3 - General Knowledge of Light-Curing Units Among Dentists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Light curing a restorative material is an essential step that is typically downplayed. The knowledge about light-curing unit (LCU) types, curing technique, and parameters on which dentists select an LCU are necessary to maximize the restoration longevity and provide optimum dental care. Therefore, clinicians should have sufficient knowledge regarding LCUs. This study was conducted to explore the level of dentists’ knowledge in Saudi Arabia regarding LCUs, current practice, and the parameters on which dentists choose to purchase them. An electronic questionnaire was formulated. Face and content validation were performed. The questionnaire was piloted and sent to dentists in governmental and private universities and clinics in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included several domains: demographic information, knowledge about different LCU devices, LCU selection parameters, participants current light curing practice, monitoring and care of the LCUs. Chi-square tests were performed. A total of 292 respondents participated in this study. One-third of them were dental students, 35.6% were general dentists, and 27.8% were specialists or consultants. While 54.5% believed that they received sufficient undergraduate education regarding LCUs, 52.7% did not know the type of their LCU and 64% did not know their LCU irradiance. It was interesting that only 51.7% believed that increasing the curing time or light irradiance affects the pulp. Of the known consequences of inadequate polymerization, the least proportion of respondents believed that toxic reaction (13.4%) and allergic reaction (19.2%) were possible consequences. Moving the LCU tip during curing (51%), light-guide tip diameter (53.1%), and light-guide tip angulation (56.2%) were the least mentioned clinical factors to affect the quality of resin polymerization. The most important parameter in purchasing LCU for respondents was irradiance (14.9%), while the most important parameter when purchasing a composite was brand reputation (33.2%). When comparing LCU decision makers versus others, a higher proportion of decision-making dentists (by 60.4%) knew the irradiance of their LCU compared to non-decision makers (p<0.0001). Despite that, decision makers were not more knowledgeable regarding LCU optimum distance, factors affecting curing time, or adverse effects on pulp compared to non-decision makers. Knowledge about LCUs needs to be reinforced in dental curricula so they would graduate knowing on what basis to purchase an LCU. Also, reinforcing dentists knowledge through continuous educational courses is recommended in an attempt to deliver high standard patient care.