Treatment policies among Israeli specialists in paediatric dentistry.

AIM: This was to evaluate some suggested diagnostic procedures, treatment policies and professional attitudes of specialists in paediatric dentistry, in light of the periodically published guidelines by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry and The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry. METHODS: Using a structured questionnaire, 67% of the Israeli specialists in paediatric dentistry, who agreed to participate in this study, were personally interviewed. RESULTS: Only 7.5% of the participants reported that they carry out pulp capping of primary teeth in cases of pulp exposure. Over 50% reported restoring teeth after pulpotomy with preformed crowns. Most indicated sealing pit and fissures after considering depth and morphology of the fissures and correlation with the patient's risk to caries. Cleaning teeth after eruption of the first tooth was suggested by 75.5% of the participants. A striking majority (96%) claimed that they restored permanent anterior teeth with composite resins and most used these materials for occlusal restoration in both primary and permanent posterior teeth. Most specialists advocated the use of amalgam in proximal posterior restorations. The presence of a parent in the operatory/surgery was preferred by 85% of the dentists. CONCLUSIONS: Israeli specialists in paediatric dentistry mostly comply with the mentioned guidelines. Further studies of this nature should also be encouraged in other countries to emphasize the importance of monitoring compliance with established and evidence based guidelines.