Comportamiento del Servicio de Urgencia Estomatológica en tiempos de covid-19. Jagüey Grande, Matanzas, 2020 / Behavior of the Dentistry Emergency Service in the times of COVID-19. Jagüey Grande, Matanzas, 2020

RESUMEN Introducción: en marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud determinó que la covid-19 podía caracterizarse como una pandemia. Desde entonces, Cuba implementó medidas de control sanitario y evita el colapso de los servicios de salud. Por su parte, la atención estomatológica básica quedó sustituida por la de urgencias y es brindada por personal calificado con equipos de protección. Objetivos: describir el comportamiento de la atención a urgencias estomatológicas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal (de marzo a agosto de 2020), a un universo constituido por 3 722 pacientes atendidos en dicho período, 32 estomatólogos y 29 licenciados. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo y patología de urgencias. Resultados: entre los estomatólogos que atendieron urgencias, predominaron los de 22 a 35 años (68,75 %), el sexo femenino (77,27 %) y licenciadas del grupo de 36 a 50 años (68,96 %). Los pacientes atendidos en Urgencias fueron mayormente de 19 a 59 años (76,03 %) y de sexo masculino (52,76 %). Los motivos más representativos de asistencia allí, fueron la odontalgia (53,68 %), el absceso alveolar agudo (17,35 %), la hiperestesia dentinaria (6,15 %) y la estomatitis aftosa (5,02 %). Conclusiones: la atención estomatológica de urgencia fue brindada fundamentalmente por personal joven, no comprendido dentro del grupo vulnerable, de sexo femenino. Las principales urgencias estomatológicas fueron la odontalgia por estados inflamatorios pulpares, el absceso alveolar agudo, la hiperestesia dentinaria y la estomatitis aftosa, prevaleciendo pacientes adultos del sexo masculino (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: in March 2020, the World Health Organization decided that COVID-19 could be characterized as a pandemic. Since then on, Cuba has implemented health control measures and prevents the collapse of the health services. For its part, basic dentist care was replaced by emergency care and is provided by qualified personnel with protective equipment. Objective: to describe the behavior of care to dentistry emergencies. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was carried out to a universe formed by 3 722 patients, 32 dentists and 29 bachelors. The variables age, gender and emergency pathology were studied. Results: among the dentists who attended the emergency, those aged 22-35 years (68.75 %), who were female (77.27 %), and bachelors from the 36-50 age group (68.96 %) predominated. The patients treated in the Emergencies were mostly 19 to 59 years old (76.03 %) and male (52.76 %). The most representative reasons for care there were toothache (53.68 %), acute alveolar abscess (17.35 %), dental hyperesthesia (6.15 %) and aphthous stomatitis (5.02 %). Conclusions: emergency dentistry care was provided mainly by young female persons, not included within the vulnerable group. The main dentistry emergencies were toothaches by pulpal inflammatory states, acute alveolar abscess, dental hyperesthesia and aphthous stomatitis, prevailing adult male patients (AU).

Impacto académico de la COVID-19 en estudiantes cubanos de Estomatología / Academic impact of the COVID-19 in Cuban dental students

Introducción: La COVID-19 ha impactado en diversos ámbitos de la educación superior, por lo que es necesario generar investigaciones que aporten evidencias sobre el tema. Objetivo: Validar una escala para evaluar las percepciones de los estudiantes cubanos de Estomatología sobre el posible impacto académico a causa de la COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio de tipo instrumental y transversal. A partir de un instrumento en español validado en estudiantes de medicina y otros universitarios peruanos, se realizó el primer paso de la validación mediante el criterio de expertos. Luego se desarrolló un análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) por mínimos cuadrados no ponderados y se calculó la consistencia interna con el Alpha de Cronbach. Resultados: Se incluyó a 159 participantes de los cuales el 60,38 por ciento fueron hombres y la media de la edad fue 21,86 años. Todos los ítems recibieron una evaluación favorable por parte de los expertos (V > 0,70). De la escala inicial, el análisis preliminar sugirió eliminar el ítem 6. La pertinencia del análisis factorial exploratorio se justificó con el índice KMO (0,801) y la prueba de Bartlett (344,8; gl = 15; p = 0,000) cuyos valores fueron aceptables y significativos. Se obtuvo un coeficiente de Cronbach de 0,915 (IC 95 por ciento = 0,90-0,91), lo cual indica que la consistencia del instrumento es buena. Conclusiones: Se validó una escala de factor único que mide la percepción que tienen los estudiantes cubanos de Estomatología acerca de las posibles repercusiones académicas de la COVID-19(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has impacted in different scopes of higher education, that is why is necessary to generate researches that contribute with evidences on this topic. Aim: To validate a scale for evaluating the Cuban dental students' perceptions on the possible academic impact of the COVID-19. Methods: Instrumental and cross-sectional study. Starting from a Spanish language instrument validated in Peruvian medical and other university students, the first step of the validation through the expert's criteria was performed. After, a factorial exploratory analysis (FEA), by not pondered minima squares, was performed and the internal consistency was measured through Alpha of Cronbach. Results : 159 students were suitable for analysis; 60.38 percent were men and the mean age was 21.86 years. All items were evaluated in a favorable way by the expert's criteria. From the initial scale, the preliminary analysis suggested to eliminate the item 6. The relevance of the FEA was justified with the KMO index (0.801) and Bartlett's test (344.8; gl=15; p=0.000) being acceptable and significant. An Alpha of Cronbach's coefficient of 0.915 with a 95 percent confidence interval of 0.90-0.91 was obtained; indicating that the consistency of the instrument is good. Conclusions : A single factor scale measuring Cuban dental students' perception of the possible academic impact of the COVID-19 was validated(AU)

Cuidados en los servicios de Prótesis frente a la pandemia por covid-19 / Cares in the Prosthetic services toward COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMEN La covid-19 es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, y es capaz de provocar un cuadro clínico variable. Los individuos que están en contacto estrecho con pacientes positivos de esta enfermedad, tienen un mayor riesgo de infección. Así les sucede a los trabajadores de la salud que atienden directamente a pacientes. Al igual que otros servicios de salud, la atención estomatológica requiere del contacto estrecho entre el profesional y el paciente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir las principales recomendaciones para la prevención y control de infecciones por SARS-CoV-2 en los servicios de Prótesis. En la práctica dental, la prevención, el control y la reducción de la transmisión de infecciones se realiza a través del uso del equipo de protección personal y de un conjunto de procedimientos de descontaminación, desinfección y esterilización en cualquier superficie o instrumento. La constante actualización científica y la adopción de medidas de protección antes, durante y después de la atención estomatológica, podrán garantizar el éxito de la atención médica con el mínimo riesgo de contagio (AU).

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is an infectious diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it is able to provoke variable clinical characteristics. The individuals that are in close contact with this disease positive patients are at higher infection risk. That is the case of the heath care workers directly caring for patients. As in any health service, dentistry care requires the narrow contact between the professional and the patient. The aim of this paper was describing the main recommendations for preventing and control SARS-CoV-2 in Prosthetic services. In the dental practice, the prevention, control and reduction of infection transmission is achieved using the personal protection equipment and a whole of decontamination, disinfection and sterilization procedures in any surface or device. The constant scientific updating and adopting protection measures before, during and after the dentistry care can ensure the success of health care with the minimal risk of contagion (AU).

Recent Advances in Cone-beam CT in Oral Medicine.

BACKGROUND: The cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology has continuously evolved since its appearance in oral medicine in the early 2000s. OBJECTIVES: To present recent advances in CBCT in oral medicine: i) selection of recent and consensual evidence-based sources, ii) structured summary of the information based on an iterative framework and iii) compliance with ethical, public health and patient-centered concerns. MAIN FINDINGS: We will focus on technological advances, such as sensors and reconstruction algorithms used to improve the constant quality of the image and dosimetry. CBCT examination is now performed in almost all disciplines of oral medicine: currently, the main clinical disciplines that use CBCT acquisitions are endodontics and oral surgery, with clearly defined indications. Periodontology and ear, nose and throat medicine are more recent fields of application. For a given application and indication, the smallest possible field of view must be used. One of the major challenges in contemporary healthcare is ensuring that technological developments do not take precedence over admitted standards of care. The entire volume should be reviewed in full, with a systematic approach. All findings are noted in the patient's record and explained to the patient, including incidental findings. This presupposes the person reviewing the images is sufficiently trained to interpret such images, inform the patient and organize the clinical pathway, with referrals to other medical or oral medicine specialties as needed. CONCLUSION: A close collaboration between dentists, medical physicists, radiologists, radiographers and engineers is critical for all aspects of CBCT technology.

Teledentistry in the diagnosis of oral lesions: A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize information on the use of teledentistry in the diagnosis of oral lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search conducted in August 2018 included articles published until December 2018 in 4 databases. Two reviewers evaluated the search results separately. If they were uncertain as to whether to include an article, a third reviewer made the final decision. Studies related to the diagnosis of oral lesions using teledentistry were included. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using the Quality Assessment of Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included in the study. The selected articles were published between 1999 and 2018, predominantly in developing countries. The professionals acting as patient examiners are dental students and dentists, as well as other health professionals. Most of the patients evaluated in the studies were from rural populations or locations distant from large centers. The tools used to obtain patient data were smartphones, videoconference, email, questionnaires, histopathological exams, and telemedicine applications and systems. Most studies concluded that there is a high level of agreement between teledentistry and clinical consultation and that the use of this resource for diagnostic purposes can reduce costs and the travel time to consult a specialist personally. Nine of the 11 studies were of good quality. CONCLUSIONS: Teledentistry has the potential to improve the care quality related to diagnosis and management of oral lesions, shortening distances between patients who need specialized diagnoses and specialists.

Referentes sobre la prevención de la COVID-19 en Estomatología / References on the prevention of COVID-19 in the Dental Service

RESUMEN Introducción: La atención estomatológica expone a los sujetos actuantes al riesgo de infectarse y presentar la enfermedad por el coronavirus-2, denominada COVID-19. Objetivo: Ofrecer un referente teórico sobre la COVID-19 que sustente la preparación de los estomatólogos para la percepción del riesgo y la autoprotección en las condiciones actuales de esta pandemia. Método: En el Hospital General Docente "Dr. Agostinho Neto", entre marzo y junio de 2020 se hizo una revisión narrativa sobre este tema a través de una búsqueda en diferentes bases de datos bibliográficas: Pubmed/Medline, Science Direct y SciELO. Resultados: Se encontraron artículos de varios autores que aportan al conocimiento de la prevención del nuevo coronavirus en los servicios de salud. Conclusiones: Tener en cuenta la vía de transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 revela que los estomatólogos son uno de los profesionales de las ciencias de la salud con mayor riesgo de enfermar por la COVID-19, lo que hace necesario se apropien de las bases teóricas esenciales para su prevención y diagnóstico, las que quedan sistematizada en el artículo que se presenta.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dental care exposes acting personnel to the risk of infection and of acquiring the coronavirus-2 disease, called COVID-19. Objective: To provide a theoretical reference on COVID-19 to support the preparation of stomatologists for risk perception and self-protection in the current conditions of this pandemic. Method: At the General Teaching Hospital "Dr. Agostinho Neto", between March and June 2020 a narrative review was made on this topic through a search in different bibliographic databases: Pubmed/Medline, ScienceDirect and SciELO. Results: It was found articles by several authors that contribute to the knowledge of the prevention of the new coronavirus in the health services. Conclusions: Taking into account the way of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 reveals that oral medicine specialists are one of the health science professionals with the greatest risk of illness from COVID-19, therefore, it is necessary to set up the essential theoretical bases for its prevention and diagnosis, which are reflected in this article.

World Workshop on Oral Medicine VII: What participants perceive as important.

Our objective was to identify which aspects of World Workshop on Oral Medicine (WWOM) participation were perceived as significant for participants' professional development. Online survey was sent to previous WWOM participants. Qualitative analysis of participants' responses to an open-ended question was performed. Fifty-two WWOM participants responded. Nearly three quarters of respondents (72.3%) felt that participation in the WWOM helped their career. A high percentage of respondents (67.3%) provided answers that fell under the domains of international collaboration, followed by personal academic benefits (48%). Overall, the results indicate that WWOM participation played an important role in individual's professional development. We identified aspects of WWOM involvement that the participants perceived as important. This information will be used for the development of an objective instrument for measuring impact of WWOM on participant's professional path.

Circular RNAs: Diversity of Functions and a Regulatory Nova in Oral Medicine: A Pilot Review.

Oral diseases, such as cancers, inflammation, loss of bone/tooth/soft tissues, are serious threats to human health since some can cause systemic disease and effective treatments are limited. Thus, discovering promising biomarkers for physiological and pathological processes in oral medicine, and identifying novel targets for therapy have become a most critical issue. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), which were once thought to be a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), are found to be of coding potential. CircRNAs are highly present in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells and are key elements in the physiological and biological processes of various pathological conditions, and are also reflected in oral development and progress. Previous studies have indicated that circRNAs are involved in the initiation and development of different types of diseases and tissues (e.g., cancers, cardiovascular diseases, neural development, growth and development, wood healing, liver regeneration). Moreover, growing evidence demonstrates that circRNAs play vital roles in oral cancers and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Here, we focus on the biological characteristics of circRNAs, beginning with an overview of previous studies on the functional roles of circRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in oral medicine. We hope this will give us a promising new comprehension of the underlying mechanisms occurring during related biological and pathological progress, and contribute to the development of effective diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for oral diseases.

Boosted photoelectrochemical immunosensing of metronidazole in tablet using coral-like g-C3N4 nanoarchitectures.

A simple, facile and sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) bioassay protocol for metronidazole (MNZ) detection in common oral medicine samples has been proposed under visible-light irradiation, where novel hierarchical coral-like g-C3N4 nanoarchitectures (cg-C3N4) have been first explored as PEC sensing platform. Featured with the unique nanostructures (e.g., interlaced porous network architecture, and open boundaries), the as-formed cg-C3N4 nanoarchitectures not only efficiently inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole but also enable the immobilization of capture antibodies as well as the antibody-antigen binding efficiency fluently, thus amplifying the photocurrent response. This newly constructed PEC immunoassay displays excellent performance for MNZ determination with high sensitivity and selectivity. Under the optimal condition, this bioassay protocol exhibits a linear range of 0.01-100 µM with a detection limit of 0.005 µM at signal to noise ratio of 3. The resulting PEC immunoassay has been proved to be applicable for sensing MNZ in common oral medicine samples.

Perioperative intervention by oral medicine team in cardiovascular surgery patients.

In brief, perioperative oral intervention consists of elimination of odontogenic foci and maintenance of oral hygiene in patients undergoing surgery. The importance of oral intervention before, during, and after medical treatments is well-known, especially in cancer patients, because odontogenic foci such as untreated deep dental caries or periodontitis can cause systemic infection in patients with myelosuppression resulting from chemotherapy. Although perioperative oral intervention is currently recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease, its efficacy in this population has not been established. This article consists of three sections: first, we review the current knowledge about the association between dental disease and cardiovascular disease to show the importance of oral hygiene maintenance and the risks of invasive dental procedures in patients with cardiovascular disease; second, we introduce pertinent, but limited evidence concerning the effect of oral care in preventing postoperative pneumonia; and finally, we present the optimal strategy for perioperative oral intervention in cardiovascular surgery patients.

Propuesta de Guía metodológica para evaluar la calidad de un servicio de Estomatología General Integral / Proposal for a methodological guide to evaluate the quality of a General Comprehensive Stomatology service

RESUMEN Fundamentación: Para la evaluación de la calidad de los servicios de salud se necesitan instrumentos que permitan una visión individual e integral de su estructura, procesos y resultados. Objetivo: Proponer una guía metodológica para evaluar la calidad de un servicio de Estomatología General Integral. Metodología: Se utilizó como método del nivel empírico: el análisis documental (documentos, programas, investigaciones relacionadas). La guía metodológica propuesta consta de dos etapas, la primera: constitución y capacitación del equipo de trabajo y la segunda: aplicación de la Guía metodológica para la evaluación de indicadores de tres dimensiones de calidad del servicio (estructura, proceso y resultado) a los que se les da la categoría de bien, regular o mal, según la sumatoria de los puntos. Conclusiones: La Guía metodológica propuesta puede ser un instrumento para la evaluación de la calidad de un servicio de Estomatología General Integral, al permitir la identificación de los problemas, según los componentes estructura, proceso y resultado.

ABSTRACT Background: For the evaluation of the quality of health services, instruments are needed which allow an individual and integral vision of their structure, processes and results. Objective: To propose a methodological guide to evaluate the quality of a General Comprehensive Stomatology service. Methodology: The method of the empirical level was used: documentary analysis (documents, programs, related research). The proposed methodological guide consists of two stages, the first: constitution and training of the work team and the second: application of the Methodological Guide for the evaluation of the three dimensions quality service indicators: structure, process and result, to which they are given the category of good, regular or bad, according to the sum of points. Conclusions: The proposed Methodological Guide can be an instrument for the evaluation of the quality of a General Comprehensive Stomatology service, by allowing the identification of problems, according to the components structure, process and result.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Infection Control Measures in Stomatology Students in Lima, Peru.

Introduction: The level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to infection control measures in undergraduate stomatology students is not well understood; that is why these variables were evaluated in the students of the Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista between September and November of 2017. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 347 students from the Ica, Lima Norte, and Chorrillos campuses were evaluated. The sample was calculated using the statistical formula of comparison of means. The questionnaire of the CDC (Center of Contagious Diseases) was used to measure the variables described. Results: It was observed that 72.05% of the students preferred to use oral rinsing before starting a treatment, 72.62% used the autoclave as the primary equipment to sterilize their instruments in the dental clinic, 95.10% considered that isolation is important in the control of the infection, 46.40% affirmed that tuberculosis is the most infectious disease, and only 26.51% considered it to be hepatitis B. On the other hand, it was found that the scores of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 2.74 ± 2.16, 3.59 ± 0.88, and 3.59 ± 1.73, respectively. Conclusions: The level of knowledge was low among the students evaluated; however, as far as the level of practices and attitudes was high, even so, this topic must be reinforced so that stomatology students reflect on the importance of the risks that exist to get infected with any disease inside the dental office, as outside of it.

Estrategia curricular de Medicina Natural y Tradicional en la disciplina Estomatología Integral / Curricular strategy of Natural and Traditional Medicine in the Comprehensive Dentistry Discipline

Introducción: La Medicina Natural y Tradicional constituye un área formativa necesaria según el Modelo del Profesional del futuro egresado de la carrera de Estomatología y está definida como estrategia curricular en el actual plan de estudios D, en el cual la disciplina principal integradora Estomatología Integral, es el eje conductor en la formación del estudiante. Objetivo: Describir la estrategia curricular de Medicina Natural y Tradicional en la disciplina Estomatología Integral de la carrera de Estomatología. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, de revisión analítica documental. Los documentos revisados fueron: planes de estudios de la carrera de Estomatología, las estrategias curriculares con énfasis en la de Medicina Natural y Tradicional, las disciplinas de la carrera con mayor profundidad en Estomatología Integral y sus asignaturas. Resultados: Los contenidos sobre MNT fueron incluidos en el programa de estudio de la carrera de Estomatología desde el plan de estudios C. El actual plan D los mantiene y enriquece, al establecer la MNT como una de las estrategias curriculares, la cual establece temas a abordar en 16 de las 20 asignaturas de la disciplina principal Estomatología Integral. Se observó falta de coincidencia entre los documentos vinculados para la ejecución de la estrategia. Conclusiones: La estrategia curricular de MNT de la carrera de Estomatología, establece contenidos a desarrollar en un número elevado de asignaturas de la disciplina principal Estomatología Integral, con carácter integrador con las prácticas estomatológicas convencionales, aunque se percibió falta de coincidencia entre los documentos vinculados para la ejecución de este trabajo(AU)

Introduction: Natural and Traditional Medicine constitutes a necessary formative area according to the Professional Framework of the future graduate students in Dentistry. It is defined as a curricular strategy in the current curriculum according to "D" plan, in which the main integrative discipline, Comprehensive Dentistry, is the focal point in the student´s formation. Objective: To describe the curricular strategy of Natural and Traditional Medicine in the Comprehensive Dentistry Discipline. Material and Methods: A descriptive research, with document analysis was carried out. The documents reviewed were: the curriculum in Dentistry; curricular strategies with an emphasis on Natural and Traditional Medicine; the disciplines of Dentistry, in greater detail of Comprehensive Dentistry, and their subjects. Results: The contents on NTM were included in the dental curriculum according to C plan. The current D plan maintains and improves them, when establishing the NTM as one of the curricular strategies, which presents topics that are expected to be covered in 16 of the 20 subjects of Comprehensive Dentistry as the main discipline. A lack of coincidence among the documents related to the implementation of the strategy was observed. Conclusions: The curricular strategy of NTM in the Comprehensive Dentistry Discipline establishes contents to develop in a high number of subjects of Comprehensive Dentistry as the main discipline, with an integration of conventional dental practices, although a lack of coincidence was perceived among the documents related to the implementation of this work.

Trends in polymeric electrospun fibers and their use as oral biomaterials.

Electrospinning is one of the techniques to produce structured polymeric fibers in the micro or nano scale and to generate novel materials for biomedical proposes. Electrospinning versatility provides fibers that could support different surgical and rehabilitation treatments. However, its diversity in equipment assembly, polymeric materials, and functional molecules to be incorporated in fibers result in profusion of recent biomaterials that are not fully explored, even though the recognized relevance of the technique. The present article describes the main electrospun polymeric materials used in oral applications, and the main aspects and parameters of the technique. Natural and synthetic polymers, blends, and composites were identified from the available literature and recent developments. Main applications of electrospun fibers were focused on drug delivery systems, tissue regeneration, and material reinforcement or modification, although studies require further investigation in order to enable direct use in human. Current and potential usages as biomaterials for oral applications must motivate the development in the use of electrospinning as an efficient method to produce highly innovative biomaterials, over the next few years. Impact statement Nanotechnology is a challenge for many researchers that look for obtaining different materials behaviors by modifying characteristics at a very low scale. Thus, the production of nanostructured materials represents a very important field in bioengineering, in which the electrospinning technique appears as a suitable alternative. This review discusses and provides further explanation on this versatile technique to produce novel polymeric biomaterials for oral applications. The use of electrospun fibers is incipient in oral areas, mainly because of the unfamiliarity with the technique. Provided disclosure, possibilities and state of the art are aimed at supporting interested researchers to better choose proper materials, understand, and design new experiments. This work seeks to encourage many other researchers-Dentists, Biologists, Engineers, Pharmacists-to develop innovative materials from different polymers. We highlight synthetic and natural polymers as trends in treatments to motivate an advance in the worldwide discussion and exploration of this interdisciplinary field.

[Holistic integrative medicine: application in prevention and treatment of oral mucosal diseases].

Holistic integrative medicine (HIM), as one of the important ideas in the field of medicine, arouses great concern recently. HIM regards the human body as a whole, turns data and evidence in medical research back to facts, integrates technologies and experience developed in clinical research into medical skills. The repeated practices at the levels of fact, experience, and medical skills will generate true knowledge to solve the wide spread problems brought by linearized thinking and fragmented knowledge. With the development of highly divided medical disciplines, how to utilize and practice HIM has become a common concern of the medical community. Specialization of stomatology, which is a first level discipline like medicine, has also become a trend for years. However, holistic concept cannot be overlooked, especially in the development of oral medicine. This article aims at the communication and exchange of knowledge about HIM among dental professionals. In order to serve the patients better, the authors look forward to practicing the HIM concept in the field of oral medicine through the efforts of us all.

Historia de los servicios estomatológicos en el municipio de Colón / History to the service of dentistry in Colon municipality

La Estomatología en el municipio de Colón ha pasado por diversos momentos, hoy toma dimensiones cualitativamente superiores, que contribuyen a elevar la salud bucal y la calidad de vida de la población. Se considera pionera en la atención estomatológica. El objetivo es revelar la historia de los servicios de Odontología, en el municipio (AU).

Dentistry, in the municipality of Colon has gone through different moments. Nowadays it is taking qualitatively higher dimensions contributing to improve the population´s oral health and life quality. It is considered a pioneer in dental care. The aim is telling the history of Odontology services in the municipality (AU).

Aplicación de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional y dificultades para su uso en Estomatología / Uses of Natural and Traditional Medicine and difficulties for its application in dentistry

Introducción: en Cuba con la introducción de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en Estomatología, se amplía el enfoque terapéutico para las afecciones bucomaxilofaciales. No obstante, en la actualidad se observan dificultades para su aplicación. Objetivos: describir algunos aspectos de la aplicación de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional por estomatólogos del municipio Playa e identificar las dificultades que perciben para su utilización. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, de enero a mayo del año 2012, con la aplicación de un cuestionario elaborado al efecto a una muestra de 88 estomatólogos del municipio Playa, La Habana, Cuba. Las variables estudiadas fueron: años de graduado, especialidad, maestría, aplicación de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en el tratamiento estomatológico, terapias aplicadas con mayor frecuencia, dificultades para su aplicación y recomendaciones para favorecer su utilización. Resultados: en la muestra, el 58,0 por ciento correspondió a profesionales con 1 a 20 años de graduados y el 60,2 por ciento a especialistas en Estomatología General Integral. El 97,7 por ciento refirió hacer uso de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en el tratamiento estomatológico; la terapia más aplicada resultó ser la Fitoterapia (80,7 por ciento). El 62,5 por ciento refirió como dificultad, falta de conocimiento sobre estas terapias y el 35,2 por ciento recomendó realizar cursos sobre las mismas. Conclusiones: casi la totalidad de los encuestados refirieron aplicar la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en el tratamiento estomatológico. Las principales dificultades referidas para su aplicación fueron la falta de conocimiento sobre estas terapias y no disponer regularmente de los recursos necesarios en la consulta(AU)

Introduction: the incorporation of Natural and Traditional Medicine into dental practice has broadened the scope of therapies for oral and maxillofacial disorders. However, difficulties are still found for its application. Objectives: describe some aspects of the application of Natural and Traditional Medicine by dentists from the municipality of Playa and identify the difficulties perceived for its application. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2012 based on a dedicated questionnaire applied to 88 dentists from the municipality of Playa, Havana, Cuba. The variables studied were years after graduation, specialty, master's degree, application of Natural and Traditional Medicine in dental treatment, therapies most commonly used, difficulties for their application and recommendations to improve their use. Results: from the overall study sample, 58.0 percent were professionals with 1 to 20 years' experience after graduation, whereas 60.2 percent were General Comprehensive Dentistry specialists. 97.7 percent stated they made use of Natural and Traditional Medicine in dental treatment. The therapy most commonly employed was phytotherapy (80.7 percent). 62.5 percent said that insufficient knowledge about these therapies was a difficulty, and 35.2 percent recommended to implement courses about them. Conclusions: almost all surveyed dentists said they included Natural and Traditional Medicine in their dental practice. The main difficulties cited in its application were lack of knowledge about these therapies and non-availability of the resources required in dental consultation offices(AU)