Knowledge on Attitude and Barriers toward Silver Diamine Fluoride among Dental Practitioners in Tricity, India

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the dentist’s knowledge, attitudes, and barriers towards silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in Tricity (Panchkula, Chandigarh, Mohali), India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a selfadministered online questionnaire among 422 dental practitioners in Tricity (Panchkula, Chandigarh, Mohali), India from 25th August 2021 to 10th September 2021. The outcome variable of the study were knowledge, attitude, and barriers toward Silver Diamine Fluoride. A pretested questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale was used. Results: A total of 55% of respondents strongly agreed and agreed that SDF is a good treatment option for primary teeth that are not in the esthetic zone. The barrier to its usage is being not readily available commercially, with the highest score of 48%. Conclusion: Increased efforts in SDF education may lead to greater use of this innovative approach to the management of cavitated carious lesions. The most cited barrier to the use of SDF is tooth staining associated with arresting caries.