Current trends in root canal treatment: An online survey of dentists working within the primary health-care corporation-Qatar

Abstract

Introduction: Studies in many countries have reported that dentists do not always comply with treatment quality guidelines when undertaking root canal treatment (RCT). However, there is no information on the compliance of dentists in Qatar with quality guidelines. Using an online questionnaire, this study aimed to collect baseline information on how dentists working within the Primary HealthCare Corporation (PHCC), Qatar, carried out RCT. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was E-mailed to general dental practitioners (GDPs) and specialists. The questionnaire collected demographic information, continuous professional development (CPD) hours, information on early stages of RCT, RCT protocols, use of technology and materials. Statistical analyses were undertaken using version 27 SPSS software. Results: The response rate was 55% of GDPs and 83% of specialists. Twenty-six percent of GDPs never used rubber dams whereas specialists always used rubber dam (P < 0.001). The 57% of GDPs who undertook a complete RCT reported they treated mostly anterior and premolar teeth with few molars (12%), few attempted RCT retreatment (4%). All specialists treated molars (P < 0.001) and 50% undertook retreatment (P < 0.001). The majority of specialists reported using magnification (55%) with only 23% of GDPs using loupes (P < 0.001). During the past 2 years, 42% of specialists earned > 20 CPD hours which was significantly more than the 50% of the GDPs who undertook < 5 h (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Half of the GDPs working within the PHCC do not carry out RCT nor rubber dam isolation due to short duration of treatment session. Specialists generally follow the current guidelines when providing RCT, while the GDPs do so less often.