Practice profile among endodontists in India: A nationwide questionnaire survey

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to ascertain endodontist's point of view (treatment philosophy, rationale and preference) regarding single and multiple-visit root canal treatment along with the basis on which the choice of treatment is made. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 500 endodontists of India through a comprehensive questionnaire asking about method of root-canal preparation, instrumentation, choice of irrigants and disinfectants among the participants. Results: A total of 444 filled survey forms out of 500 were finally evaluated in the study. Only 34% of endodontists always use rubber dam during root canal treatment, most of the endodontists preferred to do multiple visit root canal treatment and single visit root canal treatment was preferred mostly in vital tooth. 93% of the endodontists preferred to dress the canal between the visits. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study it was concluded that most of the endodontists in India are still performing a root canal treatment in multiple visits and without using a rubber dam so the professional bodies in endodontics should embark on training programs, seminars and workshops aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of the endodontists.