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Centric relation definitions taught in 7 dental schools: results of faculty and student surveys.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this investigation was to assess the level of consensus regarding the definition of centric relation and its clinical use in 7 US dental schools.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
The preclinical and clinical faculty in the departments of prosthodontics, operative, and general dentistry (n = 137) at 7 dental schools and a convenience sample of fourth year students (n = 150) at the same schools were invited to complete 2-page surveys regarding the definitions and use of centric relation at their institutions. The faculty and student survey included 6 commonly used centric relation definitions from the 1994 Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, and provided space for writing in definitions not listed on the form. The participants were asked to identify which definition was used at their school.


RESULTS
Return rate was 85% for faculty and 75% for students. Both faculty and students identified a low level of consensus regarding the definition and clinical use of centric relation at their dental school. Numerous definitions are in use at each institution. Extramural practice participation and the number of years since dental school graduation were variables associated with the faculty's choice of definition. The faculty who did not participate in an extramural practice chose older definitions. Dental educators graduating before 1975 selected either the oldest or the most recent centric relation definition, whereas the more recent graduates frequently selected the newer definitions. There were no statistical differences between prosthodontic specialists and nonspecialists in choice of definitions. Three courses identified by the students as having the most influence on their understanding of centric relation were preclinical removable prosthodontics, preclinical occlusion, and clinical removable prosthodontics.


CONCLUSION
The results of this survey suggest that the controversy will continue, because to date there is no consensus regarding the definition of centric relation within the 7 dental schools surveyed.