Knowledge of and management attitude regarding dentin hypersensitivity among dentists from a West African country.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge of, and management attitude of dentists regarding dentin hypersensitivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved all the dentists from private and public sectors, exerting in Senegal. The following data were requested from the surveyed dentists using an anonymous questionnaire; sociodemographics (i.e. age, gender, area of activity, etc.) and knowledge on triggering factor, type of pain, diagnosis, preventive and curative procedures.

RESULTS

Out of the 238 dentists who received the questionnaire, 68.9% returned properly filled forms. They were 116 males and 48 females with a mean age of 41.99 ± 8.50 years. Eighty three percent of the participants had a good understanding of the characteristics of pain related to DH and 92% recognized chemical and thermal stimuli as triggering factor while mechanical stimulus was not evoked. Many responders (90.9%) did not have any idea of the mechanism for pain transmission across the dentin. Regarding diagnosis technique, 68% use mechanical stimuli to elicit DH pain. Regarding management procedure, the use of desensitizing tooth paste is the mostly chosen option followed by professional topical application of fluoride. More than 1/3rd of the surveyed dentists confess resorting to root canal to manage DH.

CONCLUSION

We recommend incorporation of basic science knowledge on orofacial pain and competencies to manage painful conditions like dentin hypersensitivity. Also, health regulatory institutions should make continuing dental education a requirement to preserve the dental licensure.