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CC BY 4.0 · European Journal of General Dentistry
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1810598
Original Article

Flexible Removable Partial Dentures: Insights into Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dentists in Tunisia

Authors

  • Hajer Zidani

    1   Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, University Hospital of Farhat Hached LR12SP10, University of Sousse, Sousse, Gouvernorat de Sousse, Tunisia

  • Hanen Boukhris 

    1   Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, University Hospital of Farhat Hached LR12SP10, University of Sousse, Sousse, Gouvernorat de Sousse, Tunisia

  • Sirine Limem

    1   Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, University Hospital of Farhat Hached LR12SP10, University of Sousse, Sousse, Gouvernorat de Sousse, Tunisia

  • Ghada Bouslama

    2   Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, University Hospital of Farhat Hached LR12SP10, University of Sousse, Sousse, Gouvernorat de Sousse, Tunisia

  • Najla Taktak

    1   Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, University Hospital of Farhat Hached LR12SP10, University of Sousse, Sousse, Gouvernorat de Sousse, Tunisia

  • Narjess Hassen

    1   Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, University Hospital of Farhat Hached LR12SP10, University of Sousse, Sousse, Gouvernorat de Sousse, Tunisia

  • Souha BenYoussef

    2   Department of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, University Hospital of Farhat Hached LR12SP10, University of Sousse, Sousse, Gouvernorat de Sousse, Tunisia
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Abstract

Objective

This article aims to assess and analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Tunisian dentists regarding flexible removable partial dentures (RPDs).

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted over an 8-month period, from March 1 to October 30, 2023, among dentists throughout Tunisia. A structured questionnaire was distributed via email to evaluate knowledge of flexible RPDs, which was scored.

Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for qualitative variables, while means and standard deviations were determined for quantitative variables. Student's t-test was used for mean comparisons, and Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 98 dentists participated, with a majority being women (64.3%) and working in the private sector (87.8%). Most participants (76.53%) were unfamiliar with the trade names of flexible resins. Regarding clinical indications based on edentulism type and prosthetic treatment, 60% achieved a score of at least 75%. The overall knowledge score was 16 or lower for 65.3% of respondents. Additionally, 33.74% expressed the need for further training, while 36% frequently prescribed flexible RPDs, mainly for esthetic purposes. There was no significant correlation between knowledge level and clinical experience (p = 0.23), but the adoption rate of flexible RPDs significantly varied with experience (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Tunisian dentists' knowledge of flexible RPDs remains limited, necessitating improvement. Clinical practices should be updated in accordance with current recommendations, given the limited scientific evidence available.

Keywords

attitudes - flexible dentures - knowledge - practices - thermoplastic resin


Publication History

Article published online:
03 October 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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