Adoption of new endodontic technology by dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the adoption of new endodontic technology by a population of endodontists (ENs) and general dental practitioners (GPs) practicing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 250 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 50 randomly selected private dental clinics. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding the use of NiTi rotary instruments, Digital radiography, and Electronic Apex Locators. Follow-up questions investigated the reason for not using the specified technology by selecting one or more of the stated choices. In addition, the type of rotary NiTi instrument system and the type of apex locator used were explored. The response rate was 56.4%; 121 GPs and 20 EN participated in the study. The percentage of dentists (GPs+ENs) who used NiTi rotary instruments was 46.1%, Digital radiography was 40.7%, and Electronic Apex Locators was 48.9%. The percentage of ENs who used the three technologies was higher than that of GPs, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). The most common reason for not using the three new technologies was the lack of availability. In addition to unavailability, NiTi rotary instruments and Electronic Apex Locators were not used because of lack of training and concern about instrument fracture (rotary NiTi) and patient safety (Electronic Apex Locators). The fact that more than 50% of dentists (GPs+ENs) practicing in Saudi Arabia have never used rotary NiTi instrumentation systems, Digital radiography, or Electronic Apex Locators underlines the importance of supporting increased utilization of new endodontic technologies by providing professional training opportunities for current and future dentists.