Evaluación comparativa en la calidad del tallado dental preclínico y clínico para prótesis fija.

Abstract

Introduction: Tooth preparation for fixed prosthodontics is one of the fundamental clinical competencies in dental education. Upon entering the clinical phase, students must apply their knowledge to real patients, facing anatomical variations and periodontal conditions that are not present in the preclinical stage. Objective: To compare the quality of tooth preparation for fixed prosthodontics between the preclinical and clinical phases among seventh-cycle dental students at the Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil during period B-2025. Method: Using observational, analytical, and comparative design, differences between preclinical and clinical preparations were evaluated in 27 seventh-cycle students through paired measurements from both phases. Results: An overall improvement in preparation quality was observed in the clinical phase; however, most students remained in intermediate categories, including partial finish line, chamfer type, two marginal irregularities, partial marginal definition, and moderately smooth surface finish. Conclusion: Full mastery of tooth preparation is a progressive process that consolidates with increased clinical experience.