Use of the Hall Technique by dentists in East China: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey

Int J Paediatr Dent. 2023 Dec 7. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13147. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: The Hall Technique (HT) is now regarded as one of the biological management options for carious primary molars and has shown significant clinical success.

Aim: To investigate the perception and the use of the HT among dentists engaging in paediatric dentistry in East China.

Design: This was an electronic questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. A quick response code of the questionnaire via WeChat, a common communication tool in China, was sent to dentists in East China.

Results: A total of 313 dentists participated in this study. Most surveyed clinicians had heard about the HT (n = 286, 91.4%). Of them, 40.2% (n = 115) reported having used the HT. Of 67 dentists working in private clinics, 34 (50.7%) had used the HT, whereas only 37% of dentists from public hospitals had used the HT. Of 115 dentists having used the HT, 91.3% (n = 105) would consider using the HT for Class II cavitated molars; 23.5% (n = 27) would consider using the HT for Class I cavitated molars. Most dentists who had not used the HT were concerned about complications such as pulp inflammation or necrosis after applying the HT.

Conclusion: The HT is well known in East China; the lack of systematic training or courses, however, may decrease its utilization.

Keywords: Hall Technique; caries; primary molars.