Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Rubber dam was introduced by Dr.Barnum in the 1860 s, the main advantage of using rubber dams in endodontics include patient protection from medicaments, aspiration of endodontic instruments, tooth debris, and irrigating solutions. The aim of the study to determine the prevalence and frequency of rubber dam usage during endodontic procedures among dentists in the state of TamilNadu, India.A survey was conducted among 101 dentists in the state of Tamil Nadu, India by preparing a set of questions, and the answers were collected through an online survey method.In this survey, 82.2% feel comfortable to use a rubber dam,36.6% never use a rubber dam to pediatric patients,89% always use a rubber dam to adult patients,61.4% not using rubber dam for all cases of RCT,73.8% need to gain knowledge about rubber dams through training programs,23.8 % told patients discomfort was a reason for not using a rubber dam, 80.2% not using rubber dam while taking X- rays,45.5% take more than 5 mins for applying a rubber dam to patients,63.4% told it is easily available for clinical usage.The present survey shows there is a low prevalence of its usage during endodontic treatment. Greater emphasis should be placed on the advantages of using rubber dams in clinical dentistry at dental school and through continuing dental education for practitioners to update their knowledge
)