RESUMO
AIM: To gather information regarding endodontic treatment protocols and continuing education attendance of dentists in some cities located in Northeastern Brazil (Sergipe and Bahia States), a region that comprises a very-low-income population. METHODS: A questionnaire containing different questions (e.g., routine treatment protocols, the use of new technologies, time required to conclude the treatment, and attendance in an endodontic continuing education) was distributed to 250 dentists. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and Poisson regression (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 199 dentists practicing endodontic treatment in the cities of Aracaju (n = 58), Salvador (n = 83), and towns of Estância (n = 8), Itabaiana (n = 16), Itabaianinha (n = 5), Lagarto (n = 10), Ribeirópolis (n = 3), Simão Dias (n = 6), and Tobias Barreto (n = 10) participated in this research. Most of the respondents have concluded their graduation in Dentistry in less than 10 years (62.3%), with nearly 75.4% of the sample having attended postgraduation education in the field. Regarding treatment protocols, the frequency for using rotary/reciprocating systems and for always using rubber dam isolation during root canal treatment (RCT) was 78% and 62%, respectively, which was also more prevalent among dentists who attended a continuous education program (p < 0.05). Lastly, the professionals who attended (p < 0.05) to a continuous education program in Endodontics were more frequently associated to performing incisors and molars RCT in one clinical appointment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey indicated that even in an area where most of the population has low-income conditions, the professionals are seeking for knowledge by attending to postgraduation programs, following the new tendencies in Endodontics with most of the professionals having employed technological resources.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of Bis-EMA 30 on the resin-to-dentin microtensile bond strength (microTBS) and structural reliability of the experimental three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive systems. METHODS: Five experimental primers containing different dimethacrylate monomer concentrations (0, 10, 20, 40, 60 wt% of the Bis-EMA 30, P0.P60) added to acid monomer and solvents (ethanol/water), and a resin bond (Bis-GMA/TEGDMA, 50/50 wt%) were formulated. The adhesive system Scotchbond MultiPurpose (SBMP, 3M ESPE) was tested as commercial reference. Sixty bovine incisors were randomly separated into six groups, and their superficial coronal dentin was exposed. After acid etching and rinsing, the excess water was removed from the surface with absorbent paper. Each experimental primer was actively applied (30 s), followed by a mild air stream (10 s). The experimental adhesive resin was applied and light activated for 20 s. Resin composite restorations were incrementally built up. The restored teeth were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h, and then sectioned to obtain sticks with a cross-sectional area of approximately 0.5 mm(2), after which 24 specimens per group were subjected to the microTBS test. Data (MPa) were analyzed by One-way ANOVA, Tukey test (alpha=0.05) and Weibull analysis. RESULTS: The P40 group showed microTBS means similar to those of the control (SBMP), whereas both had statistically higher values when compared with the other groups (p<0.001). Moreover, P40 showed higher structural reliability, represented by the high Weibull modulus and characteristic strength values. The lowest microTBS was observed in the P0, P10 and P20 groups, which also had low structural reliability. SIGNIFICANCE: Bis-EMA 30 is a promising monomer to be considered as a substitute for HEMA in adhesive system compositions.