Knowledge and Awareness of Dentists about Hypochlorite Emergencies and their Management during Endodontic Treatment :

Sidra Riaz; Hammad  Hassan; Shazia Naz; Kanza Iqbal; Irsam Haider; Mehvish Sajjad

doi:10.29054/apmc/2024.1655

Sidra Riaz Post Graduate Resident, Department of Operative Dentistry, de ’Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan
Hammad Hassan Assistant Professor, Science of Dental Materials, University of Health Sciences, Lahore Pakistan
Shazia Naz Associate Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry, de ’Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan
Kanza Iqbal Senior Registrar, Department of Operative Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, CMH Lahore Medical College, NUMS, Lahore Pakistan
Irsam Haider Assistant Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore, Lahore Pakistan
Mehvish Sajjad Assistant Professor, Science of Dental Materials, University College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore, Lahore Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2024.1655

Keywords: Sodium hypochlorite, Patient safety, Endodontics, Dental irrigation

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare dentists' knowledge and awareness of hypochlorite emergencies during endodontic treatment and their management. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: de ’Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore Pakistan. Duration: From July 2023 to January 2024. Methods: The study involved 206 dentists from various dental institutes in Punjab, Pakistan. A meticulously self-developed 21-item questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge, and awareness of hypochlorite accidents. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with non-parametric tests applied due to non-normal data distribution. Results: Female participants demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores than males (p=0.012). No significant differences in knowledge scores were found between participants from public and private institutes (p=0.859). Assistant Professors and above had the highest mean knowledge scores (p<0.001). Participants taught about hypochlorite emergencies scored significantly higher (p<0.001). Irrigation beyond the apex was the most frequently reported emergency, particularly among those with more than five years of practice (p=0.004). Conclusion: The study highlights the need for comprehensive training and continuous education to manage hypochlorite emergencies effectively. Addressing knowledge gaps, especially in public institutes, and ensuring the availability of emergency kits can significantly improve patient safety and outcomes. Future research should focus on developing standardized training modules and assessing the long-term impact of enhanced educational interventions.