Treatment of primary teeth using formocresol pulpotomy for patients attending a University Dental School Clinic: best practice implementation project

Abstract

Background: Dental caries is a significant worldwide dental health problem with high prevalence rates in primary teeth. Pulp treatment of primary teeth provides an alternative option to extraction when decay spreads into the pulp. Formocresol is the medicament of choice in the treatment of reversible pulpitis in the University of Ghana Dental School. Objectives: The aim of this project was to audit the current practice in the use of formocresol pulpotomy in the treatment of reversible pulpitis, identify barriers and implement a plan of action to conform to best practice, re-audit findings and implement future projects based on these findings. Methods: Records of 20 patients who had undergone formocresol pulpotomy were retrieved. A base line audit using the criteria as outlined in Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) program was conducted. Barriers were identified and action plan implemented for a follow up audit using different patients but the same sample size. Results: In four of the criteria, which were 100% at the baseline level, there was no change. The rest of the criteria showed a marked improvement in results. The formulation of a treatment protocol and the improvement of supervision greatly contributed to the outcomes. Conclusions: Through the use of JBI PACES to conduct an evidence based audit in the use of formocresol pulpotomy in the treatment of reversible pulpitis, practical implementation of strategies proved effective to overcome barriers encountered, and successful post implementation audit results were achieved.