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Dutch dentists' conceptions of dental silver amalgam
A H Schuurs1, J Hoogstraten, M A Eijkman
1Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), The Netherlands.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Most dentists favor amalgam use, with a small percentage rejecting it. While some dentists acknowledge potential side effects, the majority believe they are rare or nonexistent, influencing their decisions on amalgam removal.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Public health dentistry
Background:
- Dental amalgam remains a widely used restorative material.
- Understanding dentists' perceptions of amalgam safety and efficacy is crucial for public health.
- Previous research indicates varied opinions among dental professionals regarding amalgam's potential adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dentists' conceptions of amalgam, including perceived side effects and reasons for removal.
- To analyze the underlying dimensions of dentists' attitudes towards amalgam use.
- To identify subgroups of dentists based on their acceptance and conviction regarding amalgam.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 468 dentists concerning their views on amalgam.
- Data analysis included descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis to identify dimensions of attitudes.
- Respondents' opinions on side effects, amalgam removal, and use in specific populations were recorded.
Main Results:
- A minority of dentists (1-3%) reported frequent toxic, galvanic, or allergic side effects from amalgam; 10-30% reported occasional occurrences.
- 60-80% of dentists believed side effects are rare or nonexistent.
- One-third of dentists would remove amalgam for cosmetic or toxic reasons, but only one-fifth for proven allergy; a substantial percentage would only remove it for cosmetic reasons.
- Multivariate analysis identified 'acceptance-of-amalgam' and 'conviction' as key dimensions, revealing 'rejectors' (9%), 'doubters' (20%), 'convinced adversaries' (4%), and 'convinced advocates' (25%).
Conclusions:
- The majority of surveyed dentists appear to be generally in favor of amalgam use.
- Dentists' decisions regarding amalgam removal are influenced by perceived risks, with cosmetic reasons often outweighing proven allergies.
- Significant subgroups exist with varying levels of acceptance and conviction regarding dental amalgam.