Should midline diastema in mixed dentition be an aesthetic concern?

BACKGROUND: Mixed dentition determines an important period of occlusion development in childhood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the aesthetic impact of the midline diastema cut-off point in mixed dentition. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed with 257 children aged 8-10 years in late mixed dentition, with midline diastema of 1-5 mm and normal maxillary overjet. Orthodontic Aesthetic Subjective Impact Score determined the aesthetic impact of the midline diastema. Four quartiles of diastema measurements and impact scores were considered as cut-off points. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were constructed, and the distances representing the distances to the ideal point were calculated. The Yuden index determined the efficiency of measuring the diastema to assess the aesthetic impact. The Kruskal-Wallis test compared the groups of participants classified according to the diastema cut-off by the sample quartile regarding the impact score. The analyses were performed with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the four groups of measurement quartiles of the diastema regarding the aesthetic impact (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The perception of dental aesthetics in mixed dentition children was not affected by the midline diastema, regardless of the cut-off point.

School performance and oral health conditions: analysis of the impact mediated by socio-economic factors.

BACKGROUND: Oral problems can cause strong impact on functional, emotional, and social aspects of children and adolescents, as well as changes in school performance. AIM: To evaluate the associations of subjective perceptions of parents, socio-economic factors, and oral clinical conditions of children with their school performance. DESIGN: A case-control design was used with a sample of 1411 schoolchildren aged 8-10 years from city of Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical conditions were evaluated using the DMFT and dmft indexes. Socio-economic data were obtained using a questionnaire sent to schoolchildren's parents. School performance was evaluated by the final scores of each schoolchild at the end of the 2011 school year. RESULTS: According to the final logistic regression model, the schoolchildren who had carious lesions and underwent curative dental treatment at the beginning of the academic year presented 1.51 more chance of having low performance compared with schoolchildren who had no caries lesions. In addition, socio-economic and demographic variables were associated with a greater chance of poor school performance. CONCLUSION: Socio-economic factors and presence of caries lesions, even if treated, were risk indicators for poor school performance.

Quality of life and socio-dental impact among underprivileged Brazilian adolescents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of clinical variables, individual and contextual characteristics on the quality of life (QL) of underprivileged adolescents in a municipality in the interior of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Piracicaba, in 2012, with 1,172 adolescents aged 15-19 years, from 21 state schools and 34 Family Health Units. The dependent variables included the socio-dental impact (OIDP) and quality of life (WHOQOL-bref) indices. The dependent variables were classified as individual (DMFT index, CPI Index, age, sex, income, parents' educational level) and contextual (Social Exclusion Index) variable. The multilevel regression model was estimated by the PROC GLIMMIX ("Generalized Linear Models-Mixed") procedure, considering the individuals' variables as being Level 1 and the contextual variables as being Level 2, and the statistical significance was evaluated at level of significance of 5 %. RESULTS: Girls were found to have the worst QL (p < 0.000) and greatest OIDP (p = 0.000). There was an increase in OIDP (p < 0.001) and diminished QL (p < 0.052) with an increase in the periodontal index. This result is marginally significant since the significance probability is marginally greater than 0.05. In turn, there was an increase in QL (p = 0.000) and reduction in OIDP (p < 0.000) with an increase in the family income. Adolescents who resided in areas of greatest social exclusion (p = 0.031) and with greater OIDP (p < 0.000) presented the worst QL. CONCLUSION: Individual and contextual variables were related to the OIDP and QL in underprivileged Brazilian adolescents.

Geographic information system and multilevel analysis: gingival status among 12-year-old schoolchildren in São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gingival and calculus status among schoolchildren 12 years of age using a geographic information system and multilevel analysis. METHODS: A total of 1 002 schoolchildren were selected from 18 municipal districts by means of cluster sampling, from among 25 public and private schools in Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2005. Examinations were carried out by a single calibrated examiner utilizing the criteria of the World Health Organization, as well as the Community Periodontal Index. Social, economic, and behavioral variables were recorded with the use of a questionnaire and were used in the individual analysis (first level). The variables "percentage of heads of families without income" and "percentage of illiterate heads of families" were used in the contextual analysis (second level). RESULTS: A geographic information system was constructed for mapping the distribution of gingival bleeding. The variables were visually distinguished in the maps and demonstrated a tendency toward better gingival health in the central areas of the city, which are recognized as more privileged. On the contextual level, only the "percentage of illiterate heads of families" was significantly associated to gingival bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms better oral health status among schoolchildren from privileged families, but does not confirm the data regarding "income." The individuals from areas in which the heads of family did not have income were not associated to a higher prevalence of gingival problems. This suggests that these individuals are reasonably protected from the impact of social privation due to the actions of public health care services in the municipality.

Correlation between general quality of life and oral health related quality in the mixed dentition.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the convergence between the domains of the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant image (AUQUEI) and the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10) in the mixed dentition. A sample of 676 children aged 8 to 10 years responded to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaires using the AUQUEI and the CPQ8-10, respectively. Clinical (dental caries and malocclusion) and socioeconomic variables were assessed. The validity of convergence between scores (total and per domain) of the two instruments was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis, considering that non-zero coefficient values represented a correlation between scores. The median was calculated to compare the scores of each questionnaire relative to the variables, and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was applied to determine statistically significant differences between the categories. A weak significant correlation (between 0.30 and 0.50) was observed between the domains and the total scores of instruments (p < 0.05), except for the leisure domain (p > 0.05). Participants with a lower family income had worse HRQoL (p < 0.05), and those with caries and malocclusion experience had worse OHRQoL (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the AUQUEI and CPQ8-10 instruments showed a weak correlation. Income and clinical variables had a negative impact on the AUQUEI and CPQ8-10, respectively.

Impact on quality of life in teachers after educational actions for prevention of voice disorders: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Voice problems are more common in teachers due to intensive voice use during routine at work. There is evidence that occupational disphonia prevention programs are important in improving the quality voice and consequently the quality of subjects' lives. AIM: To investigate the impact of educational voice interventions for teachers on quality of life and voice. METHODS: A longitudinal interventional study involving 70 teachers randomly selected from 11 public schools, 30 to receive educational intervention with vocal training exercises and vocal hygiene habits (experimental group) and 40 to receive guidance on vocal hygiene habits (control group control). Before the process of educational activities, the Voice-Related Quality of Life instrument (V-RQOL) was applied, and 3 months after conclusion of the activities, the subjects were interviewed again, using the same instrument. For data analysis, Prox MIXED were applied, with a level of significance α < 0.05. RESULTS: Teachers showed significantly higher domain and overall V-RQOL scores after preventive intervention, in both control and experimental groups. Nevertheless, there was no statistical difference in scores between the groups. CONCLUSION: Educational actions for vocal health had a positive impact on the quality of life of the participants, and the incorporation of permanent educational actions at institutional level is suggested.

Socioeconomic and family influences on dental treatment needs among Brazilian underprivileged schoolchildren participating in a dental health program.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the socioeconomic and family characteristics of underprivileged schoolchildren with and without curative dental needs participating in a dental health program. METHODS: A random sample of 1411 of 8-to-10 year-old Brazilian schoolchildren was examined and two sample groups were included in the cross-sectional study: 544 presented curative dental needs and the other 867 schoolchildren were without curative dental needs. The schoolchildren were examined for the presence of caries lesions using the DMFT index and their parents were asked to answer questions about socioenvironmental characteristics of their families. Logistic regression models were adjusted estimating the Odds Ratios (OR), their 95% confidence intervals (CI), and significance levels. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, it was found that families earning more than one Brazilian minimum wage, having fewer than four residents in the house, families living in homes owned by them, and children living with both biological parents were protective factors for the presence of dental caries, and consequently, curative dental needs. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic status and family structure influences the curative dental needs of children from underprivileged communities. In this sense, dental health programs should plan and implement strategic efforts to reduce inequities in oral health status and access to oral health services of vulnerable schoolchildren and their families.

[Malocclusion in adolescents in the State of São Paulo: spatial and hierarchical analysis]. / Má oclusão em adolescentes do estado de São Paulo: análise espacial e hierárquica.

The scope of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of malocclusion (MO), estimate the prevalence and evaluate the associated factors in adolescents. It was a study with results of 5,558 adolescents aged 15 to 19 from the São Paulo Oral Health (SB) 2015 survey. The outcome was MO. Sociodemographic aspects, access to dental services, dental caries and tooth loss were the independent variables. A total of 162 municipalities in the state of São Paulo were included and spatial statistics techniques were applied. Hierarchical logistic regression models were performed. The prevalence of MO was 29.3%. There was a spread pattern between the types of MO and positive detachment (p<0,05). Non-white adolescents (OR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.24-1.42), with less years of schooling (OR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.22-1.42), with teeth extracted due to caries (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.03-1.88) were more likely to have MO. Adolescent access to dental consultation did not contribute to reducing the chance of developing MO, regardless of whether the dental consultation occurred less (OR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.65-2.47) or more than one year before (OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.31-2.03). Thus, the occurrence of MO is unequally distributed in the state of São Paulo and associated with sociodemographic conditions, access to consultations and tooth loss due to caries.

O objetivo foi analisar a distribuição espacial da má oclusão (MO) em adolescentes, estimar a prevalência e avaliar os fatores associados. Estudo com dados de 5.558 adolescentes entre 15 e 19 anos de idade do inquérito - SB São Paulo 2015. O desfecho foi a MO. As variáveis independentes foram os aspectos sociodemográficos, acesso aos serviços odontológicos, cárie e perdas dentárias. Foram incluídos 162 municípios do estado de São Paulo e aplicadas técnicas de estatística espacial. Foram realizados modelos de regressão logística hierarquizada. A prevalência de MO foi de 29,3%. Houve um padrão de espalhamento entre os tipos de MO e correlação espacial positiva (p<0,05). Adolescentes não brancos (OR=1,32, IC95%: 1,24-1,42), com menor tempo de estudo (OR=1,30, IC95%: 1,22-1,42) e com dentes extraídos por cárie (OR=1,40, IC95%: 1,03-1,88) tiveram mais chances de apresentarem MO. O acesso dos adolescentes à consulta odontológica não contribuiu para reduzir a chance de apresentar a MO, independentemente de a consulta ao dentista ter ocorrido há menos (OR=2,02, IC95%: 1,65-2,47) ou há mais de um ano (OR=1,63, IC95%: 1,31-2,03). Assim, a ocorrência de MO é desigualmente distribuída no estado de São Paulo, e associada a condições sociodemográficas de acesso à consulta e perda dentária por cárie.

Size effect in observational studies in Public Oral Health: importance, calculation and interpretation. / Tamanho do efeito em estudos observacionais na área de Saúde Bucal Coletiva: importância, cálculo e interpretação.

The objective of this study was to analyze the scientific literature in public oral health regarding calculation, presentation, and discussion of the effect size in observational studies. The scientific literature (2015 to 2019) was analyzed regarding: a) general information (journal and guidelines to authors, number of variables and outcomes), b) objective and consistency with sample calculation presentation; c) effect size (presentation, measure used and consistency with data discussion and conclusion). A total of 123 articles from 66 journals were analyzed. Most articles analyzed presented a single outcome (74%) and did not mention sample size calculation (69.9%). Among those who did, 70.3% showed consistency between sample calculation used and the objective. Only 3.3% of articles mentioned the term effect size and 24.4% did not consider that in the discussion of results, despite showing effect size calculation. Logistic regression was the most commonly used statistical methodology (98.4%) and Odds Ratio was the most commonly used effect size measure (94.3%), although it was not cited and discussed as an effect size measure in most studies (96.7%). It could be concluded that most researchers restrict the discussion of their results only to the statistical significance found in associations under study.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a literatura científica da área de saúde bucal coletiva quanto ao cálculo, apresentação e discussão do tamanho do efeito em estudos observacionais. A literatura cientifica na área (2015 a 2019) foi analisada quanto: a) informações gerais (periódico e diretrizes aos autores, número de variáveis e desfechos), b) objetivo e coerência com o cálculo amostral apresentado; c) tamanho do efeito (apresentação, medida utilizada e coerência com a discussão dos dados e conclusão). Foram analisados 123 artigos, de 66 periódicos. A maioria dos artigos avaliados apresenta um único desfecho (74%) e não menciona a realização de cálculo amostral (69,9%). Dentre os que realizaram, para 70,3% havia coerência entre o cálculo amostral utilizado e o objetivo. Apenas 3,3% dos artigos mencionam o termo tamanho do efeito e 24,4% não o consideram na discussão dos resultados, apesar de terem calculado. A regressão logística foi a metodologia estatística mais utilizada (98,4%) e o Odds Ratio a medida de tamanho do efeito mais utilizada (94,3%), embora não tenha sido citada e discutida como uma medida de tamanho do efeito na maioria dos estudos (96,7%). Os pesquisadores, em sua maioria, restringiram a discussão dos resultados apenas à significância estatística encontrada nas associações testadas.

Longitudinal study for dental caries calibration of dentists unexperienced in epidemiological surveys.

This study aimed to make a longitudinal analysis of interexaminer calibration reproducibility in diagnosing dental caries in posterior teeth, by examiners without previous experience in epidemiological studies. A group of 11 inexperienced examiners underwent theoretical-practical training and calibration assessments, assisted by a standard examiner. An examiner who did not participate directly in the research selected 5-year-old children with and without caries. The D3 diagnostic threshold was used to evaluate dental caries, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The initial calibration (baseline) was performed after the theoretical-practical training session, and consisted of examining 20 children; the second calibration occurred three months later, and involved evaluating another 18 children. The interexaminer agreement was obtained by kappa statistics, and by overall percentage agreement. The paired t-test was applied to compare the values for kappa means and overall percentage agreement between the time points studied. At baseline, the values for kappa (> 0.81) and overall percentage agreement (> 95.63%) were considered high. At the 3-month calibration assessment, all the examiners showed some decrease in both kappa (p < 0.0001) and overall percentage agreement (p = 0.0102). The calibration process currently proposed by the WHO is effective. However, reproducibility was not maintained over time for inexperienced examiners evaluating the posterior teeth of 5-year-old children, under epidemiological conditions.

Occlusal caries prevention in high and low risk schoolchildren. A clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the caries-preventive effect of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement used as occlusal sealant (Vitremer) compared with fluoride varnish (Duraphat) application on occlusal surfaces of permanent first molars (OSPFM) in 6-8 year-old schoolchildren (n=268) at high (HR) and low (LR) caries risk. METHODS: The children were followed-up for 24 months after being systematically allocated into six groups as follows: Control Groups HRC and LRC: children receiving oral health education (OHE) every 3 months; Groups HRV and LRV: children receiving OHE plus varnish application biannually; and Groups HRS and LRS: children receiving OHE plus a single sealant application . The baseline and follow-up examinations were performed by the same calibrated dentist under natural light, using CPI probes and mirrors, after toothbrushing and air-drying. The DMFS was used to record dental caries, in addition to the detection of initial lesions (IL). Data analysis was performed with two primary outcome measures: DMF and DMF+ IL on the OSPFM. RESULTS: After 24 months, only the HRS group showed statistically lower DMF and DMF+IL increments on OSPFM compared with HRC group. HRV group did not differ from HRC and HRS groups. For LR groups, no statistical difference (P> 0.05) was observed among the treatments.

Validity of caries-detection methods under epidemiological setting.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of the visual exam and adjunct diagnostic technologies for posterior permanent teeth under epidemiological conditions. METHODS: A probabilistic sample of 165 12-year-old schoolchildren from Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil, was examined by visual exam (VI1), visual exam + artificial lighting (VI2), bitewing (BW), fiber optic transillumination (FOTI), DIAGNOdent and the associations among them. The D1+D3 and D3 diagnostics criteria, under epidemiological conditions, were adopted. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated to determine the validity of the exams. RESULTS: The most accurate diagnostic method was VI2+BW exam for all dental surfaces under both diagnostic criteria. It was concluded that the BW was the best adjunct diagnostic technology on epidemiological dental caries surveys, increasing the validity of the dental exams.

Perceptions about the Therapeutic Itinerary after stroke: a qualitative research.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the understanding of the Therapeutic Itinerary of people affected by stroke in the Unified Health System context of a medium-sized city in the state of São Paulo. METHODS: this is a clinical-qualitative, using in-depth semi-structured interviews, conducted in 2019 with 6 patients, a number determined by theoretical saturation. RESULTS: qualitative content analysis allowed the construction of four categories that emerged from the data: a) You are having a stroke! - Identifying the problem; b) Anguish and expectations in waiting for assistance; c) Helplessness and guidance for rehabilitation after hospital discharge; d) Spirituality in rehabilitation after stroke. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the affected people expressed feelings and meanings, such as fear, anguish, sadness, beliefs and uncertainties, in order to shed light on the complexity inherent to the experiences of Therapeutic Itinerary of stroke.

Impact of facial profile on young adults' oral health-related quality-of-life item levels: A hierarchical analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of facial profile on young adults' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) item levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a population-based sample of 205 young adults, with a mean age of 23.1 years. The individuals answered questions about OHRQoL (OHIP-14) and self-esteem (Global Negative Self-Evaluation). The Dental Health Component (DHC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) was used to evaluate normative orthodontic treatment needs and define dental malocclusion clinically. Facial profile was analyzed using photographs and dichotomized into two levels: normal (straight) and altered facial profile (convex or concave). A calibrated researcher performed the clinical examination. Association between the independent variables and the outcome (OHRQoL) was established by hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis for each item level. Considering the variable of interest (facial profile), the psychological incapacity domain was the most affected item. RESULTS: Individuals with changed facial profile had 2.47 (1.04-5.85) times higher chances of reporting impacts on psychological incapacity than those with a normal profile (p> 0.05). The association was modulated by dental malocclusion and self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: The convex and concave facial profile showed a negative impact on the psychological aspects of young adults' quality of life.

Sugar consumption and dental health: Is there a correlation?

This study investigated the correlation between sugar consumption and dental caries in a random sample of 184 schoolchildren (all 12 years of age) from public and private schools in Piracicaba, Brazil. A seven-day diet record was administered in a cross-sectional survey. Diet records were used to determine the frequency of sugar consumption both during and between meals. Socioeconomic and behavioral variables were collected in a semi-structured questionnaire. Using Community Periodontal Index (CPI) probes and mirrors and following WHO recommendations, a calibrated dentist assessed the number of decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) on permanent teeth, the CPI, and the number of noncavitated (NC) carious lesions. Data analysis demonstrated significant correlations between NC carious lesions and sugar consumption during morning snack (p = 0.0282; r = 0.1618), NC carious lesions and sugar consumption during lunch (p = 0.0539; r = 0.1425), monthly family income and sugar consumption during dinner (p < 0.001; r = 0.2970), father's education and sugar consumption during dinner (p = 0.0027; r = 0.2430), and onset of toothbrushing and sugar consumption during dinner (p = 0.0159; r = 0.1786). A high consumption of sweet foods/beverages occurred between meals (mean = 17.48; standard deviation = 14.68). Although there was no correlation between DMFS and sugar consumption, there was a correlation between NC carious lesions and sugar consumption, indicating that the rational use of sugar is an important factor in caries prevention.

Factors associated with public dental service use by adults in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2016. / Fatores associados ao uso de serviços odontológicos públicos por adultos no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2016.

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with public dental care use by adults in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of adults aged 35 to 44 years using data from the 2015 Epidemiological Survey of the Oral Health Status of the Population of the State of São Paulo (SBSP-2015). Multivariate logistic regression was performed using variables based on a model proposed by Andersen for predicting access to public dental services. Results: 3,421 (59.9%) adults visited private services and 2,288 (40.1%) visited public services. Prevalence of the use of public dental services was greatest among women (41.8%) and adults with a lower education level (50.2%). Being non-white (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.50), lower household income (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 2.11, 2.65), having had toothache (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.83), and need for endodontic treatment (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.85) were associated with public dental service use. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors were associated with public dental care use.

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os fatores associados ao uso dos serviços odontológicos públicos por adultos. Estudo transversal com amostra representativa de adultos de 35 a 44 anos, com dados do Levantamento Epidemiológico das Condições de Saúde Bucal da População do Estado de São Paulo (SBSP-2015). Utilizou-se análise de regressão logística multivariada, baseada em modelo proposto por Andersen para predizer o acesso aos serviços odontológicos públicos. Visitaram o serviço privado 3.421 (59,9%) adultos e 2.288 (40,1%), o público. Os serviços odontológicos públicos foram mais acessados por mulheres (41,8%) e menos escolarizados (50,2%). Indivíduos não brancos (OR = 1,32; IC95%:1,16; 1,50), menor renda familiar (OR = 2,37; IC95%:2,11; 2,65), histórico de dor de dente (OR = 1,60; IC95%:1,39; 1,83) e necessidade de tratamento endodôntico (OR = 1,44; IC95%:1,12; 1,85) foram associados ao uso dos serviços odontológicos públicos. Fatores contextuais, individuais e necessidade de tratamento foram associados à utilização dos serviços odontológicos públicos por adultos residentes no estado de São Paulo, em 2015.

DOES DENTAL TRAUMA IN EARLY CHILDHOOD HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO AFFECT THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of dental trauma on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and their families. METHODS: A total of 571 children aged five years were randomly selected at public schools. Trauma was clinically evaluated in accordance with the Andreasen classification. Caries experience in the anterior region and increased overjet were determined according to the World Health Organization criteria. The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) was answered by the parents and used to evaluate OHRQoL. In addition, this questionnaire has aspects related to socioeconomic status. Simple logistic regression was performed, and the raw Odds Ratios with the respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. The variables with p<0.20 were tested in multiple logistic regression models, and those with p≤0.05 remained in the model and the adjusted odds ratio with respective 95%CI was estimated. RESULTS: Income showed a magnitude of association of 1.56 and 2.70 with the OHRQoL of children and families, respectively. The avulsion variable showed 9.65- and 8.25-times greater chance of influencing the OHRQoL of children and families, respectively. The experience of caries showed 3.80- and 2.42-times greater chance of influencing the OHRQoL of children and families, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dental trauma did not influence OHRQoL of children and their families negatively. However, avulsion and caries experience in low-income families was associated with a negative perception of OHRQoL.

Financial impact of the change in the vulnerability profile of More Doctors Program.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the flow of professionals and the financial impact of the Programa Mais Médicos para o Brasil (PMMB - More Doctors for Brazil Program) within the More Doctors Program (MDP) for the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the participating municipalities of the state of São Paulo, from January 2019 to March 2022. METHODS: A financial impact study was conducted in the state of São Paulo based on public secondary databases. The number of PMMB vacancies per municipality, of physicians and vulnerability profiles were described to measure the loss of replacement of professionals in the period. RESULTS: In the specified period, the number of PMMB physicians in participating cities will decrease from 2,533 to 320, and the number of participating municipalities from 373 to 86. The municipalities that will need to replace the physicians will have a financial impact of R$ 929,487,904.77 (with sensitivity analysis, ranging from R$ 650,641,533.34 to R$ 1,208,334,276.20). CONCLUSION: The change of vulnerability methodology adopted for the PMMB will represent serious consequences, that is, less population assistance and high financial impact for the municipalities of the state of São Paulo in a scenario of budget limitations.

Factors associated with the need for a complete denture in one arch or both arches among the elderly population.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with the need for complete dentures in one dental arch or both, among the elderly population. The cross-sectional household study was conducted with a representative sample of elderly people (65 years or older) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2015. The dependent variable was the need for complete dentures (in one arch or both), and independent variables were socioeconomic and demographic conditions, social capital, self-perception of oral health and access to dental services. Simple and multinomial logistic regression models tested effect measures (p < 0.05). A total of 5,948 elderly people participated. Results indicated that those with greater chances of needing a complete denture in one arch were male (OR = 1.54; CI95%:1.04-2.29), with fewer household goods (OR = 2.25; CI95%:1.50-3.38), lower monthly household income: R$501-1500 (OR = 3.44; CI95%:1.27-9.35), R$1501-2500 (OR = 4.11; CI95%:1.50-11.27), R$2501-4500 (OR = 2.76; CI95%:1.10-6.95), self-reported need for a complete denture (OR = 4.75; CI95%:3.08-7.35), ≥3 years since last dental appointment (OR = 1.80; CI95%:1.06-3.05), and dissatisfaction with last dental appointment (OR = 1.80; CI95%:1.06-3.05). There were more chances of the need for complete dentures in both arches among older elders (OR = 1.44; CI95%:1.06-1.88), with lower monthly household income: R$ < 501 (OR = 4.45; CI95%:1.71-11.60), R$501-1500 (OR = 4.01; CI95%:2.14-7.51), R$1501-2500 (OR = 2.95; CI95%:1.64-5.32), < 3 years of education (OR = 1.45; CI95%:1.13-1.85), feeling unhappy (OR = 2.74; CI95%:1.35-5.57), self-reported need for a complete denture (OR = 8.48; CI95%:5.75-12.50), dissatisfaction with their mouth (OR = 2.38; CI95%:1.64-3.46), ≥3 years since last dental appointment (OR = 4.28; CI95%:2.85-6.43), and dissatisfaction with last dental appointment (OR = 4.28; CI95%:2.85-6.43). The several dimensions of the determinants of the need for a complete denture reflect the influence of both demographic and socioeconomic aspects, social capital, self-perception of oral health and access to dental services.

Occlusal tooth surface treatment plans and their possible effects on oral health care costs.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate decision making with regard to detection and treatment of carious lesions on occlusal tooth surfaces and to evaluate the possible costs related to the different treatment plans of a group of clinicians in private practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted permanent teeth with no fillings or macroscopic carious cavitations were selected and radiographed, using a standard method similar to bitewing and then mounted in two models. A sample of 130 clinicians in private practice in Piracicaba, Brazil were asked to carry out combined visual-radiographic caries examination of the occlusal surfaces and to recommend possible treatment plans for each surface. Teeth were sectioned bucco-lingually and caries was assessed using a stereomicroscope and classified as either enamel or dentine lesions. The costs of treatments suggested by each examiner were calculated, using a fee scale reported by the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry. RESULTS: Most teeth (53.7%) that were found to be sound on histological examination were considered to have enamel lesions. In 85.7% of these cases, the clinicians recommended restorative treatments. There was about 14-fold difference among clinicians concerning the costs related to decision making. CONCLUSION: Not only did the clinicians overestimate the presence and depth of carious lesions, but they also tended to treat enamel lesions using invasive therapeutic procedures. Great disparities were observed with regard to treatment costs related to decision making. Assuming an in vivo situation, the clinicians may be performing overtreatments and consequently interfering in the quality of patients' oral health.