Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Dentistry Training Programs: Survey of Graduate Program Directors.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate practice, teaching, and perceived barriers to the use of silver diamine fluoride and other caries control agents in U.S. pediatric dentistry residency programs.


METHODS
A 14-question survey regarding use and teaching of caries control agents was sent via email to residency program directors in 2015. Survey participants responded, using a web-based survey tool, by completing a paper and pencil survey instrument, or by interview.


RESULTS
Surveys were completed by 74 directors or associate directors (87 percent adjusted response rate). More than a quarter (25.7 percent) reported use of silver diamine fluoride, with 68.9 percent expecting to increase use. The use of silver diamine fluoride was not associated with region or program type. Programs reported commonly used caries control agents of fluoride varnish (100 percent), acidulated phosphate fluoride foam (48.6 percent), silver nitrate (9.5 percent), and povidone iodine (1.3 percent). Most felt silver diamine fluoride should be used only with high-risk patients (89.2 percent), and the majority agreed it could be used in primary and permanent teeth. The most frequently reported barrier to use of silver diamine fluoride was parental acceptance (91.8 percent).


CONCLUSIONS
Silver diamine fluoride is being rapidly adopted in graduate pediatric dentistry training programs, with the majority expecting to incorporate it into their teaching clinics and curricula.
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Travis
T
Nelson
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Joanna M
JM
Scott
College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, N.Y., USA; Comprehensive Pediatric Dentistry, Bound Brook, N.J., USA.
Yasmi O
YO
Crystal
School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Joel H
JH
Berg
Department of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., USA.
Peter
P
Milgrom
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000193:education*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018030:Silver Compounds; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D018030:Silver Compounds; C024633:silver diamine fluoride