Use of the Hall technique by specialist paediatric dentists: a global perspective

Abstract

Background: The Hall technique (HT) is popular with UK paediatric dentists (PDs). Global PDs perception/use of HT is unknown.

Aim: To investigate global PDs opinions/use of HT.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire of 26 questions was sent to specialist PDs across the globe.

Results: Responses of 709 PDs from six continents were obtained. The majority (n = 654, 92.32%) had heard about HT but only 50.6% (n = 358) used it, with wide country variations. Respectively, 37.5%, 31.5% and 31% were neutral, against or supportive of HT when they initially heard about it. Only 17% of HT users said it was always the treatment of choice for non-pulpal asymptomatic carious primary molars (NPACPMs), 62% would take a pre-operative radiograph, 65% would consider using high speed drills before HT, 63% would never consider HT under general anaesthesia, 56% would use HT under N2 O sedation. Finally, in a clinical scenario of a NPACPM in a cooperative 6-year-old, 75% of PDs would choose conventional restorative methods over the HT.

Conclusion: The HT is recognised, but not used, by an outright majority of PDs across the globe. Identifable barriers such as lack of training, perception as substandard dentistry and perceived lack of evidence reduced its use.