Abstract
AimTo determine which methods of primary pulp therapy are currently being taught in European dental schools.MethodsAn online survey tool was employed to send questionnaires to paediatric dentistry departments of 202 European dental schools. Email addresses were obtained from the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and questionnaires were sent to one member of each department in December 2014. The survey included questions on treatment choices and clinical scenarios where respondents indicated how they would advise students to proceed, given a particular case.ResultsFifty-one responses from 22 different countries were obtained. Eleven schools reported that they taught only undergraduate students, 4 only postgraduates and 36 taught both. Forty-three schools taught indirect pulp capping, the most popular material being calcium hydroxide; 26 taught direct pulp capping, mostly using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Teaching of pulpotomy was widespread across Europe, with MTA being the most popular material, taught in 37 schools, followed by ferric sulphate, in 29. Formocresol, however, was still being taught in 12 dental schools. Responses to the clinical scenarios were mostly in accordance with previously selected choices.ConclusionsThis study had a representative sample, showing a wide variation in primary pulp therapies taught in Europe. Comparison with previous studies shows new trends in taught therapies, possibly driven by recent research in primary pulp management and the development of new materials.
Highlights
As childhood caries remains a significant oral health issue in Europe, the need for high quality, evidence-based pulp therapy is still necessary and important today
Aim To determine which methods of primary pulp therapy are currently being taught in European dental schools
Teaching of pulpotomy was widespread across Europe, with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) being the most popular material, taught in 37 schools, followed by ferric sulphate, in 29
Summary
As childhood caries remains a significant oral health issue in Europe, the need for high quality, evidence-based pulp therapy is still necessary and important today. Developments in the understanding of primary pulp structure, inflammation, healing processes and concerns of the toxicity of dental materials, have led to significant changes in therapeutic choices (International Agency for Research on Cancer 2004). Existing guidelines such as the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have an important role in guiding clinicians through the evidence and advising on adequate management (Rodd et al 2006; AAPD 2014). A Cochrane review (Nadin et al 2003) reported no superiority of one pulp therapy in comparison with
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