SURVEY ON ENDODONTIC KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF TREATMENT, ATTITUDE AND REFERRAL PATTERNS IN INDIAN GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS

Introduction- Endodontics is dynamic, tremendously evolving discipline with considerable advances in techniques and materials and has witnessed some major developments over last decade. Challenges in root canal treatment are more likely if adequate knowledge and skills are lacking, or if the appropriate instruments and tools are not available, and hence GDP referrals of patients to an endodontist for management is common. Therefore, the aim of this study was to be understood the knowledge, awareness, attitude, referral pattern of general dentists regarding endodontics. Material & methods- An online-based questionnaire survey was conducted and total 365 dentists were participated. For collection of data a pre-structured, close ended questionnaire consisting of 15 questions were shared. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics in the SPSS software. Results-76.4% GDPs were aware of all the procedures like root canal treatment, post and core, apexification.51.8% were somewhat confident in managing endodontic mishap. 56.1% of practitioners referred complex as well as general cases to endodontist. Conclusion- Need of well-prepared practical based training programs and CDE programs for GDPs