Dentists’ attitudes towards restorative techniques in primary molars

There is a move towards clinically effective practice and much research is directed towards finding what is effective. This only improves care if dentists alter their practice accordingly. Stainless steel crowns (SSes) are the most durable restoration for multi~surface restorations in primary molars. This study used a semi-structured interview guide to question non-specialist dentists.
working mainly with deprived children, in a high caries area, to investigate attitudes and current restorative practices. The topics discussed were restorative technique, research and training. Data were broken down into basic descriptive units and analysis validated through second party involvement. The results demonstrated that dentists knew SSCs were the ideal restoration for
multi-surface cavities. However, they continued to use g1ass-ionomer cement (GIC), even with multi-surface cavities. Their reasons were that GIC was easy, quick, long-lasting and prevented secondary caries. They rejected SSCs as 'too much for the child to handle', difficult to place and recurrent caries was not visible under the crown. They further considered that postgraduate courses failed to meet their needs. These dentists knew SSCs were the most durable restoration but had not altered their practice. If clinically effective dentistry is to benefit patients research is needed to identify those dentists who find it difficult to change and to determine ways to help them tum knowledge into action This study was funded by the Clinical Effectiveness Support Unit of Wales NHS.