Exploring dental professionals' outlook on the future of dental care amidst the integration of artificial intelligence in dentistry: a pilot study in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives, familiarity, and readiness of dental faculty members regarding the integration and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, with a focus on the possible effects on dental education and clinical practice. METHODOLOGY: In a mix-method cross-sectional quantitative and quantitative study conducted between June 1st and August 30th, 2023, the perspectives of faculty members from a public sector dental college in Pakistan regarding the function of AI were explored. This study used qualitative as well as quantitative techniques to analyse faculty's viewpoints on the subject. The sample size was comprised of twenty-three faculty members. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data was analysed using theme analysis. RESULTS: Position-specific differences in faculty familiarity underscore the value of individualized instruction. Surprisingly few had ever come across AI concepts in their professional lives. Nevertheless, many acknowledged that AI had the potential to improve patient outcomes. The majority thought AI would improve dentistry education. Participants suggested a few dental specialties where AI could be useful. CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the significance of addressing in dental professionals' knowledge gaps about AI. The promise of AI in dentistry calls for specialized training and teamwork between academic institutions and AI developers. Graduates of dentistry programs who use AI are better prepared to navigate shifting environments. The study highlights the positive effects of AI and the value of faculty involvement in maximizing its potential for better dental education and practice.

The knowledge regarding the impacts and management of black triangles among dental professionals and laypeople.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding impacts, causes and management of black triangles (BT) among participants from different educational backgrounds including dental students, dentists and laypeople. This descriptive cross-sectional observational research included 435 participants who comprised 4 groups: pre-clinical (3rd year) dental students, clinical (4th and 5th year) dental students, dentists, and laypeople. A constructed self-reported questionnaire was utilized to assess participants' demographic data and their knowledge of the impacts, causes and management of BT. The VAS scale was used to assess participants' ratings for the impacts of BT on esthetics, with 0 meaning no impact and 10 meaning very severe negative impacts. The most reported treatments for BT were "cannot be treated" 99.3% and "non-surgical periodontal treatment" 67.1%. Meanwhile, the least reported was "modify the porcelain" 41.8%. The most reported cause of BT was "periodontal disease" 85.1%. However, the least reported were "parafunction" and "deep implants" 33.1% each. Dental professionals had better knowledge of the causes (t = 8.189, P < 0.001) and management (t = 8.289, P < 0.001) of BT than the non-dental participants. The dentists had the best knowledge, while the laypeople had the least knowledge of the causes (F = 62.056, P < 0.001) and treatment (F = 46.120, P < 0.001) of BT. The knowledge of the causes (t = 0.616, P = 0.538) and treatment (t = 1.113, P = 0.266) for BT was not significantly different between males and females. Age was not significantly related to the total knowledge about the causes (r = -0.034, P = 0.475) or treatment (r = -0.034, P = 0.482) for BT. Dental professionals had better knowledge of the impacts, causes and management of BT than the non-dental participants. The dentists were the best, while the laypeople were the worst in this regard. Age and gender had no relationships with the knowledge of causes or management of BT.

Interplay between leadership and patient safety in dentistry: a dental hospital-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to study the association of leadership practices and patient safety culture in a dental hospital. DESIGN: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study SETTING: Riphah Dental Hospital (RDH), Islamabad, Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS: All dentists working at RDH were invited to participate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A questionnaire comprised of the Transformational Leadership Scale (TLS) and the Dental adapted version of the Medical Office Survey of Patient Safety Culture (DMOSOPS) was distributed among the participants. The response rates for each dimension were calculated. The positive responses were added to calculate scores for each of the patient safety and leadership dimensions and the Total Leadership Score (TLS) and total patient safety score (TPSS). Correlational analysis is performed to assess any associations. RESULTS: A total of 104 dentists participated in the study. A high positive response was observed on three of the leadership dimensions: inspirational communication (85.25%), intellectual stimulation (86%), and supportive leadership (75.17%). A low positive response was found on the following items: 'acknowledges improvement in my quality of work' (19%) and 'has a clear sense of where he/she wants our unit to be in 5 years' (35.64%). The reported positive responses in the patient safety dimensions were high on three of the patient safety dimensions: organisational learning (78.41%), teamwork (82.91%), and patient care tracking/follow-up (77.05%); and low on work pressure and pace (32.02%). A moderately positive correlation was found between TLS and TPSS (r=0.455, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Leadership was found to be associated with patient safety culture in a dental hospital. Leadership training programmes should be incorporated during dental training to prepare future leaders who can inspire a positive patient safety culture.

Exploring the knowledge and awareness on applications of virtual reality and augmented reality technology among dental healthcare professionals - a crosssectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and awareness of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology in dentistry. METHODS: A questionnaire survey-based study was conducted using Google forms on a sample of 273 dental healthcare professionals (DHCP) from October- November 2023, after obtaining ethical approval. A validated questionnaire, divided into three sections, was used to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental healthcare professionals on virtual and augmented reality. Section A was about demographic statistics, section B assessed knowledge and awareness regarding VR and AR and section C consisted of future acceptability of VR and AR among DHCP. The frequency of each question was reported in percentages. To assess the difference of knowledge and awareness of AR and VR among different specialties of DHCP, one-way ANOVA test was applied and in case of significant results pairwise comparison was performed by post-hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference of knowledge (1.40 ± 0.49) among different dental healthcare professionals. On pairwise comparison, a statistically significant difference (p = ˂0.05) of knowledge and awareness of AR and VR was found among dental specialist and other dental health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: A concerning lack of knowledge and awareness among dental healthcare professionals regarding AR and VR technology in dentistry was found. Interestingly, within the spectrum of specialties, dental specialists demonstrated a comparatively higher awareness than their counterparts in other specialties. Addressing barriers, notably a lack of knowledge, is crucial for successful technology adoption in dental education and practice.

Process evaluation of a pragmatic feasibility trial on smokeless tobacco cessation intervention delivered in dental hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Article 14 of the WHO 'Framework Convention on Tobacco Control' recommends, that all oral healthcare providers provide support for tobacco cessation, to all patients. Despite evidence on the effectiveness of tobacco cessation interventions in dental settings, implementation remains low in most high-burden countries like Pakistan. A pragmatic pilot trial of a dentist-delivered behavioural support intervention for smokeless tobacco (ST) cessation, was conducted in dental hospitals in Pakistan. This paper presents the findings of the process evaluation of the trial. METHODS: A mixed-method process evaluation of a multi-centre randomised control pilot trial of dentist-delivered behavioural support intervention ST cessation was conducted. The intervention included three sessions namely: pre-quit, quit and post-quit sessions. The process evaluation involved: semi-structured interviews with trial participants (n = 26, of which dental patients were n = 13 and participating dentists were n = 13 conducted from June-August 2022); and fidelity assessment of audio recordings of the intervention sessions (n = 29). The framework approach was used to thematically analyse the interview data. RESULTS: Overall the trial procedures were well accepted, however, young patients expressed uneasiness over revealing their ST use status. The intervention was received positively by dentists and patients. Dentists identified some challenges in delivering behavioural support to their patients. Of these, some were related to the contents of the intervention whereas, others were related to the logistics of delivering the intervention in a clinical setting (such as workload and space). Acceptability of the intervention resources was overall low amongst young patients as they did not take the intervention resources home due to fear of their family members finding out about their ST use. The intervention was successful in achieving the intended impact (in those who engaged with the intervention), i.e., change in the patients' ST use behaviour. Giving up ST with the aid of behavioural support also had an unintended negative effect i.e., the use of harmful substances (cannabis, cigarettes) to give up ST use. Patients' satisfaction with their dental treatment seemed to influence the intervention outcome. CONCLUSION: While there are many variables to consider, but for the participants of this study, behavioural support for abstinence delivered through dentists during routine dental care, appears to be an acceptable and practical approach in helping patients give up ST use, in a country like Pakistan, where negligible support is offered to ST users.

Professional self-determination of future dentists in the modern realities of Ukraine.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To research how the future dentists' professional self-determination (reflects the cognitive-reflexive component of higher medical education applicants' readiness to use digital technologies in their professional activities) develops within the formation of information technology competence in the modern realities of Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The author's questionnaire consisted of 15 questions. The questionnaire surveys covered 98 future dentists who studied 'Medical Informatics' and 'Information Technology in Dentistry' at the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University in the September-December 2017-2018 and September- December 2022-2023 academic years. The research results were assessed according to the algorithm described. The research used such methods as analysis, synthesis, comparison, concretisation, systematisation, and generalisation, as well as methods of mathematical statistics for evaluating data, namely correlation analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Cronbach's alpha, Fisher's test (F-test of equality of variances), Student's t-test and ranking. RESULTS: Results: The research found positive dynamics of the professional self-determination levels (in 2022 compared to 2017, the low level decreased by 20.5%, the satisfactory level - by 19.0%, the average level increased by 20.6%, the high level - by 18.9%) and their quality, which within the research increased by 39.5%. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: By forming information technology competence, future dentists changing the priorities of professional self-determination in the modern realities of Ukraine and acquiring readiness (within the cognitive-reflexive component) to use digital technologies in professional activities.

Finding the person behind caries disease: The dental caregivers' experiences of empowering patients to implement beneficial behavioral changes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to elucidate dental professionals' experiences of how to empower patients at risk of developing new or additional caries to promote caries-related preventive behavioral changes. METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to qualitative content analysis. To provide credibility and high-quality data, participant recruitment followed strategic sampling. The 10 participants included nine women and one man; six participants were dentists, and four were dental hygienists. In the data analysis, five descriptive and five strategic themes emerged that formed an overarching theme: Finding the person behind caries disease. RESULTS: The results indicated that by initially getting to know the person behind the patient, trusting relationships and knowledge can be generated to successfully influence patients' behaviors related to caries. The five descriptive themes included: Building a treatment alliance, Understanding habitual patterns, Motivating for changes, Implementing new behaviors, and Preserving behavioral improvements. The descriptive themes each revealed a strategy theme containing several strategy proposals for initiating and supporting caries-preventing behavioral changes. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of establishing a treatment alliance to improve the patient's skills, knowledge, and motivation. It underscores the significance of recognizing the individual behind the patient, to facilitate optimal behavior change at the lowest possible level of treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings could assist in strengthening caries-related health promotion, caries prevention, and understanding of oral health literacy techniques.

Awareness of possible complications associated with direct composite restorations: A multinational survey among dentists from 13 countries with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Resin-based composites (RBCs) evolved into favoured materials for teeth restorations, marking a significant change in dental practice. Despite many advantages, RBCs exhibit various limitations in their physical and chemical properties. Therefore, we assessed the dentists' awareness of possible complications after direct composite restorations and their opinions about this material. METHODS: The online questionnaire was created in English in May 2023. A 16-item survey was dedicated to general dentists and specialists. The first section included four questions related to demographic characteristics. The second section comprised twelve questions and focused on awareness of potential side effects of composite restorations, the most crucial advantages and disadvantages of composite resins, and the frequency of experienced clinical complications after the application of composite materials. RESULTS: A total of 1830 dentists from 13 countries took part in the survey. Dentists most often declared awareness of low adhesion to the dentine (77.5 %) and, most rarely, solubility in oral fluids (42.6 %). Aesthetics was identified as the main advantage of composite fillings (79 %), followed by the possibility of repair (59 %) and adhesion to enamel (57 %). Polymerisation shrinkage was a major disadvantage for most countries (70 % overall). Analysing the declared potential clinical complications for all countries, statistically significant findings were obtained for marginal discolouration (OR=2.982, 95 % CI: 1.321-6.730, p-value=0.009) and borderline significance for secondary caries (OR=1.814, 95 % CI: 0.964-3.415, p-value=0.065). CONCLUSIONS: Dentists value aesthetics and repairability but are aware of shrinkage and experience discolouration. The issue of toxicity and solubility seems to be the least known to dentists. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentists should use RBCs with critical caution due to possible side effects. Despite the undoubted aesthetics of direct composite restorations, it is necessary to remember potential clinical complications such as marginal discolouration or secondary caries.

Dentists' knowledge of non-surgical root canal treatment, a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Dental practice is based upon dentists' cognitions, knowledge being foundational. Knowledge is attained through education and perception. Although knowledge is modulated by beliefs, attitudes, preferences, and behaviors, it is essential to evidence-based practice. Cross-sectional studies uniformly demonstrate that community NSRCT is of sub-optimal quality worldwide, is lack of knowledge a problem? Our purpose was to measure dentists' knowledge of root canal treatment (NSRCT). DATA: Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted: purpose, topics assessed, authors cited knowledge sources, number of dentists studied, number of questions, authors descriptors of knowledge level,% correct answers by question, authors recommendations. SOURCES: OVID Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and hand-searching. STUDY SELECTION: Studies which had measured dentists' knowledge of non-surgical root canal treatment that was valuable, reliable, and had practical implications which could be implemented. A total of 51 papers from 19 countries measured the knowledge of 15,580 dentists using 445 questions on 29 root canal treatment topics. CONCLUSIONS: 'Gold standards' were from literature, external bodies, or expert consensus in 47, 31, and 2 papers respectively. Levels of knowledge by percentage correct answers among studies were poor to moderate and varied considerably. The mean, for the 50 studies where overall study percentages could be calculated, was 57 %, standard deviation 17 %, and a range of 16 % to 82 %. Authors' adjectives describing knowledge levels were generally negative. Additional education was advised in 49 papers, but without evidence that education was inadequate; 6 papers recommended increased use of protocols; only 5 papers advocated research on the cause of lack of knowledge. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentists' root canal treatment knowledge was found to be poor to moderate, as well variable. This may constrain quality of care. However, provision of information without attention to dentists' cognitions and motivations may not be successful. Educational strategies and goals should be re-evaluated. Evidence-based practice faces many barriers.

Perceptions and attitudes of dental students and dentists in South Korea toward artificial intelligence: a subgroup analysis based on professional seniority.

BACKGROUND: This study explored dental students' and dentists' perceptions and attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) and analyzed differences according to professional seniority. METHODS: In September to November 2022, online surveys using Google Forms were conducted at 2 dental colleges and on 2 dental websites. The questionnaire consisted of general information (8 or 10 items) and participants' perceptions, confidence, predictions, and perceived future prospects regarding AI (17 items). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on 4 questions representing perceptions and attitudes toward AI to identify highly influential factors according to position, age, sex, residence, and self-reported knowledge level about AI of respondents. Participants were reclassified into 2 subgroups based on students' years in school and 4 subgroups based on dentists' years of experience. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to determine differences between dental students and dentists and between subgroups for all 17 questions. RESULTS: The study included 120 dental students and 96 dentists. Participants with high level of AI knowledge were more likely to be interested in AI compared to those with moderate or low level (adjusted OR 24.345, p < 0.001). Most dental students (60.8%) and dentists (67.7%) predicted that dental AI would complement human limitations. Dental students responded that they would actively use AI in almost all cases (40.8%), while dentists responded that they would use AI only when necessary (44.8%). Dentists with 11-20 years of experience were the most likely to disagree that AI could outperform skilled dentists (50.0%), and respondents with longer careers had higher response rates regarding the need for AI education in schools. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge level about AI emerged as the factor influencing perceptions and attitudes toward AI, with both dental students and dentists showing similar views on recognizing the potential of AI as an auxiliary tool. However, students' and dentists' willingness to use AI differed. Although dentists differed in their confidence in the abilities of AI, all dentists recognized the need for education on AI. AI adoption is becoming a reality in dentistry, which requires proper awareness, proper use, and comprehensive AI education.

Comparison of knowledge, awareness, and behaviors toward oral cancer among dental students and dentists: an online cross-sectional questionnaire in Türkiye.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional online questionnaire-based study evaluated the knowledge, awareness, and behaviors of dentists and senior dental students regarding oral cancer (OC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 168 dentists and senior dental students who had completed all theoretical educations and clinical practices. An online survey was administered to all participants to assess their awareness of the risk factors for OC, clinical knowledge, and behaviors. The participants' demographic characteristics and knowledge of OC were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the participants, 48.8% were female and 51.2% were male. Their mean age was 27.04 ± 5.56 years (range: 21-51). In addition, 59.5% were dentists, and 40.5% were senior dental students. The dentists' mean time since graduation was 6.38 ± 5.64 years (range: 1-27). Routine oral mucosa examination for OC was significantly more frequent among the dentists than the senior dental students (p < 0.05). Among all participants, 33% of dentists and 51.5% of senior dental students had poor knowledge of OC-related or possibly predisposing factors. Routine evaluation of OC-related and predisposing risk factors, including human papillomavirus infection, smoking, alcohol use, trauma-related non-healing oral lesions caused by long-term incompatible prostheses, and poor oral hygiene, was significantly more frequent among the dentists than the senior dental students (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Educating dental students about a more comprehensive oral examination and early diagnosis of OC would help overcome the current lack of adequate knowledge and attitudes in OC prevention and early detection. A core curriculum compatible with the global standards on OC should be provided to dental students.

Dental practitioners' knowledge, management practices, and attitudes toward collaboration in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are a variety of conditions that affect different parts of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and can cause orofacial pain and functional impairment. This study aims to investigate dental practitioners' knowledge and management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMDs), particularly their knowledge of the role physical therapy plays in TMD treatment. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive view of current knowledge, management practices, and attitudes toward collaboration among dental practitioners in treating TMD. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 335 dentists in Karachi using a detailed questionnaire to assess their knowledge of the role of physical therapy in the treatment of TMD. Twenty dentists were chosen for face-to-face, in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and challenges in managing TMDs based on their responses to the administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The cumulative quantitative and qualitative findings of the study revealed a landscape marked by individualized approaches to referral practices and significant gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration. Most practitioners holding a bachelor's degree predominantly used medication (65.2%) and cause-specific treatment (65.3%) for TMD treatment. Thematic analysis of clinical efficacy and practitioner challenges in managing TMD revealed significant issues faced by dental professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The study successfully validated a questionnaire to understand dental practitioners' knowledge regarding physical therapy in TMD treatment. The study identified significant gaps in knowledge and a lack of collaboration between dentists and physiotherapists. The limited referral practices highlighted in the study, along with insights from dentist interviews, emphasize the need for improved interdisciplinary approaches to managing TMDs within dental practice.

The Relationship between Professional Variables and Burnout Syndrome in Brazilian Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Burnout syndrome (BS) is a highly prevalent occupational disease among dentists who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been at greater risk of contracting the disease, generating stress and distancing. The aim of this study was to assess the association of social conditions, professional factors and perceptions of COVID-19 with Burnout Syndrome. This was a cross-sectional study of 302 Brazilian dentists working in the clinical and private sectors. The professionals completed the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory online and answered sociodemographic and professional questions and questions related to their perception of the pandemic. Poisson regression with unadjusted and adjusted robust variance was used to estimate the association between burnout syndrome (dependent variable) and the independent variables. The presence of BS was strongly associated with age, training in a private institution, professionals who claimed to have sufficient protective knowledge and fear of being contaminated by SARS-CoV-2 during patient care (p < 0.05). The findings of this study show that there has been an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of Burnout syndrome in dentists, especially, those who worked in the public sector and those who were afraid to work with other health professionals.

Factors Influencing Burnout Syndrome and Depression in Dentists across Various Institutions.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to identify the occupational and personal factors influencing burnout syndrome (BS) and depression among dentists in academic faculties, oral and dental health centres (ODHCs), and private clinics. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was carried out on dentists working in different regions of Turkey. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire hosted on Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of demographic data and Maslach BS Inventory (MBI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) sections. The demographic data collected included age, height, weight, marital status, blood type, gender, monthly income, income satisfaction, and whether the participant had enough free time. The dentists were divided into three groups, namely, faculty setting, private clinic, and ODHC, according to the institutions at which they worked. Results: The study was composed of 290 dentists, including 172 males and 118 females, with an average age of 36.98 ± 5.56 years. In total, 128 of the dentists worked in faculties, 72 worked in private clinics, and 90 worked in ODHCs. The study found that women exhibited higher EE scores than men (p < 0.05). The comparison of BS and depression scores showed no statistically significant differences between groups based on marital status or blood type (p > 0.05). There was no significant relationship between emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP), personal accomplishment (PA), and depression scores according to age, BMI, and work experience (p < 0.05). It was found that the EE scores of the dentists working in faculties and private clinics were lower than those of the dentists working in ODHCs (p < 0.05). Monthly income was associated with depression (r = -0.35). Conclusions: The findings reveal that dentists employed in ODHCs reported greater levels of EE. These results suggest a pressing need for enhancements in the work environments of dentists, especially in ODHCs.

Accuracy and consistency of chatbots versus clinicians for answering pediatric dentistry questions: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Artificial Intelligence has applications such as Large Language Models (LLMs), which simulate human-like conversations. The potential of LLMs in healthcare is not fully evaluated. This pilot study assessed the accuracy and consistency of chatbots and clinicians in answering common questions in pediatric dentistry. METHODS: Two expert pediatric dentists developed thirty true or false questions involving different aspects of pediatric dentistry. Publicly accessible chatbots (Google Bard, ChatGPT4, ChatGPT 3.5, Llama, Sage, Claude 2 100k, Claude-instant, Claude-instant-100k, and Google Palm) were employed to answer the questions (3 independent new conversations). Three groups of clinicians (general dentists, pediatric specialists, and students; n = 20/group) also answered. Responses were graded by two pediatric dentistry faculty members, along with a third independent pediatric dentist. Resulting accuracies (percentage of correct responses) were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post-hoc pairwise group comparisons were corrected using Tukey's HSD method. ACronbach's alpha was calculated to determine consistency. RESULTS: Pediatric dentists were significantly more accurate (mean±SD 96.67 %± 4.3 %) than other clinicians and chatbots (p < 0.001). General dentists (88.0 % ± 6.1 %) also demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than chatbots (p < 0.001), followed by students (80.8 %±6.9 %). ChatGPT showed the highest accuracy (78 %±3 %) among chatbots. All chatbots except ChatGPT3.5 showed acceptable consistency (Cronbach alpha>0.7). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on this pilot study, chatbots may be valuable adjuncts for educational purposes and for distributing information to patients. However, they are not yet ready to serve as substitutes for human clinicians in diagnostic decision-making. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, chatbots showed lower accuracy than dentists. Chatbots may not yet be recommended for clinical pediatric dentistry.

Difficulties experienced by dentists and orthodontists regarding ethical issues when announcing the diagnosis of a rare oral disease: a qualitative study in Marseille, France.

PURPOSE: It is traditionally considered that breaking bad news to patients does not represent a cause for concern for dental professionals. However, there are situations where they will be confronted with this task, as in the case of rare dental diseases. Little information is available regarding the feelings of healthcare professionals on this subject. There are no qualitative studies that explore how a diagnosis of oligodontia is announced to patients by dentists and orthodontists. The aim of our study is to explore the difficulties and ethical issues experienced by dental health professionals when they have to announce a diagnosis of oligodontia to a patient and their family. METHODS: This study relied on a qualitative research method using focus groups of dentists and orthodontists and a thematic analysis procedure. RESULTS: The difficulties experienced could be summarised within five topics: organisational difficulties, difficulties with the management of dental treatment and with the administrative management associated with this anomaly, difficulties with the content of the announcement, and relational difficulties. These could be grouped in two categories: practical difficulties and ethical difficulties. CONCLUSION: This survey allowed us to understand the difficulties encountered by dentists and orthodontists when announcing oligodontia. The participants felt uncomfortable with this task and were under stress. They reported difficulties in delivering the medical information and in adapting to the message. It is essential that dental professionals develop skills in medical communication.

Medical and Dental Professions' Varying Levels of Awareness Regarding Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Saudi Arabia? A Cross-sectional Study.

AIMS: This study aimed to assess the awareness of the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) among general dental practitioners (GDPs) and primary care physicians (PCPs), focusing on the clinical implications and coordination of treating or identifying high-risk patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two Google Forms electronic questionnaires were distributed to 724 GDPs and 617 PCPs in primary care settings. One for PCPs with eight multiple choice questions and the other for GDPs with 10 multiple choice questions. A clinical case scenario and a section on open-ended comments were included in both questionnaires. The data obtained from each group were statistically analyzed and compared. RESULTS: A total of 239 GDPs and 220 PCPs participated in the study, with a response rate of 34.23%. The mean age of participants was 29.5 years and 54.35% were females (51.2% and 57.5% in the GDPs and PCPs group, respectively). Most participants had graduated from Saudi Arabia. Almost all dentists were aware of osteonecrosis of the jaw (95.1%), 68.3% of them were aware of the guidelines regarding bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) and MRONJ, 60.5% rated their general knowledge about MRONJ as very poor to poor, and 91.8% did not know any guidelines regarding BRONJ or MRONJ. Among the participants, 75.3% did not know how MRONJ was present in the oral cavity. A total of 69.9% of participants were unaware of other factors associated with an increased risk of MRONJ. CONCLUSION: MRONJ risk awareness varies greatly between dentists who diagnose and manage patients in dental clinics and physicians who write about medicines and therapies. Counseling sessions and greater coordination between dental and medical specialists are strongly suggested while prescribing antiresorptive drugs to prevent the consequent development of MRONJ. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows a significant lack of knowledge regarding MRONJ among GDPs and PCPs, which may affect the prevention and treatment of patients. Therefore, we urge GDPS and PCPs to take more information from scientific sources on this topic and more cooperation from specialties for the benefit of patients. How to cite this article: Aljohani MH, Aljohani AS, Aljohani RM, et al. Medical and Dental Professions' Varying Levels of Awareness Regarding Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Saudi Arabia? A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(1):62-67.

Impact of oral health management by nurses and dental professionals on oral health status in inpatients eligible for the Nutrition Support Team: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: As the participation of dental professionals in multidisciplinary care is often limited, instructions on oral health management provided by dental professionals to other professionals are important to achieve transdisciplinary oral health management; however, the effectiveness of such instructions remains unclear. In this longitudinal study, we aimed to determine the impact of oral health management provided by dental professionals and nurses instructed on oral health management by dental professionals on the oral health of inpatients eligible for a Nurition Support Team (NST). METHODS: The study participants were 117 patients (66 men and 51 women, mean age: 71.9 ± 12.5 years) who received oral health management during the NST intervention period. The participants received oral health management from nurses (Ns group) or dental professionals (D group). The nurses who conducted the oral health management received instructions from dental professionals. Oral health was assessed at the beginning and end of the NST intervention using the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT). RESULT: The Ns and D groups showed significant improvements in the total OHAT scores at the end of the NST intervention. Both groups showed significant improvements in the OHAT subitems of lip, tongue, gums and tissues, saliva, oral cleanliness and dental pain, while only the D group showed a significant improvement in the denture subitem. CONCLUSION: Effective oral health management provided by dental professionals or by nurses trained by them improved the oral health status of inpatients eligible for NST at an acute-care hospital.

Dentists' perspectives on structural and system barriers hindering oral healthcare provision in residential care facilities.

OBJECTIVES: Oral healthcare service is not well integrated with existing healthcare policy in nursing homes (NHs) globally. This qualitative study aimed to identify dentists' perspectives on structural and system barriers that hinder oral healthcare (OHC) provision to seniors in NHs in Singapore and to understand the consequences of these barriers. METHODS: Nineteen dentists (8 males and 11 females, 36.0 [IQR: 32.0-48.5] years old) were recruited through combination of purposive and snowball sampling. Four focus group discussions were conducted via teleconferencing, and each discussion had 4-5 anonymised participants. Sessions lasted 90-120 min and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted on data collected using NVivo software (Version12, QRS International). RESULTS: Participants agreed that the current OHC system for seniors in NHs is not well developed. The challenges dentists faced were categorised in three themes: [1] general oral healthcare system level; [2] local nursing home setting level; and [3] geriatric oral healthcare education level. These challenges are complexly intertwined and have contributed to several consequences such as a shortage of dentists in NHs and their diminished motivation to serve. It has also limited the quality of dental service they are able to provide in NHs, contributing to the current poor access of dental services for seniors in NHs. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists in Singapore face many structural and systemic barriers in providing OHC to seniors in NHs, some of which are unique to the local context. Newfound understanding of these barriers and its consequences will be helpful in developing strategic approaches to overcome these challenges.