Survey
of Dental Magnetic Attachments by Quality Function Deployment Method
T.
Sigemori , T. Yokoyama, N. Kimura, K. Hoshiai, T. Kawaguchi, R.Ito, K. Watanabe,
M.Miwata, H. Kajiura, R.Tanaka, Y.Tanaka, T.Hamano✽,
H.Nakashima✽
Department
of Removable Prosthodontics,
*GC Dental Products
Abstract
Purpose:
In order to determine the basic requirements for users of
magnetic attachments, we carried out an investigation using the QFD (Quality
Function Deployment) method.
Methods:
In order to determine
the requirements for magnetic attachments, we conducted an initial survey of
about 40 dentists who had a low degree of interest in magnetic attachments. QFD
method was employed for these subjects.
Results and Discussion:
When magnetic attachments were investigated using the QFD method,
practitioners gave high responses concerning the quality with such comments as,
"
able to use for a long time " and " has
sufficient magnetic force ". Two items were chosen from the
high-ranking requirements in all groups, including in the practitioner group,
as a result of examining the trends among prosthodontists. The requirements
were different depending on the workplace of the dentist who investigated. The
medical practitioners cited the reliability and secure sense of usage with
magnetic attachments, and how there was little trouble with such devices. Also,
dentists with considerable clinical experience thought that magnetic devices
were safe and trouble free.