To establish the endodontic techniques and practices commonly used by private general dental practitioners in Queensland, Australia.
Method:
A paper-based questionnaire that addressed demographics, and choice of endodontic materials and techniques was mailed to 937 general dental practitioners registered with the Australian Dental Board in Queensland.
Result:
The response rate of the survey was 28%. The majority of respondents that performed endodontic treatment used: EDTA as the irrigant of choice, crown-down as the instrumentation technique, Ledermix and calcium hydroxide as the dressing materials of choice, and lateral condensation as the root filling technique. Rubber dam use was confirmed by 86% of respondents, whilst rotary use by only 76%.
The response rate of the survey was 28%. The majority of respondents that performed endodontic treatment used: EDTA as the irrigant of choice, crown-down as the instrumentation technique, Ledermix and calcium hydroxide as the dressing materials of choice, and lateral condensation as the root filling technique. Rubber dam use was confirmed by 86% of respondents, whilst rotary use by only 76%.
Conclusion:
The majority of respondents are using techniques that are supported by current guidelines and are generally interested in educational courses. However, a minority are using out-dated techniques and are reluctant to adhere to more modern methods and techniques of endodontic treatment