The need to evaluate the frequency and determinants of restorative care for evidence based dentistry is increasing. The predominant method of dental treatment in the U.S. occurs in private practices; therefore, it is most appropriate to evaluate these determinants of restorative care in this environment. This research will enable us to better address quality of care issues in private practices. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the restoration placement, replacement, and survival patterns in the private practice of dentists. Methods: Charts of patients who had been treated within the last three years were reviewed from two independent private practitioners. Demographic and clinical information was recorded, which included the total number of teeth, number and type of existing restorations, restorations indicated for replacement, and reasons for replacement. Results: Two hundred charts from each practice were evaluated in this study. The mean number of teeth per patient in Dentist A's practice was 28.5 ± 3.9 and in Dentist B's was 25.8 ± 4.4. The total number of restorations evaluated was 3672. Dentist A's practice averaged 8.0 ± 3.8 restorations per person, and Dentist B's mean was 10.6 ± 6.6 restorations per person. These differences were statistically significant. No differences were seen in survival rates between the dentists, the average survival rate was 6.1 ± 5.3 for Dentist A's restorations and 6.1 ± 5.2 years for Dentist B's restorations (p=0.984). Conclusions: This study found differences in practice patterns, but not in restoration quality as measured by survival.

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