Knowledge and practice of dental professionals regarding vertical teeth preparation techniques

Area of Science:

• Restorative Dentistry
• Dental Education
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Vertical Preparation Techniques (VPTs), including the Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique (BOPT), are increasingly recognized for conservative tooth preparation and enhanced aesthetics.
• Assessing dental professionals' knowledge, practices, and barriers regarding VPTs in Sanaa, Yemen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the awareness and clinical application of VPTs among dental practitioners in Sanaa, Yemen.
• To identify challenges hindering the widespread adoption of VPTs.

Main Methods:

• An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to general practitioners and specialists in Sanaa, Yemen.
• The questionnaire assessed knowledge, familiarity, clinical use, and perceptions of VPTs.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.

Main Results:

• While 76.8% of 285 participants knew about VPTs, only 11.6% used them clinically, often learning through informal channels like social media.
• Specialists showed greater proficiency than general practitioners (p<0.05).
• Key barriers included controlling gingival bleeding (32.28%) and achieving precise margins (34.74%), with 36.1% desiring more training.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities exist between knowledge and practice of VPTs, including BOPT, in Sanaa, Yemen.
• Inadequate training and perceived complexity impede the adoption of these beneficial techniques.
• Targeted educational interventions and further research are crucial for broader implementation of VPTs.