Abstract
Objectives Light curing is crucial when applying composite resin restorations. Complete polymerization of the resin depends on delivering adequate light energy to it. Dental clinicians may be unaware of the importance of proper light-curing techniques. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the level of knowledge of general practitioners (GPs) and specialists (SPs) regarding light-curing units. Materials and Methods An electronic survey was conducted online among GPs and SPs of various specialties, working in the governmental sector in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Collected data were analyzed for statistical significance. Results 310 dentists were included in the study. Nearly half of the GPs (45.9%) and more than half of SPs (56.8%) use light-emitting diode (LED) type light-curing units (LCUs). 36.9% of GPs and 29.6% of SPs were unsure about the type of LCUs they use in their dental clinics. 10.8% of GPs and 8.5% of SPs knew the proper term of the power output of LCU. 52.2% of the GPs and 55.7% of SPs were wrong about advancements in technology of LED LCUs. Regarding the use of radiometer, 48.2% of SPs and 35.1% of GPs had responded wrongly, and 37.7% of SPs and 52.3% of GPs were not familiar with the device, showing a statistical significance (p=0.040). There was no statistical significance observed in the responses pertaining to their years of experience, expected for two questions. Conclusion Both GPs and SPs displayed inadequate knowledge regarding the use of LCUs. Further educational programs are recommended to spread awareness about the handling of LCUs among dental clinicians.
Highlights
Large number of dentists in Riyadh are working in governmental hospitals and there is a lack of information pertaining to dental clinician’s knowledge and awareness about light-curing units (LCUs). e current study aimed at evaluating the knowledge levels of dental practitioners in governmental jobs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regarding the LCUs, and comparing this information between specialists and general dentists
Respondents who did not use LCUs, or who worked in private clinics, or who were from outside Riyadh province were excluded from the statistical analyses (n 72) leaving a total of 310 responses
Statistically significant difference was observed in one option of a multiple response question related to properties of resin-based composite materials and knowledge regarding the position between the LCU tip and the resin material surface. 18% of general practitioners (GPs) and 8% of SPs had responded incorrectly regarding the materials properties “option high bond strength” which indicates statistically significant difference (p 0.008)
Summary
Light curing is crucial when applying composite resin restorations. Complete polymerization of the resin depends on delivering adequate light energy to it. Several factors affect the polymerization of a composite resin restoration: technical factors such as the irradiance and type of Light-Curing Unit (LCU), material-related factors such as the resin shade and thickness, and operator factors such as the light tip position and exposure time [4]. QTH were well known in the past and had a halogen bulb that needed to be cooled frequently, and a fan that helped disperse the unwanted heat away from the bulb They delivered a broad emission spectrum, they required an exposure time of 30 to 40 seconds to cure a 2 mm International Journal of Dentistry increment of resin material, which generated a large amount of heat that affected the life span of the device [10, 11]. Large number of dentists in Riyadh are working in governmental hospitals and there is a lack of information pertaining to dental clinician’s knowledge and awareness about LCUs. e current study aimed at evaluating the knowledge levels of dental practitioners in governmental jobs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regarding the LCUs, and comparing this information between specialists and general dentists
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