title: Philosophies and practices regarding the management of the endodontic smear layer: results from two surveys.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain the prevailing attitudes within the endodontic community regarding smear layer removal. The first survey asked the philosophies and techniques currently being taught to predoctoral dental students and postdoctoral endodontic residents in the United States, whereas the second surveyed some of the members of the American Association of Endodontists currently practicing in the United States. Findings from these surveys revealed that more than three-fourths of the dental students and nearly two-thirds of the endodontic residents are not being taught routine smear layer removal. Slightly more than one-half of endodontists responded they practice smear layer removal. These surveys indicate that there is no clear consensus in the endodontic community, either academically or clinically, as to whether the smear layer should be removed or be allowed to remain before obturation of the root canal space.
authors.affiliation: Endodontics Department, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Moss
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Allemang
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D004492:Edetic Acid; D004497:Education, Dental; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D010545:Peroxides; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D016369:Smear Layer; D014508:Urea; D014885:Waxes
chemical_list: D010545:Peroxides; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D014885:Waxes; C025081:RC-Prep; D014508:Urea; D004492:Edetic Acid