METHODS: Copies of a questionnaire, covering the period 2005 to 2007 and to be completed by private general dental practitioners were handed out at three dental congresses. The questions included, focused on the use of the different categories of direct restorative materials by dental practitioners.
RESULTS: A total of 458 questionnaires were distributed and 215 completed questionnaires were returned (response rate = 46,90%). The categories of direct restorative materials preferred by the practitioners were as follows: Amalgam (73,95%) Conventional composite resins (99,07%), Flowable composite resins (94.41%), Packable composite resins (43,80%), Compomers (46,98%), Conventional glass ionomer cements (58,60%), Resin-modified glass ionomers (65,12%), Liners under amalgam (76,74%), and Liners under composites (78,60%).
CONCLUSIONS: The conventional composite resins were the most popular group of materials for direct restorative procedures, even more popular than amalgam. This was true for all areas of the country and also for rural, suburban and city practices.