Pulp therapy in primary teeth--profile of teaching in Brazilian dental schools

Abstract

This study investigates the profile of teaching primary tooth pulp therapy practiced by Brazilian dental schools. A multiple-choice questionnaire was sent by e-mail to 191 dental schools in Brazil, addressed to the pediatric dentistry Chairperson. The two-part survey consisting of multiple-choice questions regarding specific materials and techniques on pulp therapies, moreover, hypothetical clinical scenarios were presented so that the respondents could guide the treatment approach. The questionnaires were returned by 46.5% of the dental schools. Ninety-five percent of surveyed schools teach IPT for the treatment of deep carious lesions in dentin and indicate the calcium hydroxide as capping material (59.3%). The direct pulp capping is taught by 68.7% of schools and calcium hydroxide (97%) was the capping material most indicated. Pulpotomy is taught in 98.7% of schools and formocresol (1:5 dilution) was the medicament of choice (50%). All schools taught pulpectomy and Iodoform paste was the filling material preferred (55%). The results showed a lack of consensus in certain modalities and techniques for primary tooth pulp therapy taught by Brazilian dental schools.