Knowledge and Management of Attitude Regarding Dentin Hypersensitivity Among Dentists in City of Bangalore

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and management protocol of dentin hypersensitivity among dentists in the city of Bangalore. Materials and Methods: The study involved dentists from private and public sectors in city of Bangalore. The following data were requested from the surveyed dentists using an anonymous questionnaire; knowledge on triggering factor, type of pain, diagnosis, preventive and curative procedures and recent management protocol. Results: Out of the 120 dentists who received the questionnaire, 99 returned properly filled forms. About half of the dentists (53%) reported that dentin hypersensitivity was due to loss of enamel. Mechanical stimulus such as faulty toothbrushing was reported by 6 % of them. 54 dentists used air blast to elicit DH pain. The first modality of treatment reported was use of desensitizing toothpaste (72%) followed by patient education (19%) and restoration (8%). Regarding the recent advances in this field, there was paucity of knowledge amongst the clinicians. Only 2% of them mentioned the use of remineralising desensitizers such as Teethmate as an effective treatment modality. Conclusion: We suggest incorporation of basic science knowledge on orofacial pain and competencies to manage painful conditions like dentin hypersensitivity. Also, Health regulatory institutions ought to make proceeding with dental training a necessity to safeguard the dental licensure.