The Nigerian Dentist: Emerging Trends in Caries Management

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Dental Public Health
• Cariology

Background:

• Effective caries management relies on identifying risk factors and enhancing protective measures.
• This includes utilizing appropriate caries assessment, diagnostic, and teaching strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current caries management protocols and teaching methods among dentists in Nigeria.

Main Methods:

• A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to dentists of Nigerian descent practicing in Nigeria.
• Inquiries focused on diagnostic tools, assessment techniques, and teaching methods employed in caries management.

Main Results:

• Over 86% of dentists use visual inspection, 76% use tactile methods, and 66% use periapical radiographs regularly for caries diagnosis.
• A significant majority have not adopted advanced methods like CAMBRA, ICDAS, laser fluorescence, or bacterial counts.
• Among those teaching cariology, didactic methods and demonstrations were common, while games were rarely used.

Conclusions:

• Most Nigerian dentists continue to rely on conventional methods for caries assessment, diagnosis, and teaching.
• There is a need to integrate modern caries assessment and diagnostic techniques to enhance preventive management and early treatment.