The level of knowledge among dentists and dental students in Saudi Arabia regarding repair versus replacement of composite restorations

Abstract

Localized failures in resin composite restorations can be treated in three different ways: refurbishing, repairing, or replacing. Objective: This study aimed to examine levels of knowledge among dentists and dental students in Saudi Arabia regarding repair versus replacement of composite restorations. Methodology: Across-sectional convenience sampled study was completed with dentists and dental students from different regions of Saudi Arabia, and a modified, validated questionnaire was distributed electronically through social media. Linear regression, ANOVA, t-test, and chi-square were used for data analyses, andap-value of 0.05 was set for statistical significance. Results: A total of 201 participants responded and had a total mean (m) knowledge score of 13.11,with a standard deviation (SD) of 4.34. T-test and ANOVA revealed that participants with previous experience of replacing composite restorationshad significantly higher scores (m = 13.53, SD = 4.09, p = 0.005) than those who did not (m = 10.44, SD = 5.01). Per ANOVA, there was a significant difference in total knowledge scores by region (p = 0.003), withwestern region participants (m = 14.12, SD = 3.58) scoring significantly better (p = 0.042) than southern region participants (m = 11.20, SD = 4.45) and alsosignifi-cantly (p = 0.030) better than northern region participants (m = 10.00, SD = 4.34). Conclusion: Our results indicate that Saudi Arabian dental professionals have moderate levels of knowledge about repair versus replacement for failing composite restorations. To increase theselevels,more practical sessions, lectures, mandatory readings, and educational videos should be provided.