Perceptions and utilization of tele-orthodontics: a survey of the members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate orthodontists' utilization and perceptions of tele-orthodontics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 30-item online survey was distributed to members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The questionnaire encompassed topics concerning the orthodontists' utilization, perceptions, clinical applications, limitations, and concerns regarding tele-orthodontics. Descriptive statistics were employed, and comparisons between responses from users and non-users were conducted  using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: 152 members completed the survey, (response rate: 2.4%). More than two third of respondents (69.74%) were users of tele-orthodontics. Users were more aligned with the belief that tele-orthodontics facilitates effective communication (mean ± standard deviation (SD) 4.06 ± 0.83 vs. 3.33 ± 0.94, p < 0.001). Both groups agreed on the requirement of patient fees for tele-orthodontic visits (mean ± SD: 3.62 ± 1.11 users vs. 3.74 ± 1.02 non-users, p = 0.659), and on the capability  of the system to reduce unwarranted referrals (p = 0.20). The majority of participants acknowledged  the utility of the system in monitoring aligners' patients (89% in users vs. 61% in non-users, p < 0.001). Non-users expressed greater concerns regarding privacy risks (mean ± SD: 3.06 ± 0.97 users vs. 3.57 ± 0.86 non-users, p = 0.002). Both groups stressed the significance of obtaining informed consent before utilizing tele-orthodontics. CONCLUSIONS: The widespread acceptance of tele-orthodontics among AAO members was apparent, as demonstrated by their recognition of its effectiveness. There was notable variation in how users and non-users perceived tele-orthodontics. The study's results offer valuable insights into both the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating this technology into clinical practice from the clincians' perspective.

American Dental Education Association Compendium Entrustable Professional Activities Workgroup report.

PURPOSE: Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are discrete clinical tasks that can be evaluated to help define readiness for independent practice in the health professions and are intended to increase trust in the dental graduate. EPAs provide a framework that bridges competencies to clinical practice. This report describes the work of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Compendium EPA Workgroup to develop a list of EPAs for dental education and supportive resources, including specifications and a glossary. METHODS: Preliminary work including literature and resource review, mapping of existing competencies, and review of other health professions' EPAs informed the development of our EPAs list. Workgroup members achieved consensus using a modified Delphi process. A Qualtrics survey using a validated rubric for the assessment of EPAs as described in peer-reviewed literature was used. Dental educators, including academic deans, were surveyed for feedback on the content and format of the EPAs. RESULTS: Based on findings in the literature analysis of existing EPAs and competencies in health professions, a list of EPAs was developed along with a description of specifications. The EPA workgroup (nine members from multiple institutions) used the Delphi process in receiving feedback from various experts. A list of 11 core EPAs was vetted by dental educators including academic deans (n = âˆ¼23), and the process of development was reviewed by EPAs experts outside dental education. A glossary was developed to align language. CONCLUSION: These EPAs define the scope of dental practice. This report represents Phase 1 of the EPA framework development and vetting process. Future directions will include a broader vetting of the EPA list, faculty development, and national standardized technology that support this work to optimize implementation.

Harold C. Slavkin: A Transformative Leader of Our Times.

Harold (Hal) C. Slavkin, DDS, the 22nd president of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (1993 to 1994), died on December 22, 2023. During a career that spanned almost 6 decades, Hal distinguished himself as an international authority on craniofacial biology and an advocate for oral health equity. He served as dean of the University of Southern California's dental school, founded the school's Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, created the nation's first PhD program in craniofacial biology, and served as the sixth director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Hal's studies of the molecular and cellular underpinnings of craniofacial malformations prepared him to champion translational research later in his career, when his work with patient advocates revealed the importance of applying new discoveries to clinical practice. A visionary thinker, skilled administrator, progressive educator, compelling communicator, researcher, scholar, and mentor, Hal was known as a Renaissance leader. He rejoiced in fostering collaborative synergies among people and organizations. Throughout his life, family was his central grounding force. He and his wife, Lois, advanced a wide range of social and community initiatives and took great pride in their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We remember Hal for his indelible spirit, unflappable enthusiasm for science, fierce advocacy for social justice, and infectious zest for life. Here, we outline his multidimensional accomplishments through the lenses of academia, government, and nonprofit organizations. Although it is with heavy hearts that we bid goodbye to this remarkable man, our spirits are lightened by the many gifts he left behind.

[Need for dentists with post-graduate training in endodontology according to members of the Swiss Dental Association].

This questionary-based study was financed by the Swiss Society for Endodontology (SSE). At the time of this survey (2022) there were merely 20 board-certified endodontists in Switzerland, and 239 other members of the SSE, i.e. general practitioners with some form of post-graduate endodontic training or a keen interest in the field. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the need for a higher number of trained endodontists as viewed by the general population of dentists in Switzerland. An electronic questionary in either German, French, or Italian was sent to all 4072 active members of the Swiss Dental Association (SSO). The questionnaire focused on the background of the surveyed dentists, their willingness to refer endodontic cases to a specialist or colleague with a focus on endodontics, their propensity to do so, and their perceived need for endodontists in their region. The response rate was 21%, and was similar between the different regions and cantons. Seventy-nine (9%) of the dentists participating in the survey were members of the SSE, while 16 (2%) were board-certified. Merely 7% of the participants received endodontic referrals themselves, while 81% referred cases in some instances. However, only 13% of participants referred endodontic cases always or regularly. The main reason for not referring was the belief by the surveyed dentists that they could perform the endodontic treatments themselves. Long distance to the next endodontic specialist or expert was the second most frequently given reason not to refer cases. A total of 58% of the participants believed that there were enough endodontists in Switzerland to cover the encountered clinical problems.

Satisfaction of orthodontic Post-CCST training: A survey of trainee perceptions.

INTRODUCTION: This survey was undertaken as a second part to 'Barriers to Post-CCST training in orthodontics: A survey of trainee perceptions'. Recruitment of Post-CCST trainees in certain areas of the country has attracted concerns as it has become increasingly difficult. This survey was undertaken to assess trainee satisfaction with Post-CCST training and to look at possible ways to improve trainee satisfaction and make Post-CCST training more desirable. METHODS: The Training Grades Group (TGG) committee of the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) produced an online survey that was sent to all TGG members and newly qualified consultants in May 2021. All Post-CCSTs who entered training between February 2017 and October 2020, were asked to complete the survey. RESULTS: There were 37 respondents, which gave a response rate of 62%. While 61% of respondents were satisfied with their Post-CCST training, 17% were 'neither satisfied or dissatisfied' and 6% were either 'dissatisfied' or 'very dissatisfied'. Of the 37 respondents, 25 (67%) would apply for Post-CCST training again, 6 (16%) would not and 6 (16%) did not answer this question. When asked for possible suggestions for improvements to Post-CCST training to encourage greater satisfaction, the responses could be grouped into the following themes: Part-time training; Teaching; Time commitment; Salary; and Experience. CONCLUSION: In general, respondents were satisfied with Post-CCST training. There was a significant range of positive and negative responses to various aspects of training including multidisciplinary team clinic preparation, support, supervision and management experience. Suggestions for improvements echo the barriers to Post-CCST training survey.

Contemporary Twin Block appliance wear protocols: A survey of UK orthodontists.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine contemporary trends in the use of the Twin Block appliance among UK orthodontists, including the wear time currently prescribed. In addition, the study explored if there had been any change in wear time prescribed, considering recent research evidence proposing part-time wear. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, online survey. PARTICIPANTS: Members of the British Orthodontic Society (BOS). METHODS: The questionnaire was emailed to all BOS members in November 2021 and hosted on the QualtricsXM platform. The questionnaire was piloted for content validity and tested for reliability. RESULTS: A response rate of 19% was attained. Nearly all (n = 244, 99%) participants used the Twin Block, and 90% (n = 218) prescribed full-time wear including/excluding eating. Although the majority (n = 168, 69%) had not made changes to their wear time prescriptions, nearly one-third (n = 75, 31%) had. Those who reported a change in their prescriptions currently prescribe less wear time than before, and commonly quoted 'research evidence' as the reason. A wide range in success rates (41%-100%) was reported, with patient compliance as the main reason for treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: The Twin Block is a popular functional appliance among orthodontists in the UK, originally designed by Clark to be worn full time to maximise functional forces applied to the dentition. However, this wear regime may place considerable strain on patient compliance. Most participants prescribed full-time Twin Block wear excluding eating. Approximately one-third of orthodontists made changes to their wear time prescriptions during their practising career, and currently instruct less wear time than before.