Selection of Resin-Based Restorative Materials: A Pilot Study on Professional Characteristics, Knowledge, and Selection Criteria

Aim: Resin-based restorative materials have been the material of choice for direct dental restorations. However, the selection process remains multifaceted, while dentists often face the challenge of choosing the most suitable materials that not only meet clinical requirements but also align with their preferences, practice settings, and individual characteristics. This pilot study aimed to evaluate professional characteristics, knowledge levels, and selection criteria for resin-based restorative materials among dental clinicians at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted between October 2023 and January 2025. A structured instrument comprising 23 closed-ended and 5 open-ended questions was administered to 87 dental clinicians. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, professional background, knowledge of resin materials, material selection preferences for anterior and posterior restorations, and influencing factors including economic and environmental considerations. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 29. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficients, and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized to assess relationships between professional characteristics (e.g., clinical experience, age, postgraduate education) and material selection decisions.Results: Findings revealed that clinicians with over five years of experience demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of material composition (r = .230, p < .05) and shelf life (r = .223, p < .05). Less experienced practitioners prioritized anatomical and esthetic features, whereas experienced dentists favored specialized resin materials for anterior restorations. For posterior restorations, the majority (75.9%) selected packable composite resin for its superior mechanical properties and wear resistance. Additionally, procurement responsibility was associated with increased familiarity with industry specifications (r = .254, p < .05). Environmental considerations were noted as secondary factors, with notable gender-based differences observed.Conclusion: The study highlights that clinical experience and procurement involvement significantly influence the selection of restorative materials. While less experienced dentists focus on essential esthetic criteria, experienced clinicians incorporate a wider range of technical and regulatory factors. These insights report on the need for targeted educational interventions to bridge existing knowledge gaps and promote evidence-based decision-making in restorative dentistry.