Confidence-level of foundation dentists in the North West of England in the placement of preformed metal crowns using the Hall technique

Abstract

Introduction: The Hall technique is a biological caries management approach commonly used within the field of paediatric dentistry. The technique involves the placement of a preformed metal crown (PMC) without local anaesthetic, caries removal or tooth preparation. Despite being widely taught across dental schools in the United Kingdom, evidence from the literature suggests that PMCs are seldom used in general dental practice, even by newly qualified dentists. This study aimed to evaluate the experience and self-reported confidence of Foundation Dentists (FDs) in the North West of England in the placement of preformed metal crowns using the Hall technique.

Materials and methods: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 117 Foundation Dentists in the North West of England.

Results: Forty-six questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 39%. The results revealed that 80.4% of FDs felt "somewhat," "quite" or "extremely" confident with the Hall technique at the point of graduation. This increased to 85.3% upon completion of Dental Foundation Training.

Conclusion: Foundation Dentists' self-reported confidence in the Hall technique was reasonably high both at the point of qualification and upon completing Dental Foundation Training. Nevertheless, many of the Foundation Dentists felt that they would benefit from further postgraduate training on the technique.

Keywords: UK; dental foundation training; education; hall technique.