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Pulp Therapy

429 - The Adoption of LSTR in the Pediatric Dental Residency Setting​

Saturday, May 23, 2026
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • JW

    Jacob D. White, DMD

    Resident
    University of Nebraska Medical Center
    UNMC
    Omaha, Nebraska, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • ZH

    Zach L. Houser, DMD

    Program Director
    UNMC
    Omaha, Nebraska, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • ZH

    Zach L. Houser, DMD

    Program Director
    UNMC
    Omaha, Nebraska, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • AB

    Alexandra L. Bilunas, DDS

    Program Director
    UNMC College of Dentistry
    University of Nebraska Medical Center
    Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Abstract

Background: Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair (LSTR) is a relatively novel technique in pediatric dentistry. It is a minimally invasive approach for managing necrotic primary teeth, offering an alternative to conventional treatment options such as pulpectomy or extraction with space maintenance. Although LSTR has been described in the literature as a potential alternative to traditional pulp therapy, its adoption within pediatric dental residency programs remains unclear.

Objective: The aim of this study was to survey pediatric dental residency programs to evaluate the clinical utilization of LSTR, assess its inclusion in resident education, and identify perceived benefits and barriers to its implementation.

Methods: A web-based survey was distributed to directors of accredited pediatric dental residency programs. Survey items included program demographics, clinical use of LSTR, extent of didactic and clinical instruction, faculty familiarity with the technique, and factors influencing program-level adoption.

Results: Results demonstrated that awareness of LSTR was universal among respondents. However, variability existed in both educational exposure and clinical utilization. While some programs reported formal incorporation of LSTR into their curriculum, others included it only informally. Clinical use was limited, with the majority of programs reporting occasional or no use. Key barriers identified included regulatory restrictions on in-house compounding of triple antibiotic paste, logistical and cost-related challenges, patient follow-up limitations, and lack of inclusion in standardized clinical guidelines.

Conclusions: LSTR is widely recognized but remains underutilized in pediatric dental residency programs. Barriers to implementation appear to be primarily systemic and logistical rather than due to lack of interest. These findings highlight opportunities for improved access to materials, expanded faculty training, and further research to support integration of LSTR into pediatric dental education and clinical practice.