Abstract
Introduction: Endodontic management of post-obturation flare up could be confusing task for some dentist. Correct decision making on these cases will benefit on minimizing unnecessary treatment and antibiotic prescription. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare endodontic decision making for post-obturation flare-up among dental practitioners at varying levels of education. Methods and Materials: A scenario-based online questionnaire was distributed among the participants via social media (WhatsApp and Twitter) during the period from (06/2020) to (08/2020). The questionnaire comprised of a demographic section and a case scenario section comprising eight hypothetical cases with supporting periapical radiographs. Participants were requested to choose one response each from seven standard treatment options and four medication options for every case. Chi square test was used to compare among different groups. Level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The online questionnaire received a total of 391 responses from across Saudi Arabia. Results demonstrated a statistically significant difference among the different groups of participants (P<0.05). Endodontists showed the highest percentage of correct responses, either regarding the treatment procedure or prescribing medication, while general practitioners displayed the least. Conclusion: Endodontists and postgraduate residents in endodontics decision making were more conservative than undergraduate students and general practitioners. These results emphasize the need for more endodontic courses and lectures targeted toward general practitioners, and the importance of training undergraduates on decision making in endodontics.