How is carious pulp exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis managed in UK primary dental care?

Aim To investigate attitudes and approaches of UK primary care dentists to carrying out vital pulp treatment (VPT) after carious exposure with additional signs symptoms indicative irreversible pulpitis. Methodology An electronic questionnaire was openly distributed via publicly funded (NHS) local dental committees, corporate service-providers, professional societies social media. Principally NHS practitioners those from mixed private practice were targeted, in addition community military officers, therapists. Participants asked questions relating several clinical scenarios, responses analysed using descriptive statistics. χ2 tests sequential Bonferroni correction used explore variables including the method remuneration, practitioner type (dentist/therapist), postgraduate qualification(s), place graduation years since qualification. Variables a relationship p ≤ .2 selected for backwards likelihood ratio logistic modelling. Results In total, 648 included analysis. Calcium hydroxide (CH) most frequently direct caps (DPCs) (398/600; 66.3%) calcium silicate cements (CSCs) less (119/600; 19.8%). Rubber dam by 222/599 (37.1%) practitioners. A definitive pulpotomy management teeth pulpitis 65/613 (10.6%) dentists. The principal barrier provision pulpotomies lack training (602/612; 98.4%). Regression analysis identified as good predictor CH DPCs, having shorter emergency appointments, limited access magnification not rubber dam. Non-UK graduates more likely select CSCs, appropriately control pulpal haemorrhage, undertake appropriate postoperative evaluation use Conclusions Practitioners deviated evidence-based guidelines number aspects material selection, asepsis case selection. other challenges exist providing predictable VPTs, time magnification. These evident practice, potentially exacerbating existing health inequalities. Possible inconsistencies undergraduate curriculum supported association between qualification technique employed well fact that non-UK qualifications adhered VPT guidelines.