Awareness and Utilization of Recent Advances in Pediatric Dentistry among Dental Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The field of pediatric dentistry has experienced a significant transformation over the past decade, evolving from invasive surgical approaches toward minimally invasive, biologically oriented, patient-centered, and technology-driven treatment modalities¹^,². Contemporary innovations such as advanced behavior management strategies³⁻⁶, digital and three-dimensional technologies⁷, modern endodontic techniques⁸⁻⁹, esthetic full-coverage restorations¹⁰^,¹¹, interceptive orthodontic appliances¹¹⁻¹³, chemomechanical caries removal agents¹⁴⁻¹⁹, and silver diamine fluoride (SDF)²⁰ have been increasingly advocated in pediatric dental care. However, the extent to which these advancements are translated into routine clinical practice remains unclear.

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and adoption of selected recent advancements—namely Bioflex crowns, prefabricated space maintainers, enzymatic chemomechanical caries removal agents (Brix 3000), bioactive remineralizing agents, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), and Audio-Visual (AV) distraction techniques—among dental practitioners, and to evaluate the existing knowledge–practice gap.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 315 dental practitioners. A scientifically validated 16-item questionnaire was distributed digitally to collect demographic details and assess awareness and clinical utilization of recent pediatric dental innovations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between practitioner characteristics such as qualification and specialty, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Although a majority of respondents were aware of esthetic full-coverage restorative options such as Bioflex and zirconia crowns¹⁰^,²¹⁻²⁴, their routine clinical usage remained limited. Awareness regarding innovations in space maintainers was moderate¹¹^,¹²^,²⁵⁻³¹; however, actual implementation of prefabricated and digitally fabricated space maintainers was comparatively low³²⁻³⁴. Knowledge of chemomechanical caries removal techniques was present¹⁴⁻¹⁹³⁵³⁶, but specific familiarity with enzymatic agents such as Brix 3000 was limited. In contrast, behavior management adjuncts including AV distraction and virtual reality techniques demonstrated higher awareness and adoption rates³⁷⁻³⁹. Acceptance of SDF as a caries-arresting agent was favorable, supported by emerging clinical evidence and parental acceptance studies²⁰^,⁴⁴^,⁴⁵.

Conclusions: Despite growing awareness of recent advancements in pediatric dentistry, a substantial gap persists between knowledge and clinical implementation. Barriers related to technique sensitivity, limited hands-on exposure, and inadequate training contribute to underutilization of minimally invasive and technology-assisted modalities⁴⁶⁻⁵⁰. These findings highlight the need for structured Continuing Dental Education programs and curriculum reinforcement emphasizing practical training and clinical integration of contemporary pediatric dental innovations⁵¹⁻⁵⁹.