Exploring Factors Influencing Tooth Restorability Decisions Among Dental Students, Interns, and General Practitioners

TL;DR

This study examines how dental students, interns, and general practitioners make decisions about whether to restore or extract a tooth, finding that preparedness significantly affects confidence in these decisions.

Contribution

The study identifies factors influencing confidence in tooth restorability decisions and highlights the role of educational preparation.

Findings

Educational level significantly affects restorability and prognosis decisions.

Preparedness is a strong positive predictor of confidence in tooth restorability assessments.

Challenges and considerations in assessment do not significantly impact confidence.

Abstract

The decision to restore or extract a tooth is influenced by various clinical factors, but it remains subjective and lacks standardized guidance. This study evaluated the clinical decision-making capabilities of predoctoral students, interns, and general dental practitioners (GPs) regarding tooth restorability, exploring factors that affected their confidence in assessing tooth restorability.

A cross-sectional study was conducted across multiple dental schools targeting predoctoral students, interns, and GPs. The online questionnaire included four hypothetical case scenarios for assessing decision-making regarding tooth restorability, as well as items assessing factors that influence confidence levels. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and regression analysis.

In total, 360 participants completed the questionnaire, with a response rate of 90%. There were statistically significant differences in some restorability and prognosis decisions across educational levels. EFA has identified two factors: preparedness for tooth restorability assessment and challenges and considerations in tooth restorability assessment. Regression analysis revealed that preparedness was a significant positive predictor of confidence (B = 0.791, p < 0.001), whereas challenges and considerations in tooth restorability assessment were not (B = –0.086, p = 0.165).

Enhancing educational preparation can better equip dental practitioners to make confident and informed restorative decisions. Future research should explore strategies to enhance educational programs, mentorship, and guidelines to support dental practitioners in their decision-making processes.

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