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Pulp Therapy

48 - Prevalence of Rubber Dam Use Among Pediatric Dental Providers for Vital Pulp Therapy

Friday, May 22, 2026
4:20 PM - 4:35 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Micah Dickerson, DDS

    Resident
    Howard University, Washington, D.C.
    Howard University College of Dentistry Pediatric Dental Residency Program
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • RS

    Reginald Salter, MBA, DDS, PhD, FICD, FACD

    Assistant Professor Comprehensive Dentistry and Director Admissions, Student Activities & Programs
    Howard University
    District of Columbia, District of Columbia, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • RS

    Reginald Salter, MBA, DDS, PhD, FICD, FACD

    Assistant Professor Comprehensive Dentistry and Director Admissions, Student Activities & Programs
    Howard University
    District of Columbia, District of Columbia, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • LB

    LaToya Barham, DDS

    Program Director
    Howard University College of Dentistry Pediatric Department
    Washington, District of Columbia, United States

This study examined factors influencing the use of rubber dam versus alternative isolation systems during vital pulp therapy (VPT) among dental providers. Specifically, it evaluated whether training, demographics, and clinical backgrounds were associated with isolation preferences and adherence to guideline-recommended rubber dam use. A nationwide, cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to pediatric dentists, general dentists, and residents. Data collected included demographics, years in practice, training type, exposure to rubber dam instruction, program emphasis on alternative isolation devices (e.g., Isolite, DryShield), and self-reported frequency of rubber dam use. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Spearman correlations evaluated associations among training, demographic factors, and isolation practices. Among 203 respondents, 44% reported rarely or never using rubber dam during vital pulp therapy, despite guideline recommendations. Training was a significant predictor: providers taught rubber dam as the standard isolation method were significantly more likely to report regular use (P < .001). Conversely, programs emphasizing or practicing alternative isolation systems were negatively associated with rubber dam use (P=.018). No significant associations were found for age, gender, or years in practice.

Findings show a clear gap between current practice and AAPD guidelines. About 44% of providers surveyed rarely or never use a rubber dam during vital pulp therapy. Training experiences had the strongest influence on practice patterns , while demographic factors showed no association. These results highlight the need for residency programs to emphasize isolation methods supported by AAPD guidelines. Aligning clinical education with evidence based standards will promote consistent and biologically appropriate care during vital pulp therapy.





Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by Howard University under IRB-2025-1909 and my PI: Salter, Reginald, D.D.S., MBA, Ph.D.