Self-Perceived Knowledge and Self-Reported Clinical Use of Minimally Invasive Endodontics Among General Dentists and Endodontists in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background/Objectives: Minimally invasive endodontics (MIE) has gained increasing attention as an approach focused on preserving dental tissues while achieving the objectives of endodontic treatment. This study compared self-perceived knowledge, perceived adequacy of education, self-reported clinical use and practices, implementation difficulties, and barriers to routine use of MIE approaches among general dentists and endodontists in Türkiye. Methods: This online cross-sectional survey used non-probability voluntary sampling and included 300 participants (150 general dentists and 150 endodontists). Group comparisons used Pearson's chi-square test, Yates-corrected Pearson's chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. For multiple-response items, option-specific comparisons were adjusted using the Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) procedure. Associated factors were evaluated using binary logistic regression, with professional group, professional experience, institutional setting, and weekly number of root canal treatments included simultaneously in multivariable models. Results: Endodontists reported higher self-perceived knowledge of MIE and more frequent self-reported use of MIE approaches than general dentists (both p < 0.001). In multivariable models, endodontist status was associated with higher odds of reported use of vital pulp therapies (odds ratio (OR) = 5.626) and minimally invasive root canal preparation (OR = 2.238), whereas the association with minimally invasive access cavity use was not statistically significant (OR = 1.668; p = 0.200). General dentist status was associated with higher odds of reporting difficulties during vital pulp therapies (OR = 10.420) and minimally invasive root canal preparation (OR = 2.379), whereas no significant association was detected for minimally invasive access cavity difficulties. The use of magnification systems and specialized endodontic burs for access cavity preparation or refinement was reported more frequently among endodontists. Reduced loss of tooth structure was the most frequently selected reason for using MIE, while inadequate training or lack of knowledge was the most frequently reported barrier to routine implementation. Conclusions: Among the participating dentists, endodontists reported higher self-perceived MIE knowledge and more frequent self-reported clinical use than general dentists. Professional and practice-related characteristics were associated with several MIE-related outcomes. Greater emphasis on practical, case-based training may support the appropriate implementation of MIE; however, the findings should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional, self-reported design.