Materials and techniques for restoration of primary molars by pediatric dentists in Florida.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to obtain an overview of materials and techniques used by pediatric dentistry clinicians for posterior restorations in primary molars and to compare the results to what is being taught in dental schools.


METHODS
A form with questions in different formats was mailed to all 180 members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in Florida. The information requested included material selection for restorations in primary molars and the type of cavity preparation for amalgam and resin-based materials, and the bonding system in use. The response was anonymous, but information about gender and year of graduation for the clinicians was provided.


RESULTS
Seventy percent of the clinicians responded to the survey. Resin-based materials were the most commonly selected for Class I and II restorations, while stainless steel crowns were the predominant material when 3 or more surfaces are involved. The slot-type of preparation was the most commonly used for tooth-colored restorations and the fifth generation ("one-bottle system") of bonding agents was the preferred adhesive system in use in primary molars.


CONCLUSIONS
Different opinions were found between clinicians and educators in respect to material selection and contraindication criteria for the use of tooth-colored restorations in primary molars.
Guelmann
Marcio
M
Department of Pediatric, Dentistry University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. mguelmann@dental.ufl.edu
Mjör
Ivar A
IA
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003188:Composite Resins; D003442:Crowns; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods*; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000379:methods*; D003736:Dental Cavity Lining; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000193:education; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013193:Stainless Steel; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous
D003188:Composite Resins; D013193:Stainless Steel; D003723:Dental Amalgam