Regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) for managing immature non-vital teeth: a national survey of UK paediatric dental specialists and trainees

Background: Several guidelines have been published advocating the use of regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) in managing non-vital immature permanent teeth. It is unclear, however, how many UK paediatric dental specialists routinely use this technique and their opinion of its outcomes, and barriers to its use. Aim: To assess the knowledge, experience and the opinion of UK based paediatric dental specialists/trainees (UKPDS/T) and practitioners working in the capacity of paediatric dental specialists on the use of RET. Design: A cross-sectional study using a 22-item questionnaire was developed using the Bristol Online Survey tool and circulated electronically to members of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry between August and November 2016. Results: Ninety-eight UKPDS/T completed the survey. A quarter of respondents (N = 24, 24.5%) reported using RET. Reasons cited for not using RET included lack of: training (N = 48, 45%), materials (N = 28, 26%), evidence (N = 17, 16%) and suitable cases (N = 6, 6%). Different protocols in terms of disinfection, medicaments, scaffolds, and obturation material were identified. Conclusions: This survey highlights a low uptake of RET by current UKPDS and trainees with several barriers identified. Deviations from the current RET guidelines were identified. Recommendations addressing the use of RET in light of the findings of this survey were made.