Toward Optimum Light Curing of Resin Composite Restorations: A survey on Current Awareness and Practice among General Dentists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the current awareness and practices of resin composite light curing of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Saudi Arabia and to set several evidence-based recommendations to improve the quality of the outcome of concern. Methods: An online questionnaire was created. Two hundred and fifty email invitations were sent to GDPs appointed in general governmental hospitals in five main cities in Saudi Arabia to join the survey voluntarily and anonymously. The survey consisted of 24 questions classified into the following domains: 1-Demographic criteria 2- frequency and technical aspects of resin composites application 3- criteria of the currently used light curing units and curing light. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used to analyse the obtained responses. Results: One hundred and fifty-six responses were received. A significant number of GDPs are significantly satisfied with the quality of their light curing, not aware of the thermal hazards of light curing, and do not check power output of their LCUs (light curing units) (P<0.05). An insignificant number of respondents use eye shields for eye protection during light curing. Conclusion: There was no uniform light curing protocol followed by respondent GDPs. GDPs in Saudi Arabia should improve their knowledge and clinical skills of light-curing resin composite.

Toward esthetically and biomechanically reliable anterior resin composite restorations: Current clinical experiences among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia

“… 28 – 31 In our previous questionnaire study that tested the practice of resin composite light curing using a similar population, demographic factors of age, gender, location, and duration of practice did not have a significant influence when data were analyzed using chi-square testing. 32 …”

“… 33 In the present study and following our previously published surveys, we did not perform inter-raters agreement testing since all our invited experts evaluated all questions as highly relevant or relevant. 32 , 35 , 36 Participants were from all Saudi Arabia provinces, with the highest participation from the Eastern and Middle provinces. Though it was not anticipated for gender to have any impact on the collected data, it was included in the general demographic information.…”

“…In the current study, the targeted population, selected hospitals, and sample size calculation followed the same methodology detailed in our previously published studies. 31 , 32 …”

“…[28][29][30][31] In our previous questionnaire study that tested the practice of resin composite light curing using a similar population, demographic factors of age, gender, location, and duration of practice did not have a significant influence when data were analyzed using chi-square testing. 32 This study analyzed the current practice of restoring anterior tooth defects with direct resin composites by dentists in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional survey was utilized to collect and analyze dental practitioners' responses simultaneously.…”

“…3 In the current study, the targeted population, selected hospitals, and sample size calculation followed the same methodology detailed in our previously published studies. 31,32 A recent systematic review that studied the clinical reliability of anterior composites has summarized the factors influencing the quality and evaluation process of restorations. The first group of factors are restoration related (material type, composition, insertion technique, curing mode, finishing and polishing, shading concept, and accuracy).…”