An Umbrella Review of the Effectiveness of Temporary Anchorage Devices and the Factors That Contribute to Their Success or Failure.

OBJECTIVES: New methodological approaches, such as the umbrella review, constitute an important pathway for synthesizing the scientific evidence provided from studies with a high level of evidence. This study aims to summarize the results on the effectiveness of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and the factors that contribute to their success or failure during orthodontic treatment in patients of different age groups and to identify the gaps in knowledge based on analysis of the scientific literature. METHODS: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was performed. A quality evaluation and a descriptive analysis of the included studies were conducted. The study protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42018094463). RESULTS: Seventeen systematic reviews and meta-analyses were considered (10 descriptive and 7 with meta-analysis; 12 of high quality and 5 of moderate quality). Variability was observed in the type of intervention and the type of system (TADs). Most of the studies reported high success rates (≥90%), and just one systematic review indicated a low rate of success (≤56%) for the mini-screws. All the studies discussed several factors related to the success of the TADs. These factors were classified as device-related factors, patient-related factors, procedure-related factors, and orthodontic treatment-related factors. Conceptual and methodological gaps were observed when considering the data analysis, the terminology used, and the orthodontic protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The results should be analysed cautiously because of several research gaps related to the methodological quality and the high heterogeneity of the original studies and because of the necessity to add several clinical and sociodemographic variables to enrich the data analysis.

An Umbrella Review Exploring the Effect of Periodontal Treatment in Pregnant Women on the Frequency of Adverse Obstetric Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: In the recent years, efforts have been made to reduce epidemiologic indicators of periodontal disease in pregnant women. This umbrella review aims to analyze the systematic reviews/meta-analyses investigating the effect of periodontal therapy in pregnant women on the frequency of obstetric complications (low birth weight, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia) and to identify the gaps in the scientific literature. METHODS: A systematic review of systematic reviews with and without meta-analysis of intervention studies was conducted. Quality evaluation and qualitative analysis of the reviews were performed. RESULTS: A total of 223 articles were obtained, and 18 of them were included in the analysis, 13 articles included meta-analysis, where 11 were of high quality and 7 of medium quality according to the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) guide. These systematic reviews/meta-analyses included a total of 19 studies (17 randomized clinical trials). Descriptive systematic reviews showed that periodontal therapy has positive effects on reducing the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In systematic reviews with meta-analysis, overall effect estimators were not significant, although a reduction in the incidence of obstetric complications was observed. Subgroup analysis resulted in significant effects, depending on sociodemographic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Differential findings are not enough to demonstrate that there is a significant reduction in the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women receiving periodontal therapy. Possible explanations are related to factors such as the type of studies analyzed, indicator of obstetric complication considered, and specific variables included in the analysis. Many systematic reviews did not address publication bias and did identify gaps in knowledge that require further clarification.

Gaps in Knowledge About the Association Between Maternal Periodontitis and Adverse Obstetric Outcomes: An Umbrella Review.

OBJECTIVES: Scientific literature has established that the periodontal condition during pregnancy could be associated with obstetric/neonatal morbidity, and these effects have an important relationship with problems during childhood and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. This umbrella review aimed to summarize the results about the association between maternal periodontitis and obstetric complications (low birth weight, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia) and identify the gaps in the scientific literature. METHODS: An umbrella review of systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis was performed. Quality evaluation and descriptive analysis of the characteristics of the included studies were conducted. RESULTS: Nineteen systematic reviews/meta-analyses were considered. In total, the systematic reviews included 99 observational studies. Most of the reviews established an association between maternal periodontitis and a higher risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia. The magnitude and statistical significance of this relationship are influenced by the context in which the studies have been conducted. Gaps were identified in the definition/evaluation of periodontal disease, criteria of gestational age for study purposes, and potential confounders, among others. CONCLUSIONS: Although scientific literature has established an association among the analyzed pathologies, conceptual and methodological gaps were identified, and they should be considered as integral components when this association is investigated.

Weak Evidence Hinders the Understanding of the Benefits of Periodontal Therapy on Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes and Periodontitis.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Treatment of periodontal disease for glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus. Simpson TC, Weldon JC, Worthington HV, Needleman I, Wild SH, Moles DR, Stevenson B, Furness S, Iheozor-Ejiofor Z. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;11:CD004714. SOURCE OF FUNDING: This project was supported by the NIHR, via Cochrane Infrastructure funding to the Cochrane Oral Health Group, School of Dentistry, University of Manchester (UK), Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (UK), and the National Institute for Health Research (UK) TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Dentoalveolar, periodontal and skeletal effects of maxillary expansion techniques assisted by temporary anchorage devices compared with conventional protocols in growing patients with transverse maxillary deficiency: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To synthesise the dentoalveolar, periodontal and skeletal changes that occur when using maxillary expansion techniques assisted by temporary anchorage devices compared to conventional protocols. METHODS: Five databases and grey literature were consulted, up to December 2023, focusing on intervention designs and excluding other type of studies. The quality assessment was conducted by using the adaptation for orthodontics of the CONSORT statement, the guidelines for reporting non-randomised studies, the RoB-2 tool, and the ROBINS-I tool. A descriptive summary and meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 were performed. RESULTS: Nine clinical trials were included (n=377 patients, mean age 13.2±0.6) with a diagnosis of transverse maxillary deficiency. The analysed studies showed qualitative dentoalveolar and periodontal changes after expansion, which were greater on the maxillary first premolars in tooth-borne appliances. Meta-analyses for some effects were included from two studies (n=64); patients who used tooth-borne appliances had greater effects of buccal intercoronal width between the premolars with statistically significant differences (Std Mean difference 2.34; 95% CI: 0.04-4.65 p=0.05). Conversely, those patients who used bone-borne or hybrid appliances had greater effects of buccal intercoronal width between molars with statistically significant differences (Std Mean difference -0.64; 95% CI: -1.38-0.10; p=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: According to the studies analysed, all measurements increased in the intervention groups after expansion. Quantitative analyses show different findings at dentoalveolar level when tooth-borne, bone-borne or hybrid appliances are considered. Nevertheless, the results should be taken with caution due to the heterogeneity of the studies. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021283170), with no funding to report.

Understanding the Quality of Life and Its Related Factors in Orthodontics Postgraduate Students: A Mixed Methods Approach.

This study analyzed the academic, sociodemographic, and labor conditions related to the quality of life (QOL) of orthodontics postgraduate students in Colombia. A mixed study (explanatory sequential design) was conducted. An online cross-sectional survey (n = 84; 64.3% females) was carried out with sociodemographic, academic, social support, health, labor, and QOL (WHOQOL-BREF) variables. Descriptive, bivariate analyses, and multivariate linear regression were performed. Focus groups (FGs) delved into aspects of relevance regarding QOL and determinants, through qualitative content analysis and triangulation of information. The median score in the four WHOQOL-BREF dimensions surpasses 50 points, with the highest score being in the psychological dimension (62.5 ± 16.7). According to the multivariate linear regression models, the variables significantly associated with QOL scores were playing sports, being married/living together, normal BMI, low social support, and medium/low socioeconomic status. The qualitative results explained the determinants of QOL in the personal, academic, and social dimensions of the participants. The discourses showed that the postgraduate course represents a resignification of their life, where their QOL is affected by the difficulties of their academic development, by the difficulty of reconciling the personal academic load with their affective, work, and social life, and by the stress they experience in their staff process. In conclusion, the participants' QOL was moderate and affected by different factors. The findings highlighted the importance of mental health promotion and well-being strategies in students of orthodontic postgraduate training programs in Colombia for improving QOL.

Oral health-related quality of life in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) are chronic diseases that are associated with connective tissue and bone destruction, which affects the quality of life of the people suffering from these conditions. The identification of social conditions and the determinants of RA and PD would permit the elaboration of policies and strategies based on social reality. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to identify the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the indicators of general health and oral health in patients with RA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 59 patients with RA was conducted between 2019 and 2020. Demographic, general health, periodontal, and oral health parameters were collected. In addition, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was administered to each patient. A description of the OHIP-14 dimensions according to different variables was performed. The relationship between OHRQoL and general/oral health indicators was analyzed with logistic and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: The highest OHIP-14 scores were found in people that were 60 years of age and over, single, had low educational achievements, a low socioeconomic status, were unemployed, and had no health affiliation. In the adjusted model, the prevalence of the impact on OHRQoL was 1.34 (1.10-5.29) times greater in those with erosive RA than in those without, and 2.22 (1.16-29.50) times greater in those who self-reported morning stiffness. Regarding the stage of PD, those with stage IV had a prevalence of the impact on the OHRQoL of 70%, an average extent of 3.4 ±4.5 and a severity score of 11.5 ±22.0, with statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions with the greatest impact on the OHRQoL of patients were physical pain, discomfort and psychological disability. The type of RA and the severity of PD are indicators of worse scores on the OHRQoL scale.

Quality of Life and Related Factors in Specialists on Pediatric Dentistry and the like Graduated from a Public University: A Mixed Methods Approach.

This study aims to analyze the factors associated with the quality of life (QOL) in pediatric dentistry specialists and the like, graduated in a public university between 1972 and 2018. A mixed study (explanatory sequential design) was conducted. Firstly, a cross-sectional survey (n = 62, 51% women) was carried out and complemented with three focus groups (FGs) and four semi-structured interviews (SIs). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyzes and non-parametric correlation were calculated. A multivariate linear regression was carried out to establish the factors associated with QOL. In FGs, the concept of QOL and the factors that influence it was investigated, by following a qualitative content analysis and later the information was triangulated. The median QOL scores surpass 62 points. The multivariate analysis showed that the factors exerted the greatest influence negatively (decreases the QOL score) were: having an independent or service provision contract (p < 0.05), low social support (p < 0.001), job dissatisfaction (p < 0.01), poor mental health (p < 0.01), self-perceived poor general health (p < 0.01). The information from the FGs and interviews allow to establish three categories of analysis: (1) QOL and health: multiple facets, determinants, and dimensions; (2) encounters and disagreements between the postgraduate curricular training proposal and the labor and social field of the specialist; (3) an itinerant clinical specialization. The QOL of participants is considered good in general terms and is conditioned by subjective factors, the social environment, and the conditions of their professional work.

Regenerative Endodontics Success Factors and their Overall Effectiveness: An Umbrella Review.

Introduction: Regenerative endodontics is a developing field of dentistry and aims to recover the physiological and anatomical functions of the tooth for cases of severe dental caries, pulpal pathologies and dental trauma. Materials and Methods: This umbrella review seeks to discover the scientific evidence on the effectiveness and the factors result in successful regenerative endodontic therapies in teeth with necrotic pulps and with incomplete root development. The study was conducted following the PRISMA Guidelines. There were no restrictions regarding search period. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A quality evaluation was conducted by using AMSTAR-2. A descriptive analysis of the included systematic reviews and meta-analysis were conducted. Results: Thirteen descriptive systematic reviews and 7 meta-analyses were included. Three articles evidenced low methodological quality according to AMSTAR-2 tool. Overall success rates for the endodontic regeneration procedures ranged from 50% to 98% and the survival rates were between 94% and 100%. Pulp regeneration had a high success rate, evidenced by factors such as the resolution of symptoms, healing, increased root length, dentin thickening and recovery of sensitivity. Follow-up varied from 1 to 48 months for the original studies included in the systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Conclusions: Endodontic practice offers the clinician a good treatment option in case of necrotic pulp with immature roots such as the endodontic regeneration, that is supported by high and moderate quality scientific literature.

Musculoskeletal disorders and related factors in the Colombian orthodontists' practice.

Objective. This study aimed to characterize the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their related factors in a group of orthodontists in the city of Medellín (Colombia). Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 100 orthodontists. A survey provided sociodemographic and work-related information. MSDs were recorded through the Nordic questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out by determining the prevalence of MSD symptoms by anatomical zone and selected variables. Results. Prevalence of MSDs was 81% for males and 88% for females. Anatomical regions were the neck (males 44%, females 59%), shoulders (males 44%, females 48%), lower back-lumbar zone (males 63%, females 51%), elbow-forearm (males 15%, females 15%) and wrist-hand (males 32%, females 51%). The frequency of symptoms was higher in males >41 years old, with more than a work contract or females who worked >40 h per week, and in orthodontists (males-females) who reported higher work-related dissatisfaction levels. Conclusions. A high prevalence of MSDs was found among orthodontists, with differences in the frequency of symptoms related to sociodemographic and work-related factors. Preventive strategies related to health and work safety would be advisable considering the particular needs of this dentist group.

A Scoping Review about the Characteristics and Success-Failure Rates of Temporary Anchorage Devices in Orthodontics.

This study synthesized the scientific evidence concerning the main characteristics of the Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) used in orthodontics and reported the success-failure rates during treatment. For that means, this scoping review collected articles from previous research. A complementary search was carried out in the databases PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, and EMBASE, focusing on original studies published from 2010 to 2020. We analyzed the main characteristics of the publications. As a result, 103 articles were included. Most of the research was conducted among different groups, who needed TADs principally in the maxilla and an interradicular location between the second premolar and first molar. AbsoAnchor, Dentos Inc., Daegu, Korea, was the most used brand of TADs. The most common characteristics of the devices and biomechanics were a diameter and length of 1.6 mm and 8 mm, a self-drilled system, a closed technique for placement, immediate loading, and forces that ranged between 40 and 800 g. Of the studies, 47.6% showed success rates ≥90%. In conclusion, high success rates were found for TADs, and differences were found according to sociodemographic and clinical variables. The studies showed variability in methodological design, and scientific publications were concentrated in certain countries. We recommend further scientific research on TADs using more standardized designs.

A Scoping Review about Migrants' Oral Health in South-South Contexts.

OBJECTIVE: To gather the available scientific evidence about the oral health of migrants in south-south contexts. METHODS: A scoping review methodology was applied through a comprehensive search in databases of scientific and grey literature: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, Google Scholar and the International Centre for Migration, Health and Development. A descriptive analysis of the characteristics of the selected studies was conducted. RESULTS: The search yielded 23 papers. Seventeen studies (17/23, 73.9%) were conducted on the Asian continent and 91.3% (21/23) were cross-sectional. Studies were focused on oral health problems such as dental caries and periodontal disease with diverse findings when comparing immigrants with natives. Some studies found poor oral health indexes in migrants. Migrants face barriers to dental health services. Other oral health variables addressed in the studies were oral health-related quality of life, beliefs, knowledge and practices in oral health. Determining factors related to oral health were evidenced, such as migration status, sociodemographic, cultural, psychological, living, economic and material conditions, social support, oral health practices and previous oral and general health status. Studies reported conceptual and methodological gaps and limitations that must be considered when interpreting the results. CONCLUSION: According to the scientific evidence, immigrant populations in south-south migratory contexts show poor oral health indicators, and this translates into social vulnerability in this group. Further research is needed to increase the scientific body about the social and contextual determinants in oral health and understanding of the social construction of this phenomenon.

Impact of Social Support on Perceived Stress in Latin American and Caribbean Dental Students and Dental Practitioners during Mandatory Social Isolation within the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of social support on perceived stress in Latin American and Caribbean dental students and dental practitioners during mandatory social isolation within the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1812 dental students and dental practitioners from 21 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Perceived stress was assessed using the perceived stress scale (PSS-14), and the influence of social support was addressed using the Duke-UNC-11. Additionally, sociodemographic variables, knowledge of and preventive behaviour against COVID-19 and health status were considered. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed through multiple linear regression. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, model 4 presented R2% = 21.20 (P < 0.001), a constant of 40.049; within the model, the social support variable had a non-standardised regression coefficient (b) of -4,527 (95% CI - 5.646 to -3,408; P < 0.001), the self-perceived level of concern regarding COVID-19 was b = 1.838 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.887 to 2.790; P < 0.001), the self-perceived health status was b = -2.191(95% CI -2.944 to -1.437; P < 0.001), the number of days in compulsory isolation was b = -0.965 (95% CI -1.908 to -0.022; P = 0.045), while the level of confinement was b = 0.923 (95%CI: 0.106-1.740; P = 0.027), age was b = -1.743 (95% CI -2.625 to -0.860; P < 0.001), sex was b = 1.324 (95% CI 0.311 to 2.337; P = 0.011) and the economic income level was b = -1.539 (95% CI -2.434 to -0.644; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: An association was determined between perceived stress and social support, as well as the variables of concern about the disease, self-perceived health status, number of days and level of confinement, age, sex and economic income level, based on the experience of dental practitioners and dental students in mandatory isolation.

Degree of conversion of resin-cements (light-cured/dual-cured) under different thicknesses of vitreous ceramics: systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review synthesized and analyzed the scientific evidence on the degree of conversion (DC) obtained by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of light-cured and dual-cured resinous cements, photopolymerized under different thicknesses of vitreous ceramics. STUDY SELECTION: The study protocol of this systematic review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42017069319). A comprehensive search (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and LILACS) was performed for papers including an in vitro design and indexed from January 2007 to December 2020 according to the study purposes. A quality appraisal (specific instrument) and descriptive analysis of the articles that met the inclusion criteria were conducted. RESULTS: Nine included studies were analyzed. Two of them used feldspathic ceramics, six used lithium disilicate, and one used both (comparing different types and opacities of ceramics). Three studies found a higher DC in dual cements, while one did not find any significant differences, and five studies found a higher DC in light-cured resin cements. Light-cured cements showed a better DC in relation to dual-cured cements in vitreous ceramic restorations with thicknesses up to 2 mm. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, the use of good photoactivation is the most relevant variable to achieve an adequate DC in light-cured and dual-cured resin cements. The use of vitreous ceramic restorations with a thickness of less than 2 mm (light-curing cements) shows a better DC. Standardized in vitro studies are required to generate accurate scientific evidence.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the timing of dental care in elderly peruvians.

In Peru, there is low dental service use among older adults, in addition to a social gradient for use. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered complex scenarios characterized by inadequate access to health services, with greater impact on vulnerable population groups such as the elderly. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time since last dental care visit among elderly Peruvians. It was a cross-sectional study conducted on a population of 5247 respondents in 2019, and 5066 respondents in 2020. The study considered the answers of people who responded to the question on the last time they had received dental care, extracting a total 4045 subjects for 2019 and 3943 for 2020. The dependent variable was time since last dental care measured in years, while the variables on health, geographic and sociodemographic characteristics were grouped within three dimensions. A descriptive bivariate and multivariateanalysiswasapplied by means of multiple linear regression to analyze the behavior of the variables. Time since the last dental care visit was 7.93 years (SD=8.03) in 2019 and 7.94 years (SD=7.28) in 2020. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was performed, where no variable in the 2019 model was significant; while for 2020, health, geographic, and sociodemographic characteristics variables were significant. In the analysis where the 'year' variable becomes independent, only model 4, which considers all variables, was valid (p=0.018). The variables 'area of residence' and 'wealth index' were also significant. To conclude, the 2020 pandemic year for COVID-19 had no impact on the time since last dental care visit among elderly Peruvians, though factors such as area of residence and wealth index were found to be associated with the time since last dental care visit.

En Perú, los adultos mayores presentan un bajo uso de los servicios odontológicos, además de percibirse una gradiente social para su utilización. Adicionalmente, la pandemia por COVID-19 desencadenó escenarios complejos, caracterizados por un inadecuado acceso a los servicios de salud, que afectó con mayor énfasis a grupos poblacionales vulnerables, como las personas en edades extremas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en el tiempo de atención odontológica en adultos mayores peruanos. Estudio transversal con población de 5247 encuestados para el 2019 y 5066 para el 2020. Se consideraron los registros de quienes respondieron a la pregunta sobre el tiempo desde su última atención odontológica, extrayéndose del 2019 un total de 4045 y para 2020, 3943 sujetos. La variable dependiente consistió en el tiempo desde la última atención odontológica medido en años; mientras que dentro de tres dimensiones,seagruparon a lasvariables sobre características de salud, geográficas y sociodemográficas. Se aplicó un análisis descriptivo, bivariado y multivariado, donde el tiempo desde la última atención odontológica en el año 2019 fue de 7.93 años (DE=8.03) y en el 2020 fue de 7.94 años (DE=7.28). Se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple jerárquica, donde ninguna variable del modelo 2019 fue significativa; mientras que para 2020, las variables características de salud, geográficas y sociodemográficas si lo fueron. Al análisis, donde el año pasa a ser independiente, sólo el modelo 4, que considera todas las variables fue válido (p=0.018); asimismo, el área de residencia e índice de riqueza presentaron significancia estadística. Para concluir, en el año 2020 la pandemia por COVID-19 no impactó en el tiempo de atención odontológica en adultos mayores peruanos, sin embargo, factores como área de residencia e índice de riqueza si presentaron asociación con el tiempo desdelaúltimaatención.

Impact of mandatory social isolation measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the subjective well-being of Latin American and Caribbean dentists.

BACKGROUND: With the spread of the COVID-19 virus, containment measures such as home confinement were implemented, generating stress, anxiety, depression and aggravation of pre-existing diseases in the population, including dentists, who have also been affected due to the risk involved in practicing their profession. Objective: To determine the impact of mandatory social isolation measures on the subjective well-being of Latin American and Caribbean dentists during the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Cross-sectional study in a sample of 1195 dentists from 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The main outcome was Subjective Well-Being, evaluated through the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). In addition, sociodemographic characteristics, variables related to the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health variables were considered. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate (multiple linear regression) analysis was performed to observe the behavior of the variables. RESULTS: A multiple linear regression analysis was performed, where all the variables included within dimensions, were distributed in a single model, observing an R2% of 9.000 (p<0.001), where the R2% change was significant (p<0.001) and a constant of 44.190; likewise, within this model, the variable follow-up of preventive measures against COVID-19 reported an unstandardized regression coefficient (b) of 2. 316 (95%CI:1.133-3.499;p<0.001), the self-perceived level of concern against COVID-19 obtained a (b) of -5.470 (95%CI:-7.509--3.430; p<0.001), the biological sex variable manifested a (b) of -5.417 (95%CI: - 1.157-1.910; p<0.001); finally, the level of economic income during compulsory social isolation presented a (b)=5.354 (CI95%:3.461- 7.247; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An association was found between subjective well-being and variables related to the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as following preventive measures, concern about the pandemic and economic factors (decrease in income level), in addition to biologic sex. Follow-up strategies are required for these dental professionals, considering that social isolation measures have continued in many of the countries. Key words:Quarantine, Coronavirus infections, WHO-5, Cross-sectional studies, Latin America, Caribbean Region.

Peruvian children toothbrushing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Toothbrushing is a convenient, inexpensive, widespread and culturally accepted method, resulting in an ideal public health outcome. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on toothbrushing in Peruvian children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted using a database of children aged 0 to 11 years, with a final sample of 39,124 participants, 15,974 in 2019 (62.03%) and 7088 in 2020 (55.54%). General toothbrushing, daily toothbrushing and minimum frequency of two times a day were dependent variables; the year was considered as the independent variable. In addition, other covariates such as geographical landscape, area of residence, place of residence, altitude, wealth index, health insurance cover, sex and age. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were applied. Results: General toothbrushing was 96.19% (n=51 013), daily toothbrushing was 87.47% (n=42 246) and minimum toothbrushing two times a day was 84.53% (n=33 957). In multivariate form, the year presented a negative association with daily toothbrushing (RPa: 0.97; CI95%: 0.96-0.98; p<0.001) and minimum toothbrushing two times a day (RPa: 0.97; CI95%: 0.95-0.98; p<0.001), adjusted for the previously associated co-variables. Conclusions: The year 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted daily toothbrushing and minimum twice-daily toothbrushing of Peruvian children.

General Labor Well-Being in Latin American Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aimed to determine the general labor well-being of Latin American dentists according to sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a final sample of 2214 participants from 11 countries. A validated online questionnaire on general work well-being was used (data collection period from 1 June to 10 July 2021), containing two dimensions: psychosocial well-being and collateral effects. The sociodemographic characteristics of the dentists and their perception of the economic impact of the pandemic were also recorded. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed (hierarchical regression model) to evaluate the joint effect of the explanatory variables on labor well-being and the changes in the variance between each model. A score of psychosocial well-being of 233.6 + 40.2 and collateral effects of 45 + 20.1 was found. Psychosocial well-being was associated with sex, country of origin, academic training achieved, type of dental activity, and perceived impact during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Somatization was frequently manifested through back pain (88.2%) and muscular tensions (87.2%). Women, those who worked 41 or more hours and had between 1 to 15 years of professional experience presented a greater collateral effect (p < 0.001). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic a year and a half after it began on the labor well-being of Latin American dentists was evidenced with important interactions with social characteristics.

Ventilation and air-conditioning systems in dental clinics and COVID-19: How much do we know?

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the association between knowledge and management of ventilation and air-conditioning systems (VAC) to avoid the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in health facilities by dentists and demographic variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional digital media survey was administered to dentists as part of global research. The core questionnaire was used including four additional questions on VAC (Q1: knowledge, Q2: work settings, Q3: temperature, and Q4: maintenance). A descriptive analysis was conducted for sociodemographic and VAC variables, and bivariate analysis was carried out using different tests. RESULTS: 5370 dentists answered the survey (median age of 45 years; 72.22% women). About half of the respondents said that they knew about the guidelines issued for the management of air conditioners (AC) during the pandemic, and 16.77% have made modifications to their VAC systems during this period. The most frequent AC temperature range used in the dentists' offices during the pandemic was 18°C to 20°C. As age increased, self-reported knowledge about VAC guidelines expanded. Remote and rural regions were perceived to have less knowledge of the guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Although perceptions of knowledge about VAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic was high, the temperature in dental offices was colder than that recommended. Greater disclosure of VAC management practices and adherence to VAC management guidelines are required. Key words:Air conditioning, dentistry, coronavirus.

A Qualitative Study of the Health Perceptions in the Venezuelan Immigrant Population in Medellín (Colombia) and Its Conditioning Factors.

This study explored the general and oral health perceptions in the Venezuelan immigrant population in Medellín (Colombia) and its conditioning factors. A qualitative study involving Venezuelan immigrants ≥18 years with a minimum stay of six months in Colombia was conducted. Dentists, dental students, and other health professionals also participated. Semi-structured interviews (n = 17), focus groups (n = 2), and key informants' interviews (n = 4) were utilized. The interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed for later narrative content analysis. A high degree of vulnerability of participants was found due to the precarious living conditions from the premigratory moment and the lack of job placement possibilities at the time of settling in Colombia, where the migratory status played a fundamental role. Among the perceived needs, the mitigation of noncommunicable diseases stood out. Poor mental health symptoms (depression and anxiety) were perceived, and oral health was not a priority. Barriers to accessing health and dental care were found. The migrant condition was found to be a determinant that affected physical, mental, and oral health and the provision of health care. This situation is of interest to the construction of public health policies that guarantee access to fundamental rights.