Diagnostic approach used by US general dental practitioners following discovery of oral lesions suspicious for malignancy/premalignancy: findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

OBJECTIVE: Oral cancer examinations seek to clinically identify early oral cancers and discover premalignancies prior to their progression to invasive cancer. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and August 2017 to explore and quantify the diagnostic approach used by United States (US) general dental practitioners following discovery of an oral lesion suspicious for malignancy/premalignancy. US licensed general dental practitioners who were clinically active members of the US National Dental Practice-Based Research Network were eligible to participate. Data for analysis were obtained via two questionnaires. RESULTS: The majority of participants were males, practiced full-time, had a suburban primary practice, were born during the 1950s, and graduated dental school in the 1980s or 2000s. After identifying an oral lesion suspicious for premalignancy/malignancy, the next action of most general dental practitioner respondents (65.4%) was to refer the patient for consultation/biopsy. Most general dental practitioners (87.2%) referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon; 22% of general dental practitioners reported personally biopsying suspicious lesions. There was a relatively weak association between completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry or General Practice Residency and subsequently personally performing biopsies on patients with oral lesions suspicious for malignancy/premalignancy (OR 1.33, P = .06). Most written referrals took place electronically and often included information, including lesion location (87.0%), lesion sign/symptoms (85.3%), lesion history (83.9%), radiographs (59.3%), medical history (50.6%), dental history (48.8%), and photographs (42.4%). When a referral biopsy was performed, referring clinicians were most frequently informed of the findings via a written report (96.7%, when positive for malignancy/premalignancy, and 95.4% when negative). CONCLUSION: A snapshot is presented of current actions taken by US general dental practitioners following the discovery of oral abnormalities suspicious for premalignancy/malignancy.

Desirable clinical settings in general dentistry: moving towards the improvement of the educational program.

BACKGROUND: The main task of dental schools is to prepare professional dentists with a high social responsibility. This study provided some practical suggestions from experts regarding desirable clinical settings, in order to establish an infrastructure for practical studies in Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Prosthodontics, Oral Health, and Social Dentistry. METHODS: This research was conducted using a modified Delphi technique in two rounds. The first round involved qualitative content analysis. Participants in interviews were selected purposeful and maximum diversity across the country. To determine the validity and reliability of the data, the four axes proposed by Lichon and Guba were utilized. The second round involved a researcher-made questionnaire, which consisted of 55 questions. This questionnaire was distributed to all dental schools across the country. The validity of the questionnaire were evaluated and by experts and then reviewed. The reliability of the tool was determined to be 0.96 using the alpha coefficient method. RESULTS: The final codes from the interviews of the first round were divided into two categories: settings and educational programs. The final results of research were placed into 2 section: educational settings and instructors, and educational infrastructures. 70% participants agreed to use the college's clinical morning sessions. More than 80% agreed to start up a main clinic with the proposed structure and professors. The use of the hospitalization area also had an agreement of more than 80%. Additionally, community areas such as health service centers, welfare centers, special patient centers, factories, schools, etc. obtained an agreement of over 70%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are presented in the form of suggestions for improving the general dentistry program in relation to educational setting, educators, and educational infrastructures. The common agreement among participants regarding educational settings and their diversity, educational programs, and desired instructors reviewed in the research shows the necessity of reviewing and changing their educational programs in Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Prosthodontics, Oral Health, and Social Dentistry.

Skin cancer - what general dental practitioners should look for.

General dental practitioners (GDPs) are well-placed to identify incidental skin lesions when they see patients for routine dental care. Indeed, some patients with an undiagnosed skin malignancy may only see their GDP on a regular basis rather than their general medical practitioner (GMP). GDPs should be able to assess exposed areas of skin, particularly focusing on the head and neck, to identify any lesions of concern and liaise with the patient's GMP where appropriate. We provide an overview focused upon the clinical appearances of isolated benign and malignant lesions, tailored for GDPs.

Differences in the Ratios of General and Dental Specialists in Europe.

BACKGROUND: The European Economic Area (EEA) is composed of member states with a multitude of different regions. This study aimed to analyse the ratios of general dentists and dental specialists to the total population and the proportion of dental specialists to general dentists in 24 European countries and to explore specific intranational differences within 2 countries: France and Germany. METHODS: Available official documents and webpages from the United Kingdom and 23 of the 30 countries comprising the EEA were analysed. Data were expressed as absolute values, ratios of general dentists and dental specialists in the total of population, and percentages of dental specialists/dentists. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to clarify the main ratios that distinguish France from Germany, and cluster analysis was employed to determine similar areas. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between countries, with Ireland and Austria having the lowest ratio of dentists and Romania and Greece having the highest. The Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark had the lowest ratios of dental specialists to the total population. Lithuania, Sweden, and Germany had the highest number of dental specialists. Orthodontists were the most numerous specialists (5.0% of dentists), followed by oral surgeons (2.7%). In France, differences between departments were pronounced and associated with the presence of dental schools and per capita income. In Germany, only the correlation between per capita income and the density of oral surgeons was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Diverse ratios of general dentists and dental specialists to the total population and the proportion of dental specialists to general dentists were discovered within the examined countries, and their maximum values were 2.5, 5.7, and 4.1 times the minimum values, respectively. Differences were even found within the same country, as was the case in France and, to a lesser extent, in Germany.

General dentists' knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer in Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION: The most effective means for reducing oral cancer (OC) mortality is by preventing late-stage disease. Early diagnosis can be improved by increasing awareness among healthcare providers, specifically general dental practitioners (GDP). Therefore, our study aimed to assess GDPs' knowledge of OC risk factors and perceived competence in performing conventional oral examination (COE) in routine dental practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in five provinces of Indonesia, namely: Aceh, Banda Aceh (BA); Bandung, West Java (WJ); special district Jakarta (JKT), JKT; Pontianak, West Kalimantan (WK); and Sorong, West Papua (WP). The local Dental Association or Faculty of Dentistry invited the GDPs to attend an education program and complete the survey. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven GDPs completed the survey (WJ, n = 63; BA, n = 44, JKT, n = 27; WP, n = 23; and WP, n = 20). A large proportion (164 out of 177, 92.66%) of GDPs felt they had received insufficient training to equip them to diagnose OC and as many as 22.6% (n = 40) did not refer to specialists when they found suspicious mucosal lesions. Notwithstanding the significant regional variations, the majority of Indonesian GDPs self-reported inadequate knowledge and awareness of OC and scarce confidence in performing COE. CONCLUSION: GDP knowledge of OC risk factors and COE is key to improving early diagnosis of OC at a community level. Therefore, it is suggested that the lack of knowledge and confidence of GDPs reported here should be addressed through the national dental curriculum in Indonesia.

Temporomandibular disorder: A guide for general dental practitioners.

The presentation of patients with symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is a common finding in general dental practice. The management of patients with TMDs is often complicated by its multifactorial aetiology. This paper aims to provide a guide for dental practitioners to the clinical examination, diagnosis, and recognition of red flags in relation to TMDs and inform the busy practitioner when to refer patients presenting with TMDs for specialist/secondary care management.

Management of acute dental problems: an aide-mémoire for referrals to oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The acute management of a facial swelling is a core competency for the dental practitioner. Onward referral to secondary care for acutely unwell patients requires timely decisions, with the referrer's initial assessment often critical in later management. Oral and maxillofacial triage is essential to ensure appropriate care is provided in the appropriate environment. Acute swelling and haemorrhage referrals to secondary care are not a common, everyday occurrence in general dental practice; however, the ability to provide a sufficient and safe handover will improve patient outcomes and ensure timely transfer to appropriate care providers. This article aims to provide the dental practitioner with insight into the oral and maxillofacial assessment of acute facial swellings and dental haemorrhage. The reader should be able to make an appropriate clinical assessment and communicate an effective referral to oral and maxillofacial care.

Influence of Cone-beam Computed Tomography in Clinical Decision-making among Different Specialists in External Cervical Resorption Lesions: A Before-After Study.

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate management of external cervical resorption (ECR) lesions may impact the treatment outcome. This study aimed to ascertain the influence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in clinical decision-making choices in cases of ECR among dentistry specialists (endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics orthodontics, and general dentistry). A secondary objective was to evaluate the self-reported level of difficulty in choosing a treatment plan before and after viewing the CBCT images. METHODS: Sixty examiners from different specialties were chosen to evaluate 12 cases of ECR lesions. Each case included clinical photographs, digital periapical radiographs, and a small-volume CBCT scan. In the first assessment, the examiners were given all the relevant information of each case, except the CBCT scan. Each examiner was asked to select 1 of the proposed treatment options and assess the difficulty of decision-making. Four weeks later, the examiners randomly reviewed the same 12 cases with additional information from the CBCT data. RESULTS: After the CBCT evaluation, the clinicians changed their treatment plan in 72.2% of the cases (P < .05). The self-reported level of difficulty in choosing a treatment changed in all groups after evaluating the CBCT scans (P < .05). After viewing the CBCT scan, the extraction option increased significantly in all groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: CBCT scan had a significant impact on clinical decision-making in cases of ECR evaluated by different specialists.

Patient safety in dentistry - the bigger picture.

Background Patient safety incidents (PSIs) have recently become a topic of discussion within dentistry. NHS England data has highlighted that wrong tooth extraction is the most common surgical Never Event (NE); however, this data reflects mainly a secondary care picture. Consideration needs to be given to reporting of PSIs occurring in primary care.Aims To establish the current attitudes of both primary and secondary care dentists within this field and to use this to promote a positive, supportive culture.Methods A national electronic survey was sent to dentists for data capture related to this topic, from April to September 2019 inclusively.Results There were 104 responses to the survey. Responses included that 39% of responders were general dental practitioners (GDPs), 90% were aware of NEs, 48% were not aware of how to report PSIs and 74% of dentists felt that fear of the General Dental Council/Care Quality Commission repercussions was a barrier to them reporting PSIs. Additionally, 86% of dentists felt that a trainee/GDP support network would be useful to share learning regarding PSIs.Conclusion The survey results highlighted that there is a lack of knowledge concerning PSI reporting, combined with a culture of fear of the repercussions of reporting. The survey data will aim to be used to implement a supportive network for dentists, develop a positive ethos surrounding PSIs and optimise patient care.

Periodontal Care and Treatment Provision by General Dentists in France.

AIM: In many countries, periodontal surgery is mainly provided by periodontists. This specialty is not recognised in France, where periodontal care and treatment are principally the responsibility of general dentists (GDs). The objective of this study was to investigate the periodontal care provided and factors associated with the treatment of periodontal diseases, including periodontal surgery, by GDs in France. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey of GDs practicing in the French metropolitan area was conducted in 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was sent by mail to the GDs selected by stratified simple random sampling. It included questions on respondents' sociodemographic characteristics and their periodontal practice. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify the factors associated with the practice of periodontal surgery by GDs. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-five GDs responded (response rate, 23.4%). Their mean age was 45.2 years; 51.2% were male and 83.6% were in private practice. They reported performing selective periodontal examinations such as pocket probing on average for 34.2% of their patients, but only 5.5% of them performed them systematically. Several variables were significantly associated with the provision of periodontal surgical procedures such as the gender of the GDs, full mouth periodontal probing, implantology practice, insufficient fees, or uncertainty about treatment procedure. This survey confirmed the referral of patients for periodontal surgery by a minority of practitioners. It also highlighted insufficient screening and diagnostic procedures for periodontal diseases by GDs. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to improve French GDs' periodontal skills and knowledge and to address other barriers that currently limit their ability to deliver comprehensive periodontal care.

Factors affecting dental students' postgraduate plans: A multi-site study.

PURPOSE: This multi-site study examined dental students' postgraduate plans and factors affecting them, perceptions of pathways with the best future, and whether those postgraduate plans changed during dental school. METHODS: An online survey was made available to all four dental classes (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) and advanced standing/international dental students at eight US dental schools. The survey questionnaire consisted of two parts: (1) 14 questions pertaining to demographic information and (2) 11 questions pertaining to career path choices and possible influencing factors. RESULTS: Overall response rate was approximately 38.4% (1459/3800). For those responding 34.0% planned to enroll in a general dentistry residency, followed by associate dentist in a private practice (31.4%), and specialty residency (17.6%). Quality of life, to increase knowledge/clinical skills, and intellectual satisfaction were most often rated extremely important factors; Influence of family members in dentistry and prestigious specialty received the most responses of not important. General dentistry was perceived to have the best future in terms of overall impact on the profession, potential for positive impact on patient's quality of life, and personal quality of life; oral and maxillofacial surgery was believed to have the best future in terms of salary. Students changed their postgraduate plan during dental school 43.0% of the time, with race (p = 0.006) and year of progress toward degree (p < 0.001) being significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: General dentistry remains the most popular pathway. Many dental students change their plans during dental school; a better understanding of these trends and contributing factors may aid development of practice readiness curricula.

Dental practice modification, protocol compliance and risk perception of dentists during COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia: a cross-sectional study / Modificación de la práctica odontológica, seguimiento a protocolos y percepción de riesgo de los odontólogos durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia: estudio de corte transversal

ABSTRACT Introduction: this study aimed to evaluate practice modification, use of personal protective equipment, biosafety measures, impact on career plans, prevalence of contagion, and risk perception of dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic 19 in Colombia. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study. Following ethical approval, an anonymous digital survey was conducted with dentists in Colombia. The questions comprised four domains: 1) sociodemographic, 2) employment and impact on career plans, 3) protocol compliance and biosafety, and 4) knowledge, risk, and contagion risk perception. A descriptive analysis of the data is presented. Results: 5,370 general and specialist dentists participated in the study (women: 3878; average age: 45 years). 41.94% were general dentists. Compliance with safety guidelines and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was greater than 99%. The majority of dentists (91.29%) canceled their clinical activities during quarantine and have thought about reducing their working hours (77.96%). The perception of COVID-19 risk contagion was high (95.91% reported that contagion is likely/highly likely), although COVID-19 contagion self-report was low (0.61%). Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has strongly impacted the practice of dentistry in Colombia, leading to changes in clinical activities and career prospects. Biosafety measures compliance and PPE use was high. Although the contagion risk perception was high, self-reported contagion was very low.

Resumen Introducción: este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la modificación de la práctica, uso de elementos de protección personal, protocolos de bioseguridad, afectación en los planes de carrera, prevalencia de contagio y percepción de riesgo de los odontólogos durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia. Métodos: tras obtener la aprobación ética, se aplicó una encuesta digital anónima a los odontólogos de Colombia. Las preguntas incluyeron cuatro dominios: 1) sociodemográficos, 2) laborales y afectación en los planes de carrera, 3) Seguimiento a protocolos y bioseguridad y 4) Conocimientos, riesgo y percepción de riesgo de contagio. Se presenta un análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: 5370 odontólogos generales y especialistas participaron del estudio (mujeres: 3878; mediana de edad: 45 años). El 41,94% fueron odontólogos generales. La adherencia a protocolos de seguridad y el uso de elementos de protección personal (EPP) fue mayor al 99%. La mayoría de odontólogos (91,29%) suspendió sus actividades clínicas durante la cuarentena y ha pensado en disminuir sus horas de trabajo (77,96%). La percepción de riesgo de contagio de la COVID-19 fue alta (95,91% refirió que es muy probable/probable el contagio), aunque el auto-reporte de contagio por COVID-19 fue bajo (0,61%). Conclusión: la pandemia de la COVID-19 ha impactado fuertemente la práctica de la odontología en Colombia, generando cambios en las actividades clínicas y en las perspectivas de carrera. El seguimiento de protocolos de bioseguridad y de uso de EPP fue alto. Aunque la percepción de riesgo de contagio fue alta, el contagio auto-reportado fue muy bajo.

Evaluation of Successfulness of Capacity Building Programmes on Smokeless Tobacco and Areca Nut Cessation.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of smoking in Sri Lanka has shown a gradual reduction whilst the use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut exhibits an increasing trend. At present, only a few well-structured smokeless tobacco (SLT)/areca nut (AN) cessation programs have been conducted in Sri Lanka, which is a gross underachievement as betel chewing-related oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer in Sri Lankan males. As General Dental Practitioners (GDP) do not contribute significantly to SLT/AN cessation activities at present, capacity building programs on SLT/AN control were carried out. The study evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practices  imparted on SLT/AN control among dental surgeons. METHODS: Following a single day capacity building program on smokeless tobacco / areca nut control, two self-administered questionnaires were used to assess the improvement of knowledge and change of attitudes among 663 GDPs. RESULTS: Majority had a good knowledge on harmful effects of SLT but not on areca nut. Knowledge of the current legislation on SLT control in Sri Lanka and carcinogenicity of areca nut was not satisfactory. Almost all agreed that proper counseling leads to patient quitting the habit, a formal training is necessary to conduct tobacco control activities and it should be a part of the regular treatment modalities. More than 80% of the participants support strict legislation. Most important factors leading to poor involvement in tobacco cessation activities were lack of expertise and inadequate educational material and not breach of patient privacy and lack of financial incentives. 20.1% dental surgeons had consumed smokeless tobacco / areca nut products in the past and only a few were current users of tobacco and/or areca nut. CONCLUSIONS: Well planned workshops are efficient in improving knowledge, practices and attitudes of dental surgeons towards SLT/AN cessation.
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What has Changed in the Daily Practice of the Dental Imaging Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic? / ¿Qué ha Cambiado en la Práctica Diaria del Centro de Imágenes Dentales Durante la Pandemia de COVID-19

A new type of RNA coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) related to acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and responsible for COVID-19 disease has spread around the world, resulting in an unprecedented pandemic. COVID-19 has become an international public health emergency and countless people and sectors have been affected. In this context, individual and collective protection measures were taken, mainly in health care. Dentistry, considered a high risk area, had to undergo changes in relation to biosecurity, including in radiological clinical practice. Thus, this letter aims to comment on these changes during visits to dental imaging centers.

Un nuevo tipo de coronavirus de ARN (SARS-CoV-2) relacionado con el síndrome respiratorio agudo (SARS) responsable de la enfermedad COVID-19 se ha extendido por todo el mundo y ha provocado una pandemia sin precedentes. COVID-19 se ha convertido en una emergencia de salud pública internacional y un sinnúmero de personas y sectores se han visto afectados. En este contexto, se tomaron medidas de protección individual y colectiva, principalmente en el ámbito de la salud. La atención dental, considerada de alto riesgo, tuvo que sufrir cambios en relación con la bioseguridad, incluida la práctica clínica radiológica. Así, esta carta tiene como objetivo comentar estos cambios durante los atendimientos a los centros de imagenología dental.

Impacto económico en el medio odontológico durante la pandemia del COVID-19: revisión integradora / Economic impact in the dental field during COVID-19 pandemic: integrative review

La pandemia por COVID-19 no sólo ha generado un impacto negativo en la salud, sino que la economía global también se ha visto mermada, afectando más a los países subdesarrollados. Con relación a estos daños en las finanzas de los profesionales de la salud, existen algunos efectos que derivan de la pandemia COVID-19, los cuales tienen una fuerte repercusión en la economía de todos los trabajadores a nivel mundial y el ámbito odontológico no es la excepción. Esta revisión se obtuvo mediante la búsqueda de la información en una exploración electrónica en las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, SciELO y Latindex. El impacto económico derivado de esta pandemia, sin lugar a dudas, ha afectado la economía de los odontólogos de práctica pública y privada, por lo que la toma de decisiones en la odontología debe contemplar un uso equilibrado de los recursos financieros (AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only generated a negative impact on health, but the global economy has also been reduced, being the underdeveloped countries the most affected ones. In relation to these damages in the finances of health professionals, there are some effects that derive from the COVID-19 pandemic, having a strong impact on the economy of all workers worldwide and the dental field is no exception. This review was obtained by searching the information through an electronic examination in databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, SciELO and Latindex databases. The economic impact derived from this pandemic has undoubtedly affected the economy of dentists in public and private practice, so that decision-making in dentistry must consider a balanced use of financial resources (AU)

An evaluation of the geriatric dental curricula within Advanced Education in General Dentistry and General Practice Residency programs in the United States.

AIM: To compare the geriatric dentistry curricula between Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and General Practice Residency (GPR) programs. METHODS: A 108-item survey was developed to assess residents' didactic and clinical experiences pertaining to geriatric patients. Surveys were mailed in 2018 to all AEGD (N = 89) and GPR (N = 180) program directors. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive and bivariate analyses with the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and the Wilcoxon rank sum test (alpha = .05). RESULTS: Twenty-four AEGD and fifty-eight GPR directors completed surveys (response rate = 30%). Seventy-one percent of responding programs reported mandatory didactic training pertaining to frail and functionally dependent geriatric adults. Ninety-nine percent of respondents reported that residents provided treatment to geriatric patients; however, they were less likely to perform procedures on frail and functionally dependent patients. Only 15% of respondents provided nursing home care. Considering all patient encounters, responding GPR programs were more likely than AEGD programs to treat patients using IV bisphosphonates (63% vs 25%; P < .01), undergoing chemotherapy (48% vs 16%; P = .02), and undergoing head and neck radiation therapy (55% vs 25%; P = .02). CONCLUSION: A majority of responding AEGD and GPR programs reported providing educational experiences pertaining to geriatric patients; however, GPR programs reported treating more medically complex patients than AEGD programs.

Uso de la ecografía como método diagnóstico y ayuda terapéutica en la práctica odontológica. Una revisión / Use of ultrasound as a diagnostic method and therapeutic tool in dental practice. A review

La ecografía es una ayuda diagnóstica en el área de la salud que se usa para evaluar el desarrollo intrauterino, observar el comportamiento de lesiones, valorar órganos internos y acompañar procedimientos clínicos específicamente en la medicina, pero en la odontología es un campo en el que apenas se está explorando e incursionando para incluirlo como parte de los métodos diagnósticos de rutina en la consulta clínica. El creciente interés por investigar su uso como método diagnóstico y terapéutico en la odontología se basa en las bondades que tiene y en cómo puede facilitar muchos procesos por tratarse de una ayuda diagnóstica accesible, económica y poco nociva para la salud. En el presente artículo se exponen los diferentes usos que se le da a la ecografía en las diferentes especialidades odontológicas, y se la compara con otros métodos diagnósticos. (AU)

In medicine, ultrasound is especially useful to evaluate intrauterine development, cyst behavior, and internal organs, but the use of ultrasound in dentistry has only recently been explored and used in the daily routine diagnostic methods in clinical dental practice. The growing interest in the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic and therapeutic method in dentistry has led to studies investigating its benefits in relation to accessibility, cost and innocuousness to health. This review describes the current use of ultrasound in different dental specialties and compares it with other diagnostic methods. (AU)

Recomendaciones para Resolución de Urgencias Odontológicas en Atención Primaria de Salud Durante la Pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 / Recommendations for the Resolution of Dentistry Emergencies in Primary Health During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

RESUMEN: La enfermedad originada por el nuevo tipo de coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, se ha convertido en un problema de Salud Pública a nivel mundial. Esto ha llevado a posponer las atenciones clínicas electivas de pacientes, exceptuando las atenciones de urgencia o emergencia. Las urgencias odontológicas han continuado con alta demanda en el Sistema Público de Salud durante la pandemia COVID-19, e incluso han aumentado en severidad de los cuadros. Las restricciones de horario y las medidas implementadas a nivel país, llevan a que los pacientes consulten en el Centro de Salud más cercano a su domicilio, es decir, Centro de Salud Familiar (CESFAM) o en los Servicios de Atención Primaria de Urgencia (SAPU). Como Cirujanos Dentistas somos parte de un equipo multidisciplinario de salud, por lo que debemos conocer la enfermedad de COVID-19, sus principales signo s, síntomas y riesgos asociados. El Cirujano Dentista es indispensable en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y derivación oportuna de enfermedades buco-maxilofaciales, las cuales pueden afectar de forma física y psicológica a los pacientes, llegando a producir complicaciones sistémicas graves si no son tratadas oportunamente. La atención odontológica actual debe incluir el manejo previo, durante y posterior al tratamiento del paciente de APS. Debemos considerar que el personal odontológico tiene un elevado riesgo de transmisión viral, debido a la cercanía con fluidos desde la cavidad oral del paciente. En este artículo se entregaran recomendaciones, basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible y la experiencia clínica actual para la atención odontológica de urgencias enfocadas en la Atención Primaria de Salud.

ABSTRACT: The disease caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has become a world wide public health problem. This has lead to pospone elective clinical care, maintaining urgent and emergency care. Dental emergency maintains high demand, even more severe clinical situations, at the public health system during the pandemic COVID-19. The local restrictions implemented makes patients to consult at the closest health center, like the Family health centers (CESFAM) or at primary health urgency centers (SAPU). As dental surgeons, part of the multidisciplinary health team, it is a duty to know the COVID-19, signs, simptoms and associated risks. The dental surgeon it is essential in the diagnosis, traetment and timely referral of maxilofacial diseases, wich can affect patients physically and psychologically, even leading to serious systemic complications if not treated promptly. Dental care should have previous, during and posterior considerations in pandemic situations. Dental staff has high viral transmisión risk, due to closeness with oral cavity fluids. This article will provide evidence based recommendations and current clinical experience for dental emergency care at primary health centers.

Implementation of Digital Radiography during Root Canal Treatments in Saudi Endodontic and General Dental Practice.

Objective: To report usage of full-digital-radiography (FDR) during root-canal-treatments (RCTs) in Saudi dental-practice and to explore factors and measures that obstacle/contribute to better implementation. Methods: Following a pilot study, questions on demography, types of radiographic systems used during RCTs, advantages and disadvantages of FDR, reasons of not using it and measures that increase its implementation were included. The sample size was calculated considering the total number of general dentists (GDs) in Saudi Arabia and a 50-60% expected response rate. The questionnaire was emailed to 550 GDs and all endodontists in Saudi Arabia (185). A solo a reminder was emailed two months later. Data were analyzed by the Chi-square test at P=0.05. Results: Most participants (64.9%) used FDR for RCTs (P<0.001); with all endodontists (100%) and 52% of GDs (P<0.001). While all who were working in governmental-academia (100%) used FDR, 69.2% in private-academia did so (P<0.001); with no difference between private and governmental-clinics (60.6 and 69.2%). As the weekly-performed RCTs increased and participants' experience decreased, FDR usage increased (P<0.05). While high-cost was the main FDR disadvantage, faster-workflow, better image-quality and less-radiation were the main advantages (P<0.001). The majority (76.1%) of FDR none-users were doing so because of unavailability. Participants reported lower-cost and better undergraduate-education as most effective measures that increase FDR implementation in dental-practice. Conclusion: FDR was adopted to good extent in Saudi dental-practice. Financial aspects were the main concern that should be addressed to increase FDR implementation in private practice. Endodontists showed better perception towards FDR and suggested more attention to educational aspects.

Aplicação de práticas integrativas e complementares na odontologia / Application of complementary and integrative practices in dentistry

A incorporação de novas tecnologias e métodos para proporcionar um atendimento odontológico mais confortável, humano e menos invasivo, propiciou o uso de terapias alternativas e complementares em Odontologia. Objetivo: revisar a literatura e assim fornecer ao cirurgião-dentista maiores informações a respeito dos recursos alternativos e complementares utilizados no consultório odontológico. Materiais e Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada utilizando termos Decs e operadores boleanos. As bases de dados consultadas foram Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo e Google Scholar, no ano de 2020, e após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade, foram selecionados 65 estudos, dentre estudos clínicos randomizados e não-randomizados, estudos observacionais, revisões sistemáticas e não ­ sistemáticas. Resultados e Discussão: Destaca-se as terapias: Acupuntura, Crioterapia, Fitoterapia, Hipnose, Homeopatia, Laserterapia, Massoterapia, Musicoterapia, Ozonioterapia, Terapia fotodinâmica e Toxina Botulínica, nas suas diversas pluralidades de aplicação, não somente para a área odontológica, mas na integralização com diversos campos, atuando no físico e psíquico. Conclusão: Diante dos achados, pode-se concluir que grande parte das terapias complementares são bem empregadas em Odontologia. Entretanto, mais evidências científicas são essenciais para o desempenho de tais práticas. Isto as tornará eficazes e seguras, tanto na atenção à saúde em âmbito público, quanto privado, permitindo à população brasileira beneficiar-se das terapias como alternativas eficientes e de baixo custo.

The incorporation of new technologies and methods to provide a more comfortable, humane and less invasive dental care, favored the use of alternative and complementary therapies in Dentistry. Objective: to review the literature and thus provide the dentist with more information about alternative and complementary resources used in the dental office. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out using terms Decs and Boolean operators. The databases consulted were Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar, in 2020, and after applying the eligibility criteria, 65 studies were selected, among randomized and non-randomized clinical studies, observational studies, systematic reviews and non- systematic. Results and Discussion: Therapies stand out: Acupuncture, Cryotherapy, Phytotherapy, Hypnosis, Homeopathy, Laser Therapy, Massage Therapy, Music Therapy, Ozone Therapy, Photodynamic Therapy and Botulinum Toxin, in their diverse application areas, not only in the dental field, but in integration with several fields, working in the physical and psychic. Conclusion: Given the findings, it can be concluded that most complementary therapies are well used in dentistry. However, more scientific evidence is essential for the performance of such practices. This will make them effective and safe, both in public and private health care, allowing the Brazilian population to benefit from therapies as efficient and low-cost alternatives.