Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Operative Dentistry, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
2 Student Research Committee, Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
3 Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Cellular and Molecular Sciences in Infectious Diseases, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
4 Community Nursing Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Finishing and polishing are key determinants of the surface quality, esthetics, and long‑term success of resin‑composite restorations. Inadequate technique can increase surface roughness, promote plaque retention and staining, and ultimately shorten restoration longevity. This study evaluated knowledge (awareness) and self‑reported clinical practice related to composite finishing and polishing among final‑year dental students and general dentists in Zahedan, Iran.
Methods: In this cross‑sectional survey, final‑year dental students and general dentists in Zahedan were included. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, awareness items, practice items, and reasons for not performing finishing/polishing. Content validity was assessed by expert review and reliability by internal consistency. Analyses used descriptive statistics and appropriate group comparisons (e.g., Chi‑square tests and confidence intervals), with two‑sided P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Ninety‑five participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, awareness scores were generally moderate and practice scores were lower than awareness. General dentists scored higher than students in both awareness and practice, and greater work experience was associated with better performance. Across groups, gaps were most evident in selecting polishing systems and following the recommended sequence of finishing procedures.
Conclusion: Although practicing dentists reported better knowledge and practice than students, clinically relevant deficiencies were identified in both groups. Strengthening undergraduate skills training and offering continuing professional education—especially hands‑on workshops—may improve the quality and consistency of finishing and polishing for composite restorations.
Keywords
Main Subjects
- Sajad M, Shafia S, Sharma N. Knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners towards composite restorations -a questionnaire-based survey. Int J Contemp Med Res. 2018;5(8):9-12. doi:10.21276/ijcmr.2018.5.8.12
- Vishwanath S, Kadandale S, Kumarappan SK, Ramachandran A, Unnikrishnan M, Nagesh HM. Finishing and polishing of composite restoration: assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice among various dental professionals in India. Cureus 2022;14(1):e20887. doi:10.7759/cureus.20887
- Silva JP, Coelho A, Paula A, Amaro I, Saraiva J, Ferreira MM, et al. The influence of irrigation during the finishing and polishing of composite resin restorations-a systematic review of in vitro studies. Materials (Basel) 2021;14(7):1675. doi:10.3390/ma14071675
- German MJ. Developments in resin-based composites. Br Dent J 2022;232(9):638-43. doi:10.1038/s41415-022-4240-8
- Dietschi D, Shahidi C, Krejci I. Clinical performance of direct anterior composite restorations: a systematic literature review and critical appraisal. Int J Esthet Dent 2019;14(3):252-70.
- Lauridsen E, Andersson L, Suresh N. The dental trauma guide: an evidence-based treatment guide. Endodontology 2023;35(2):79-84. doi:10.4103/endo.endo_46_23
- Jose J, Palanivelu A, Subbaiyan H. Different treatment modalities followed by dental practitioners for Ellis class 2 fracture–a questionnaire-based survey. Open Dent J 2020;14:59-65. doi:10.2174/1874210602014010059
- Ali S, Iqbal K, Asmat M, Farooq I, Mustafa Khan A, Alam MK. Dental resin composite restoration practices amongst general dental practitioners of Karachi, Pakistan. World J Dent 2019;10(2):129-34. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10015-1618
- Ferracane JL. Resin composite--state of the art. Dent Mater 2011;27(1):29-38. doi:10.1016/j.dental.2010.10.020
- Mule AE, Warhadpande MM, Dakshindas DM. Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice among dental professionals in Central India regarding amalgam restoration and composite restoration as posterior restorative material: a questionnaire-based study. J Clin Diagn Res 2023;17(7):ZC33-8. doi:10.7860/ jcdr/2023/62859.18202
- Zhou X, Huang X, Li M, Peng X, Wang S, Zhou X, et al. Development and status of resin composite as dental restorative materials. J Appl Polym Sci 2019;136(44):48180. doi:10.1002/app.48180
- Dutra D, Pereira G, Kantorski KZ, Valandro LF, Zanatta FB. Does finishing and polishing of restorative materials affect bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation? A systematic review. Oper Dent 2018;43(1):E37-52. doi:10.2341/17-073-l
- Rodrigues-Junior SA, Chemin P, Piaia PP, Ferracane JL. Surface roughness and gloss of actual composites as polished with different polishing systems. Oper Dent 2015;40(4):418-29. doi:10.2341/14-014l
- Alkhudhairy F. Attitudes of dentists and interns in Riyadh to the use of dental amalgam. BMC Res Notes 2016;9(1):488. doi:10.1186/s13104-016-2294-x
- Davari A, Farahat F, Zare M. Evaluation of Yazd dentist’s knowledge, attitude and performance of aesthetic management of anterior composite restorations in 2020. J Shahid Sadoughi Univ Med Sci 2023;31(4):6601-14. doi:10.18502/ssu. v31i4.13030
- Sarvasri T, Sandeep AH. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Students Towards Indirect Dental Restoration. Cuest Fisioter 2025;54(3):4368-77. doi:10.48047/vnr8f867
- Sibai N, AlFadhel R, AlSaleh L, Durayhim SB, AlMthen H, AlSewailem L. Knowledge and clinical practice of restoration repair among dental undergraduate students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Open Dent J 2023;17(1):e187421062303280. doi:10.2174/18742106-v17-e230413-2022-171
- Zimmerli B, Lussi A, Flury S. Operator variability using different polishing methods and surface geometry of a nanohybrid composite. Oper Dent 2011;36(1):52-9. doi:10.2341/10-096-lr1
- Kumaran T. Knowledge attitude and practice of dental students towards finishing and polishing of composite restoration. J Pharm Negat Results 2022;13(4):1283-9. doi:10.47750/ pnr.2022.13.S04.152
)