The Hall technique: knowledge, practice, and concerns of dentists in primary care settings in the State of Qatar-a questionnaire-based survey

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the knowledge, practice, and concerns about the Hall Technique among pediatric dentists (PDs) and general dental practitioners (GDPs) working in primary care settings in the State of Qatar. Methods: A prospective questionnaire-based survey was distributed to all GDPs and PDs working at different Primary Health Care Corporation centers in Qatar between 1 November and 10 December 2023. Descriptive data analysis was carried out. Results: The response rate was 49% among GPDs and 100% among PDs. Approximately 85% of PDs and 48% of GDPs were familiar with the HT although only 58% of the PDs and 4% of the GDPs applied HT preformed metal crowns (HTPMCs) in their current primary care practice. Majority of both PDs and GDPs did not consider HTPMCs as the treatment of choice for restoring asymptomatic carious primary molars and preferred applying the HT for cavitated carious lesions over non-cavitated lesions. Regarding HT practices, 57.7% of PDs and 48% of GDPs always planned on taking a pre-operative radiograph before the procedure, while only 15.4% of PDs and 8% of GDPs would always consider using an orthodontic separator prior to placing an HTPMC. The main concerns among the respondents about the HT included sealing in caries (PDs 31%; GDPs 50%), high occlusion (PDs 57.7%; GDPs 53.3%), and gingival damage (27% PDs; 47% GDPs.) Endorsement by professional bodies and further research evidence were seen as ways to promote wider adoption of the HT. Conclusion: The HT is recognised but not widely used among primary care dentists working in the State of Qatar. HTPMCs are often seen as secondary options for restoring carious primary molars with dentists still having a number of concerns regarding the HT.