Changes in vocational dental practitioners views on repairing composite restorations

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate changes in vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) views on repairing direct composite restorations (DCRs) during the vocational training (VT) year 2002-2003. Methods: Data on the repair of DCRs, including indications and details of operative techniques were collected by means of a questionnaire sent at the beginning of the VT year (September 2002) to all 12 Postgraduate Dental Deans in England. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to the 12 Deans near the end of the VT year (May 2003). The Deans were asked, on both occasions, to distribute the questionnaires among their VDPs and to return the completed questionnaires. Results: Ten deaneries participated in the study. The September 2002 and May 2003 findings [306 respondents (66%) and 313 respondents (67%) respectively] were analysed using Chi-square statistic and t-test to identify any significant differences (P<0.05). Significant changes in the attitudes of the VDPs during the VT year included a shift to viewing reduction in treatment time (30% to 48%), cost to patient (12% to 20%) and the management of the partial loss of a restoration (57% to 70%) as indications for repairs. In contrast, there was a significant change in viewing secondary caries as an indication for repair (46% to 29%). In addition there was a significant shift to employing bonding systems and diamond finishing instruments over the VT year, and to a reduction in the anticipated life expectation of repairs. Conclusions: It is concluded that aspects of VDPs attitudes to the repair of DCRs may be found to change significantly during the VT year.