Endodontic standards in general dental practice--a survey in Birmingham, Part I

A postal questionnaire was used to evaluate endodontic treatment performed in the general dental services in Birmingham, assessing whether practice type--private or National Health Service (UK), or year of graduation, influences compliance with established guidelines. For the aspects of treatment investigated, many dentists were not following guidelines. More private practitioners adhered to the guidelines. Practitioner age was not related to compliance with guidelines, although there were differences in the procedures and materials employed among the different age groups. Within the survey's limits, it was concluded that endodontic performance varies from established guidelines.