Abstract:
AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the techniques and materials used by South African dental
practitioners who perform endodontic treatment in private practice and evaluate their compliance to the
2006 European Society of Endodontology (ESE) quality guidelines.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was distributed to all dentists registered with the South African
Dental Association (n = 3191) and prosthodontists registered with the Academy of Prosthodontics (n = 61),
practicing in South Africa. Fourteen subject areas related to endodontic materials and techniques were
assessed. Responses were evaluated using simple descriptive and analytical statistics.
RESULTS: The overall response rate was 7% (n = 215/3252; specialist prosthodontists 18% and general dentists
6%). Sixty-three percent of respondents (n = 122/193) did not routinely use rubber dam. The use of rubber
dam and magnification was positively correlated with postgraduate endodontic qualifications (P < 0.05).
Antibiotic prescription for irreversible pulpitis without systemic involvement was reported in an average of
31% of cases. Formaldehyde-containing sealers were used by 5% (n = 9/193). The majority of respondents (89%,
n = 171/191) used sodium hypochlorite as a primary irrigant. Cold obturation techniques (82%, n = 159/193)
were preferred over warm techniques (18%, n = 34/193), with the single-cone technique the most
popular (58%, n = 112/193). Almost half preferred steroid-containing medicaments (48%, n = 92/193).
CONCLUSION: Surveyed practitioners largely complied with the 2006 ESE guidelines. Notable exceptions
including low rubber dam use, inappropriate antibiotic prescription, and the continued use of
formaldehyde-containing medicaments and sealers were reported. Improved compliance to established
guidelines may be achieved through the use of these results when planning ducational activities.
