ATASOY ULUSOY, Özgür İlke Gazi Üniversitesi - Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi - Restoratif Diş Tedavisi ve Endodonti Anabilim Dalı, Turkey , ARSLAN, Seda Gazi Üniversitesi - Dis Hekimligi Fakültesi - Restoratif Diş Tedavisi ve Endodonti Anabilim Dalı, Turkey , TINAZ, Cemal Gazi Üniversitesi - Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi - Restoratif Diş Tedavisi ve Endodonti Anabilim Dalı, Turkey

PREVALENCE OF RUBBER-DAM USE AMONG SPECIALISTS IN RESTORATIVE DENTISTRYAND ENDODONTICS: A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY

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Objective: Isolation of the working field is best achieved with a well-fitting rubber-dam (RD). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of RD use by specialists in endodontics and restorative dentistry working within Turkey. Material andMethod: Three-hundred questionnaires, including 9 questions of each, were printed onA4 sheets and distributed to the departments of restorative dentistry and endodontics of different dental schools within Turkey. Data obtained from the completed questionnaires were entered into a database. Distribution of RD use related to age, gender, clinical experience, practice location, type of operative procedure were evaluated. Results: Of the 211 valid respondents 78 % (n=164) stated that they used RD ‘occasionally’, 4 % (n=9) stated ‘always’, 18 % (n=38) stated ‘never’. The majority of the respondents prefer to use the method in endodontic procedures. The most common disincentive cited by the specialists was ‘insufficient time’(56 %), followed by ‘low treatment fee’(40 %) and ‘inadequate training’ (21 %). Conclusion: Highlighting the importance of RD use in dental operative procedures with post- graduation educational programs and courses, may be an effective way in order to popularize its use amongst dental operators.

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Endodontics , isolation , rubber dam

Acta Odontologica Turcica

98