Shades of knowledge: awareness among Brazilian dentists on non- and microinvasive approaches for tooth discoloration

Abstract

Tooth discoloration is a frequent concern among dental patients. While many professionals and patients choose veneers or other invasive solutions, Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID) recommends non- and microinvasive approaches to preserve tooth structure. Objective: To assess Brazilian dentists' knowledge and practices on tooth discoloration and how education and professional profile may influence them. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 384 volunteer dentists via an online series of questions on causes, diagnosis, treatment (per tissue removal), and professional-patient relationship. Answers were scored (1=correct/affirmative, 0=incorrect/negative). Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were performed ( α= 0.05 ). Results: Most respondents were female, aged 20-49, from the Southeast region. Correct answer rates: 69.9% for causes, 69.4% for diagnosis, 48.8% for treatment, 83.6% for professional-patient relationship, 56.4% overall. Graduation from public universities and holding graduate training in Operative or Pediatric Dentistry or Orofacial Harmonization were associated with better outcomes. Conclusion: Knowledge of non- and microinvasive approaches to tooth discoloration remains limited. Broader educational efforts are needed, especially among specific groups of professionals who showed lower performance.