Knowledge and Awareness on Silver Diamine Fluoride among Paediatric Dentists and Post Graduates in India - A Survey

Abstract

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topically applied liquid that has been used to treat tooth hypersensitivity and arrest cavitated carious lesions. Lesion arrest can be achieved by painting the cavitated lesion with the SDF liquid without removing any infected soft dentin. SDF can serve as an alternative, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate traditional dental treatment, and can reduce the need for dental care to be performed under general anesthesia, with its associated health risks. The aims of this study were to assess Indian pediatric dentist’s SDF educational experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior and to explore the relationships among these constructs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 paediatric dentists and post graduates by asking them to take up a survey. All dentists from India. were invited to participate in the survey. An online multiple-choice and fill-in response questionnaire was created in Google Forms. Questions. The data obtained were compiled systematically and then statistically analyzed. Survey responses were received from 100 members. The data showed that 41% percent of respondents under 40 years of age in our study. Out of the 100 respondents were male (53%) than female (47%). The respondents ranged in age from 26 to 65 years; they had graduated from their BDS /MDS program. A lack of self-reported knowledge was most frequently reported concerning whether a restoration must be placed after SDF treatment even if SDF is being reapplied twice per year, whether SDF can be used on root caries lesions, and under which codes SDF treatment can be billed.