Characterization and evolution of the practice of dental laboratory workers in the Valle de Aburrá
Introduction: There is no reliable historical record of the evolution of the practice of dental laboratory workers in the Aburrá Valley. Therefore, the types of procedures, equipment, and materials that have been used since the beginning of this art or occupation, and how it has evolved to the present, are unknown.
Objective: To characterize and learn about relevant aspects of the evolution of the practice of dental laboratory workers in the Aburrá Valley.
Materials and methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional investigation was carried out, 100 people who work in dental laboratories from family tradition to technicians and technologists graduated from different institutions of the city participated, who voluntarily decided to be part of the investigation, by signing an informed consent form. A survey was conducted to make a sociodemographic characterization and to know relevant aspects of the occupation. Sociodemographic variables, aspects relating to the practice as dental laboratory workers and its origin were taken into account.
Results: A significant difference was found among the level of education and the pursuing of further study and areas of expertise. There is also a significant difference among age and level of education and age and the type of equipment in the laboratory, situations where the values found have p <0.05.
Conclusions: Most of the participants are empirical and technicians, and it is a concern that 94% of them do not know about the origin of the occupation in the Aburrá Valley, in addition, there are 28% who are not updated and prefer old techniques. However, the fact that most are updated and have analog and digital equipment stands out, which makes the market more and more competitive. In addition, relevant aspects were known about the evolution of the practice of dental laboratory workers in the Aburrá Valley.
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