Direct pulp capping of permanent teeth in New Zealand general dental practice--a practice based research study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate treatment protocols and opinions towards direct pulp capping (DPC) amongst New Zealand (NZ) general dental practitioners (GDP) through a Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) study.

DESIGN: Mixed-methods approach using qualitative thematic and quantitative analysis.

METHODS: An on-line survey containing Likert scale items and open-ended questions was distributed to GDPs on the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ) register (2012) to collect information on practitioner demographics, treatment protocols, continuing professional development (CPD) and philosophies towards DPC. RESULTs: Two hundred and ten GDPs from North and South Islands providing care in main centres and rural areas engaged with the PBRN and participated in the study. Almost all performed DPC treatment although it was not a common procedure. DPC was perceived as 'successful' or 'very successful' by 95% of respondents, mostly for cases of reversible pulpitis. Most provided DPC for patients of all ages but younger patients were perceived to have the best clinical outcomes. Calcium hydroxide and MTA were the most commonly used materials for DPC. MTA was believed to have the best outcome but cost and handling properties were barriers to its use. The majority of respondents had participated in CPD related to vital pulp therapy and regarded this treatment as conservative and providing time and financial benefits compared with more invasive treatment. Clinicians' timeframes for assessing healing were variable, and combined clinical and radiographic findings were considered most useful.

CONCLUSION: New Zealand dentists perceive DPC as a successful and conservative treatment in selected cases. The findings have provided insights into engagement of NZ dentists in using research to inform everyday clinical practice through a PBRN study.