The teaching of management of the pulp in primary molars in Europe: a preliminary investigation in Ireland and the UK.

AIM

This was to determine which methods of primary pulp therapy are currently being taught in European dental schools starting with a preliminary study in the UK and Ireland.

METHODS

A questionnaire, based on that used in a USA study, was sent to paediatric dentistry staff at each of 18 dental schools in Ireland and the UK.

RESULTS

There was a response rate of 87%. All respondents taught the vital pulpotomy technique in primary molars but no uniformity was found regarding pulpectomy, indirect and direct pulp capping techniques. Most respondents, 92.9%, taught the use of ferric sulphate for vital pulpotomy. Formocresol, mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide accounted for the remainder, with some respondents electing to teach different medicaments depending on whether the students were at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

CONCLUSIONS

Formocresol is no longer the most commonly taught pulp medicament in dental schools in Ireland and the UK.