Abstract: Objective: To investigate the application status of rubber dam isolation in Hubei dental practice. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire of rubber dam isolation was distributed to 1171 dental practitioners in 13 regions of Hubei Province, covering public and private dental clinics. Results: A total of 1167 valid questionnaires were recovered. The total score rates in knowledge, attitude, and practice of rubber dam isolation were 76.4%, 51.3%, and 34.9%, respectively. The highest proportion of treatment items using rubber dam isolation was root canal therapy (81.4%), the highest proportion of treated teeth was mandibular posterior teeth (84.4%), and the average operation time for a single tooth was 3.2 minutes. 71.6% of the respondents used rubber dam isolation, and the average application rate was 32.4%. The application rate of rubber dam isolation was related to regions, institution levels, educational backgrounds, majors, average operation time for a single tooth, working years, and the charging price. The technical factor had the highest average comprehensive score affecting the application of rubber dam isolation, followed by the price factor. Among the measures to improve rubber dam isolation, the highest comprehensive score was the adjustment of charging price. Conclusion: The application of rubber dam isolation in Hubei dental practice needs to be improved. Measurements such as strengthening the training of rubber dam isolation and adjusting the charging standard can be taken to improve the application rate of rubber dam isolation.

Key words: dentistry, questionnaire, rubber dam isolation