Assessing Dentists’ Perspectives and Uses of Bonding Agents

Objectives: An ADA Clinical Evaluators (ACE) Panel survey found bonding agents to be a topic of interest by the majority of members. The objective of this study was to measure dentists’ perspectives and uses of bonding agents in their practices.


Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive surveys were emailed to 633 practicing American dentists in the ACE Panel. Qualtrics Research CORE platform built the survey and generated a link that was emailed to participants. Links were anonymous and participants received a unique, computer-randomized identification number, generated upon receipt of responses.
Results: 291 dentists completed the survey. Participants consisted of general dentists and specialists (9%) with an average age of 58, distributed among 45 states. Respondents use bonding agents frequently, with 97% of dentists applying bonding agents at least once a day and 62% applying them 6+ times/day, primarily for resin composite restorations. Dentists found root structure (48%) and sclerotic dentin (35%) the most difficult surfaces to bond, and preferred the two-step etch-and-rinse technique (57%) to others. 54% encountered marginal discoloration when applying bonding systems, that figure remaining consistent regardless of bonding technique. The majority (80%) encountered post-operative sensitivity in less than 5% of restorations. Almost half of those surveyed had used the same product for one to five years, while nearly all of the remaining dentists had used the same product for 6+ years, some for up to 15 years. Regardless of age, peer reviewed articles and CE courses were the main factors influencing dentists’ decisions when purchasing or switching to new adhesive systems.
Conclusions: The survey confirmed that bonding agents are associated with some issues frequently faced by US dentists, including sensitivity and marginal discoloration. The data provides a preliminary dive into several issues dentists experience when applying bonding agents and will be used to further determine the future study hypothesis for the ADA Science Institute.