Work experience influences treatment approaches in endodontics: a questionnaire survey among dentists in Western Norway

Objectives: To collect information on endodontic treatment procedures among dentists in the public dental service (PDS) in Western Norway and relate this information to their work experience.

Materials and methods: A survey comprised of 35 questions related to personal information, frequency of endodontic treatment, endodontic procedures and treatment principles was distributed electronically to 187 dentists in PDS in two counties of Western Norway.

Results: The response rate was 74%, and 130 dentists participated. Among them, 57.0% had completed their education less than 13 years ago, and almost all were below 39 years old (95%). The majority (81.0%) had graduated in Norway. Stepwise caries excavation in primary and permanent teeth and direct pulp capping in primary teeth were more frequently performed by dentists with less than 13 years from graduation. Routine use of rubber dam was high among the responders (87%). However, use of rubber dam and master-cone radiograph uptakes were more frequent among the younger dentists. The majority used rotary instrumentation systems, and almost all participants followed the current guidelines for use of antibiotics in endodontics.

Conclusions: In general, dentists in PDS follow the current endodontic treatment guidelines. However, it seems that the more recently graduated dentists perform more endodontic procedures and tend to adhere more to the taught principles regarding rubber dam use and radiograph uptakes.