Cross sectional study of knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners about the use of rubber dam in endodontic procedures in urban area of Andhra Pradesh

Introduction: One of the prerequisite for the numerous endodontic and operative procedures is use of rubber dam which is an absolute necessity. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners about the rubber dam use during endodontic treatment of anterior and posterior teeth. Materials and Method: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out in the urban area of Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. 90 clinics which were having conservative and endodontics speciality were selected for the study. A prevalidated close ended questionnaire was used. Details about the basic sociodemographic characteristics, information with regard to rubber dam use during procedures, attitude of dentists towards its use and the reasons for whether non use of rubber dam was recorded. Results: A total of 90 questionnaires were mailed to dental practitioners in the urban locality. With respect to response to the use of rubber dam during endodontic procedures 13.72% of males and 12.82% of females responded that they were always using the rubber dam,5.88% of males and 5.19% of females used rubber dam very oftenly.17.64% and 2.56% of male and female participants used it occasionally. With regard to rubber dam use for the endodontic treatment procedures of the root canal of posterior teeth 15.68% of males and 12.82% of females responded that they were always using the rubber dam,5.88% of males and 5.19% of females used rubber dam very oftenly.17.64% and 2.56% of male and female participants used it occasionally. Conclusion: Hence it can be stated that for creating awareness among dental practitioners about the importance of rubber dam in endodontic procedure by continuing dental educations is the need of the hour to improve the quality of dental care.