Teaching and practical guidelines in pulp therapy in primary teeth in Colombia - South America

To describe the teaching practical guidelines in pulp therapy for primary teeth in Colombian dental schools, based on Primosch et al. survey (1997).

A 27-question survey was sent to 31 dental schools. A total of 68 surveys were obtained for analysis of the results, in which pediatric dentists answered 48 surveys, 11 surveys by general practitioners, and 9 were answered but were not identified in any of these groups.

Indirect pulp treatment (IPT) is taught by pediatric dentists (83%) and general practitioners (90%). Calcium hydroxide and glass ionomer were the preferred materials in this treatment. Pulpotomy is the most commonly procedure used. There was no different percentage in the use of medicaments: cresatin, glutaraldehyde, calcium hydroxide, formocresol. Pulpectomy is taught by general practitioners (73%) and pediatric dentists (96%). The preferred filler material, used by general practitioners (73%) and pediatric dentists (94%), was zinc oxide and eugenol.

There is a discrepancy in the choice of treatment and medications for pulp therapy primary teeth between general practitioners and pediatric dentists. The recommendations given in American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines 2012 for pulp therapy in primary and young permanent teeth are being followed in the majority instances.