Date of Award

2017

Embargo Period

8-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Dentistry

Department

Oral Rehabilitation

College

College of Dental Medicine

First Advisor

Joseph E. Assad

Second Advisor

Timothy R. Rohde

Third Advisor

Amy B. Martin

Abstract

Introduction: Previous research has recognized specific recommendations for improving referral relationships between endodontists and general dentists (GDs). Our study's purpose was to build upon previous research by exploring GDs' preferences on select radiographic treatment variables in order to calibrate expectations and improve collaborative referral relationships between endodontists and GDs. Materials and Methods: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study that included a qualitative online survey of GDs in a convenience cohort from September 1st-September 22nd 2017. The two groups included in the survey were members of the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) and United States Army Dental Corps. The survey was comprised of ten questions that addressed preference of post endodontic treatment radiographs, participant characteristics, and referral patterns. The radiographic variables studied were working length, sealer extrusion, canal taper, apical tip size preparation, and surgical root resection length. Results: Of the 1,762 active members of the SCDA and 846 dentists in the US Army Dental Corps who were sent the email, 467 dentists completed the survey, a response rate of 17.9%. The total GD respondents (n = 339) represented a variety of regions in the United States. The total number of endodontists represented in the study was 45 (9.6% of the total respondents). Results of GD respondent date of dental school graduation were skewed towards younger graduates: before 1980 (15%; n = 51), between 1980-2000 (27%; n = 92), and after 2000 (58%; n = 196). Seventy-five percent of GDs preferred endodontic obturation material to extend to the radiographic apex versus 1 mm short. Sixty-seven percent of GDs preferred to see sealer extrusion versus not. When analyzing apical tip preparation, GDs preferred a larger apical preparation size (54%) versus a smaller one (32%). Regarding surgical root resection length and canal taper, GDs preferred a more conservative treatment approach for both variables (66% and 67%). The majority of GDs (55%) said that treatment quality was most influential when deciding which endodontist to refer to. Conclusion: The current study identified GD preferences regarding five treatment variables when viewed from a post treatment radiograph. The study also revealed that GDs value treatment quality the most when determining what endodontists to work with. More in depth research on ways GDs determine endodontic treatment quality would be beneficial to the endodontic profession.

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