Dental Therapists as New Oral Health Practitioners: Increasing Access for Underserved Populations.

The development of dental therapy in the U.S. grew from a desire to find a workforce solution for increasing access to oral health care. Worldwide, the research that supports the value of dental therapy is considerable. Introduction of educational programs in the U.S. drew on the experiences of programs in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with Alaska tribal communities introducing dental health aide therapists in 2003 and Minnesota authorizing dental therapy in 2009. Currently, two additional states have authorized dental therapy, and two additional tribal communities are pursuing the use of dental therapists. In all cases, the care provided by dental therapists is focused on communities and populations who experience oral health care disparities and have historically had difficulties in accessing care. This article examines the development and implementation of the dental therapy profession in the U.S. An in-depth look at dental therapy programs in Minnesota and the practice of dental therapy in Minnesota provides insight into the early implementation of this emerging profession. Initial results indicate that the addition of dental therapists to the oral health care team is increasing access to quality oral health care for underserved populations. As evidence of dental therapy's success continues to grow, mid-level dental workforce legislation is likely to be introduced by oral health advocates in other states. This article was written as part of the project "Advancing Dental Education in the 21st Century."

Evolving trends in size and structure of group dental practices in the United States.

In this study, the authors examined recent trends in the growth of dental establishments and dental firms, including geographic location. In this article, they also present information about the demographic characteristics of dentists who work in a dental practice that is part of a larger company that delivers dental care in multiple locations. The number of dental establishments (single locations) and the average size of these establishments grew from 1992 to 2007. Large multi-unit dental firms grew in terms of number of establishments and the percentage of total receipts. Large multi-unit dental firms represent a small but growing segment of the dental market. Dentists less than thirty-five years old were most likely to work in a practice that was part of a larger company, and females were more likely than males to work in such a setting. The percentage of dentists working in these settings was also found to vary by region and state. The authors present a typology of dental group practice and suggest that future research should take into account the differences so that appropriate conclusions can be drawn and generalizations across categories are not made.

Conhecimentos e práticas sobre saúde bucal em pacientes infantis com câncer / Knowledge and practice of oral health in child patients with cancer

The aim of this study was to use a qualitative approach of an exploratory nature to analyze the knowledge and practice of a nursing staff at Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão as regards oral health. The sample consisted of 2 nurses and 10 nursing technicians. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews and the content was analysed considering 2 thematic groups: practice and oral health knowledge and meanings of health care. The results revealed a lack of attention concerning oral health care in child patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment. It could be concluded that there is a clear need to adopt measures directed towards oral health care to promote patient health and quality of life. Furthermore, training courses on oral health in oncology, as well as the inclusion of a dentist on the hospital staff, are also suggested.

Avaliação da mudança do trabalho clínico na Faculdade de Odontologia da UFMG / Assessment of the change in clinical work at the Dental School od the Federal University of Minas Gerais

A nova sede da Faculdade de Odontologia da UFMG modificou o seu ambiente de trabalho clínico, após 90 anos de existência. Assim, esse estudo procurou conhecer as atitudes e percepção dos estudantes, bem como a atitude de professores e funcionários, relativas às propostas de trabalho em equipe contidas no novo modelo de atenção definido para a nova sede da FO-UFMG. Além disso, foram avaliados os elementos facilitadores e dificultadores da adesão a esse novo modelo. A metodologia qualitativa utilizada envolveu a observação participante nas clínicas da Faculdade e um grupo focal com estudantes. Foi realizada análise descritiva das observações realizadas e análise de conteúdo do grupo focal. Dos ítens observados, a maioria dos estudantes e funcionários executou adequadamente o trabalho em equipe, exceto para a utilização da técnica de instrumentação. Número de funcionários, envolvimento de alguns docentes e falta de equipamentos foram elementos dificultadores. Os estudantes trabalharam efetivamente em equipe, uma vez que dividiram as funções e passos do atendimento, apesar da baixa proporção de acertos na técnica de instrumentação. A configuração do espaço físico dos módulos implementados nas clínicas da FO-UFMG, seus elementos e características ergonômicas permitiram a execução de um atendimento em equipe. Deve-se elaborar um processo de acompanhamento permanente da execução do novo modelo, tendo em vista a superação de elementos dificultadores e a consolidação dos aspectos positivos observados.

Planning dental manpower in Lebanon: scenarios for the year 2015.

The requirements for dentists in Lebanon for the year 2015 were estimated using the World Health Organization/World Dental Federation planning model. The aim was to help decision- and policy-makers in Lebanon to plan strategically for the supply of dental personnel in line with the recommendations of the Oral Health National Plan guidelines from 1995. Assumptions based on previous research in selected populations were taken to support the simulation. The number of dentists required for Lebanon in the year 2015 was estimated to be 2715 while the projected supply will be 6176. Urgent measures are needed to reduce the potential oversupply of dentists in this country.

The future of the dental profession: a personal perspective.

Future needs and demands for oral healthcare will, it is suggested, largely determine the forum, function and size of the dental profession. With the coming of age of the dental team and the development of an ever-increasing range of new therapies, materials, procedures and devices, new organizational systems will be needed to support education and training and subsequent lifelong learning. It is concluded that it is time for the dental team and its regulation to move on. Subject to the profession embracing the future, the years ahead promise to bring many new, exciting opportunities and challenges.

Biodóntica: una nueva alternativa de educación odontológica postdoctoral para profesionales de la salud oral en Colombia y Latino-América / Biodontics: a new alternative of postdoctoral dental education for oral health professionels in Colombia and Latin America

Dentro del contexto y marco conceptual de las nuevas tendencias de educación post-doctoral en Odontología, los autores describen en este documento una nueva alternativa para educación superior. Históricamente, las facultades de Odontología en Colombia y Latino-América, han presentado alternativas de estudios de post-grado a nivel de ciencias clínicas. A través de un análisis de las recomendaciones del Instituto Nacional de Salud de los Estados Unidos, se presenta a Biodóntica, como fuente alterna de educación superior para profesionales de la Salud Oral, a través de vínculos internacionales e interinstitucionales, y el impacto en las áreas de investigación, tecnología, biotecnología y transferencia tecnológica. No sólo las instituciones académicas serán las beneficiadas, pero los profesionales de la Salud Oral incrementarán sus prospectos clínicos, administrativos y económicos

El odontólogo y sus colaboradores: una simbiosis / The dentist and his collaborators: a symbiosis

Hablando metafóricamente, la composición, ejecución y dinámica de una consulta dental, podría ser comparada a la de una orquesta. Los seres humanos se desempeñan mejor, cuando cooperan entre sí. Trabajo en equipo y acción de grupo, son esenciales, para realizar adecuados tratamientos para nuestros pacientes. La conducta es más importante que los conocimientos. El presente artículo, completa una trilogía relacionada al odontólogo y su actividad profesional. La primera parte de esta serie tá relacionada con el consultorio dental; la segunda, con el paciente. Esta, la tercera parte, analiza el personal asociado a un consultorio odontológico

Políticas de formaçäo de recursos humanos em programas comunitários de saúde bucal / Policies for human resources formation in community programs of oral health

Discute a origem do planejamento estratégico em saúde, as características do desenvolvimento dos recursos humanos e do sistema de saúde em geral. Na área de Odontologia, säo analisados os recursos humanos e sua utilizaçäo em programas comunitários. Conclui que os recursos de nível técnico säo necessários ao setor odontológico dentro do Sistema Unico de Saúde, que estes recursos näo vêm sendo utilizados adequadamente enquanto fator estratégico e que há necessidade de reorientaçäo dos recursos humanos de nível superior.(AU)