Assessment of Practice of Endodontic Treatment Protocols among General Dental Practitioners in Pokhara, Nepal

Endodontics is specialty field, butthe majority of endodontic treatment in Pokharais provided by the general dental practitioners.The aim of this study was to assess the practiceof endodontic treatment protocols among generaldental practitioners in Pokhara, Nepal. Materials and Methods: A cross sectionalquestionnaire based study was conducted among allthe general dental practitioners working in variousgovernment, private hospital and clinic of Pokhara.Information about the materials and techniquesused in endodontic treatment was collected anddescriptive statistical analysis was done. Results: Out of 89 respondents, only 82 completelyfilled the questionnaires which were includedin the study. Most general dental practitioners(96.34%) regularly treat single rooted endodonticcases. Only 10.97% occasionally use rubber damduring endodontic treatment. Most general dentalpractitioners (96.34%) used radiographic techniquefor working length determination. Ninety twopercent used stainless steel hand files and step backwas the choice of technique by 90.24%. Sodiumhypochlorite irrigation and calcium hydroxideintra canal medicaments were used by 93.9% and98.78% of general dental practitioners respectively.75.6% used zinc oxide eugenol as root canal sealerand 95.12% obturated root canals with lateralcompaction technique. The common complicationencountered was mid treatment pain. They seem tooveruse antibiotics in cases requiring endodontictherapy. Only 52.43% used autoclave for sterilizationof endodontic files. About 92.68% felt the need offurther endodontic training and 74.39% preferredpost graduate program. Conclusion: This study indicates that many generaldental practitioners of Pokhara are not followingwell acknowledged endodontic quality guidelines;hence there is a need for further endodontic training.