Knowledge, Awareness, and Use of Stainless-Steel Crowns Among Dental Professionals in Sana'a City, Yemen.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) have been the most effective and efficient methods of tooth restoration in pediatric dentistry, and they have shown consistently high success rates. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and practice of SSCs among dental professionals in Sana'a City, Yemen. MATERIAL AND METHODS A modified questionnaire was prepared from previous similar studies and distributed to 700 participants. It consisted of 3 parts: the first was related to participant characteristics; the second consisted of questions related to knowledge and awareness of SSCs such as indications, advantages, challenges, and parent's rejection to SSCs; and the third part was correlated to questions related to the use and practice of SSCs, number of children treated, and SSCs cemented per week. Statistical significance was determined using a chi-square test, and the P value was set at <0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS A total of 604 dental professionals answered the questionnaire, 159 (26.3%) had used SSC restoration, and 12 (80.0%) of them had a degree in pediatric dentistry, with significant differences among participants (P<0.000). Respondents with higher academic qualifications recorded higher percentages in using SSCs during their clinics, with significant differences (P<0.005). A significant difference was detected between general practitioners and pedodontists in practice questions (P=0.000). Most of the respondents (78.8%) indicated a desire for more practice and hands-on training in use of SSCs. CONCLUSIONS General dentists in Sana'a City, Yemen, do not frequently use SSCs. Most of the respondents stated that they lacked practical training and expressed a need for further knowledge and continuing education.