Perceptions of Single-visit and Multiple-visit Endodontic Treatment in Hong Kong

Objectives: This survey aims to study the preference of practice of single-visit and multiple-visit endodontic treatment by general dentists in Hong Kong, and to investigate their reasons to choose single-visit or multiple-visit endodontic treatment in their practice. Method: An anonymous questionnaire was mailed to 800 randomly selected general dentists who were members of Hong Kong Dental Association in 2014 to explore their preference and reasons of practicing single-visit and multiple-visit endodontic treatment on their patients. Information on their use of magnifying loupes, microscope and their year of dental practice were also collected. Results: A total of 422 dentists returned their questionnaires and the response rate was 52.8%. Among these 422 respondents, 397 dentists (94.1%) practiced endodontic treatment.  For those performing endodontic treatment, their mean (±SD) years of practice was 15.4±9.1. Only 23 (5.8%) dentists used surgical microscope and 120 dentists (30.2%) used magnifying loupes during endodontic treatment. Most dentists (N=367, 92.4%) predominantly performed multiple-visit treatment, and only a few (N=10, 2.5%) predominantly performed single-visit treatment. The 3 commonest reasons for choosing multiple-visit treatment were the tooth treated had doubtful prognosis (N=101, 25.4%), to allow time for lessening of symptoms (N=92, 23.2%) and lengthy treatments can be shortened into several appointments (N=45, 11.3%). While the 3 commonest reasons for choosing single-visit treatment were treatment can be completed in one visit (N=126, 31.7%), patient time constraint (N=72, 18.1%) and better recall of root canal morphology (N=45, 11.3%). Conclusion: According to this survey, most Hong Kong general dentists preferred offering multiple-visit endodontic treatment.