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Methods used by dental practice-based research network dentists to diagnose dental caries
Valerie V Gordan1, Joseph L Riley, Ricardo Marins De Carvalho
1University of Florida, Operative Dentistry, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. vgordan@dental.ufl.edu
Texas Dental Journal
|June 18, 2013
Summary
Dentists commonly use dental explorers and radiographs for caries diagnosis. Laser fluorescence is rarely used, while radiograph use correlates with preventive care and pediatric patient focus.
Area of Science:
- Dental diagnostics
- Caries detection methods
- Evidence-based dentistry
Background:
- Dental caries diagnosis relies on various methods.
- Understanding current diagnostic practices is crucial for effective treatment.
- The Dental Practice-based Research Network (DPBRN) provides a platform for studying real-world dental procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify the frequency of dental caries diagnostic methods used by DPBRN dentists.
- To investigate associations between dentist/practice characteristics and the utilization of specific diagnostic tools.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 522 DPBRN dentists performing restorative dentistry.
- Methods assessed included dental radiographs, explorers, laser fluorescence, and magnification for various caries types.
- Multivariate analysis and Bonferroni tests were employed to analyze frequency variations.
Main Results:
- The dental explorer is the most frequent tool for occlusal caries and restoration margins.
- Laser fluorescence is infrequently used for occlusal primary caries.
- Radiographs are used by 96% of dentists for 75%-100% of proximal lesions; their frequent use correlates with increased preventive care and pediatric patient volume.
Conclusions:
- Significant variation exists in the utilization of dental caries diagnostic methods.
- The dental explorer and radiographs remain the predominant diagnostic tools in general dental practice.
