Restoration materials for primary molars-results from a European survey.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to obtain an overview of the materials and restorative techniques taught for Class I and Class II restorations in primary molars of different European departments for paediatric dentistry and to compare the results to those for North America.


METHODS
The forms were sent to the chairmen of the departments of paediatric dentistry or-when included into the department for operative dentistry-to the director of 200 universities in 32 European Countries. The questions concerned the preferred materials and techniques, as well as the indications or contraindications for the use of the different tooth coloured materials.


RESULTS
Forty-three percent of the universities from western European countries (excluding Germany) responded to the survey. A 97% answer rate was obtained from German Schools. Of the other European regions, the response rate varied remarkably (24-54%). Also, opinions on materials used and methods applied were different from country to country. Only in a few regions (Eastern Europe), amalgam remains the filling material of first choice for Class I and II cavities in primary molars, whereas in others, the use has been restricted and tooth coloured materials, especially compomers or resin-modified glass ionomer cements, are being preferred.


CONCLUSIONS
Great diversity in teaching was observed not only among the European countries, but also within the countries themselves which makes it difficult to compare the results of our study to the ones obtained from the US.
Buerkle
Verena
V
Department of Paediatric and Operative Dentistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Goethestrasse 70, 80336 Munich, Germany.
Kuehnisch
Jan
J
Guelmann
Marcio
M
Hickel
Reinhard
R
D020770:Compomers; D003188:Composite Resins; D000075202:Contraindications; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D003736:Dental Cavity Lining / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000145:classification; D003764:Dental Materials; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000145:classification*; D003814:Dentistry, Operative / Q000193:education; D005060:Europe; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000193:education; D019279:Resin Cements; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous
D020770:Compomers; D003188:Composite Resins; D003764:Dental Materials; D005899:Glass Ionomer Cements; D019279:Resin Cements; D003723:Dental Amalgam