Challenges Faced by Libyan Dental Practitioners in Endodontic Treatment

Abstract

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to recognize the most challenging aspects of root canal treatment encountered by Libyan dental practitioners. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed randomly to 130 general dental practitioners who were working in Libya's public and private dental centers and dental faculty. The data was gathered and statically analyzed. Results: The results showed that 33.8% of the respondents had some difficulties taking periapical radiographs, 45.4% experienced problems in providing proper isolation with the rubber dam, and only 32.3% reported that they faced difficulties when determining working length. The majority of respondents 74.6% had appropriate knowledge about the various irrigation procedures and 26.9% of those experiencing problems associated with difficulties shaping the canal(s).In addition, 30% of respondents were having difficulties obturating the canal; 56.4% during master cone fitting; 30.8% choosing the proper technique; and 12.8% sealer placement.76.9% of respondents had challenge mishaps cases, the most challenging mishap case they had treated was separated instrument(s) by32.3% respondents, 19.2% respondents by ledge bypass, 15.4% of them by negotiating missed canal(s) and 10.0% of them by perforation management. Conclusion. The evaluation of the challenges that dental practitioners face during root canal therapy can help in the creation of instructional plans for preclinical and clinical training. Further studies should be required about this subject, this present survey helped to ascertain various gaps in the education schedule which, if altered correctly, would be of great benefit to both the quality of dental practitioners’ performance.