Other Clinical Effectiveness activities

Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children – Post Publication Survey  

Following the publication of the updated Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children guidance, a follow-up questionnaire was sent to primary care dentists, hygienists and therapists across Scotland in November 2025. The questionnaire asked about current practice and views on the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and pulpotomy in permanent teeth. Practitioners were also asked for feedback on the format of the guidance.

Fifty-five practitioners completed the survey. Overall, both SDF and pulpotomy were used infrequently. Just over half of respondents (56%) said they never used SDF for managing caries in children, while 40% reported they never carried out a pulpotomy for a child or young person with irreversible pulpitis in a permanent tooth. Commonly reported barriers included lack of remuneration, limited training, the off-label status of SDF, and concerns about the complexity of the procedure and child cooperation for pulpotomy.

Respondents suggested that practical tools such as flowcharts and step-by-step guides would help them put the guidance into practice. Feedback on the guidance website was positive overall, with most respondents finding the layout, navigation and summary formats clear and helpful.

A report summarising the questionnaire findings will be shared on the TRiaDS website in due course, and a paper will be prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.