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. 2020 Nov 2;65(4):169–177. doi: 10.1111/idj.12165

Table 2.

Correlation of third molar treatment recommendations to the level of training and length of experience

Recommendations Level of training Length of experience (years) Recommendations Level of training Length of experience (years)
Prophylactic removal of third molars General practitioner/Resident Yes 72.41% 1.82 Have equipment for emergency care in the private dental office General practitioner/Resident Yes 68.96% 1.82
No 27.59% No 31.04%
Specialist/Board certificated Yes 65.62% 5.93 Specialist/Board certificated Yes 87.05% 5.93
No 34.38% No 12.05%
Master’s degree/PhD Yes 75.75% 7.56 Master’s degree/PhD Yes 87.88% 7.56
No 24.24% No 12.12%
Believes that lower third molar causes dental crowding General practitioner/Resident Yes 27.59% 1.82 Use corticoid prophylaxis (as pre- and postoperative medication for pain, oedema and trismus control) General practitioner/Resident Yes 58.62% 1.82
No 72.41% No 41.38%
Specialist/Board certificated Yes 34.38% 5.93 Specialist/Board certificated Yes 65.63% 5.93
No 65.62% No 34.37%
Master’s degree/PhD Yes 36.36% 7.56 Master’s degree/PhD Yes 69.70% 7.56
No 63.64% No 30.30%
Believes that third molars can cause periodontal defects in adjacent tooth General practitioner/Resident Yes 82.76% 1.82 Use of NSAIDs (as preoperative medication for pain, oedema and trismus control) General practitioner/Resident Yes 13.80% 1.82
No 17.24% No 86.20%
Specialist/Board certificated Yes 81.25% 5.93 Specialist/Board certificated Yes 34.37% 5.93
No 18.75% No 65.63%
Master’s degree/PhD Yes 75.76% 7.56 Master’s degree/PhD Yes 30.31% 7.56
No 24.24% No 69.69%
Removal versus follow up of asymptomatic third molars with 2.5-mm-wide follicle on panoramic radiographs General practitioner/Resident Remove 75.86% 1.82 Use of antibiotic prophylaxis (excluding endocarditis) General practitioner/Resident Yes 72.41% 1.82
Follow up 24.14% No 27.59%
Specialist/Board certificated Remove 84.38% 5.93 Specialist/Board certificated Yes 65.62% 5.93
Follow up 15.62% No 34.38%
Master’s degree/PhD Remove 75.76% 7.56 Master degree/PhD degree Yes 75.76% 7.56
Follow up 24.24% No 24.24%
Use of sedation for third-molar removal General practitioner/Resident Yes 44.82% 1.82 Choice of medications to be used in third molar surgery is based on: General practitioner/Resident Individual experience 44.83% 1.82
No 55.18% Scientific data 55.17%
Specialist/Board certificated Yes 53.13% 5.93 Specialist/Board certificated Individual experience 50% 5.93
No 46.87% Scientific data 50%
Master’s degree/PhD Yes 51.52% 7.56 Master’s degree/PhD Individual experience 27.27% 7.56
No 48.48% Scientific data 72.73%

NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.