ANTERIOR COMPOSITE RESIN RESTORATION PREFERENCE AMONG GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN PENANG ISLAND, MALAYSIA

Introduction: Composite resin has been widely used as a dental restorative material among general dental practitioners (GDP), private services included. Various factors could affect the quality of an anterior composite restoration, such as composite resin material, type of light cure unit, use of rubber dam and technique applied. Objectives: To assess and identify GDPs preferences regarding different procedures in anterior composite resin restoration, as well as whether clinical experience or post-graduate training affects their preferences. Materials and methods: A validated questionnaire survey involving sociodemographic data and anterior composite resin restoration preferences was conducted among 63 GDPs from the private sector of Penang Island, Malaysia. Results and discussion: About 27% of GDPs had less than five years of clinical experience, while only 7.9% had postgraduate training. Majority (93.7%) had attended courses on composite resin restoration. The use of nanofiller type of composite, two-step etch and rinse (acid + primer/adhesive) adhesive system, emitting diode light cure, enamel bevelling in cavity preparation and immediate polishing post-composite placement were preferred. A significant association was observed the years of clinical experience with microhybrid, microfilled and nanofilled composite material, rubber dam placement and zinc aluminium oxide polishing bur usage. Also, GDPs with postgraduate training significantly practised enamel bevelling procedure. Conclusions: There are variances of anterior composite resin restorations procedures and preferences among GDPs. Clinical experience and post-graduate training influence their preferences for anterior composite restoration procedures.