Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dentists Regarding the Diagnosis and Management of White Spot Lesions

Background: The management of white spot caries lesions (WSCLs) presents a clinical challenge due to a lack of standardized protocols. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental practitioners in Russia regarding the diagnosis and treatment of WSCLs. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from October 2024 to July 2025 among 397 dental professionals in Russia. A validated questionnaire assessed four domains: demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices concerning WSCL management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Spearman’s correlation. Results: The majority of respondents were females (83%), with over half having less than five years of experience (55%). A majority of the practitioners (62.5%) demonstrated a good level of knowledge (mean score 12.8 ± 2.2). Knowledge was significantly better among female practitioners (p < 0.001) and inversely correlated with years of clinical experience (p < 0.001). Attitudes towards minimally invasive treatment were mainly positive (mean score 13.5 ± 2.6), with 86% of respondents showing a positive score (>10 points). While awareness of minimally invasive techniques like resin infiltration (84%) and remineralization (79.1%) was high, clinical practice varied. Remineralization was the most frequently used treatment (68% used casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate and 62% used fluoride), whereas resin infiltration was used by 46% and microabrasion by only 5% of the respondents. A majority of dentists (52%) preferred monitoring lesions rather than immediate intervention. Conclusions: Russian dental practitioners possess good theoretical knowledge and positive attitudes toward contemporary, minimally invasive management of WSCLs. However, a significant gap exists between knowledge and clinical practice, particularly concerning the use of resin infiltration and microabrasion. These findings underscore the need for continuous education on the topic.

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Publication Details

Journal
Dentistry Journal
Published
2026-06-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14060365
Primary Topic
Dental Health and Care Utilization
Type
article
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article

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dentists Regarding the Diagnosis and Management of White Spot Lesions

Alexandr Zaytsev, Inna Sokhova, Nina Novozhilova, I.A. Makeeva et al.
Dentistry Journal
Dental Health and Care Utilization
article

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dentists Regarding the Diagnosis and Management of White Spot Lesions

Alexandr Zaytsev, Inna Sokhova, Nina Novozhilova, I.A. Makeeva, Ksenia Babina, Maria Polyakova, Anna Mikheikina, Anastasia Mun
article en

Abstract

Background: The management of white spot caries lesions (WSCLs) presents a clinical challenge due to a lack of standardized protocols. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental practitioners in Russia regarding the diagnosis and treatment of WSCLs. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from October 2024 to July 2025 among 397 dental professionals in Russia. A validated questionnaire assessed four domains: demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices concerning WSCL management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Spearman’s correlation. Results: The majority of respondents were females (83%), with over half having less than five years of experience (55%). A majority of the practitioners (62.5%) demonstrated a good level of knowledge (mean score 12.8 ± 2.2). Knowledge was significantly better among female practitioners (p < 0.001) and inversely correlated with years of clinical experience (p < 0.001). Attitudes towards minimally invasive treatment were mainly positive (mean score 13.5 ± 2.6), with 86% of respondents showing a positive score (>10 points). While awareness of minimally invasive techniques like resin infiltration (84%) and remineralization (79.1%) was high, clinical practice varied. Remineralization was the most frequently used treatment (68% used casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate and 62% used fluoride), whereas resin infiltration was used by 46% and microabrasion by only 5% of the respondents. A majority of dentists (52%) preferred monitoring lesions rather than immediate intervention. Conclusions: Russian dental practitioners possess good theoretical knowledge and positive attitudes toward contemporary, minimally invasive management of WSCLs. However, a significant gap exists between knowledge and clinical practice, particularly concerning the use of resin infiltration and microabrasion. These findings underscore the need for continuous education on the topic.

Dentistry JournalVol. 14(6)
Sechenov University (RU)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Dental Health and Care Utilization
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