Dentists Attitudes to using Ozone, a pilot study

Ozone is used by more than 10,000 thousand Dentists. Treatment with ozone [HealOzone, KaVo] is only required for seconds and clinically reverses root caries in clinical trials (Gerodontology. 2003 Dec; 20(2):106-114 and Am J Dent. 2004 Feb; 17(1):56-60) as well as significantly improves non-cavitated initial fissure caries in patients at high caries risk over a 3-month period (Am J Dent. 2005 18(4): 223-228). There has been no report assessing what dentists in practice think about Ozone. Objectives: To determine the attitudes of a convenience sample of dentists in general dental practices in the UK to ozone treatment. Methods: 40 randomly selected dentists who had used the HealOzone (KaVo) for at least 2 years were posted an anonymous pilot questionnaire. 20 completed the questionnaire. Results: The results showed that all 20 dentists felt that Ozone treatment was superior to conventional techniques to manage enamel caries, smooth surface caries, occlusal caries with < 1 mm of infected dentine, early root caries, deep caries with reversible pulpitis, infected root canals and cervical sensitivity. 16 dentists felt that ozone was superior for managing aphtous ulcers. 11 dentists felt that Ozone was superior for treating dry sockets and herpes labialis. Only 7 dentists were using ozone for internal or external bleaching and all 7 felt Ozone was superior to conventional methods for internal bleaching. However only 4 of these 7 felt Ozone was superior for external bleaching. All 20 dentists felt that Ozone should be used for patient treatment. Conclusions: This pilot survey suggested that dentists in general dental practice in the UK were satisfied with ozone treatment to manage many dental problems. However some dentists were not aware of some of the claimed uses for Ozone and some dentists did not feel Ozone was superior to conventional techniques for external bleaching.