D C Hassall1, A C Mellor. 1. University Dental Hospital of Manchester, UK. dominishassall@yahoo.com
Abstract
AIM: A study was undertaken to investigate attitudes to sealant restorations and their usage in general dental practice in England. METHOD: Seventy three dentists in three areas (Doncaster, Hereford/Worcester and Wycombe) provided retrospective details of treatment provided over a one year period for 4,250 6-12 and 13-15 year old subjects. Fifty nine of these dentists then completed a telephone questionnaire relating to their treatment patterns and attitudes to sealant restorations. RESULTS: The treatment data indicated that only 59 of the 4,250 children received a sealant restoration during the study period. Of the 44 dentists who claimed in the questionnaire to be using sealant restorations, only 28 had placed them in their selected patients. CONCLUSIONS: Positive attitudes to sealant restorations were expressed but also concerns that may be prejudicing usage.
AIM: A study was undertaken to investigate attitudes to sealant restorations and their usage in general dental practice in England. METHOD: Seventy three dentists in three areas (Doncaster, Hereford/Worcester and Wycombe) provided retrospective details of treatment provided over a one year period for 4,250 6-12 and 13-15 year old subjects. Fifty nine of these dentists then completed a telephone questionnaire relating to their treatment patterns and attitudes to sealant restorations. RESULTS: The treatment data indicated that only 59 of the 4,250 children received a sealant restoration during the study period. Of the 44 dentists who claimed in the questionnaire to be using sealant restorations, only 28 had placed them in their selected patients. CONCLUSIONS: Positive attitudes to sealant restorations were expressed but also concerns that may be prejudicing usage.