A Pilot Study of the Assessment of Fixed and Removable Oral Prosthetic Needs of Over 55-Year-Olds who Attended the Social Centre for Dentistry in Constanta,

Aims: The aim of this study was to pilot the assessment of the fixed and removable prosthetic needs and demands of over 55-year-olds in Constanta, Romania. Methods: A self-reporting questionnaire was developed and given to a convenience sample of 180 patients aged over 55 years who attended the Social Centre for Dentistry in Constanta for routine care and treatment between January 2009 and January 2010. Results: All questionnaires were completed. The mean age of the sample was 69.2 years (range 55-85 years). The majority (110; 61%) were female. One hundred and thirtytwo patients (73%) had either fixed or removable prostheses, 96 of whom were unhappy with their current oral prosthesis, in spite of the fact that 120 of these were less than 15 years old. One hundred and sixty-five (92%) reported that they would rely on their dentist to choose the type of prosthesis (fixed or removable) for them. However, 79 (44%) stated that they would prefer a fixed prosthesis and only 20 (11%) that they would prefer a removable prosthesis. Conclusions: The use of a convenience sample from one urban centre casts doubt on the representativeness of the sample. However, apart from the sampling technique, the other methodological aspects of the study appeared to work well. The main findings from the pilot may or may not be replicated by a larger study using a random sample.