Pediatric and general dentists' attitudes toward pulp therapy for primary teeth

Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to assess and compare the attitudes of pediatric and general dentists regarding treatment planning of indirect pulp therapy (IPT) in primary teeth. Methods: A 15-item electronic survey was sent to 3,883 general dentists and 3,691 pediatric dentists nationwide to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding the treatment planning of IPT through the presentation of clinical scenarios. Results: Of the 7,574 electronic surveys distributed, 1,259 (17%) were completed. When presented with a clinical scenario where IPT would be an appropriate choice, 41% of general dentists and 28% of pediatric dentists selected IPT as treatment of choice (P<.01). Conclusion: Most general and pediatric dentists do not regularly treatment plan indirect pulp therapy for primary teeth. Pediatric dentists are less likely than general dentists to do so. Most surveyed believe pulpotomy is a more successful vital pulp therapy than IPT. There are significant differences between pediatric and general dentists in terms of treatment planning and materials utilized in vital pulp therapy.