Endodontic patterns amongst general dentists in three Australian states

Objectives: To determine the endodontic markers of dentists in Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA) and Tasmania (Tas). Methods: A postal survey regarding endodontic procedures was sent to dentists in WA, SA and Tas with a reply-paid, self-addressed envelope. Numbers contacted were from WA, SA and Tas respectively 851, 794 and 170. Questions re demographics, rubber-dam usage, irrigants, medicaments, instrumentation-techniques, obturation materials and techniques, magnification use, referral patterns and interest in attending continuing programs were asked. Statistical analysis was with Chi squared and Fishers exact tests. Results: Forty-one percent from WA, 33% from SA and 39% from Tasmania responded. Many respondents used rubber dam: WA 94%, SA 88% and Tasmania 79%. EDTA and Milton's® solution were the most common irrigants and EDTA was used more often than Milton's® (p=0.000). Rotary instrumentation was used significantly more in Tasmania than SA or WA (p=0.000). Rotary techniques were not used due to ‘concern regarding fracture' and ‘no training.' Step Back was the most popular hand instrumentation technique in WA and SA (p=0.000), with Crown-Down more common in Tas (p=0.005). Ledermix® was used significantly more than calcium hydroxide in all states (p=0.000). Lateral condensation with a resin sealer was the most common obturation technique (p=0.000). Post re-inforcement techniques differed in each state; WA favouring Cast posts (p=0.000), SA and Tasmania preferring prefabricated posts (p=0.002). Few respondents used magnification with the majority using loupes rather than operating microscopes (p=0.010). Endodontic cases were referred less than 10% of the time with calcified canals and retreatment the major reason. Endodontics was 25% or less of their time. Conclusion: SA, WA and Tasmanian dentists are following the principles and materials they learnt and experienced during their education but held fears about new techniques and were “slow adopters”.