Years Of Professional Activity Research Articles

Italian versions of the Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (NPQ): psychometric properties and an investigation on the understanding of pain neurophysiology in physical therapists

ObjectivesThe Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) is widely used to assess pain knowledge among clinicians and patients with pain, but an Italian version is not available. This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the NPQ into Italian, to test its psychometric properties, to assess the knowledge of Italian physical therapists (PTs) on pain, and to evaluate which characteristics are associated with pain knowledge. MethodsThe NPQ was translated into Italian, integrated with some additional questions (IT-NPQ-New), and sent by email via the Italian Association of Physiotherapy newsletter. Rasch analysis (RA) was used to test the psychometric properties of the Italian versions. Multivariable regression analyses were used to check for associations between participants' characteristics and their NPQ scores. ResultsA sample of 753 PTs completed the survey. RA of the NPQ-19 and IT-NPQ-New revealed that 10 (IT-NPQ-10) and 18 (IT-NPQ-18) items fit the model. Both questionnaires showed good psychometric properties. The overall median score among Italian PTs was 6.0 [5.0–7.0] and 11.0 [9.0–13.0] points for the IT-NPQ-10 and the IT-NPQ-18, respectively. These scores were statistically different among groups according to gender, age, years of professional activity, post-graduate specialization and days attended of targeted pain courses, with the latter being the most influential variable. ConclusionsItalian PTs now dispose of two tools to assess their basic knowledge related to pain science. Our study also showed that pain knowledge among Italian PTs needs improvement, especially considering recent biopsychosocial approaches to pain.

A survey on brazilian dentists’ awareness, perception, and knowledge of bisphosphonates

Aim: The purpose of the study was to analyze the knowledge of dentists in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, about bisphosphonates and their clinical implications. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted with a convenience sample of dentists in Belo Horizonte, in a period of 8 weeks. The questionnaire was self-applied and was structured with 10 items about the dentists’ demographic characteristics, professional profile, and knowledge about bisphosphonates. Associations in the data were analyzed by with the Fischer’s exact test with a significance level of 5%. Results: Of the 214 participating dentists, 163 (76.17%) were women, and 51 (23.83%) were men, with age ranged for 21 to 73 years (mean of 30 years) and mean of 6 years of professional activity. Nearly half (106/49.53%) reported having knowledge about bisphosphonates, and undergraduate courses were the primary source of such information (73/34.11%). Osteoporosis was the most identified indication for use (75/35.04%), although no participants correctly identified all indications. Regarding the drugs’ side effects, only three dentists (1.40%) could correctly identify all responses, with bone necrosis being recognized by the majority (88/41.12%). Sodium alendronate (54/25.23%) and sodium ibandronate (15/7.01%) were the most identified examples of bisphosphonates. Last, only nine dentists (4.20%) could identify all examples of the drugs, and their capacity was associated with self-reported knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusions: More information about bisphosphonates should be disseminated in Belo Horizonte, ideally via better approaches in local undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Until then, knowledge of the basic aspects of bisphosphonates will remain limited.

A model of young teachers’ professional burnout prevention

In Russia, in the last two decades, there has been a high growth in physical education. Modern processes of transformation of general education, the emergence of new technologies, an increase in the situation of uncertainty in all spheres of society, an expansion of the range of activities of a teacher, a constant increase in the requirements for the level of his professional training determines the appearance of symptoms of professional burnout in young teachers in the first years of professional activity. The revealed contradiction between the need of young teachers to work on minimizing the symptoms of professional burnout and the insufficient degree of development and implementation of targeted preventive work to overcome negative conditions has made it possible to identify the prob- lem of designing and testing a pedagogical model that reduces the symptoms of professional burnout among young teachers. The purpose of the research is to substantiate and experimentally test the model of pedagogical prevention of professional burnout of young teachers.The research methods used are analysis, synthesis, modeling.The results of the research have shown the effectiveness of the developed model based on personal-activity, systemic, polysubjective and integrated approaches, the content component of which is a modular program of pedagogical prevention of professional burnout of young teachers, aimed at developing information competence of young teachers about the problem of burnout, teaching psychotechnics of self-regulation and self-defense, development of labor motivation and creative potential.

Asparaginase activity monitoring in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A cross-sectional nationwide study in Spain.

A cross-sectional nationwide study was designed to assess national compliance with international consensus/guidelines of monitoring asparaginase levels in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with asparaginase in routine clinical practice. An ad hoc questionnaire was designed and completed by staff physicians from Hemato-Oncology Units throughout Spain. A total of 39 physicians (64% pediatricians) with a mean (SD) age 43.5 (7.9) years and 15.3 (17.6) years of professional activity participated in the study. They accounted for 90% of hospitals in which children with ALL are treated in Spain. A total of 19 participants (48.7%) reported that asparaginase levels were routinely monitored (own center in 2 cases [10.5%], another hospital in 17 cases [89.5%]). Asparaginase was not monitored in 51.3% of the cases, mostly (80%) because unavailability of testing. When asparaginase was monitored, 68% of participants reported that this was done in all asparaginase-treated patients and 84% in all phases of the disease (induction, consolidation, re-induction, maintenance) with a time interval of 7 days for the pegylated form, 48 h for Erwinia asparaginase and 14 days for maintenance with the pegylated form. All participants reported that they modified treatment according to results of testing, with a limit of total depletion of ≥100 IU/L. Levels <100 or 20 IU/L were considered indicative of hypersensitivity by 46% of physicians. There is still a gap between what is recommended and what is done in clinical practice, with more than 50% of centers not monitoring the level of asparaginase activity in pediatric ALL. Protocols for asparaginase testing in daily practice should be implemented.

Musculoskeletal disorders related to dental hygienist profession.

ObjectivesMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are occupational illnesses concerned with different classes of professionals; dental hygienists are among those. The aim of this trial is to evaluate MSDs prevalence and significance of the symptoms in a sample of dental hygienists.Materials and MethodsA 20‐question questionnaire was administered to a sample of dental hygienists, via social networks. The variables taken into consideration were personal data, hours of sport, working habits, years of professional activity, working hours and number of patients per week, presence or absence of pain.Statistical AnalysisData were evaluated using standard statistical analysis software, and an Excel database was created. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. Group comparison was assessed by the chi‐square test of homogeneity and Fisher's exact test. (p‐value <0.05 as significant).Results468 questionnaires were examined: 396 females (85%) and 72 males (15%). The prevailing age was between 25 and 35. Among them, 91% referred to be suffering or have suffered MSDs. The most relevant affected muscular areas are neck (30.6%), shoulder (25.0%) and lumbosacral region (23.3%); the remaining 21.1% is divided among the other regions. Association and statistical analysis among the different variables showed how presence of MSDs negatively influences absenteeism and work performance; further research regarding ergonomics, type of seat, stretching and workout prevention would be important to strengthen the results collected.ConclusionsMusculoskeletal disorders diffusion among dental hygienists is particularly high due to lack of information; the majority of interviewees showed very little awareness of it; this led to a lack of effort in facing or possibly preventing these pathologies.

Burnout syndrome in resuscitation anesthesiologists as a subjective answer to professional stress in the covid-19 period

IntroductionIn the COVID-19 pandemic situation the burden that has fallen on the shoulders of resuscitation anesthesiologists has become really great. These specialists experience emotional and psychical stress that has led to the high risk of formation of the emotional burnout syndrome in the pre-COVID period.ObjectivesA comparative analysis of the formation of a complete syndrome of emotional burnout in 2020-2021 in resuscitation anesthesiologists with varied years of professional activity.MethodsSixty-two resuscitation anesthesiologists volunteered to take part in the study: 47 males and 15 females. The main method of study was V. Boiko’s method of “Diagnosis of level of emotional burnout”.ResultsThe results have shown that, during the said period, the number of doctors with complete syndrome of emotional burnout has significantly increased, that is, all three phases: stress, resistance and exhaustion had formed. The period of study has clearly shown two groups of male doctors: with period of work of 20 or more years, and with period of work of less than 5 years. The said symptoms cause a feeling of physical and psychological overburdens, stress at work and at home, conflicts with management personnel, colleagues and patients.Conclusions The atypical COVID-19 pneumonia pandemic has laid significant stress on the psychic and physical health of resuscitation anesthesiologists. The high level of psychological strain, accumulation of negative emotions, and the feeling of helplessness led to medical errors and delays in important tactical decisions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Assessment of the Current Endodontic Practices among General Dental Practitioners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A contemporary knowledge of root canal treatment (RCT) is a prerequisite for a successful outcome. Studies observed that General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) were not abreast of current endodontic knowledge due to a lack of continuing dental education, not following the treatment protocols that they had learned in their undergraduate program, and overlooking the evidence-based current endodontic practices. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the awareness, attitude, and clinical endodontic practices among General Dental Practitioners in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among all 312 GDPs working in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic details and 23 questions regarding current endodontic practices. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS Version 21 (Chicago, IL, USA). The chi-square test was applied to explore the influence of gender, workplace, and the years of professional activity on the materials and techniques employed in the RCT procedure. The study results showed that of all respondents, 159 (51.0%) were males, 153 (49.0%) were females, and 286 (91.7%) were Saudi nationals. Most of the GDPs, i.e., 204 (65.4%) practiced in private hospitals or clinics whereas 108 (34.6%) practiced in Government hospitals. Root canal treatment on all teeth had been performed by 196 (62%) of the practitioners. Association of gender with demographic details and endodontic practices revealed a statistically significant difference between both genders with respect to region, nationality, type of RCT treated on the tooth, and the technique used to measure the working length (p < 0.05). Furthermore, years of professional experience and workplace significantly affect endodontic practices (p < 0.05). This study concluded that most of the general dental practitioners complied with quality standard guidelines showing a positive attitude toward endodontic practices. Furthermore, irrespective of gender, most of the steps in endodontic procedures revealed a significant association with years of professional experience and the workplace.

Current trends in endodontic practice, adaptation to new technologies and attitude of dental practitioners towards endodontic standards in Sri Lanka

Objectives: The study were to describe the current endodontic practices among the dental surgeons in Sri Lanka, and to determine the association between years of practice and choice of endodontic materials and equipment. Materials and Methods: A postal survey was conducted to assess the current trends in endodontic practice, adaptation to new technologies and attitude of dental practitioners towards endodontic standards in Sri Lanka. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20. Results and Discussion: The total response rate was 38.75%.Most of the respondents were females (58.5%), with only a bachelor degree (63.9%) and practicing in the government hospitals (80.4%).The majority preferred to complete endodontic treatment within 3 appointments. Low level of rubber dam use was a striking feature noted. Most of them used manual instruments manipulated with a filing technique. A high percentage (MWP-63.2% PP- 61.3%) used tactile sensation as a method of working length determination and only a few (MWP-21.8% PP-32.8%) used apex locators. The first choice of root canal irrigant was sodium hypochlorite (MWP-76.4% PP-80.4%). The most popular obturation technique was cold lateral condensation in the MWP as 57.7% and 58.3% in the PP. The majority seem to overuse antibiotics.None of the respondents in the PP used endodontic microscopes but 12.3% used intraoral cameras. There was a significant correlation (p<0.05) between using rubber dam in the MWP and using Ni-Ti rotary instruments, using K files, performing step-back technique, using sodium hypochlorite root canal irrigant in the PP, with years of professional activity. Conclusion : The results of this study shows that the standard guidelines and new technologies for endodontic treatment are not implemented by many practitioners of Sri Lanka and the importance of continuing dental education for practitioners to update their knowledge. Keywords ­ Attitude, Dental Surgeons, Endodontology, Guidelines

The Impact of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Providing Special Care Dentistry: A Survey for Dentists

This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the experiences of special care dentistry providers worldwide. An online survey was administered from 10 to 31 July 2020. Age, sex, years of professional activity, COVID-19 status, geographical area of origin and length of lockdown period were recorded for all participating dentists. The relationships between these variables and the changes in clinical activity, the treated patients’ COVID-19 status and the implementation of protective measures in the dental clinic were analyzed. A total of 436 (70.6% women) dentists from 59 countries responded to the survey. Clinical activity was reduced or stopped for 79.1% of respondents. The most common change was to limit treatment to urgent care only (53.7%). Treatment under general anesthesia or deep sedation was discontinued (51.0%) or reduced (35.8%) for the majority of respondents. Male dentists were more likely to maintain their clinical activity than female dentists (p < 0.001), and respondents from North America were more likely to do so than participants from other geographical regions (p < 0.001). Dentists from Latin America and the Caribbean were more likely to report treatment of confirmed cases of COVID-19 than those from Europe (p < 0.001). The implementation of protective measures in the dental office was determined by the survey participant’s sex, intensity of clinical activity and geographical area of origin. To conclude, the provision of special care dentistry was considerably reduced in response to the pandemic. Service maintenance was mainly related to the geographical area in which the surveyed dentists worked, further exacerbating pre-existing inequalities.

University Teachers’ Conceptions of the University and the Place of Sustainability

In this phenomenographic qualitative research, the aim is to learn about the conceptions of university professors about the university. The study was carried out with 20 university professors: 10 from the School of Social Sciences and 10 from the School of Science and Technology of University of Évora with an average age of 54 years and over 20 years of professional activity. The data were collected through open questionnaires and then submitted to thematic and categorical content analysis. The conceptions of the university appear, in the voice of the teachers, centered on two main aspects. The first and more mentioned concerns the conception of the university as a space of production and diffusion of scientific knowledge, which refers to quality factors of higher education. The second brings out the conception of the university as a space of relationship with society together with underlying concerns for human development, cooperation, and the design of a more sustainable world.

Celebrating CercleS: introductory notes to 30 years of professional activity in the field of language learning and teaching

Abstract and acknowledgements This introduction provides a glimpse of CercleS’ mission over the past 30 years, as clearly emerges in the contributions this issue contains. It is a Special Issue which celebrates the 30th anniversary of CercleS (1991-2021) and coincides with our being invited to become Editors-in-Chief of Language Learning in Higher Education, indeed a great honour for us. We would like to thank the present and past Executive Boards and Coordinating Committees for placing their faith and trust in us. We would also like to thank the authors who contributed to this special issue and the De Gruyter staff for their ongoing support. In this and future issues, we intend to carry forward the precious work of our predecessors, encouraging the CercleS community to continue to join forces in fostering best practices of modern language education both in Europe and the world at large.

Gendered workplaces: Resistance, adaptation and agency in large legal firms – The perspectives of young lawyers1

Gender inequality at work is a persistent and complex phenomenon. Taking the case of a small group of young lawyers working in large legal firms in Portugal, this article intends to discuss how gender inequality manifests and evolves from internship through first years of professional activity. Based on a data set of nineteen biographical interviews – ten male and nine female – we discuss the centrality of gender in analysing professional organizations, combining structural and actor perspectives. Female and male lawyers are confronted with a gendered organization with (in)visible gender lines that naturalize asymmetries of treatment, position, opportunities and expectations. Both learn how to adapt and invent strategies of resistance that include flexible professional projects.

Results of emotional burnout study among oncologists in Russia.

11011 Background: Emotional burnout (EB) is a syndrome caused by chronic work-related stress. This is a non-adaptive reaction to chronic stress resulting from professional activities and leading to the depletion of emotional and personal resources. Oncologists have high burnout risk, because involuntarily involved in the negative experiences of patients and get emotional stress. So it is important to develop measures to prevent EB for medical oncologists. Aim: The aim is to study the prevalence and severity of EB among oncologists and to develop preventive measures. Methods: A screening survey of the Russian Society of Clinical Oncology (RUSSCO) was conducted among 389 oncologists in various regions of Russia. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and online self-administered questionnaire were used. The questionnaire was sent out in November 2019. The questionnaire was based on a multi-factor model, which includes the following components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, reduction of professional achievements. Results: The average age of the respondents was 49.5 years, 61% of them were female. Chemotherapists made up 47.5%, 28% were surgeons, 8.5% were radiotherapists, 7% were diagnostic profile specialists, administrators made up 3%, 14.5% of the respondents had related specialties: clinical psychologists, pathologists, palliative care doctors. 30% of respondents had scientific degree. The results of the study were the following. 71.6% of specialists have expressed EB syndrome; 28% at EB formation stage, 1% have no signs of EB. There wasn’t a significant difference in EB rates across oncologists of various specialties. All stages of EB were identified. Female specialists are more likely to have manifestations of EB. EB severity was the same for doctors of inpatient and outpatient care. The extreme mode of work did not show significant differences of EB among both male and female specialists. First 5 years and more than 15 years of professional activity are most vulnerable to development of EB. EB was least affected by specialists over 65 years old with extensive experience. Conclusions: Hight level of EB was revealed among oncologists. Study results should be used during EB prevention, development of psychotherapeutic assistance and in educational programs.

Burnout among Occupational Therapists in Portugal: A Study of Specific Factors

This pilot study was conducted using a sample of 374 Portuguese occupational therapists to evaluate burnout levels and prevalence among occupational therapists as well as to relate those levels to practitioner age, gender, client age, years of professional activity, and area of practice. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory questionnaire (Portuguese version) and a sociodemographic questionnaire was used. Results showed that ∼23%, 44%, and 45% of occupational therapists presented with client-related burnout, personal burnout (PB), and work-related burnout, respectively. Higher rates of burnout were observed across all dimensions as the age of the professionals increased, with more years of working increased the client-rated rate, and client age increased the PB rate. Outcomes suggest a need to implement intervention programs to promote personal and organizational strategies to prevent burnout.

Prevention of Negative Effects of Nervous and Psychic Stress on the Driver's Cardio-Respiratory System

Nervous and psychic stresses on the drivers’ body as a result of intense analytical and synthesizing mental activity cause corresponding physiological responses and require a high level of functional preparedness. Investigating the frequency of cardiac contractions in the drivers - representatives of motor sport – during races show that its average (160-180 contraction/min.) and maximum (200-220 contraction/min.) values significantly exceed those calculated by oxygen consumption per minute, which indicates a high psychological pressure of a such kind of professional activity. One of the main causes of accidents is drivers’ fatigue, which leads to a decrease in concentration of attention; therefore, the proper level of their functional readiness for nervous and psychic occupational stress can significantly increase the level of active traffic safety. The results of complex studies show that many years of professional activity of drivers leads to a significant decrease in a number of their motor function indices, which requires constant physical training aimed at the prevention of injuries and drivers’ functional capabilities. The endurance necessary for drivers is recommended to be developed by non-stop and uniform running or jogging without rest, skiing, swimming, cycling or rowing for at least 30 minutes. However, considering the constant vertical overload on the drivers’ spinal column, running along a hard track and riding a bike through rugged country are worth limiting in favor of swimming which combines the functional load on the cardio respiratory system and an even moderate load on all muscle groups with unloading and restoration of the spinal column. To increase the level of the drivers’ physical fitness, to prevent overweight and to treat obesity, we recommend a complex of simple exercises consisting of walking with the knees pressed to the chest, the torso of the trunk forward, touching the toes from the initial position standing legs apart, hands on hips, lifting of the trunk with bending forward from the initial position lying on the back and bending and unbending the arms lying down. Each exercise should be performed at a maximum pace for 30 seconds with a further 30-second rest. The daily performance of this complex significantly improves the functionality of the cardiovascular system. This complex is convenient to do during morning gymnastics, in terms of lack of time or in terms of limited opportunity for special physical training.

Anxiety In Nurses Of A School Hospital Of The Paraíba State

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate levels of anxiety-trait and state presented by nurses from a hospital environment during the work process.&#x0D; METHOD: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, performed with a sample of 30 nurses. Data collection was done through the Trait-State Anxiety Inventory (IDATE-T and IDATE-E) and an identification questionnaire prepared by the researcher. The software GraphPad Prism was used for the statistical analysis of the results.&#x0D; RESULTS: The results showed that, 12 nurses presented scores corresponding to high levels of anxiety-trait. It was also observed that the highest levels of anxiety are present in the female gender, in the age group of 31-40 years, in individuals that are single, who have more than one employment, with less than 10 years of professional activity and who do not practice physical activities.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: It was observed a high level of anxiety-state in a third of the respondents, and it becomes essential for the organizational field to detect sectors that trigger stress and anxiety due to the type of clientele.

Zawodowe uwarunkowania zadowolenia z pracy wśród nauczycieli

Praca stanowi podstawową formę aktywności człowieka, a zadowolenie odczuwane z jej realizacji staje się źródłem satysfakcji życiowej. Jest to szczególnie ważne w przypadku pracy nauczyciela. Badania pokazują, że im wyższe jest zadowolenie z pracy nauczycieli, tym niższe są wskaźniki wypalenia zawodowego. W artykule przedstawiono zagadnienie dotyczące zawodowych uwarunkowań zadowolenia z pracy nauczycieli – kobiet i mężczyzn w trzech etapach stażu zawodowego: adaptacji zawodowej – od roku do pięciu lat stażu; stabilizacji zawodowej – od sześciu do 20 lat stażu; eksperckim – od 21 do 35 lat stażu. Sprawdzono, czy płeć i staż pracy determinują poziom zadowolenia z pracy i poziom zadowolenia z życia wśród badanych nauczycieli. Pokazano także współzależności między zadowoleniem z pracy a zadowoleniem z życia nauczycieli – kobiet i mężczyzn w wyróżnionych okresach stażu pracy.

Análisis de la intensidad de colaboración profesional entre enfermeras en un área de críticos

Objective/sTo analyse the intensity of professional collaboration (IPC) between the nurses in a multidisciplinary critical area (CA) and the relationship with the workplace “intensive care unit (ICU) and special hospitalisation area (SHA)”, educational level, age, and years of professional activity in CA. MethodA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 57 nurses from CA, recording socio-demographic data: age, educational level, speciality titles, years of professional activity and workday type, years of professional activity in the CA, and involvement in scientific works. Tool: Intensity of Inter-professional Collaboration Questionnaire. Statistical analysis: SPSS 20.0. ResultsThe study included a total of 47 nurses (ICU/SHA), with a mean age of 35.91 (9.59) years. Almost three-quarters (74.46%) were nursing graduates with a posgraduate in ICU. Median and interquartile range of professional experience was 14 and 14.50 years, respectively, and years working in CA was 8.50 and 16 years, respectively. Just over half of them (51.10%) worked part-time, and 61.70% participated in scientific works. The mean IPC score was 61.68 (6.84), with 57.40% providing values of high IPC. The relationship between the workplace (ICU/SHA) and educational level with IPC was not statistically significant (p>.05). There are statistical significant differences between IPC with age and years of professional activity in CA (p<.05). ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates the existence of good IPC in the CA. Younger nurses obtain a better IPC score, as well as nurses who have been working for less time in CA. Nurses with a Degree or Masters have a higher level of IPC than the rest, as well as nurses who perform professional activity combining ICU and SHA.

Pathologic Disorders of the Foot in Professional Female Flamenco Dancers

The foot is the main element of artistic creation in flamenco dancing. At the professional level, the foot undergoes high musculoskeletal demands, predisposing the development of podiatric pathologic disorders in this group. The principal objective of this study was to determine the most common foot lesions in professional female flamenco dancers. In a cross-sectional observational study of 44 female professional flamenco dancers, the participants completed a short questionnaire about their demographic features, number of hours danced per week, and years of professional activity. Any foot lesions presented by the participant were also recorded. Some type of pathologic foot condition was noted in 75% of the women, with a particularly high prevalence of hallux abducto valgus (61.4%), hypermobility of the first ray (43.2%), claw toe (40.9%), and varus fifth toe (37.5%) compared with the general population. No significant differences in the presence of pathologic disorders of the foot were found according to the time dedicated to dance or the years of professional activity. Female flamenco dancers in this study had a high prevalence of podiatric medical problems: some kind of pathologic abnormality of the foot was present in 75% of the participants. Hallux abducto valgus, claw toe, and hypermobility of the first ray were the most common pathologic disorders observed.

Preferred materials and methods employed for endodontic treatment by Iranian general practitioners.

The aim of this study was to gather information on the materials and methods employed in root canal treatment (RCT) by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Iran. A questionnaire was distributed among 450 dentists who attended the 53(th) Iranian Dental Association congress. Participants were asked to consider demographic variables and answer the questions regarding the materials and methods commonly used in RCT. Descriptive statistics were given as absolute frequencies and valid percentages. The chi-square test was used to investigate the influence of gender and the years of professional activity for the employed materials and techniques. The response rate was 84.88%. The results showed that 61.5% of the participants did not perform pulp sensitivity tests prior to RCT. Less than half of the general dental practitioners (47.4%) said that they would trace a sinus tract before starting the treatment. Nearly 16% of practitioners preferred the rubber dam isolation method. Over 36% of the practitioners reported using formocresol for pulpotomy. The combined approach of working length (WL) radiographs and electronic apex locators was used by 35.2% of the practitioners. Most of the respondents used K-file hand instruments for canal preparation and the technique of choice was step-back (43.5%), while 40.1% of respondents used NiTi rotary files, mostly ProTaper and RaCe. The most widely used irrigant was normal saline (61.8%). Calcium hydroxide was the most commonly used inter appointment medicament (84.6%). The most popular obturation technique was cold lateral condensation (81.7%) with 51% using zinc oxide-eugenol-based sealers. The majority of Iranian GDPs who participated in the present survey do not comply with quality guidelines of endodontic treatment.