Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice based survey on the use of ultrasonics in endodontics among practitioners

Abstract

During the past few centuries, endodontics has benefitted from the latest technologies and new techniques, Ultrasonics being one of them. Ultrasonics in endodontics has been used for various purposes such as refining of access cavities, irrigation, removal of pulp stones/ metallic posts/ fractured instruments. It is also being used in surgical endodontics which include procedures such as root end resection and microsurgeries. Ultrasonics thus plays a key role in the successful outcome of endodontic therapy. The present survey was conducted among postgraduate students in endodontics, general dental practitioners and endodontists. The aim of the present survey is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the use of ultrasonics in endodontics among practitioners. Questionnaire based survey comprising 19 questions divided into knowledge based, attitude based and practice based questions. The questionnaire was circulated via electronic media through mails. A 200 responses were received from the respondents,.The responses were viewed in M.S. office excel and the results were interpreted using graphs by SPSS 23.0 Version.39% of postgraduates in endodontics, 40% of Endodontist and 21% of general dentists participated in this survey.This survey enables the reader to get a better understanding of the precise and indispensable use of ultrasonics in endodontic practice. Within the limitations of the study, it shows that the knowledge with respect to ultrasonics in endodontics is moderate compared to attitude and practice among respondents.This survey indicated the need for educational intervention to improve the knowledge,attitude and practice on the use of ultrasonics in endodontics among dentists.