IADR Abstract Archives
Survey on current use of fissure sealings in Denmark
Objectives: To map current indications for fissure sealing, clinical procedures, and properties of fissure sealants used in the Public Dental Health Service in Denmark (PDHS).
Methods: A questionnaire was sent to the PDHS in the 98 Danish municipalities to be completed by all dentist, dental hygienists and dental assistants, who made fissure sealings. The questions comprised general information about the operator, indications for fissure sealing, clinical procedure, and evaluation of currently used sealants.
Results: 340 questionnaires were collected from 68 municipalities, and 200 questionnaires were analyzed. A majority of the respondents were females (95%), 53% were dentists, 25% dental hygienists, and 23% dental assistants. Clinical experience varied between 1-40 years (mean=18 yrs.). Most frequent reasons for fissure sealing were superficial enamel lesions (89%), hypomineralized teeth (79%), and sound surfaces in caries active patients (67%). First and second molars were most frequently sealed. Etch-time varied: primary teeth ≤30 seconds (48%), ≥60 seconds (46%); permanent teeth ≤30 seconds (42%), ≥60 seconds (56%). Rubber-dam was never used, but half of the respondents (51%) used ethanol dehydration before sealant application. Sealants were most often applied by mikrobrush (40%) or applicator (34%), and LED-cured (86%). Most respondents (58%) preferred transparent rather than opaque (14%) or colored (6%) sealants. Most used of 13 brands were Delton LC (41%), Clinpro (19%), Ultraseal XT+ (17%) and Helioseal C (9%). The four materials were all rated ‘very well’ concerning consistency, working time, quality assessment and package. Ultraseal XT+ was the only brand with ‘very well’ ability to avoid air bobbles during application. Annual failure rate was estimated to <1% (25%), 2-10% (41%), 11-20% (8%), and >21 (4%).
Conclusions: The survey has provided detailed information about current indications for fissure sealings in Denmark, and highlighted variations and challenges concerning etch-time, application technique and prognostic estimation of failure rates of sealings.
Methods: A questionnaire was sent to the PDHS in the 98 Danish municipalities to be completed by all dentist, dental hygienists and dental assistants, who made fissure sealings. The questions comprised general information about the operator, indications for fissure sealing, clinical procedure, and evaluation of currently used sealants.
Results: 340 questionnaires were collected from 68 municipalities, and 200 questionnaires were analyzed. A majority of the respondents were females (95%), 53% were dentists, 25% dental hygienists, and 23% dental assistants. Clinical experience varied between 1-40 years (mean=18 yrs.). Most frequent reasons for fissure sealing were superficial enamel lesions (89%), hypomineralized teeth (79%), and sound surfaces in caries active patients (67%). First and second molars were most frequently sealed. Etch-time varied: primary teeth ≤30 seconds (48%), ≥60 seconds (46%); permanent teeth ≤30 seconds (42%), ≥60 seconds (56%). Rubber-dam was never used, but half of the respondents (51%) used ethanol dehydration before sealant application. Sealants were most often applied by mikrobrush (40%) or applicator (34%), and LED-cured (86%). Most respondents (58%) preferred transparent rather than opaque (14%) or colored (6%) sealants. Most used of 13 brands were Delton LC (41%), Clinpro (19%), Ultraseal XT+ (17%) and Helioseal C (9%). The four materials were all rated ‘very well’ concerning consistency, working time, quality assessment and package. Ultraseal XT+ was the only brand with ‘very well’ ability to avoid air bobbles during application. Annual failure rate was estimated to <1% (25%), 2-10% (41%), 11-20% (8%), and >21 (4%).
Conclusions: The survey has provided detailed information about current indications for fissure sealings in Denmark, and highlighted variations and challenges concerning etch-time, application technique and prognostic estimation of failure rates of sealings.