Availability Of Instrument And Material In The Orthodontic Clinic, Faculty Of Dentistry University Of Malaya- An Audit

ABSTRACT

The audit aimed to investigate the availability oforthodontic instruments and materials at Faculty ofDentistry, University of Malaya. The standard was set as100% of instruments and materials should be availablewhen required for orthodontic treatment. The formcomprised of six sections, which listed the commonlyused instruments and materials involved in the proceduresof impression taking, fitting and removal of molar bands,bonding and debonding of orthodontic brackets andactivation of orthodontic appliances. The fifth section listedthe less commonly used instruments and materials and apart for the clinician to list down instruments that wereused but not listed in the form. Whilst the last section is forthe clinician to list down the instruments or materials thatwere not available when requested. A total of 567 formswere completed and it was found that 97.6% instrumentsand 98.6% materials were available. Overall, 22 types ofinstruments were temporary not available with frequencymean of 2.1 (Minimum 1; Maximum 7) whilst 6 types ofmaterials were temporary not available with a frequencymean of 2.3 (Minimum 1; Maximum 8). In conclusion,majority of the instruments and materials required duringorthodontic clinical sessions were available. The check listof frequently used orthodontic instruments and materialsfrom this audit could aid inventory and help futuremanagement of the material and instruments.