodontists (58.9%).ConclusionsWith recent advancements in aesthetic dentistry, many new options are available to enhance the level of aesthetics and enabling more conservative cavity preparations. It is therefore necessary that the clinicians constantly update their skill and knowledge and also incorporate these procedures into their regular clinical practice.