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were randomly selected
at that time listed 3293
1greement of the Danish
is were sent to all 1156
-herefore, the pattern of
entire Danish population
dition, an announcement
i and in one issue of the
ments (Study II, V)
a mandibular molar and
:ion, providing an aseptic
ig the root canals. The
es were marked as 'very
ere asked to assess the
ing a 100 mm VAS with
JP group response was
ed on the mean values
·s fulfilling the criteria of
mtic outcome within the
1wing the answers of the
option to make a re­
,cores of the others, as
"he GDP group opinions
ests because a normal
Categorization of GDP self-assessments (Study II, IV, V)
The GDP responders were asked to estimate the time spent to prepare the access
cavity and perform mechanical root canal preparation and root filling, and the reports
were categorised in five groups: ::5,15 min., 16-30 min., 31-45 min., 46-60 min., and~
61 min. (Study II). Moreover, the GDPs were approached with questions concerning
the frequency with which endodontic instruments, materials and procedures were
used (Study IV). The respondent had three options: often, occasionally and never.
Also, the GDPs were evaluated with respect to their endodontic knowledge, and they
were asked to make a self-assessment (Study V) graded as excellent, satisfactory or
non-satisfactory of various topics ('pulpal pathology', 'microbiology', 'clinical
diagnostics' and 'prognostic factors') as well as of endodontic-related technical skills
('injecting local anaesthesia', 'emergency treatment', 'root canal preparation
procedure' and 'root filling procedure'). Most often the variables were ordered
categorically (Study II, IV, V); therefore the basic tool chosen was Goodman­
Kruskal's y-coefficient (Upton 1999). It is an association measure with a positive
value indicating a positive association and a negative value a negative association
Malpractice claims (1995-2004) (Study VI)
Permission to get access to the files was obtained from the Danish National Health
Insurance and the Danish Data Protection Agency. All claims handled by the regional
as well as the national Dental Complaint Boards were included. The total complaint
material comprised files from 1995 to 2004 (n = 3611 ). An endodontic problem could
be detected in 517 claims registered between 1995 and 2002, and in 93% (n = 482) a
more specific report was available. An age and sex analysis of dentists and
complaining patients was performed on these 482 claims, and a further endodontic
sub-classification in terms of causes for the claims could be carried out.