The teaching of Class I and Class II direct composite restorations in European dental schools

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive study was to provide updated data on the teaching of Class I and Class II direct composite restorations in Europe as part of a survey of this aspect of the primary dental curriculum in Europe and North America. Methods: Data on the teaching of posterior composite restorations and related matters were collected by means of a postal questionnaire sent to 185 dental schools known to exist in Europe. Non-respondents were sent a second questionnaire after two months. Further information pertaining to student requirements was sought after six months from all respondents. Results: The response ranged from 92% for dental schools in Scandinavia to 40% from dental schools in Southern Europe with an overall response of 56%. All but four of the 104 participating schools were found to teach the use of composites in Class I and Class II, two-surface situations in at least premolar teeth. Contraindications and techniques taught for posterior composites varied within and between the country groupings of Northern and Central Europe, Scandinavia, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe. However, certain consensus views were identified. The experience of adverse biological reactions to the use of resin-based restoratives in European dental schools was found to be limited. Conclusions: Notwithstanding the variation in the response from the four geographic regions investigated and the relatively low overall response to the questionnaire, it is concluded that the data reported indicates that most dental schools in Europe teach the use of composites in selected Class I and Class II situations. However, considerable variation exists both within and between the regions investigated in relation to this teaching. Further research and consensus conferences should be planned to reduce variability across Europe in relation to the contraindications and techniques taught for posterior composites.