Dental Professionals' Perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride Use for Children and Older Adults in Northern Ontario

Abstract

Introduction: Views on silver diamine fluoride (SDF) have been studied in various settings worldwide but remain underexplored in the Canadian context. In this study, we explored awareness, acceptability, general and economic perception and potential patient acceptance of SDF for caries management in children and older adults. We also looked at the impact of an educational workshop on SDF for dental professionals in Northern Ontario.

Methods: A 42-item structured questionnaire was administered to attendees at a workshop on minimally invasive dentistry held in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It elicited information regarding respondents' demographics, their perception, acceptance and use of SDF and the workshop's influence on uptake of the material.

Results: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 53 dental professionals, mainly dental hygienists (45.3%) and dentists (35.8%). Their views on the use of SDF as a minimally invasive technique and on how it was accepted by their patients and patients' caregivers were generally positive. Respondents reported that the workshop made them more likely to choose SDF for treating children (82.4%) and older adults (87.8%). We noted differences between dentists and non-dentists, specifically regarding potential parental acceptance of SDF staining in anterior temporary teeth (p = 0.030), as well as SDF's benefits in older adults in long-term care (p = 0.007), with a higher proportion of non-dentists viewing SDF more favourably.

Conclusion: SDF awareness and acceptance were high among dental professionals in Northern Ontario who attended a workshop presenting the beneficial effects of SDF for children and older adults.