Knowledge, practice, and experience of regenerative endodontic therapy among pediatric dentists and postgraduate students in India.

INTRODUCTION

Regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) is a novel technique that offers a biological alternative for managing immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and experience regarding RET among pediatric dentists (specialists) and postgraduate students (students) in India.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The sample size was estimated as 195 participants in two groups (specialists and students). A structured, validated online "Bristol questionnaire" was used with permission. The questionnaire was sent to randomly selected members of the National Society of Pediatric Dentistry. The data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS

A total of 415 responses were analyzed, of which 214 (51.6%) respondents were specialists and 201 (48.4%) were students. RET was practiced by 74% of respondents, with a significantly higher adoption rate among the participants who had completed MDS (P = 0.03). Most respondents had performed fewer than five RET cases. Triple antibiotic paste and NaOCl were commonly used as intracanal medicaments and root canal irrigants, respectively. Mineral trioxide aggregate was the preferred material for coronal sealing. Although 72.5% of respondents reported clinical success, nearly half of the respondents considered root development outcomes to be unpredictable.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric dentists (specialists and students) reported to practice RET, but there were variabilities in the protocols followed for case selection and treatment. The belief in RET leading to healing with or without the maturation of the root was apparent. The need for improved educational initiatives and clinical exposure to RET within pediatric dental training in India was expressed.