Knowledge of and management attitude regarding dentin hypersensitivity among dentists from a West African country

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge of, and management attitude of dentists regarding dentin hypersensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved all the dentists from private and public sectors, exerting in Senegal. The following data were requested from the surveyed dentists using an anonymous questionnaire; sociodemographics (i.e. age, gender, area of activity, etc.) and knowledge on triggering factor, type of pain, diagnosis, preventive and curative procedures. RESULTS: Out of the 238 dentists who received the questionnaire, 68.9% returned properly filled forms. They were 116 males and 48 females with a mean age of 41.99 ± 8.50 years. Eighty three percent of the participants had a good understanding of the characteristics of pain related to DH and 92% recognized chemical and thermal stimuli as triggering factor while mechanical stimulus was not evoked. Many responders (90.9%) did not have any idea of the mechanism for pain transmission across the dentin. Regarding diagnosis technique, 68% use mechanical stimuli to elicit DH pain. Regarding management procedure, the use of desensitizing tooth paste is the mostly chosen option followed by professional topical application of fluoride. More than 1/3rd of the surveyed dentists confess resorting to root canal to manage DH. CONCLUSION: We recommend incorporation of basic science knowledge on orofacial pain and competencies to manage painful conditions like dentin hypersensitivity. Also, health regulatory institutions should make continuing dental education a requirement to preserve the dental licensure.