The Use of Restorative Materials in Primary Molars among Pediatric Dentists in Israel.

Abstract

To assess the current choice of various restoration materials among Israeli pediatric dentists according to seniority and specialty. Participating dentists completed a 23-item questionnaire on their qualifications, type of practice and preference of restorative material. Seventy-five dentists (average age 46.27±12.6 years, 58 females) participated. Forty-one were specialist pediatric dentists and 34 were general practitioners. Amalgam was preferred by 49.3%, followed by composite (41.3%), glass ionomer cement (5.3%) and compomer (4%). Only 13.3% of the dentists thought amalgam bears environmental and health hazards, compared to 49.3% for composite. Satisfaction was high for amalgam and composite, less for glass ionomer cements and least for compomer. General practitioners preferred amalgam (70.6%) while pediatric dentists preferred composite (51.2%), P < 0.003. Amalgam and composite were the materials of choice among the participating Israeli dentists. Most of them (86.7%) responded that amalgam does not possess any health issues. Their satisfaction with the restoration materials was highest for amalgam and composite, a choice significantly affected by whether they were in general practice (amalgam) or specialized in pediatric dentistry (composite).