Treatment policies among Israeli specialists in paediatric dentistry

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ABSTRACT

Aim

This was to evaluate some suggested diagnostic procedures, treatment policies and professional attitudes of specialists
in paediatric dentistry, in light of the periodically published guidelines by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The European
Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry.

Methods

Using a structured questionnaire,
67 of the Israeli specialists in paediatric dentistry, who agreed to participate in this study, were personally interviewed.

Results

Only 7.5 of the participants reported that they carry out pulp capping of primary teeth in cases of pulp exposure.
Over 50 reported restoring teeth after pulpotomy with preformed crowns. Most indicated sealing pit and fissures after
considering depth and morphology of the fissures and correlation with the patient's risk to caries. Cleaning teeth after eruption of the first
tooth was suggested by 75.5 of the participants. A striking majority (96) claimed that they restored permanent anterior
teeth with composite resins and most used these materials for occlusal restoration in both primary and permanent posterior teeth. Most
specialists advocated the use of amalgam in proximal posterior restorations. The presence of a parent in the operatory/surgery was
preferred by 85 of the dentists. CONCLUSIONS: Israeli specialists in paediatric dentistry mostly comply with the mentioned
guidelines. Further studies of this nature should also be encouraged in other countries to emphasize the importance of monitoring
compliance with established and evidence based guidelines.

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