Application of glass ionomer cements by the professionals of Belém-PA

Objectives:The aim of this paper was to evaluate the degree of knowledge and difficulties related to the application of glass ionomer cements (GIC) on the clinical practice of dentists who act in the metropolitan area of Belém - PA. Methods: Forty-two professionals were randomized from 168 registered at the Regional Concil of Dentistry - Section of Pará, at the specialties of pedodontics and restorative dentistry, representing 25% of the total. For data collection it was used a form composed by 18 questions about indications, properties, cares with manipulation and insertion of GIC. Results: The descriptive analysis of the results has made evident the need for a large knowledge by the professionals, as 51% did not know that GIC has got a thermic coefficient of expansion similar to the tooth and 11% were not aware about biocompatibility of such material. Whilst 87% of the professionals applied GIC at their dentistry clinics, 59% did not use it to occlusal seal,38% did not use such material as a base or lining for restorations with composite resisn and 24% did not use it as a provisional restorative material. The greatest mentioned limitations of the professionals were unsatisfatory mechanical toughness (27%), high cost (24%), difficulty of insertion (23%)and a long setting time (21%). Conclusions:It was concluded that, despite the great acceptance of the material evidenced in the research, the professionals do not present a profound knowledge about glass ionomer cements and do need more information about such material.