Knowledge, Attitude, Practice About Chemo Mechanical Caries Removal Method in Dental Caries Among Dentist in Chennai City- A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID) emphasizes conservative caries management strategies resulting in less destruction of tooth structure, a deviation of the traditional GV Black's restorative principles. However, there seems to be either deficiency in knowledge or little intention by general dental practitioners to adopt these principles.The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude among general dental practitioners towards minimally invasive dentistry in Chennai.The study was conducted through an online survey among the dentists. A structured and self administered questionnaire was adapted from questionnaires used previously in studies done by Schwendicke et al (Schwendicke et al., 2013).The questions assessed the respondents' levels of agreement regarding diagnostic, preventive and restorative techniques, types of caries removable agents, Atraumatic Restorative.The Chi-Square test was applied to assess the association between level of education and responses. In our study it showed that most of the dentists who took part were male dentists,42% of the participants had no awareness regarding CMCR,58% which is the majority of the participants did not have awareness regarding CMCR..75% of the participants were interested in taking part in a CDE programme on CMCR. It was found that MDS graduates had significantly higher knowledge regarding the chemo mechanical agents but clinical usage was comparatively lesser.The curriculum plays an important role in chemo mechanical caries removal agent needs to be determined precisely and clearly.