Do clinical experience time and postgraduate training influence the choice of materials for posterior restorations? Results of a survey with Brazilian general dentists.
The aims of this study were to evaluate the materials available for posterior restorations and to assess whether clinical experience time and post-graduate training influence dentists' choices. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire with closed questions applied to dentists (n=276) of a mid-sized city of the southern Brazil. Information was collected regarding sociodemographic variables, level of specialization, time since graduation and working place. In addition, options regarding posterior restorations including the first choice of material, type of composite resin (if used) and use of rubber dam were also collected data. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis and the associations were evaluated using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (α=0.05). The response rate was 68% (187). Direct composite resin was broadly indicated (73.2%) as the first-choice for posterior restorations. Most professionals used microhybrid composite (74.5%) and 42.6% of the participants used rubber dam for placement of posterior composite restorations. Dentists with more time of clinical practice used less composite (p=0.014). Specialists used more frequently rubber dam to restore posterior teeth than did non-specialists (p=0.006). The results of this survey revealed that direct composite was the first choice of dentists for posterior restorations; microhybrid was the preferred type of composite and the use of rubber dam for composite resin placement in posterior teeth was not frequent; time since graduation and level of specialization affected dentists' choices.
Graduate Program in Dentistry, School of Dentistry, UFPel - Federal University of Pelotas, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Gustavo Giacomelli
GG
Nascimento
Graduate Program in Dentistry, School of Dentistry, UFPel - Federal University of Pelotas, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Marcos Britto
MB
Correa
Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Niek
N
Opdam
Graduate Program in Dentistry, School of Dentistry, UFPel - Federal University of Pelotas, PelotasRS, Brazil.
Flávio Fernando
FF
Demarco
D001938:Brazil; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003764:Dental Materials; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006801:Humans; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016733:Rubber Dams / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
D003188:Composite Resins; D003764:Dental Materials