Teaching of posterior resin-based composite restorations in Brazilian dental schools

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the teaching program o f Class I and Class II resin-based composite (RBC) restorations in Brazilia n dental schools and to observe if any differences were found from similar surveys conducted in North American, European, and Japanese dental schools. Method and materials: A questionnaire containing 15 questions was distribu ted to 92 Brazilian dental schools, and 64 (70%) schools returned the quest ionnaire. The questions inquired the amount of time the curriculum dedicate d to teaching of posterior RBC restorations, future expectation regarding t he teaching time, limitation in extension of the occlusal width and the pro ximal box in Class II, contraindications for placing posterior RBC restorat ions, protocol for using bases and liners, brand of bonding agents and RBC used, instruments and techniques employed for finishing, cost relative to a malgam restorations, and biologic reactions related to the use of posterior RBC. The responses were calculated as percentages based on the number of s chools that responded to the questionnaire. Where appropriate, the Chi-squa red test and the Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis. Resu lts: Of the dental schools that responded, 88% dedicated 10% to 50% of the teaching time in operative dentistry to posterior RBC restorations. A signi ficant correlation (P = 0.041) was found between the percentage of time ded icated to the teaching of posterior RBC restorations and the higher cost of posterior RBC compared to amalgam restorations. Resin-based composite rest orations cost 30% to 70% more than amalgam restorations in the 40% of denta l schools that charged a fee. Posterior composites for large restorations i n molars were used by 14% of the dental schools. Base and liner were not pl aced by 10% of dental schools in deep Class I or Class II RBC restorations. One school did not recommend acid etching of the dentin. Conclusion: No ma jor differences were found in the teaching philosophy of posterior RBC rest orations by comparing the Brazilian data to the data from similar surveys d one in North America, Japan, and Europe.