Is the teaching of amalgam in dental training still necessary? Perceptions of dentists

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30979/revabeno.v23i1.2021

Keywords:

Dental Amalgam, Education Dental, Dentistry, Operative

Abstract

Dentistry has recently experienced a sharp decline in the use of amalgam, as a result of the evolution of adhesive materials and techniques and discussions about the risks of mercury contamination. Thus, we sought to identify the perception of dentists about the need to continue teaching amalgam in dentistry courses. This is a cross-sectional study, using a semi-structured questionnaire with aspects related to sociodemographic conditions, training to perform the procedures, knowledge about material management and waste management. The objective responses were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the subjective ones processed in the IRaMuTeQ software. Of the 257 respondents, 60.7% claim to use this material, 91.8% use encapsulated amalgam and 95.7% dispose of waste in hospital waste. Regarding the permanence of the material, 63.4% believe it is necessary and 88% agree that teaching should continue, especially considering the profile of the graduate suggested by the National Curriculum Guidelines. From the subjective data emerged five classes/categories that portray the perception of professionals about cost-benefit ratio, access to service, working conditions and longevity of restorations. It is concluded that, even with the evolution of adhesive materials, amalgam is still necessary, especially in the public service, where the demand for low cost and high longevity restorations is high. Thus, for this sample, as long as there is no mercury-free, inexpensive, easy to handle and durable restorative material, the teaching of this content should remain in undergraduate courses in Dentistry.

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Author Biographies

Maria Cristina dos Santos Medeiros, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Departamento de Odontologia, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

Iris do Céu Clara Costa, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Departamento de Odontologia, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

Maria Ângela Fernandes Ferreira, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Departamento de Odontologia, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

Flávia Andréia Belarmino de Medeiros, Escola de Saúde Pública do Rio Grande do Norte

Escola de Saúde Pública do Rio Grande do Norte (ESPRN), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil.

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Published

29-07-2023

How to Cite

Medeiros, M. C. dos S., Costa, I. do C. C., Ferreira, M. Ângela F., & Medeiros, F. A. B. de. (2023). Is the teaching of amalgam in dental training still necessary? Perceptions of dentists. Revista Da ABENO, 23(1), 2021. https://doi.org/10.30979/revabeno.v23i1.2021

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