Graduate and Undergraduate Teaching of Primary Tooth Pulpectomy: A Comparison among Brazilian Dental Schools

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare the teaching of the pulpectomy in primary teeth among graduate and undergraduate Brazilian dental schools. Material and Methods: From August 2015 to July 2016, an 11-question survey was sent to 44 graduate and 207 undergraduate dental schools. Data obtained were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: The response rate was higher from graduate (56.8%) than undergraduate (41.1%) courses. Pulpectomy was taught by all participating schools. More than 90% of the undergraduate and graduate courses recommend the use of hand instruments for canals debridement, but the widening of root canals was advised in 69.4% of undergraduate and in 84% of graduate schools. Regarding the irrigatings, 1% sodium hypochlorite as a single irrigating solution was the most taught for both biopulpectomy and necropulpectomy. The iodoform-based Guedes-Pinto paste as the single indication was the preferred root canal filling material in undergraduate schools (30.6%), while the zinc oxidethickened calcium hydroxide paste as the single option was the most recommended in graduate courses (36%). Endodontic hand file associated with lentulo drill for filling root canals was recommended by most courses. Overall, biopulpectomy was performed in one session, while necropulpectomy led two sessions. Periapical radiograph for diagnosis and final obturation was the most adopted conduct by undergraduate (68.2%) and graduate (72%) schools. Gutta-percha and glass ionomer cement were preferred materials to seal the entrance of the pulp chamber. Conclusion: There was variability in the techniques and materials taught to perform pulpectomy in primary teeth among Brazilian graduate and undergraduate dental schools. Calcium hydroxide paste has been used in similar proportion to iodoform-based paste.