Selection of direct restorative and rooting filling materials by Kenyan dentists in 2014

Abstract

Objectives: To establish the categories of direct restorative and root filling materials used by dentists in Kenya as well as the factors considered in their selection. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Public and private dental practices in major towns in Kenya. Participants: Registered, practicing dentists in Kenya in 2014. Methods: Out of approximately 1000 dentists, a sample size of 384 was determined. Using stratified random sampling, respondents were selected from the former eight provincial administrative regions. Data was collected using a pre-tested selfadministered semi-structured questionnaire. Microsoft Excel 2013 was used for data analysis and presentation of results. Results: Eighty three filled questionnaires were returned. The preferred direct restorative materials were resin composites (RC)(33.2%), glass ionomer cements (GIC) (30.3%) and dental amalgam (DA) (29.9%);compomers had limited use (6.6%). In permanent dentition, the use of RC was 52.6%, mostly for anterior restorations (30.3%)while DA was 49%, mostly for posterior restorations (89.5%). In deciduous dentition, the use of GIC was 47.1% while that of compomerswas 21%. The most commonly used root filing material was Guttapercha(GP) (96.4%). Overall, site and type of cavity (22.5%) and material properties (19%) were considered during selection. Conclusion: Kenyan dentists have access to modem direct restorative and root filling materials. Although RC is used more frequently in permanent dentition, DA is still preferred for posterior restorations while GIC is used more frequently in deciduous dentition; further, majority use GP for root fillings.