Dentists' Self-evaluated Ability in Diagnosing and Updating About Pulpotomy

This study aimed to self-evaluate the knowledge of different dental professionals' profiles in Brazil on diagnosing and indicating pulpotomy in primary teeth and how these groups updated on this theme.

Three groups (G1: professors, G2: specialists, and G3: professionals) answered an online questionnaire containing 20 questions and returned 416 questionnaires. Data were subjected to Chi-square associative tests and t tests, with P < .05.

G1 and G2 reported to indicate pulpotomy, highlighting the tendency of these groups towards seeking updates on this subject. All 3 groups used academic materials for updating. However, G2 had a high demand for updates through congresses, whilst G3 had a high demand for updates through social media (Google and Google Scholar). The most cited indication by G1 and G2 was "accidental pulp exposure" and by G3 was "teeth with extensive carious lesions that have involved the pulp with radiographic confirmation." All 3 groups opted for pulpotomy to keep the tooth in the arch. Thus, G1 and G2 are the groups who are more updated on the subject, using mainly academic materials, which can be associated with the fact that such groups indicated pulpotomy in primary teeth. The lower interest in searching about pulpotomy in G3 can be understood as a nonclinical application of the topic for this group.

Professionals who work directly with paediatric dentistry (professors or specialists) felt more capable of diagnosing and treating cases of pulpotomy. In addition, most of the professionals used scientifically based sources for getting information and actualisation on the subject of pulp therapies.