Pediatric Dentists’ Practice Patterns in the Management of Permanent Teeth Needing Endodontic Treatment

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The objective of this study was to evaluate practice patterns among pediatric dentists for the management of permanent teeth needing endodontic treatment. <b>Methods</b>: An electronic nationwide survey was sent to all members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The survey assessed provider training on and confidence (0-100, with 100 = "most confident") in treating pediatric patients needing endodontic treatment on permanent teeth, referral patterns, and preferred educational resources. A logistic regression identified significant predictors of confidence levels. <b>Results:</b> The final sample included 259 respondents, with 71% having over 10 years of experience in practice. A total of 47% of respondents reported performing endodontic treatments on permanent teeth in pediatric patients, with direct pulp capping (70%) and partial or full pulpotomy (62%) being the most common procedures. Although the respondents moderately agreed (53 ± 32) that they received sufficient training during their residency to perform endodontic treatment on permanent teeth, their reported comfort levels with performing these procedures were low (0.001 ± 33). The adequacy of the training received during their residency was identified as a significant predictor of a higher level of confidence (<i>p</i> < 0.001, 95% CI 0.437, 0.667). The respondents highlighted additional continuing education courses and training, dedicated lectures at the AAPD Annual Session, and annual joint symposia or meetings between the AAPD and the American Association of Endodontists as the most valuable educational resources for the endodontic management of permanent teeth in pediatric patients. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings suggest that enhancing residency training and expanding access to targeted continuing education opportunities are critical for improving pediatric dentists' confidence and competence in the endodontic management of permanent teeth in pediatric patients.