Using of Rubber Dam During Routine Dental Treatment of Patients with Limited Mouth Opening: Survey of Dentists

Objective is to reveal the opinion and preferences of dentists about using of rubber dam during routine dental treatment of patients with limited mouth opening. Eighty-two respondents (39 general dentists and 43 dentists of therapeutic field) participated in a survey. A 8-item questionnaire was developed and gave to participants in paper or electronic form. None answer showed significant dependences with gender of dentists. Younger doctors (35.9±7.5 years) are significantly (p = 0.018) more likely to believe that the use of a rubber dam in patients with limited mouth opening is possible than older doctors (45.0±12.8 years). With increasing age of the doctor, there is a tendency to reduce the use of a rubber dam for the treatment of posterior teeth in such patients (p = 0.006). General dentists are more likely to believe that the use of a rubber dam in such patients is possible, compared to dentists who specialized in therapeutic dentistry field (p = 0.018). General dentists more often use metal clamps in this clinical situation compared to dentists of therapeutic field (p = 0.023). Preferences of rubber dam using in patients with limited mouth opening do not depend on the gender of dentist. Younger doctors are more likely to believe that the use of a rubber dam in such patients is possible. With increasing of age and work experience, there is a tendency to reduce the use of a rubber dam for the treatment of posterior teeth in such patients. General dentists more often use metal clamps to compare with dentists of therapeutic field. © (2024), (University of Dicle). All Rights Reserved.