Safety of dental restorative materials: a survey of dentists' attitudes

In order to obtain information from practising dentists in Finland about their experiences of and attitudes to dental restorative materials, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in spring 1990 using a postal questionnaire. The response rate was 73% (454 replies). Virtually all (99%) respondents had faced questions about the safety of dental materials in 1989 and 93% of all questions concerned amalgam. Most respondents assessed their theoretical knowledge and practical experience of amalgam, composite and glass ionomer as good, whereas gold and ceramics as filling materials were less familiar. However, the three latter materials were regarded as safe by most respondents. Composite was believed to pose the highest risk of side-effects. Although few dentists regarded amalgam as hazardous, it was estimated that the use of this material will decrease over the next five years in favour of glass ionomer, ceramic materials and composite. Changing dental fillings at the patient's request without odontological indications was opposed by about 80% of the dentists, even if patients were to bear the total cost themselves. Only 7% of the dentists claimed to be worried about the possible risks to themselves of handling amalgam at work, and 97% reported having amalgam fillings personally.