Mineral trioxide aggregate and CEM cement were associated with a similar favourable biological response to pulpotomy treatment and demonstrated a more effective induction of dentinal bridge formation compared to CH.

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Air abrasion has a greater effect than CO₂and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers in the treatment of zirconia ceramic surfaces to enhance the bonding strength of resin cement to zirconia. CO₂laser at 4W and Er,Cr:YSGG laser at only 3-W output power can be regarded as surface treatment options for roughening the zirconia surface to establish better bond strength with resin cements.

ObjectivesTo assess Iranian dentists’ knowledge of and attitudes towards preventive dental care.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted at two nationwide annual dental congresses in 2004 and 2005 in Tehran, Iran. Dentists’ level of knowledge was assessed based on their responses on a Likert scale (0–4) to nine statements on preventive dental care. Higher scores indicated more accurate knowledge. Dentists’ attitudes towards preventive dental care were rated based on responses on a Likert scale (1–7) to nine pairs of bipolar adjectives. The respondents were to choose the response which best described their opinion. Higher scores indicated more positive attitudes. Of 1033 responding dentists, 980 (64% men) were deemed eligible for this study. Statistical evaluation was by t-test and the Chi-square test.ResultsHighest ratings were obtained for knowledge of the role of sugar consumption (Mean±SD: 3.73±0.60), sealants (3.58±0.68), and water fluoridation (3.35±0.81) in caries prevention; the lowest for their knowledge of the superiority of the use of fluoride toothpaste over technique of brushing (1.11±1.09). Dentists’ attitudes towards preventive dental care appeared most positive regarding its usefulness (Useful — Useless; 6.67±0.94), value (Valuable — Worthless; 6.59±0.98) to the community and for its status as a scientific (Scientific — Unscientific; 6.47±1.06) subject. Overall, female dentists had more favourable attitudes towards preventive dental care than male colleagues.ConclusionsPreventive dentistry should be emphasised in dental education in order to update dentists’ knowledge and attitudes regarding preventive dental care.

That only a small number of Iranian dentists follow the ROSC calls for more attention to behavioural contributions to oral diseases and its consequences with general and oral health, regarding both dental curriculum and continuing education.