ABSTRACT:
AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and awareness among dental students on the use of neutral zone technique for fabrication of complete dentures. BACKGROUND: The stability of complete dentures is influenced by the surrounding neuromuscular system in the oral cavity. The retention and stability of complete denture become unfavorable when ridge resorption gets more severe, especially in the mandible. The neutral zone technique is an alternative approach for the construction of lower complete dentures. It is most effective where there is a highly atrophic ridge and a history of denture instability. The technique aims to construct a denture that is shaped by muscle function and is in harmony with the surrounding oral structures. The technique is by no means new but is a valuable one. METHODOLOGY: A self administered questionnaire containing 10 questions will be prepared and circulated among 100 dental students belonging to two different colleges. Data collection and analysis will be done based on frequencies and percentage values. REASON: The neutral zone technique is most effective for patients who have had numerous unstable, unretentive lower complete dentures. This study aims at assessing the knowledge and awareness among dental students on the use of neutral zone technique for fabrication of complete dentures. From the results obtained in this survey, the knowledge and awareness about the neutral zone technique seems to be just above average and hence there is reduced incidence of practice of this technique. Thus, there is still in need for continued education about the technique and a need for motivation to adopt it in practice.