Awareness and endodontic clinical practice of the general dental practitioners in Albaha region

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the awareness and clinical practice of the general dental practitioners (GDPs) regarding endodontic treatment in Albaha region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: An e-questionnaire was distributed among the GDPs in Albaha Province. The e-questionnaire was composed of 21 questions that assessed the awareness and the clinical practice of the GDPs regarding endodontic treatment. The data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: Fifty-seven (81.42%) out of 70 GDPs responded to the distributed e-questionnaire. Most of the respondents were practicing endodontics on molars (82.4%). A significant difference was observed in performing retreatment between the practitioners who worked in the private sector than peers who worked in the governmental sector (P = 0.015). Noticeably, almost 60% of the participated dentists were not using rubber dam isolation regularly for endodontic procedures. Furthermore, only about 50% of them used cold test for pulpal diagnosis, while 3.5% used electric pulp tester. Few were using intracanal medicament and follow the patients after completing the treatment. Conclusions: A clear deficiency in some aspects of the awareness and clinical endodontic practice of the GDPs in Albaha region was observed. The international and national guidelines of endodontic practice should be implemented.