Dentistry Students' Knowledge of Pediatric Patients Who Suffered Violence: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Objective: To review the literature unprecedentedly to identify the dentistry students' knowledge of pediatric patients who suffered violence. Material and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey electronic databases up to November 2021. The "Grey Literature" was verified through Google Scholar and Open Grey searches to avoid any selection bias. There was no restriction on the date of publication or language. Results: The systematic search yielded 2.756 studies in the first selection phase, but only twenty-two articles were included. All selected articles were published between 1998 and 2021 and used a questionnaire to evaluate the dentistry students' knowledge regarding child maltreatment cases. Brazil was the country that had the most studies included (10 articles). Despite the majority of the students presenting insufficient knowledge about child maltreatment, evidence from this research showed that every form of approach by professionals toward child maltreatment should be considered important. Conclusion: Therefore, there are deficiencies regarding the teaching-learning methodology, reinforcing the need for improvements in Dentistry undergraduate curricula.

Sociodemographic and undergraduate-related variables as predictors of dental students' empathy: an e-survey in a south brazilian dental school / Variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas à graduação como preditoras da empatia de estudantes de odontologia: um e-survey em uma faculdade de odontologia do Sul do Brasil

Aim: To assess the associations between sociodemographic and undergraduate-related characteristics and empathy scores among dental students in a school in Southern Brazil. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study developed from self-administered online questionnaires to undergraduate dental students at the Federal University of Pelotas. Outcomes were the total score of empathy obtained through the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and the scores obtained in four domains: perspective-taking (PT), fantasy (FA), empathic concern (EC), and personal distress (PD). In RStudio version 4.1.3 simple and adjusted linear regression models with robust residual standard errors were performed. Results: Eighty-seven students were included (response rate 24.4%). Considering the total IRI score, there was a mean score of 3.62 (SD=0.64) by item, and dental students had a mean score of 94.07 (SD=16.62). In adjusted analysis, being a woman increased the IRI (0.505;95%CI 0.187;0.823), EC (0.494;95%CI 0.168;0.819), and PT (0.822; 95%CI 0.329;1.315) scores compared to men. Adjusted associations were found between the EC domain and skin color and between the PT domain and family income. FA scores increased with age and family income and, decreased with dissatisfaction with undergraduate studies, only in the bivariate analysis. Discussion: Dental professionals' empathy is essential in daily practice, improving the patient-professional relationship in a patient-centered care approach. Thus, it is relevant to recognize predictors of empathy among dental students to promote strategies to increase empathy in dental practice. Conclusion: Gender, skin color, family income, age, and satisfaction with undergraduate studies were associated with empathy scores among dental students.

Objetivo: Avaliar associações entre as características sociodemográficas e relacionadas à graduação e os escores de empatia entre estudantes de odontologia de uma escola do Sul do Brasil. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com questionários on-line autoadministrados para estudantes de graduação em odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. Foram considerados desfechos o escore total de empatia medido pelo Índice de Reatividade Interpessoal (IRI) e os escores obtidos em quatro domínios: tomada de perspectiva (TP), fantasia (FA), consideração empática (CE) e angústia pessoal (AP). No RStudio versão 4.1.3 foram realizadas regressões lineares simples e múltiplas com erros residuais robustos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 87 alunos (taxa de resposta=24,4%). Considerando a pontuação total do IRI, houve média de 3,62 (DP=0,64) por item, e de 94,07 (DP=16,62) por estudante. Na análise multivariável, mulheres tiveram maiores pontuações no IRI (0,505; IC95%0,187;0,823), CE (0,494; IC95%0,168;0,819) e AP (0,822; IC95%0,329;1,315) em comparação aos homens. Foram encontradas associações ajustadas entre o domínio CE e cor da pele e entre o domínio PT e renda familiar. Os escores do domínio FA aumentaram com idade e renda familiar e diminuíram com insatisfação com a graduação, somente em análise bivariada. Discussão: A empatia do profissional de odontologia é essencial na prática diária, melhorando a relação paciente-profissional. Assim, é relevante reconhecer os preditores da empatia entre os estudantes de odontologia, visando estratégias para aumentar a empatia na prática odontológica. Conclusão: Gênero, cor da pele, renda familiar, idade e satisfação com a graduação foram associados aos escores de empatia entre estudantes de odontologia.

Vinculación entre universidad y comunidad en el proceso formativo de los estudiantes de odontología desde la perspectiva de los docentes

Fundamento: los proyectos de vinculación con la sociedad efectuados por las universidades ecuatorianas son una oportunidad de servicio y una alternativa de acercamiento de sus estudiantes a la comunidad. Objetivo: describir el valor conferido por docentes a la vinculación entre universidad y comunidad en el proceso formativo de los estudiantes de odontología. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, en docentes de odontología de la Universidad Regional Autónoma de Los Andes en el periodo enero-junio de 2022. La población quedó constituida por los 15 docentes de la sede Santo Domingo. Resultados: el 100 % de los docentes consideró que la vinculación universidad comunidad permite la aplicación de los conocimientos adquiridos. Señalaron como debilidades la corta duración de los periodos (100 %) y la falta de empoderamiento de los docentes (100 %); y como elementos positivos la promoción de los microemprendimientos entre los estudiantes (100 %) y el desarrollo integral en el futuro profesional (100 %). Se identificaron como necesidades la retroalimentación entre la universidad y la comunidad (100 %) y los cambios de los paradigmas formativos (100 %). Conclusiones: los docentes identifican el vínculo universidad-comunidad como una oportunidad de gran valor en la formación del estudiante de odontología, preparándolos en función de la solución de los problemas sociales propios de la práctica profesional. Se reconocen como debilidades la falta de empoderamiento y la concepción de proyectos de corto plazo, lo cual demanda transformaciones en las dinámicas docentes actuales, basadas en una retroalimentación entre la academia y la sociedad.

Foundation: the connection projects with society carried out by Ecuadorian universities are an opportunity for service and an alternative to bring their students closer to the community. Objective: to describe the grant value by teachers on the link between university and community in the dental students training process. Methods: observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of dentistry teachers at the Los Andes Regional Autonomous University from January to June 2022. The population of 15 teachers at the Santo Domingo campus. Results: 100% of the teachers considered that the university-community connection allows the application of the acquired knowledge. The short duration of the periods (100%) and the lack of empowerment of teachers (100%) were indicated as weaknesses; and as positive elements the promotion of microenterprises among students (100%) and comprehensive development in the professional future (100%). Feedback between the university and the community (100%) and changes in training paradigms (100%) were identified as needs. Conclusions: teachers identify the university-community link as an opportunity of great value in the dental students training, preparing them based on the social problems solution typical of professional practice. The lack of empowerment and the conception of short-term projects are recognized as weaknesses, which demands transformations in current teaching dynamics, based on feedback between academia and society.

Estrés académico autopercibido y factores relacionados en una escuela privada de odontología en Cartagena, Colombia / Self-perceived academic stress and related factors in a private dental school from Cartagena, Colombia / Estresse acadêmico auto-percebido e fatores relacionados em uma escola particular de odontologia em Cartagena, Colômbia

Introducción: El estrés académico surge de una interacción entre factores estresantes ambientales y las reacciones de los estudiantes, asociándose con frustración y fracaso académico. Además, algunos factores demográficos y familiares influyen en el estrés. Objetivo: Analizar estrés académico, factores demográficos y familiares en estudiantes de Odontología en Escuela privada de Cartagena. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en 158 estudiantes. Se aplicó cuestionario sociodemográfico, APGAR familiar e inventario SISCO. Se analizó los datos mediante estadística descriptiva y prueba X2. Resultados: Se encontró disfuncionalidad familiar y mal soporte de amigos en casi la mitad de los participantes, niveles de preocupación moderada cercana a 70%, alta frecuencia de demandas del entorno (estresores), reacciones comportamentales y presencia de síntomas ante estímulo estresor. Hubo asociación entre alta frecuencia de inquietud en situaciones cotidianas y pertenecer a semestres básicos, baja frecuencia de uso de estrategias de afrontamiento y sexo femenino, alta frecuencia de reacciones comportamentales y disfunción familiar. Conclusiones: Los principales factores identificados fueron pertenecer a semestres básicos, ser mujer y presencia de disfuncionalidad familiar. Los niveles de estrés y disfuncionalidad familiar sugieren una alerta para intervenir desde bienestar universitario, previniendo condiciones desfavorables en la salud y rendimiento académico de los estudiantes.

Introduction: Academic stress arises from an interaction between environmental stressors and student reactions, which are associated with academic frustration and academic failure. Likewise, there are demographic and family factors that affect stress. Objective: To analyze academic stress, demographic and family factors in Dentistry students at a private school in Cartagena. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with 158 students. The APGAR family sociodemographic questionnaire and SISCO inventory were used. Descriptive statistics and the X2 test were applied to analyze data. Results: Family dysfunction and low friend support were observed in almost half of the participants, 70% displayed moderate anxiety levels. Also, a high frequency of environmental demands (stressors), behavioral reactions, and the presence of symptoms in response to the stressors were found. There were associations between: high frequency of restlessness in everyday situations and belonging to initial semesters; low frequency of using coping strategies and female gender; and high frequency of behavioral reactions and family dysfunction. Conclusions: The main factors identified were belonging to initial semesters, being a woman, and family dysfunction. Levels of stress and family dysfunction can be used as a signal for university welfare services to intervene and prevent unfavorable student health and academic performance conditions.

Introdução: O estresse acadêmico surge de uma interação entre os estressores ambientais e as reações dos alunos, associados à frustração e ao fracasso acadêmico. Além disso, alguns fatores demográficos e familiares influenciam o estresse. Objetivo: Analisar o estresse acadêmico, fatores demográficos e familiares em estudantes de odontologia de uma escola particular de Cartagena. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo, em 158 estudantes. Questionários sociodemográficos, APGAR familiar e inventário SISCO foram aplicados. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e teste X2. Resultados: Disfunção familiar e pouco apoio dos amigos foram encontrados em quase metade dos participantes, níveis de preocupação moderada próximos a 70 %, alta frequência de demandas do ambiente (estressores), reações comportamentais e presença de sintomas diante de estímulos estressantes. Houve associação entre alta frequência de inquietação em situações cotidianas e pertencimento aos semestres básicos, baixa frequência do uso de estratégias de enfrentamento e sexo feminino, alta frequência de reações comportamentais e disfunção familiar. Conclusões: Os principais fatores identificados foram pertencer aos semestres básicos, ser mulher e a presença de disfunção familiar. Os níveis de estresse e disfuncionalidade familiar sugerem um alerta para intervir da unidade de bem-estar da universidade para prevenir condições desfavoráveis na saúde e desempenho acadêmico dos estudantes.

Association between dental environment stress and sense of coherence in dental students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore associated variables with sense of coherence (SOC), and dental environment stress (DES) in a sample of dental students. All undergraduate (n = 474) and graduate (n = 105) dental students enrolled in the first semester of 2020 at a public university in southern Brazil were invited to participate. Data collection was performed by an online questionnaire, which included information related to sociodemographic and educational characteristics, biopsychosocial factors, aspects related to feelings experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the SOC scale. The study outcome (DES) was measured by a validated tool. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between the outcome and all independent variables. A total of 408 students were included (response rate: 70.5%). The overall mean score of the DES scale was 73.95 (SD: 24.13). Students with higher SOC scores were observed to have significantly lower DES scores (βGRADUATE: -0.376; 95%: -0.482 to -0.271; βUNDERGRADUATE: -0.478; 95%:-0.658 to -0.297). Female undergraduate students (β: 11.788; 95%CI: 7.161-16.415) had higher DES scores compared with undergraduate male students. In addition, the presence of anxiety symptoms when providing dental care to patients with symptoms or suspected COVID-19 infection was associated with higher DES scores (β: 10.460; 95%CI: 5.644-15.277) among undergraduate dental students. The level of stress was higher in non-white undergraduate students than white (β: 8.912; 95%CI: 3.581-14.244). Among both undergraduate and graduate dental students, higher SOC scores were associated with lower DES.

Academics knowledge about tooth bleaching: technical and ethical issues / Conhecimento de acadêmicos acerca do clareamento dental: questões técnicas e éticas

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of UFES dental students about home bleaching treatment. Methods: As a methodology, a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out through the application of practice to 109 students, containing questions about home tooth whitening, technical care and possible complications of the treatment. Data were tabulated and submitted to descriptive statistics. Results: Of the total number of students, 88.99% said they knew the factors that limit or contraindicate the bleaching treatment, 16.51% of students recognize hydrogen peroxide as a possible inducer of oral cancer, 30.27% of the students had their teeth whitened inside the University, 44.03% had their teeth whitened outside the University without professional supervision. In addition, 56.88% believe anamnesis and clinical examination are necessary before the bleaching treatment. Conclusion: It is concluded that students have limited knowledge about certain points of at-home tooth whitening. Students know the risk factors of bleaching treatment, except regarding hydrogen peroxide being a possible inducer of oral cancer. It can be inferred that academics highlight the importance of associating the clinical examination with the patient's anamnesis before performing the bleaching treatment. Most students have had their teeth whitened outside the University, which calls attention to reinforce knowledge about the ethical issues of the profession.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o nível de conhecimento dos acadêmicos de odontologia da UFES sobre o tratamento clareador caseiro. Métodos: Como metodologia, foi realizado um estudo descritivo e transversal por meio da aplicação de questionário a 109 estudantes contendo perguntas sobre o clareamento dental caseiro, cuidados técnicos e possíveis riscos do tratamento. Os dados foram tabulados e submetudos à estatística descritiva. Resultados: Do total de estudantes, 88,99% disse conhecer os fatores que limitam ou contraindicam o tratamento clareador; 16,51% dos estudantes reconhecem o peróxido de hidrogênio como possível indutor de câncer bucal; 30,27% dos estudantes realizaram o clareamento dental dentro da Universidade, 44,03% realizaram o clareamento dental fora da Universidade sem supervisão profissional. Além disso, 56,88% acreditam que são necessários anamnese e exame clínico antes de realizar o tratamento clareador. Conclusão: Conclui-se que os alunos têm conhecimento limitado sobre determinados pontos do clareamento dental caseiro. Os estudantes conhecem os fatores de risco do tratamento clareador, exceto a respeito do peróxido de hidrogênio ser um possível indutor de câncer bucal. Pode-se inferir que os acadêmicos relevam a importância da associação do exame clínico com a anamnese do paciente antes de se realizar o tratamento clareador. A maioria dos estudantes tem realizado o clareamento dental fora da Universidade, o que chama atenção para reforçar o conhecimento sobre as questões éticas da profissão.

O impacto da covid-19 nos alunos de graduação de odontologia e a perspectiva de retorno às atividades presenciais / The impact of covid-19 on undergraduate dental students and the perspective of resuming face-to-face activities

Introduction: mass contamination by the new coronavirus caused enough damage for the pandemic to extend indefinitely Objective: the objective of this study was to analyze the emotional factors acquired by students from a dentistry course during the COVID-19 pandemic period and the influences related to the resumption of face-to-face activities. Material and method: it is an observational, cross-sectional and analytical research conducted at a public university in the state of Pará, Brazil. A research questionnaire, prepared by the authors and validated by the ethics committee of the Federal University of Pará, was applied to the academic community for a period of three months (November 2020 to January 2021). The analysis was performed using the Excel program, Kappa statistics and the Chi-squared test, whose results were presented as frequency and percentage. Result: a total of 188 dental students participated in the research. The findings proved to be in accordance with the hypothesis generated by the researchers, about 19.2% had emotional crises and 3.7% increase in the lockdown period. As for the expectations for care services, there was an increase in the oppressive state of psychic crises (anxiety, stress, anger, fear), considered influential in the cognition of behavioral traits during post-pandemic care. Conclusion: the study identified that the emotional changes acquired in the pandemic outbreak had a negative impact on student performance; however, depressive symptoms were expressed in graduating students.

Introdução: a contaminação em massa pelo novo coronavírus promoveu danos suficientes para que a pandemia se estendesse por tempo indeterminado. Objetivo: analisar os fatores emocionais adquiridos por estudantes do curso de odontologia no período pandêmico COVID-19 e as influências relacionadas ao retorno das atividades presenciais. Material e método: pesquisa observacional, transversal e analítica, realizada em uma universidade pública do estado do Pará. Foi aplicado na comunidade acadêmica um questionário de pesquisa, próprio, validado pelo comitê de ética da Universidade Federal do Pará, por um período de 3 meses (novembro de 2020 a janeiro de 2021). Para a análise foi pelo programa Excel, estatísticas Kappa e o teste Qui-quadrado exibidos por frequência e porcentagem. Resultado: participaram da pesquisa 188 alunos de odontologia. Os resultados obtidos na pesquisa foram de acordo com a hipótese gerada pelos pesquisadores, cerca de 19,2% e 3,7%, apresentaram crises emocionais elevando-as no período de confinamento. Quanto as expectativas para o atendimento, houve aumento de estado opressivo de crises psíquicas (ansiedade, estresse, raiva, medo), consideradas influentes na cognição dos traços comportamentais durante o atendimento pós pandemia. Conclusão: o estudo identificou que as alterações emocionais adquiridas no surto pandêmico desencadearam impacto negativo no rendimento estudantil, todavia, a sintomatologia depressiva esteve expressa em acadêmicos concluintes.

Dental students' self-perception of security and biosafety measures in times of pandemic by COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in private Universities in Southern Brazil

The study investigated the factors associated with the self-perception safety of dental students in clinical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was based on a semi-structured online (google forms) self-applied questionnaire, sent by e-mail to three private Dental Schools in Brazil. The variables were: 1) sociodemographic information; 2) questions about the measures adopted by dental schools before returning to clinical activities; 3) dental students' self-perception of security; 4) the General Health Questionnaire. Data were submitted to Fisher's exact test (p<0.05). Of the 294 eligible students, 97% were evaluated and 100% received previous specific biosafety training predominantly theoretical (72.16%) longer than one hour (51.55%). Most students (81.44%) felt secure performing clinical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students undergoing specific biosafety training for longer than one hour felt safer than those perfoming training for up to 1 hour (p=0.004). Students from schools where the aerosol-producing restriction was applied felt safer than those without restrictions (p=0.016). Women reported feeling less secure than men (p=0.046), and students who submitted to COVID-19 Specific Biosafety Training felt safer in clinical activities than those submitted to theoretical training only (p=0.011). Students from private universities presenting psychosomatic changes felt less secure in practicing clinical dental care activities (p=0.006). In conclusion, time-spent training in biosafety, restriction of the use of aerosol-producing procedures, and the gender of students were associated with the self-perception safety of students. Students with practical training felt safer in clinical activities for patients with COVID-19 than those who had only theoretical training

Health changes during Covid-19: a nationwide study with dental students

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the changes in stress levels, social behavior, dietary and parafunctional habits, oral hygiene, among other conditions perceived by dental students in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic and evaluated the correlations between stress level and other variables. METHODS An online questionnaire was developed and validated. Undergraduates enrolled in private and public dental schools were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected on the perceived changes regarding stress levels, financial and social characteristics, dietary habits, oral hygiene, health conditions, and parafunctional habits. Quantitative variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Wilcoxon test evaluated comparisons between perceived changes, and correlations between changes in stress levels and other variables were analyzed by Spearman correlation (α = 0.05). RESULTS A total of 638 dental students, mean age of 22.95 ± 4.10 years, participated in the study. During the pandemic, the reported stress levels increased while household income decreased (p < 0.05). Late dinners and mindless eating increased in frequency, whereas oral hygiene decreased (p < 0.05). Most of the health conditions and parafunctional habits assessed changed (p < 0.05). Perceived stress levels showed poor negative correlations with household income (rS = −0.14), poor positive correlations with the pressure to contribute financially in the household (rS = 0.19), and poor positive correlations with food choice frequency (rS = 0.15) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Dental students reported perceived changes in stress levels, dietary habits, oral hygiene, health conditions, parafunctional habits, and social behavior. Moreover, the results showed poor correlations, as students with higher stress levels tended to have the lowest household income, feel pressured to contribute financially in the household, and present a high meal intake frequency.

Factors Influencing Anxiety Levels During Dental Radiographic Examination Among Dental Students

@#Introduction: : Dental anxiety was found to be related to the radiographic procedure and can be influenced by sociodemographic characteristics of patients such as age, gender, level of education, and provoking factors such as past dental examination experience. Evaluating the anxiety regarding dental radiographic examination could be beneficial in ensuring the procedure’s continuance. This study aimed to measure the radiology knowledge among dental students and its association with anxiety due to dental radiographic examination. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect the data using a questionnaire packet that included a knowledge and anxiety questionnaire, demographic data, and information about the experience of dental radiographic examination. A total sampling of 1st and 2nd year undergraduate and clerkship dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia was selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Anxiety-related factors were assessed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression conducted with STATA 15.1. Results: Results showed that knowledge and anxiety were negatively correlated but the correlation was not statistically significant. Gender, radiographic technique, and presence/absence of a companion during the examination were not correlated with anxiety. Meanwhile, the anxiety level was negatively and significantly correlated with age and examination frequency (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression results showed strong evidence that age and examination frequency were the main factors for predicting anxiety. Conclusion: Although age, radiographic examination frequency, and educational level are significant bivariate predictors of anxiety, subsequent regression analysis indicated that only age and radiographic examination frequency influence anxiety.

Poor Sleep Quality Linked to Lower Academic Performance in Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

@#Introduction: Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that sleep problems are prevalent among university students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sleep quality and academic performance among dental students at a Malaysian university. Methods: All dental students of the university were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study, which used a self-administered Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale and the psychological health domain of the Lifestyle and Habits Questionnaire- Brief. The academic performance was determined by their Grade Point Average (GPA). Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Pearson’s Chi square test for independence, and ANCOVA tests were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 341 students (233 females and 108 males) participated in the study, with 36.7% reporting poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). There was a significant difference in academic performance between students with good and poor sleep quality. Controlling for gender and psychological health, poor sleep quality was associated with lower GPA in both preclinical (adjusted mean GPA: 2.84 for poor sleepers, 3.28 for good sleepers, P < 0.001) and clinical year students (adjusted mean GPA: 2.99 for poor sleepers, 3.13 for good sleepers, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Dental students with poor sleep quality performed worse academically than students with good sleep quality after controlling for gender and psychological health. This finding was consistent in both the preclinical and clinical phase groups.

COVID-19 pandemic and impact on dental education: perception of Brazilian dental students

Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the perception of undergraduate students on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brazilian dental education. Methods: This crosssectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire hosted in Google Forms platform and publicized on Instagram® and Facebook®. The questionnaire was available between July 8-27, 2020. Absolute and relative frequencies were obtained for variables of interest using Pearson's chi-squared and considering 95% confidence intervals. Prevalence of learning resource variables according to self-reported skin color, educational institution, and Brazilian region were presented using equiplots. Results: A total of 1,050 undergraduate dental students answered the questionnaire. Most students reported being in full-distance learning mode. Among the undergraduate students, 65.4% reported perceiving a very high impact in dental education, and 16.6% of students reported not being able to follow distance learning. In addition, 14% reported not having a personal laptop or desktop to study with, with this condition being more prevalent among non-white than white individuals. Conclusion: We conclude that Brazilian dental students perceived a high impact of COVID-19 on dental education, as well as one-sixth of the students reported not having adequate resources to continue with distance learning. It is important that different policies are developed at the institutional and governmental levels to reduce the impact of the pandemic on dental education

Antibiotic prescription in the management of endodontic infections amongst Iraqi final-year undergraduate dental students

Aim This study aimed to examine the prescription of antibiotics for endodontic infections among undergraduate dental students. Methods Two government Iraqi dental schools [(the University of Baghdad (UOB) (n=99) and University of Babylon (UB) (n=70)], and one private dental school [Osouldeen University College (OUC) (n=103)] were included in this survey study. A paper-based questionnaire composed of seven questions was distributed to students, and collected. A chi-square test was used for data analysis, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (P=0.05). Results A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was identified between students' answers in the three dental schools regarding antibiotic selection for endodontic infections in which patients had no known allergies (P=0.001). In comparison to other dental schools, a statistically significantly higher proportion of respondents from UOB (32%) favored Azithromycin 500mg for treating patients with penicillin hypersensitivity (P=0.003). A high percentage of participants (62.1%) selected antibiotic prescription in cases with necrotic pulp and symptomatic apical periodontitis (with swelling and moderate/severe preoperative symptoms). However, there were no significant differences between the 3 dental schools (P>0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, a significantly greater percentage of UB chose amoxicillin for the treatment of endodontic infection in patients with no medical allergies. Azithromycin 500mg was selected by UOB as the preferred option in patients who were sensitive to penicillin. Our findings support the need for the implementation of strategies to raise awareness of good antibiotic prescribing practices among dentists in Iraq.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among dental students is influenced by sex, academic performance, smoking exposure, and sexual orientation: cross-sectional study

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported depressive symptoms in undergraduate and graduate dental students. Methods: The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was applied, and only the depression domain was verified. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, behavioral, and COVID-19 pandemic-related fear variables. Academic performance was assessed based on academic records, ranging from 0 (worst possible grade) to 10 (best possible grade). Respondents included 408 regularly enrolled dental students. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance to verify the association between at least moderate depressive symptoms and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of at least moderate depression was 40.5% among undergraduate students and 26% among graduate students. The prevalence of fear and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic was 96.1% among undergraduate students and 93.5% among graduate students. In the final multivariate analysis, being female (prevalence ratio [PR]:2.01; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:1.36­2.96) was associated with a higher PR for depression. Conversely, no exposure to smoking (PR:0.54; 95%CI:0.36­0.82) and a final academic performance average ≥7.0 (PR:0.56; 95%CI:0.41­0.76) was associated with a lower PR for depression. Finally, among graduate students, a non-heterosexual orientation was associated with a higher PR for depression (PR:6.70; 95%CI:2.21­20.29). Conclusion: Higher rates of depression symptoms were observed in female undergraduates, students with lower academic performance and smoking exposure, and graduate dental students with a non-heterosexual orientation

Accessibility to student publication in dental journals in the world

Scientific research and publication play an important role during the training of dentists, but one of the most outstanding barriers is the authorship conditions of the journals. Aim: The objective of the study was to determine the accessibility to student publication in dental journals in the world. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out. 208 journals indexed in Scimago Journal & Country Rank that met inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The instructions for the authors were reviewed, an email was subsequently sent to the journal contact and articles with student affiliation were searched in the database of each journal. For the analysis of the descriptive statistical data of frequencies and percentage, the IBM SPPS Statistics Standard Edition 22 program was used. Results: 208 journals were included, 77.67% accepted the student publication without condition. The United States, United Kingdom and India were the countries with the highest number of journals with student participation. Likewise, the journals of Q4 (85.70%), Q3 (85.40%) and Basic Sciences (100%), Dental Education (100%), Endodontic (100%), Geriatrics and Gerontology (100%) and Public Dental Health (100%), mostly accepted student authorship. Conclusion: It is concluded that 167 (77.67%) of the dental journals accept the publication of dental students without condition, being more frequent in journals positioned in Q4 (85.70%). Also, journals with thematic areas on Basic Sciences, Dental Education, Endodontic, Geriatrics and Gerontology and Public Dental Health

The psychological impact of social distancing related to the covid-19 pandemic on undergraduate and graduate students in Brazil

Aim: To evaluate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on undergraduate and graduate students of the Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. Methods: Three questionnaires were used: sociodemographic, WHO Abbreviated Quality of Life Inventory, and General Anxiety Disorder-7. Data were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism 7a (α = 5%). Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post-tests were used for statistical comparisons. The Spearman test was used as the correlation test. Results: 257 students responded to the online form that assessed their quality of life and anxiety level. On a scale from 1 to 100, with 100 being the best quality of life, the average obtained was 64.71 (± 13.36). In addition, 87.6% of the students rated their quality of life as good or very good. 74.7% reported good or very good health. The anxiety analysis resulted in an average of 10.04 (± 4.5), indicating moderate anxiety levels. There was an inversely proportional correlation between age and degree of anxiety (p = 0.008, r = -0.1628) and self-perceived learning and student commitment (r = 0.69). Conclusion: Despite the good quality of life and the students' good self-perception of health, they showed a moderate degree of anxiety during the social distancing caused by COVID-19, also demonstrating a decrease in interest and commitment during distance education

Calidad radiográfica obtenida por estudiantes de Odontología mediante la técnica de bisectriz

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad radiográfica mediante técnica de la bisectriz ejecutada por estudiantes de Odontología de tercer año. Material y Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se evaluaron 220 radiografías ejecutadas por 55 estudiantes de Odontología de tercer año. La calidad radiográfica fue evaluada por dos investigadores, mediante una pauta creada con cuatro parámetros: posición de la película, angulación horizontal, angulación vertical y rayos X centrado. Fue comparada la calidad según sector radiográfico, anterior y posterior. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y prueba de chi-2 para establecer diferencias entre calidad y sector radiográfico, con un valor de significancia estadística de p0.05. Conclusión: Las radiografías periapicales tomadas mediante técnica de la bisectriz por estudiantes de Odontología de tercer año, son mayoritariamente de calidad inaceptable, sin diferencias significativas entre sectores.

Objective: To evaluate radiographic quality using the bisecting angle technique performed by third-year dental students. Material and Method: Descriptive observational study. 220 radiographs were evaluated, performed by 55 third-year dental students. Radiographic quality was evaluated by two researchers, using a guideline created with four parameters: film position, horizontal angulation, vertical angulation and centered X-ray (conecut). The quality was compared according to the radiographic sector, anterior and posterior. Descriptive statistics and chi-2 test were applied to establish differences between radiographic sector and radiographic quality, setting a value of statistical significance of p 0.005. Conclusions: The periapical radiographs taken by third-year dental students using the bisecting angle technique is mostly of unacceptable quality, with no significant differences between sectors.

Abordagem da espiritualidade nas instituições de ensino superior de odontologia do Brasil / Spirituality approach in Brazilian higher education institutions of dentistry / Enfoque de la espiritualidad en las instituciones brasileñas de enseñanza superior de odontología en Brasil

Objetivo: avaliar o ensino da espiritualidade nos cursos de Odontologia. Método: estudo transversal, realizado junto a docentes e discentes do curso de odontologia em diferentes instituições de ensino superior (IES) do Brasil. Resultados: a baixa espiritualidade foi mais prevalente (53,3%), sendo esta estatisticamente significante para a alunos (60,1%) e o sexo feminino (55,8%). Quando os participantes foram questionados sobre a abordagem do tema espiritualidade nas atividades curriculares, 82,1% responderam que nunca ou raramente; 78,5% disseram que as informações recebidas são poucas ou muito poucas para abordarem a espiritualidade com os pacientes. Quando questionados se acreditam que temas relacionados a Saúde e Espiritualidade deveriam fazer parte dos currículos de Odontologia, 81,5% responderam afirmativamente. Conclusão: a religiosidade/espiritualidade é escassamente abordada nos cursos de graduação em odontologia, ou acontece de forma incipiente, contudo, a pesquisa revela que o tema deveria ser abordado, preparando o acadêmico adequadamente.

Objective: to evaluate the teaching of spirituality in Dentistry courses. Method: this cross-sectional study was conducted with professors and students of Dentistry in higher education institutions in Brazil. Results: a low level of spirituality was more prevalent (53.3%), which was statistically significant for students (60.1%) and female gender (55.8%). When asked whether spirituality was addressed in curricular activities, 82.1% answered never or rarely, 78.5% said that the information received was insufficient or very insufficient to address spirituality with patients. When asked if they believed that topics relating to Health and Spirituality should be part of Dentistry curricula, 81.5% answered affirmatively. Conclusion: religiosity/spirituality is scarcely addressed in undergraduate Dentistry courses or is only incipient, although the study revealed that the subject should be addressed in order to prepare students properly.

Objetivo: evaluar la enseñanza de la espiritualidad en los cursos de odontología. Método: estudio transversal, realizado con profesores y estudiantes del curso de odontología en diferentes instituciones de educación superior (IES) de Brasil. Resultados: la baja espiritualidad fue más prevalente (53,3%), lo que fue estadísticamente significativo para la categoría (es decir, estudiantes) (60,1%) y el sexo (es decir, mujeres) (55,8%). Cuando se les preguntó a los participantes sobre el enfoque de la espiritualidad en las actividades curriculares, el 82,1% respondió que nunca o rara vez; el 78,5% dijo que la información recibida es poca o muy poca respecto a abordar la espiritualidad con los pacientes. Cuando se les preguntó si creen que los temas relacionados con la Salud y la Espiritualidad deberían formar parte del programa del curso de odontología, el 81,5% respondió afirmativamente. Conclusión: la religiosidad/espiritualidad apenas se aborda en los cursos de odontología de pregrado, o sucede de manera incipiente, sin embargo, la investigación revela que el tema debe abordarse, preparando al académico adecuadamente.

Academic perspectives and psychosocial aspects of final-year dental students during COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate the influence of the Universities lockdown measures on academic perspectives and psychosocial aspects of Brazilian finalyear dental students. Methods: 268 undergraduate students regularly enrolled in a Dentistry course at public universities were asked about anxiety, depression, stress sensitivity, and their academic perspectives by using an online survey. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety and depression, while the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) evaluated stress levels. The academic perspective was evaluated by five affirmatives regarding possible difficulties that will be faced when school reopens and after graduation. The possible association between fear of having COVID-19 with psychosocial outcomes and COVID-19 association with academic perspectives were analyzed by ANOVA and chisquare tests, respectively, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: Considering possible associations between the fear of having COVID-19 and psychosocial aspects, significant values were found for anxiety (P = 0.018) and stress sensitivity (P = 0.002). Regarding students' academic perspectives, COVID-19 had significant impact on less opportunity to perform procedures (P = 0.023), additional expenses with personal protective equipment (P = 0.007), and concerns of consulting elderly people (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased psychological impairments and enlarged concerns with learning and biosecurity, which might impact academic perspectives. Thus, being aware of these apprehensions, university professors and staff can improve the clinical training of final-year dental students in an empathetic way

Flipped classroom and the use of role-play in the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and learning

Aim In Brazil, COVID-19 remains one of the epicenters of the pandemic, thus, presential educational activities are suspended. The study aimed to describe the approach of flipped classroom performed to provide social distancing and to maintain teaching activities during COVID-19-pandemic. Methods Flipped Classroom was chosen to be associated with the role-play technique as a central methodology. To bring students closer to activities performed in the non-pandemic period, some actions and assessments were also role-played by Professor simulating patients in virtual meetings. Results Although the changes in the format of the lessons, our approaches stimulated the students maintained the high frequency of students in the activities (almost 100%) providing continuity activities. Conclusions This report can reinforce that meaningful learning can be taught by using a virtual/remote approach. However, the potential positive results observed cannot be used as an excuse to maintain remote teaching activities with the objective of cost-cutting by the institutions.