Placement of Posterior Composite Restorations: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dental Practitioners in Libya

Dental practitioner-related factors can influence the quality and longevity of composite restorations. This study aimed to examine the clinical techniques used by dental practitioners (DPs) in Tripoli, Libya, when placing direct posterior composite restorations, with a focus on identifying any associations between clinical practices and years of experience. A questionnaire survey covering aspects of posterior composite placement, including material preference, cavity preparation, adhesive technique, isolation method, and occlusion adjustment, was distributed to 120 DPs in Tripoli. Data were statistically analyzed using Fisher’s exact test to assess associations between years of experience and specific clinical practices. Composite was the preferred material for both small and large posterior cavities across all experience levels. No statistically significant associations were found between years of experience and key clinical practices, including preparation techniques (pulpal depth, p = 0.9005), adhesive choice (p = 0.5679), isolation method (p = 0.2515), and occlusal adjustment (p = 0.7469). The study found that DPs in Tripoli display a standardized approach to posterior composite restorations, with minimal variation in clinical techniques based on experience. These findings suggest the effectiveness of foundational training in establishing consistent practices among Libyan DPs, though further emphasis on specific techniques, such as rubber dam isolation, may be beneficial in education and training.