KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE PROTOCOLS OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT VENEERS AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS- A CROSS SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE BASED SURVEY

Abstract

Dental veneers are made of directly applied composite, processed composite, porcelain or pressed ceramic materials. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the month of April, 2020 among all general dentists and various dental specialists to test their knowledge and clinical practice of direct and indirect veneers. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions and was structured under the headings of knowledge, attitude and practice. Responses were collected through google forms and statistically analyzed. Only 31 % of dentists had a sound knowledge on the preparation designs of veneer. Endodontists and other dental specialists were aware that veneers can be performed without root canal treatment as well as in root canal treated teeth, P value=0.01, hence statistically significant. The most challenging step in veneers was veneer cementations followed by tooth preparation for endodontists and other dental specialists. Most Endodontists preferred choice of veneer was EMAX press followed by EMAX CAD. Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that dentists should acquire sound knowledge in the case selection of veneers, shade matching,optimal preparation techniques and designs and recent advances in veneer materials and adhesive techniques.