Majority Of General Dental Practitioners Research Articles

The pattern of antibiotics prescription for endodontic infections in Malaysia: Cross sectional survey study.

This study aimed to assess the antibiotic prescribing pattern for endodontic infections among general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontic specialists in Malaysia. A 22-questions survey on demographic and general information on antibiotic prescribing patterns for endodontic infection was delivered to the email addresses of general dentists and specialists via the Dental Practitifoner Information Management System database. Collected data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression tests at the significance level of 0.05. A total of 372 responses were collected. 94% of respondents were GDPs, and 6% endodontists. Clinical experience and frequency of endodontic treatment performance were the significant factors in prescribing antibiotics (p < 0.05). The common reasons for antibiotic prescription were to control the spread of infection and fever (88%). Endodontists have better knowledge of antibiotic prescription than GDPs. The majority of GDPs had inappropriately prescribed antibiotics. Improving the knowledge of GDPs in Malaysia regarding antibiotics-indications in endodontics is mandatory.

Nationwide Trends of Modern Endodontic Practices Related to Working Length, Instrumentation, Magnification, and Obturation: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Survey Comparing Endodontic and Non-Endodontic Specialties Practicing Root Canal Treatment in India.

The present study was designed to assess trends in contemporary endodontic practice regarding the techniques and materials used in endodontic therapy among dental practitioners from various regions of India. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted amongst dentists who were pursuing postgraduates in endodontics (PG Endo) and other branches (PG-OB), specialists from other branches (MDS-OB) and specialists in endodontics (MDS-Endo) in various dental colleges representing East, West, North, South, and Central zones through an e-survey using Google forms. State-wise postgraduate dental college lists were obtained from the Dental Council of India (DCI) website. Using a multistage cluster random sampling method and considering the unanticipated response rate, emails were sent to 2100. A 29-item close-ended questionnaire, framed according to different aspects of endodontic treatment, was used to record the responses. When the distribution of the groups of dentists was compared, the central zone had the highest number of PG-OB (44.2%) and the lowest number of MDS-Endo (8.4%). The electronic apex locator (EAL) method of working length determination has been reported less among MDS-Endo than MDS-OB. The difference between the usage of various methods for working length determination was significant among the different groups in all the zones. (p < 0.0001) Most MDS-Endo preferred the rotary method of instrumentation over the combination method for different zones. The majority of dental practitioners preferred a combination method of instrumentation. Zone-wise comparisons among dentists showed the majority of general dental practitioners preferred the combination method (radiographs and electronic apex locator) for working length determination. Most MDS-Endo preferred the rotary method of instrumentation over the combination method for different zones. All dental practitioners did not so commonly use magnification in all the zones. The single cone technique was the most opted by dental practitioners of all the zones.

Gambaran tingkat pengetahuan dokter gigi terhadap tata laksana kasus avulsi gigi permanen di wilayah dki jakarta (Laporan Penelitian)

Background: Avulsion of permanent teeth is one of the most serious dentoalveolar injuries. Appropriate emergency management and a treatment plan are important for a good prognosis. Therefore general dental practitioners (GDPs) must have adequate knowledge regarding the management of permanent avulsed teeth. Objective: Evaluate the knowledge base and preferred methods of general dental practitioners regarding the management of avulsed teeth. Methods: Observativational descriptive with cross-sectional was employed for sample selection. A pre-tested 13-item online questionnaire was distributed to 98 Jakarta GDPs. The data obtained were then categorized into 3 levels which are high (≥76%), moderate (56-75%), and low (≤55%). Results: This study revealed that the majority of GDPs' knowledge is moderate. 21,4% of participants showed good knowledge, while 53,1% are moderate, and the other 24,5% lack the knowledge needed to manage avulsions. Mann-Whitney U test results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between males and females (p = 0.296) nor between the length of practice 0-10 years and &gt;10 years (p = 0.134). Conclusions: The study findings showed that the Jakarta GDPs need to improve their knowledge about the management of permanent avulsed teeth.

An Assessment of the Knowledge of Dentists on the Emergency Management of Avulsed Teeth.

Objectiveto investigate the knowledge and attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) on the emergency management of avulsed teeth.The management of the avulsed teeth is well outlined in the latest trauma guideline. However, little information is available about the level of knowledge of the management of avulsed teeth among young dentists in Turkey.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire was completed to assess the knowledge of GDPs on the emergency management of avulsed teeth. The questionnaire asked questions to 142 dental practitioners about whether they have received information about the emergency management of dental trauma, whether they have intervened in cases of avulsed teeth following a dental trauma, and, finally, whether they have given treatment of avulsed teeth.ResultsThe majority of GDPs had received training to treat avulsed teeth. The findings of the study showed that only 35% of GDPs recalled the critical time for treatment. The number of GDPs who had incorrect knowledge on this topic was higher and statistically significant (p<0.001). The rates of the correct answers according to the relevant information fields were as follows: optimal storage medium (78%), type of splint (56%), splinting period (58.5%), and systemic medication after avulsion (32%).ConclusionThe results show that many GDPs had limited experience in treating avulsed teeth. However, in the study, it was stressed that the knowledge of GDPs related to the factors affecting the successful treatment of avulsion cases should be improved by using continuing education programs.

Knowledge on temporomandibular disorders pathophysiology among dental practitioners in Jakarta, Indonesia

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common term used to describe the problems related to masticatory muscles, joints, and supporting tissues. TMD commonly causes orofacial pain and has been the subject of considerable research in the field of dentistry. The treatment chosen for patients who have TMD is largely determined by the knowledge of general dental practitioners. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to assess the understanding of TMD pathophysiology by such practitioners. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed randomly to general dental practitioners in private offices and hospitals in the area of Jakarta, Indonesia. The answers on the returned questionnaires were compared to those of TMD experts. Results: Of the 117 questionnaires distributed to general dentists, 105 were returned (89.7% response rate). The results showed an overall level of knowledge of TMD pathophysiology of 25%. Conclusion: The majority of general dental practitioners in Jakarta lack knowledge of TMD pathophysiology

Trends in Selection, Usage, and Techniques of Interocclusal Record Materials among Private Dental Practitioners: A Survey.

Background:Majority of general dental practitioners provide fixed dental prosthesis in India. The aim of this study was to gather information on selection, usage, and materials and methods employed in interocclusal records and their communication with the dental laboratory for restorative procedures practised by dentists in Indore district to evaluate and to improve the quality of current practice.Aim and Objectives:The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to understand and to evaluate dental practitioner's knowledge on interocclusal recording materials, its usage, their clinical implications, and their correlation with the laboratory in restorative procedures practiced by the dental practitioners in Indore district.Materials and Methods:A questionnaire comprising 11 questions were framed and circulated among general dental practitioners except prosthodontists, and the results were statistically analyzed.Results:Most of the practitioner's preferred wax (54.6%) as an interocclusal recording material over polyvinylsiloxane and polyether. Most of the dentists preferred full arch interocclusal record (27.8%). About 51.5% clinicians trimmed the interocclusal record before sending to the laboratory.Conclusion:From this survey, it has been concluded that the practitioner's attitude toward the use of interocclusal record materials is found to be deviated from well-acknowledged prosthodontic quality guidelines.

Referral Patterns of Pediatric Oral Surgery Cases: A Pilot Survey of United Arab Emirate Dentists

Objective: To assess the referral patterns of General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) and Pediatric Dentists (PDs) when faced with a range of Pediatric-Oral Surgery (POS) cases. Material and Methods: Eighty-two dentists treating children [51.2% GDPs (n=42) and 48.8% PDs (n=40)] were shown clinical photographs or radiographs of twelve common POS cases. Opinions on whether to “manage it yourself”, “refer to a/another pediatric dentist”, “refer to an oral surgeon (OS)”, “refer to a multidisciplinary clinic (MDC)”, or “do nothing” were sought. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software with Chi-square test (p≤0.05). Results: Both GDPs and PDs reported significantly higher referrals to OS of: 1) lower lip mucoceles (50%, 52.5% respectively), 2) exposure of impacted maxillary canine (64%, 51.3%) and 3) dento-alveolar trauma cases (73.8%, 65%). A majority of GDPs and PDs reported self-managing of: 1) removal of multiple deciduous carious teeth (81%, 97.5%), 2) odontogenic infections with facial swelling (57.1%, 92.5%), 3) removal of ankylosed submerged primary molars (66.7%, 95%) and 4) dental trauma (71.4%, 100%). PDs reported self-managing primary herpetic gingivostomatitis (PHGS, 95%) compared to 45.2% of GDPs. GDP referral of PHGS to the PDs was 42.9%. There were no significant differences between both groups regarding removal of a mesiodens, release of a tongue-tie, a labial frenectomy, or a lip laceration, but the majority would refer to oral surgeons in these cases. Conclusion: Whilst United Arab Emirates dentists sampled referred some pediatric-oral surgery cases to oral surgeons, general dental practitioners were reluctant to refer pediatric-oral surgery cases to pediatric dentists, preferring to self-manage them.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and attitude among general dentists in Kuwait.

Dentists as health care providers should maintain a competence in resuscitation. This cannot be overemphasized by the fact that the population in our country is living longer with an increasing proportion of medically compromised persons in the general population. This preliminary study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of general dentists towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 licensed general dental practitioners working in ministry of health. Data were obtained through electronic self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic data of general dentists, and their experience, attitude and knowledge about CPR based on the 2010 American Heart Association guidelines update for CPR. Totally 208 general dentists took part in the present study giving a response rate of 83.2%. Only 36% of the participants demonstrated high knowledge on CPR, while 64% demonstrated low knowledge. Participants' age, gender, nationality, years of experience, career hierarchy, and formal CPR training were associated significantly with CPR knowledge. Almost all the participants (99%) felt that dentists needed to be competent in basic resuscitation skills and showed a positive attitude towards attending continuing dental educational programs on CPR. This study showed that majority of general dental practitioners in Kuwait had inadequate knowledge on CPR. It was also found that CPR training significantly influenced the CPR knowledge of the participants. Therefore, training courses on CPR should be regularly provided to general dentists in the country.

Use of lining materials under posterior resin composite restorations in the UK

ObjectivesTo investigate opinions on, and current use of lining materials prior to the placement of posterior resin composite restorations by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the UK. A further objective was to investigate aspects of posterior resin composite restoration placement techniques employed by UK GDPs. MethodsA questionnaire was devised to gain the information sought. It was sent to 500 UK dentists, chosen at random from the register of the General Dental Council. ResultsThree hundred and fifty four replies were received, which gave a response rate of 71%. Eighty two percent of respondents reported placing lining materials in deep cavities to be restored with resin composite. Regarding moderately deep cavities, half of the respondents indicated a preference to place a lining material, whilst 44% were not sure if a lining was required. The remaining 6% did not respond to the question. Of the respondents, 39% reported that they did not place lining materials in shallow cavities. Regarding techniques for posterior resin composite placement, two-step etch and rinse systems were the most common adhesive bonding systems used (60%). The majority of respondents (80%) reported not using rubber dam when restoring posterior teeth with resin composite. ConclusionsThere was considerable confusion about the need to place a lining prior to resin composite restorations placement in moderate depth and shallow cavities, whilst most favoured the placement of a lining in deep posterior cavities. The majority of GDPs may not routinely use rubber dam for the placement of posterior resin composite restorations. Clinical significanceDecision making and operative techniques for cavity linings under posterior composite restorations in moderately deep and deep cavities is contentious among dentists, resulting in a need to generate more convincing, practice-relevant data on the use of lining materials to inform the dental profession.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding molar incisor hypomineralisation amongst Saudi Arabian dental practitioners and dental students.

This was to investigate the perception of general dental practitioners (GDPs), specialist dentists and dental students regarding the prevalence, severity and aetiological factors of molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH). Questionnaires were distributed to 407 general and specialist dentists who were members of the Saudi Dental Association and 222 fourth and fifth year dental students at College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh. The questionnaires investigated the perception and knowledge of MIH, including clinical experience, treatment, views on aetiology and need for further training in management of MIH. A total of 230 (56.5%) dental practitioners and 149 (67.1%) dental students completed the questionnaire. The majority of GDPs (76.9%) and specialists (86.3%) had encountered MIH in their practice. The majority of specialist dentists (56.1%) and GDPs (60.4%) reported that MIH could come second to dental caries as a public health concern. A range of possible aetiological factors were identified by both students and dentists with genetics the most common. The majority of GDPs (90.5%) and specialists (72.4%) reported a need for further training in MIH, in particular, regarding treatment. The majority of dental students (64%) had not heard of MIH and most were in favour of including MIH-associated cases in the undergraduate curriculum of paediatric dentistry. Students were more likely to request training in diagnosis than treatment. MIH is a condition encountered by Saudi dentists who advocated the need for clinical training regarding MIH-aetiological and therapeutic fields. Students have little exposure to MIH and are likely to have similar concerns upon commencement of dental practice.

Recognizing and reporting domestic violence: attitudes, experiences and behavior of Dutch dentists.

BackgroundOn July 1st 2013 the Mandatory Reporting Code Act came into force in the Netherlands, making it compulsory for health professionals to adhere to a reporting code when they suspect patients to be victims of domestic violence (DV) or child abuse (CA). The Royal Dutch Dental Association (KNMT) developed a reporting code for dental professionals (RCD). Moreover, an e-learning module about DV has been developed. A web-survey was conducted to investigate how general dental practitioners (GDPs) deal with the RCD and what their experiences are with (signs of) DV and CA.MethodsIn April 2014 1038 GDPs were invited by e-mail to participate in a web-survey consisting of 24 items, through the KNMT Data Stations Project. The data was analyzed using SPSS (RELIABILITY, CHISQ and ANOVA).ResultsOf all GDPs invited to participate 264 (25 %) responded. 82 % of these GDPs are aware of their obligation to use the reporting code. 54 % of the GDPs are in favor of this obligation. 76 % of the GDPs have taken notice of the KNMT’s RCD and 51 % of the GDPs have implemented the reporting code in one form or another in their practice. 24 % of the GDPs stated having suspected DV during the last twelve months in the case of 2.4 patients on average. 81 % took note of this in the patient’s record and 58 % also took action in different ways. 54 % wants to complete the e-learning module.ConclusionsMost GDPs are aware of the new legislation and have taken cognizance of the RCD. Even though the majority of GDPs are not opposed to using a reporting code, over half of them have not yet implemented the code in practice. An important factor in this regard seems to be that a substantial minority of the GDPs says they are not sufficiently informed about aspects of reporting a case and about the steps they have to take.

An endodontic practice profile amongst general dental practitioners in Kathmandu: A questionnaire survey

Objective To investigate the endodontic practice profile of general dental practitioners. To explore the materials and methods employed by them in Kathmandu valley. To compare these findings with well acknowledged international academic standards. Methods Questionnaires with 18 closed-ended questions were distributed among randomly chosen 120 general dental practitioners of Kathmandu, working in various government or private hospital or clinics.The data were collected and descriptive statistical analysis was done. Results Out of 120 questionnaires, only 110 that were completely filled were included in the study .Most general dental practitioners (97%) regularly did multi-rooted root canal treatments and followed multivisit root canal treatment.. Radiograph with instrument in canal was used by 80% of general dental practitioners to determine the working length while only 36% used electronic apex locator which is considered to be more reliable. Half of them (57%) used nickel-titanium files for cleaning and shaping but only 23% used crown down technique. Sodium hypochlorite and calcium hydroxide was the most popular irrigation solution and intra-canal medicament respectively. Majority of general dental practitioners (91%) used lateral compaction technique for root canal obturation. Sixty three percent used zinc oxide eugenol as root canal sealer and 46% used endomethasone. They seem to overuse antibiotics in cases requiring endodontic therapy. Only 48% used autoclave for sterilization of endodontic files while 86% never used rubber dam. Eight three percent of them felt the need of further endodontic training and 42% of them preferred post-graduate dental program. Conclusion This study shows that the standard guidelines and new technologies for endodontic treatments are not implemented by many general dental practitioners of Kathmandu and require further endodontic trainings. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-4, 40-50 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i4.10235

An Investigation of West Sussex General Dental Practitioners’ Awareness, Attitudes and Adherence to NICE Dental Recall Guidelines

The overall aim of this study was to determine whether general dental practitioners (GDPs) in West Sussex were aware of and followed National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on dental recalls. The study also aimed to identify factors in the GDPs' practice of dentistry that could affect their adherence to NICE guidelines and to gain some insight into their views on this topic and how these might affect their adherence. A postal questionnaire, which had previously been piloted, and an explanatory letter were sent to a random sample of 195 GDPs representing 50% of the GDPs contracted to the West Sussex Primary Care Trust. Those who did not respond were sent the questionnaire and letter for a second time. The questionnaire consisted of 50 questions that covered awareness of, attitudes towards and adherence to the NICE guidelines on dental recalls, risk factors, and the GDPs' practising profile. Resulting data were entered into a database and, where appropriate, statistically tested with the chi-square test, with the level of statistical probability set at P<0.5. Data were obtained from the 50 questions in the questionnaires. Only key results are presented in this abstract. Ten of the 195 GDPs had either moved away from the area or were orthodontists. The final sample was therefore 185, of whom 117 returned questionnaires, a response rate of 63%. Seventy-three per cent of the respondents had qualified in United Kingdom. Sixty-five per cent were male. The mean age of respondents was 43 years. Seventy-one per cent worked as GDPs within the General Dental Services (GDS) or Personal Dental Services. Concerning NICE recall guidelines, 94% stated that they were aware of them, 61% said they agreed with them, and 64% that they adhered to them. Female GDPs were statistically far more likely to state that they followed NICE guidelines ( P =0.0043). Seventy per cent of GDPs reported that they still recalled their patients at six-month intervals and only 3% that they recalled their patients according to need. Eighty-five per cent reported taking radiographs at two-year intervals and/or according to patient need, and 68% that they gave oral hygiene advice six monthly or at every recall. Risk assessments were reported as being always carried out by 65% of responding GDPs for caries, 83% for periodontal disease, and 81% for oral cancer. Ninety per cent reported that they thought risk factors were relevant when setting the recall interval and 82% thought that six-monthly recalls allowed appropriate screening to take place. Only 3% of responding GDPs recalled their patients according to patient need, in line with NICE recall guidelines, although the majority of GDPs agreed with the guidelines and stated that they adhered to them; however, this was in contrast to the 70% of GDPs who continued to recall at six-month intervals. The majority of GDPs thought that less frequent recalls would not allow for early caries, periodontal disease and oral malignancy diagnosis, and did not think that access to NHS dentistry would be improved. They also did not believe that excessive NHS money was spent on over-frequent dental examinations. There would appear to be significant obstacles to altering the recall habits of dentists because of the way that dentists practise.

Provision of Domiciliary Dental Care in North and West Belfast

To determine the level of domiciliary care currently provided for patients by general dental practitioners (GDPs) and to investigate factors that influence the provision of domiciliary dental care in an area of high socioeconomic deprivation in North and West Belfast. A descriptive study, involving a self-administered postal questionnaire sent to GDPs (n=89) in North and West Belfast. A valid response rate of 67% was achieved. Almost 20% of responding GDPs reported that they did not routinely offer domiciliary dental care. Of those who did, prosthetic treatment was undertaken most commonly, and other more time-consuming treatments such as fillings were referred to the Community Dental Services (CDS). Many GDPs reported not having a full range of domiciliary equipment, with only half of the GDPs surveyed carrying emergency drugs. Reasons cited for not providing the service were lack of time, the perception that patients would be too difficult to manage, and not having the appropriate equipment. The majority of responding dentists (85%) felt that domiciliary care should be referred to the community service. The rate of domiciliary care provision in North and West Belfast appears to be falling, despite it being an area of high socioeconomic deprivation where the demand for the service is growing. The general perception was that domiciliary care is too time-consuming, that the patients are too difficult to manage, and that there was a lack of appropriate equipment. As a result, the majority of GDPs in North and West Belfast felt that the CDS should care for all domiciliary patients.

Stainless steel crowns in general dental practice

Aim To ascertain general dental practitioners' views on the use of stainless steel (pre-formed metal) crowns to restore carious primary molars. Method Ninety-three general dental practitioners were selected at random from those practising in Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester in 2003 and interviewed separately about the clinical care they provide to the primary dentition. Before the interview participants recorded the care they would provide for a case scenario, describing a child with a carious lesion that the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) guidelines indicate should be treated with a stainless steel crown. Results In answering the case scenario only six (7%) of the dentists reported that they would fit a stainless steel crown. Of the 93 dentists interviewed 71% knew of the BSPD guidelines, but only 18% had ever fitted a stainless steel crown in general practice. Reasons given for not using stainless steel crowns were that they are inappropriate for many children, time consuming to fit, difficult to manipulate, expensive, and ugly. Conclusion The BSPD guidelines on the use of stainless steel crowns do not reflect the views of the majority of general dental practitioners who consider these crowns unsuitable for most children and an impractical restorative technique in busy daily practice.

General dental practitioners' views on the use of stainless steel crowns to restore primary molars

To ascertain general dental practitioners' views on the use of stainless steel (pre-formed metal) crowns to restore carious primary molars. Ninety-three general dental practitioners were selected at random from those practising in Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester in 2003 and interviewed separately about the clinical care they provide to the primary dentition. Before the interview participants recorded the care they would provide for a case scenario, describing a child with a carious lesion that the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) guidelines indicate should be treated with a stainless steel crown. In answering the case scenario only six (7%) of the dentists reported that they would fit a stainless steel crown. Of the 93 dentists interviewed 71% knew of the BSPD guidelines, but only 18% had ever fitted a stainless steel crown in general practice. Reasons given for not using stainless steel crowns were they are inappropriate for many children, time consuming to fit, difficult to manipulate, expensive, and ugly. The BSPD guidelines on the use of stainless steel crowns do not reflect the views of the majority of general dental practitioners who consider these crowns unsuitable for most children and an impractical restorative technique in busy daily practice.

Attitudes to water fluoridation in general dental practice in the North East of England.

To find out the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, water fluoridation of a sample of general dental practitioners working in the North East of England. Anonymous, self-completed postal questionnaire. North East of England, both a fluoridated and non-fluoridated area. Following a small pilot survey, questionnaire to 79 general dental practitioners (44 in a non-fluoridated area, 35 in an area supplied with fluoridated water at one part per million) contracted to provide National Health Service (NHS) treatment in the North East of England. Fifty-five general dental practitioners returned questionnaires (a 70% response rate). Most respondents supported the principle of water fluoridation. Over half of the respondents indicated that they would benefit from more information and training on the issue of water fluoridation. There were marked differences in knowledge and attitudes to fluoridation between dental principals and associates. The sample was evenly split about what to do with a parent who was unsure about (whether to support) fluoridation even after the dentist had discussed the issue and answered questions. The majority of general dental practitioners support water fluoridation although some lack knowledge and expertise which might inhibit advocacy of it.

What do GDPs think about fluoridation?

Objective To find out the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, water fluoridation of a sample of general dental practitioners working in the North East of England. Design Anonymous, self-completed postal questionnaire. Setting North East of England, both a fluoridated and non-fluoridated area. Subjects and methods Following a small pilot survey, questionnaire to 79 general dental practitioners (44 in a non-fluoridated area, 35 in an area supplied with fluoridated water at one part per million) contracted to provide National Health Service (NHS) treatment in the North East of England. Results Fifty-five general dental practitioners returned questionnaires (a 70% response rate). Most respondents supported the principle of water fluoridation. Over half of the respondents indicated that they would benefit from more information and training on the issue of water fluoridation. There were marked differences in knowledge and attitudes to fluoridation between dental principals and associates. The sample was evenly split about what to do with a parent who was unsure about (whether to support) fluoridation even after the dentist had discussed the issue and answered questions. Conclusions The majority of general dental practitioners support water fluoridation although some lack knowledge and expertise which might inhibit advocacy of it.

Endodontic retreatment strategies used by general dental practitioners

Purpose Root-filled teeth with persistant periapical radiolucencies are often classified as endodontic failures. Studies have shown that general dental practitioners (GDP) do not consistantly suggest retreatment of “failures.” The “Praxis Concept” (PC) theory hypothesizes that dentists conceive periapical health and disease as different states on a continuum. This study examined endodontic retreatment concepts among 157 GDPs from Värmland, Sweden. Study design In 6 simulated cases the periapical condition, quality of root filling and presence of a root canal–retained post were systematically varied. Five options were offered: no therapy, wait and see, nonsurgical retreatment, surgical retreatment, and extraction. Results The investigation showed large interindividual variation in retreatment behavior among the GDPs. Only 9 dentists (6%) where found to repeatedly suggest retreatment of endodontic failures. A majority of GDPs (79%) performed in accordance with PC. Conclusions The data indicate that several retreatment decision rules are used by Swedish GDPs, but PC-derived strategies attract the majority.

A preliminary communication on whether general dental practitioners have a role in identifying dental patients with mental health problems.

To examine whether general dental practitioners regard themselves as having a role in identifying dental patients with mental health problems. Telephone interviews were conducted with, and postal questionnaires were sent to, a random sample (n = 94) of general dental practitioners on Health Authority lists within the Mersey Region. A total of 84 general dental practitioners responded, resulting in an 89% response rate. The majority of general dental practitioners had encountered patients with mental health problems (78% of interviewees, 56% of questionnaire responders). However, nearly half of the interviewees (46%) do not refer patients with mental health problems. When referrals to dental specialists were made, they tended to be regarding a physical manifestation rather than a psychological one. The majority of interviewees and questionnaire responders (55% and 82% respectively) expressed a 'positive' response to the development of a referral role. Nevertheless, there were some reservations concerning the practicalities of its development and implementation. The majority of general dental practitioners consider a role in identifying patients with possible mental health problems. This role might include, being able to identify patients with undiagnosed mental health problems, and being aware of dental conditions which may be caused by mental health problems. To achieve this, inter-professional co-operation between general dental practitioners and other health professionals requires development.