Does the skin color of patients influence the treatment decision-making of dentists? A randomized questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether patients' skin color could exert an influence on the dentist's decision-making for treatment, in four different cities in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Lists of dentists were obtained and the sample selection was performed systematically. Two questionnaires were produced for the same clinical case, but the images were digitally manipulated to obtain a patient with a black and a white skin color. Dentists were free to choose treatment without any restrictions, including the financial aspects. A random sequence (white or black) was generated which was placed at random in sealed, opaque envelopes. Dentists were questioned about the decision on the treatment of a severely decayed tooth and an ill-adapted amalgam restoration. RESULTS: A total of 636 dentists agreed to participate in the study. After adjustments (multinomial logistic regression), it was observed that the black patient with a decayed tooth had a 50% lower risk of being referred for prosthetic treatment (p = 0.023) and a 99% higher risk of receiving a composite resin restoration, compared to the white patient (p = 0.027). No differences were observed regarding recommendation for tooth extraction (p = 0.657). In relation to an ill-adapted amalgam, the black patient had less risk of receiving a referral replacement with composite resin (0.09 95%CI [0.01-0.82]) and finishing and polishing (0.11 5%CI [0.01-0.99]) compared with the white patient. CONCLUSION: Patient skin color influenced the dentist's choice of treatment. In general, black patients receive referrals for cheaper, simpler procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Skin color played an important role in dentists' treatment decisions. Professionals may contribute unconsciously to the propagation and replication of racial discrimination.

Gender inequalities in the dental science: An analysis of high impact publications.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the participation of women in publications of dental journals with a high impact factor. METHODS: Articles published in 2016, 2011, and 2006 in 10 dental journals chosen for their highest impact factors in each dental fields were included in this research. Articles-related variables collected included the country of origin of each author, the type of study, and gender of the researchers. Gender was examined through PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and respective affiliated institutions. Furthermore, a website designed to discover the gender of names was used when the previous alternatives were not conclusive. Forward stepwise Poisson regression models were used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 3365 studies were included in the first authorship analysis and 3398 in analysis related to last authorship. The prevalence of women as first authors was 37.2% (confidence interval (CI) 95% 34.5-37.5) and as last authors was 22.6% (CI 95% 21.3-23.9). Having a woman as the last author increased the presence of women in the first author position in scientific dental articles by 16% (prevalence ratio = 1.16, CI 95% [1.04-1.29]). The year of publication, journal, and region of the author were associated with an increase in the prevalence of women as last authors. From 2006 to 2016, the prevalence of women as last authors increased by 61%. Despite these trends, women were still underrepresented in science in the evaluated period. CONCLUSIONS: There are meaningful gender inequalities in publications of scientific dental papers. Encouraging women to lead research groups can reduce the inequities observed in the present study.

A simplified technique for fabricating complete dentures for patients with Parkinson's disease: a case report / Técnica simplificada como alternativa para confecção de próteses totais para paciente com Doença de Parkinson: relato de caso

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that affects 1% of individuals aged 60 years and older. The associated symptoms can impose limitations on the available dental treatment options. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report follows the CARE guidelines and presents an adapted and simplified technique to fabricate complete dentures for a 74-year-old male edentulous patient with Parkinson's disease. This modified technique enabled the fabrication of complete dentures in 4 clinical sessions of approximately 40 minutes. The first session involved manufacturing a preliminary impression with fast-setting alginate. The base plates and occlusal rims were then adjusted for artificial teeth arrangement during the second session. The final prosthesis was completed in the third session, which involved a teeth try-in and fabrication of a functional impression with low-melting thermoplastic material and polyether. Finally, denture installation was performed in the fourth session and follow-up consisted of 3 weekly sessions. DISCUSSION: Considering that the treatment provided satisfactory aesthetics and function, mastication and socialization benefits, and improved the self-esteem and well-being of the older patient with Parkinson's disease, the authors suggest this adapted and simplified technique for fabricating complete dentures. (AU)

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: A doença de Parkinson é uma desordem neurológica que afeta 1% dos indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais. Os sintomas associados podem impor limitações nas opções de tratamento odontológico disponíveis. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Este relato de caso segue o protocolo CARE e apresenta uma adaptação da técnica simplificada para confecção de novas próteses totais, para um paciente edêntulo, do sexo masculino, de 74 anos com doença de Parkinson. Essa técnica modificada possibilita a confecção de próteses totais em quatro sessões clínicas de aproximadamente 40 minutos. A primeira sessão envolveu uma moldagem preliminar com alginato de presa rápida. As placas articulares com rodetes de cera foram ajustadas para montagem dos dentes artificiais durante a segunda sessão. A prótese definitiva foi concluída na terceira sessão, que envolveu a prova dos dentes e moldagem funcional com material termoplástico de baixa fusão e poliéter. Por fim, a instalação da prótese foi realizada na quarta sessão e o acompanhamento consistiu em três sessões semanais. DISCUSSÃO: Considerando que o tratamento proporcionou estética e função satisfatórias, benefícios mastigatórios e de socialização, melhora da autoestima e bem-estar do idoso com doença de Parkinson, os autores sugerem o uso da adaptação da técnica simplificada para confecção de prótese total. (AU)