Introduction and Objective:

The absolute isolation of the operative field with rubber dam (DG), is essential for the successful outcome of the endodontic and restorative treatment. To date, there is no scientific evidence to support its use among oral rehabilitators. The purposes of this study were: to determine the frequency of the use of DG as a method of absolute isolation, to identify which socio-demographic variables influenced its use, and to know the main reasons for its use or not by oral rehabilitators of the department of Antioquia during the restorative procedures.

Materials and methods:

A self-diligent survey with 17 questions was done to 77 oral rehabilitators. A descriptive uni-variate and bivariate statistical analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test was used to determine the association between demographic factors and the use or not of the DG (P <0.05).

Results:

In general, the prevalence of the use of the DG was 89.6% confidence interval, 95% (82.8% - 96.4%), being higher in the posterior sector 61.1%, followed by 55.9% in the previous sector, 19.5% post cementation and 14, 3% in the development of posts. Meanwhile, the lack of time with 44.2% and not seeing the need 28.6%, were the most prevalent reasons for omitting the use of the DG; the humidity control with 81.8% and improve the adhesion 71.4%, justified its use. Clinical experience was the only variable that influenced the use of DG (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

The use of DG was more frequent for the posterior sector than the previous one, and frequently omitted for the elaboration and cementation of posts.

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