A survey of various endodontic procedures related to mineral trioxide aggregate usage by members of the Australian Society of Endodontology

This study aims to assess education on the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine among members of the Australian Society of Endodontology (ASE), a society of specialist endodontists (ED) and general dentists with an interest in endodontics (GD). The study also aims to compare the procedural preferences relating to perforation repair, apical barrier, root-end filling and regenerative endodontics. A structured online questionnaire was used, which sought details of the education in the use of MTA and the procedural steps involved in perforation repair, apical barrier, root-end filling and regenerative endodontics. Fisher's exact test was performed to compare the GD with ED. Responses were received from 208 out of 499 ASE members. Some 40% of the total respondents were ED. Almost all ED (98.8%) and some GD (39.8%) used MTA for perforation repairs. Likewise, almost all ED (96.3%) and some GD (42.7%) used MTA for apical barrier procedures. Lack of experience was more of a barrier to its use for GD (48.7%) than its high cost (31.6%). Few members used Biodentine. Significant differences exist in how MTA is used between GD and ED. Experience in handling MTA is a larger barrier to its widespread use in endodontics than its cost.