Assessment of clinical knowledge and practice about space maintainers among Dental surgeons in West Bengal: An online questionnaire-based survey

Background: Space maintainers are crucial devices to prevent malocclusion following premature tooth loss. However, there is limited research on the knowledge and clinical application of space maintainers among dentists in West Bengal. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge & practice abo ut space maintainers among general dentist, paediatric dentists, and dental practitioners of other specializations in West Bengal, through an online questionnaire survey. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered structured online questionnaire, covering knowledge, and clinical practice about space maintainers among 400 dental surgeons in West Bengal, distributed through electronic media during September to November 2023. Data was collected and statistically analysed. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for measuring the association between the variables. Result and Observations: The study revealed diverse clinical knowledge levels among surveyed dental surgeons. Highest number of most desirable answers were given by MDS pedodontics (96.4%), MDS of other specialization (77.3%) and General dentist (70%). While many had a good understanding of space maintainer appliances, a notable percentage including lacked in-depth knowledge of specific types and variations. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and training to improve efficiency among dental surgeons in West Bengal. Conclusion: The findings from this study will enhance treatment outcomes, innovate educational programs, and support evidence-based practices in paediatric dentistry by offering valuable insights on space maintainers among dental practitioners in West Bengal.