Evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and skill of working with rotary files among general dentists in Isfahan, Iran in 2012‒2013

Abstract

Introduction: Rotary files cannot be used in calcified, S-shaped and open apex canals and working with these tools requires training and sufficient expertise. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge, attitudes and skill of working with rotary files among general dental practitioners in Isfahan, Iran in 2012‒2013.Materials and methods: In this descriptive study 200 general dentists were randomly selected in Esfahan. A questionnaire was prepared by two endodontists to collect demographic information and to assess knowledge, attitudes and skill in relation to the use of rotary files among the subjects. Data was analyzed with SPSS 20 using Mann‒Whitney and Kruskal‒Wallis statistical tests (α = 0.05). Results: Of 182 participants completing the questionnaires, 86 (47.25%) used rotary files; 5.8% provided correct replies in knowledge, with 1.4% in attitudes and 9.9% in skill areas. Female dentists were significantly more knowledgeable than male dentists (p value = 0.002) and males had more skills than females (p value = 0.003). There was no significant difference in attitudes between the two sexes (p value = 0.09). No significant differences were observed in knowledge, attitudes and skill of dentists in relation to location, work experience and university between the groups (value > 0.05). Conclusion: Use of rotary files should be accompanied by sufficient training to assist dentists improve treatment quality. Lack of training in all the three fields was evident in this study. Key words: Attitude, Dentists, Knowledge

Keywords

• Attitude
• Dentists
• Knowledge