Dentistry

Abstract

Current Status and Opinions of Post Graduate Residents in Gujarat Towards Regenerative Endodontics: A Survey

Shah V, Thakkar K, Hirpara N, Vaidya R and Patel N

Aim: The objective of this survey was to study the level of awareness, current state of knowledge and opinions towards regenerative endodontic treatments amongst the post graduate residents in Gujarat state.
Materials and Methods: Questionnaire based survey was designed. After approval from the institutional ethical committee, 125 copies of the questionnaire about regenerative endodontic procedures were circulated amongst the post graduate residents in various colleges across the state. The survey included profile of the respondents and consisted of 28 questions about their knowledge, attitude and opinions regarding use of these procedures as part of future dental treatment.
Results: The survey showed that about one third of the participants (37%) had received continued education in stem cells and/or regenerative dental treatments. The majority of participants were of the opinion (91%) that regenerative therapy should be incorporated into dentistry, and most of them (88%) were willing to acquire training in learning this new treatment strategy. The results indicated that more than half of the participants (58%) were already using some type of regenerative therapy in their clinical practice; however, with a majority of these limited to use of membranes, scaffolds or bioactive materials.
Conclusions: Although these results reflect that post graduate residents are optimistic about the use of regenerative endodontic procedures; however, it appears to them that it will take at least half a decade before it comes into clinical practice. Also, a need for more research and training in this field was felt.