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VOLUME 1 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2016 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey of Dentists in Palestine toward Deep Dentin Caries Removal

Tarek H Rabi

Keywords : Deep dentin caries removal, Dental pulp capping, Dental pulp exposure, Palestine, Restorative dentistry, Step-wise caries excavation

Citation Information : Rabi TH. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey of Dentists in Palestine toward Deep Dentin Caries Removal. Cons Dent Endod J 2016; 1 (2):28-32.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10048-0008

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-11-2018

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2016; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aims: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dentists in Palestine toward deep dentin caries removal and the associated restorative strategies preferred. Materials and methods: The study was conducted through an online survey among the dentists registered with the Palestinian Dental Association. A total of 300 dentists were administered a structured, self-administered questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward deep dentin caries removal. The questionnaire consisted of an eight-item written survey instrument constructed for the survey purpose. Results: Among the 300 dentists, 201 dentists responded to the survey with a response rate of 67%. Hardness of remaining dentin was the most important criterion employed to assess excavation. To treat an exposed pulp, 74% of dentists considered direct capping, whereas 79% refuted partial excavation fearing caries progression or pulp damage. To facilitate restoration longevity, 56.6% reported preferring more invasive treatment. Only 16% reported that they would prefer a step-wise caries excavation. Conclusion: A higher percentage of surveyed dentists were skeptical about leaving caries during excavation, and they did not prefer incomplete caries removal. Direct pulp capping was the preferred treatment strategy when pulp exposure occurred. Clinical significance: The beneficence of partial excavation should be highlighted in under- and postgraduate education in Palestine. It would pave the way to promote minimally invasive techniques in restorative dentistry.


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