Categories of direct restorative materials and their selection by dentists in Kenya

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the different categories of direct restorative materials available to dentists in Kenya as well as factors considered when selecting these materials for a given application.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving registered, practicing dentists in Kenya in 2014. Stratified random sampling was used to select the sample size of 384 dentists from the more than 1000 registered to practice by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists’ Board; the number of respondents was pro-rated depending on their distribution within identified administrative regions in Kenya. A semi-structured questionnaire designed on the basis of the conjoint analysis methodology and containing relevant questions on socio-demographics, categories and selection of direct restorative materials was distributed through a regional contact person. Microsoft Excel was used for descriptive statistical analysis of the variables and to present the results in form of tables and figures.
Results: 83 dentists (21.6% of the sample size) filled and returned the questionnaires. Dental resin composites (DRC), glass ionomers (GIC) and dental amalgam (DA) are the preferred direct restorative materials by Kenyan dentists; compomers have limited use, mostly for deciduous restorations. DRC and GIC are used nearly equally in both permanent and deciduous dentition for both anterior and small posterior restorations while DA is preferred for large posterior restorations in permanent teeth. Nevertheless, some dentists no longer place DA restorations and a higher number of practitioners, especially younger ones, are selecting tooth-coloured materials for restorations in both deciduous and permanent dentitions.
Conclusions: Dentists in Kenya have access to modern direct restorative dental materials and are quite competent in their selection.