Influence of specialty training and experience on endodontic decision making.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to compare decision-making choices among dentists with different levels of training.


METHODS
Scanned periapical radiographs and a leaflet with relevant information of 17 endodontically treated teeth were mailed to 40 undergraduate students, 25 general practitioners, 20 postgraduate students, and 40 endodontists. All teeth were symptom-free. The hypothetical scenario referred to patients who sought treatment for first time and had noncontributory medical history. Five treatment options were given for each situation: (1) Extraction, (2) Surgical Retreatment, (3) Nonsurgical Retreatment, (4) Wait and See, and (5) No Therapy. Statistical analysis was performed by using multinomial logistic regression models.


RESULTS
The overall response rate was 70.4%, with endodontists exhibiting the lowest response. The undergraduates gave 4 or 5 treatment solutions for all cases, in contrast to endodontists, who gave 2 or 3 treatment solutions in a percentage of 82%. Nonsurgical Retreatment predominated among the participants' choices. Significant differences were detected in (1) Extraction for postgraduate students (P = .008) and endodontists (P = .001), (2) Surgical Retreatment for general practitioners (P = .002), postgraduate students (P = .002), and endodontists (P = .001), and (3) Wait and See for postgraduate students (P = .023).


CONCLUSIONS
Differences in specialty training and experience strongly influence endodontic decision making. Endodontists showed the most consistent agreement among the groups.
Dechouniotis
George
G
Department of Endodontics, Dental School of Athens University, Zografou, Greece.
Petridis
Xenos M
XM
Georgopoulou
Maria K
MK
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003657:Decision Making; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing; D019233:Retreatment; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D013039:Specialties, Dental / Q000193:education*; D013335:Students, Dental; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000628:therapy