Endodontic Practice in Northern Cyprus: A Questionnaire Survey Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Many equipment and materials have been introduced to improve the endodontic treatment outcomes and shorten the treatment time. This study aimed to gather information on the materials and methods employed in root canal treatment by dentists in Northern Cyprus. Material and Methods:A questionnaire dealing with endodontic practice was designed and distributed to the dentists in Northern Cyprus. One hundred seventeen dentists were asked face to face to complete this survey. The structured questionnaire comprised 25 questions about the materials and techniques used in endodontic treatments. Data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square tests to find out the effect of the years of professional experience on the preference of irrigation solutions and obturation techniques. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results:One hundred seventeen respondents completed the questionnaire and 47 % were female and 53 % male. There was a wide range between the dentists' professional experience years. 14.1 % of them reported that they did not use periapical films in their clinics. The majority of dentists replied that they never used a rubber dam (83 %). There was an association between years of professional experience with the preferred irrigation solution (P < 0.05). For root canal preparation, 54.7 % stated using rotary NiTi instruments. There was an association between years of professional experience with the preferred canal obturation technique (P < 0.05). Conclusion:The need for endodontic training after graduation seemed to be a common opinion among practitioners. Hands-on courses may help practitioners to adopt the advances in endodontics to their practice.