Chilean Dentists' Perspectives on the Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride as a Caries Treatment in Children: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries in children remains a significant challenge in Chile and globally. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) offers an effective and minimally invasive option for arresting active carious lesions. However, its clinical adoption is heterogeneous and shaped by aesthetic, communicative and institutional factors. AIM: To analyse how Chilean dentists make clinical decisions regarding the use of SDF as a therapeutic strategy for the management of childhood caries. DESIGN: A qualitative study using thematic analysis, based on 16 semi-structured interviews with dentists experienced in the care of children across different clinical and academic settings. RESULTS: Dentists described contrasting positions regarding the use of SDF. It was valued as a child-centred strategy, particularly for young children or those with low levels of cooperation, while other participants questioned its use due to permanent staining and the lack of functional or aesthetic restoration. Acceptance was strongly influenced by communication with caregivers and the informed consent process. Implementation was further mediated by institutional conditions and diverse training trajectories. CONCLUSION: The incorporation of SDF into paediatric dental practice in Chile is shaped by clinical, aesthetic, communicative, institutional and educational factors. These findings provide contextualised evidence to inform local guidelines.