Dental research related to COVID-19 in Brazil: research presented at the 38th SBPqO Meeting.

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the characteristics of coronavirus (COVID-19)-disease related dental research in Brazil presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Division of the International Association for Dental Research (SBPqO). A search was carried out in the proceedings of the meeting to retrieve all abstracts. Those containing the term "COVID-19" in titles, abstracts, or keywords, and/or those of which the scope approached a COVID-19-related topic were included. The variables extracted from abstracts were: presenter category, field of study, design, data collection method, population, affiliation, and authors' gender. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with a significance level of α = 0.05. The search retrieved 185 abstracts, 5 did not meet study eligibility criteria and were excluded. COVID-19-related research was presented by either aspiring/associate members (67.8%) or beginner members (32.2%). Data collection methods were predominantly digitally mediated (65%), followed by secondary data use (25%), and in-person data collection (7.2%). Irrespective of the role of authorship, there were a ratio of two female authors to each male. Among the last authors, the ratio was three females to each male. Female lead authors more frequently came from the Southeast region (71.8%; p = 0.470). There was an association between presenter category and study design (p = 0.012), clinical and epidemiological studies were more concentrated among experienced presenters. In conclusion, female dental researchers affiliated to southeastern institutions approached the topic of pandemic more frequently than male colleagues. The use of digital technology for data collection may have long-lasting impacts on the teaching and publication of dental research.

Dental research related to COVID-19 in Brazil: research presented at the 38th SBPqO Meeting

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify and describe the characteristics of coronavirus (COVID-19)-disease related dental research in Brazil presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Division of the International Association for Dental Research (SBPqO). A search was carried out in the proceedings of the meeting to retrieve all abstracts. Those containing the term "COVID-19" in titles, abstracts, or keywords, and/or those of which the scope approached a COVID-19-related topic were included. The variables extracted from abstracts were: presenter category, field of study, design, data collection method, population, affiliation, and authors' gender. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with a significance level of α = 0.05. The search retrieved 185 abstracts, 5 did not meet study eligibility criteria and were excluded. COVID-19-related research was presented by either aspiring/associate members (67.8%) or beginner members (32.2%). Data collection methods were predominantly digitally mediated (65%), followed by secondary data use (25%), and in-person data collection (7.2%). Irrespective of the role of authorship, there were a ratio of two female authors to each male. Among the last authors, the ratio was three females to each male. Female lead authors more frequently came from the Southeast region (71.8%; p = 0.470). There was an association between presenter category and study design (p = 0.012), clinical and epidemiological studies were more concentrated among experienced presenters. In conclusion, female dental researchers affiliated to southeastern institutions approached the topic of pandemic more frequently than male colleagues. The use of digital technology for data collection may have long-lasting impacts on the teaching and publication of dental research.

A scoping review about LGBTQIAP+ people in oral health research.

Oral health personnel must acknowledge the health needs of sexual and gender minorities. They should consult scientific literature to deepen their knowledge about sexuality, gender identity, general and oral health status, and treatment disparities among LGBTQIA+ people. The aim of this scoping review was to portray the development and current stage of internationally indexed literature approaching the oral health of this population. In this study, the search strategy used consisted of combinations of subject descriptors (MeSH terms), in two concept blocks: LGBTQIAP+ people and oral health. Global literature was searched through Medline (PUBMED), Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and Scopus electronic databases, with no language or date restrictions. Records were selected and evaluated by two independent reviewers, under the supervision of three senior reviewers and the inclusion criteria resulted in 189 eligible papers. Since the first study was published in 1974, numbers increased over the decades, reaching 67 (35.4%) in 2010-2019. The most frequently studied populations were North American (42.9%) and European (19.0%) and the most frequent language of publication was English (99.0%). There were 38 open access papers (20.1%). Medical (57.7%) and dental journals (20.1%) predominated. Cross-sectional studies were found more frequently (65.1%), followed by the cohort type (11.1%). Oral manifestation of STI (58.7%) was the topic most frequently addressed. The search for literature approaching the oral health of LGBTQIAP+ people showed evidence of the need to encourage research reported in papers made easily available, with more robust scientific evidence, and on a broader scope of topics, including oral health needs and treatment, and planning of oral health services.

Leadership through a gender lens: Disparities in Dental Research.

This study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited papers in Dentistry, with a focus on female leadership in dental research. Papers were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS- CC) in the category 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine'. Gender was assessed through WoS-CC, Scopus, ResearchGate, social media, institutional websites, and software that assigns gender according to first names (https://genderapi.io). Characteristics of authors in leadership roles were retrieved, such as affiliation, publication history, citations, H factor, and i500. The 100 most-cited papers in Dentistry were authored by 394 researchers, 326 (82.7%) men, and 68 (17.3%) women - there were 4.8 male authors for each female. Among the lead authors, there were 11.3 males for each female. Among female senior authors, there were 7 males for each female. Among lead/senior authors of the 100 most-cited papers (first and last authors, respectively), 18 were women. There was an increase in the participation of women in the top cited papers regardless of authorship role across the six decades, with a peak of two female authors in the first decade of the 21st century. For female authors in leadership roles, their publication history shows the time between their first and last papers in WoS-CC ranged from 4 to 42 years for lead authors and 1 to 39 years for senior authors. Women were found to be largely underrepresented as leaders of the 100 most-cited papers, highlighting pervasive gender inequalities in dental research publications.

Leadership through a gender lens: Disparities in Dental Research

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited papers in Dentistry, with a focus on female leadership in dental research. Papers were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS- CC) in the category 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine'. Gender was assessed through WoS-CC, Scopus, ResearchGate, social media, institutional websites, and software that assigns gender according to first names (https://genderapi.io). Characteristics of authors in leadership roles were retrieved, such as affiliation, publication history, citations, H factor, and i500. The 100 most-cited papers in Dentistry were authored by 394 researchers, 326 (82.7%) men, and 68 (17.3%) women - there were 4.8 male authors for each female. Among the lead authors, there were 11.3 males for each female. Among female senior authors, there were 7 males for each female. Among lead/senior authors of the 100 most-cited papers (first and last authors, respectively), 18 were women. There was an increase in the participation of women in the top cited papers regardless of authorship role across the six decades, with a peak of two female authors in the first decade of the 21st century. For female authors in leadership roles, their publication history shows the time between their first and last papers in WoS-CC ranged from 4 to 42 years for lead authors and 1 to 39 years for senior authors. Women were found to be largely underrepresented as leaders of the 100 most-cited papers, highlighting pervasive gender inequalities in dental research publications.

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar os 100 artigos mais citados em Odontologia, com foco na liderança feminina na pesquisa odontológica. Os artigos foram identificados utilizando-se a base de dados Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) na categoria 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine'. O gênero dos autores foi avaliado por meio do WoS-CC, Scopus, ResearchGate, mídias sociais, sites institucionais e um software que atribui gênero de acordo com o primeiro nome (https://genderapi.io). As características dos autores em papéis de liderança foram identificadas, como afiliação, histórico de publicação, número de citações, fator H e i500. Os 100 trabalhos mais citados em Odontologia foram de autoria de 394 pesquisadores, sendo 326 (82,7%) homens e 68 (17,3%) mulheres - foram 4,8 autores homens para cada mulher. Entre os primeiros autores, havia 11,3 homens para cada mulher. Entre os últimos autores, havia 7 homens para cada mulher. Entre os primeiros/últimos autores dos 100 artigos mais citados, 18 eram mulheres. Houve um aumento na participação de mulheres nos artigos mais citados, independentemente do papel da autoria ao longo das seis décadas, com um pico de duas autoras na primeira década do século XXI. Para autoras em papéis de liderança, seu histórico de publicação mostra que o tempo entre o primeiro e o último artigo no WoS-CC variou de 4 a 42 anos para primeiro autor principais e de 1 a 39 anos para último autor. Verificou-se que as mulheres estão sub-representadas como líderes dos 100 artigos mais citados, destacando-se desigualdades de gênero generalizadas nas publicações em pesquisa odontológica.

A scoping review about LGBTQIAP+ people in oral health research

Abstract Oral health personnel must acknowledge the health needs of sexual and gender minorities. They should consult scientific literature to deepen their knowledge about sexuality, gender identity, general and oral health status, and treatment disparities among LGBTQIA+ people. The aim of this scoping review was to portray the development and current stage of internationally indexed literature approaching the oral health of this population. In this study, the search strategy used consisted of combinations of subject descriptors (MeSH terms), in two concept blocks: LGBTQIAP+ people and oral health. Global literature was searched through Medline (PUBMED), Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and Scopus electronic databases, with no language or date restrictions. Records were selected and evaluated by two independent reviewers, under the supervision of three senior reviewers and the inclusion criteria resulted in 189 eligible papers. Since the first study was published in 1974, numbers increased over the decades, reaching 67 (35.4%) in 2010-2019. The most frequently studied populations were North American (42.9%) and European (19.0%) and the most frequent language of publication was English (99.0%). There were 38 open access papers (20.1%). Medical (57.7%) and dental journals (20.1%) predominated. Cross-sectional studies were found more frequently (65.1%), followed by the cohort type (11.1%). Oral manifestation of STI (58.7%) was the topic most frequently addressed. The search for literature approaching the oral health of LGBTQIAP+ people showed evidence of the need to encourage research reported in papers made easily available, with more robust scientific evidence, and on a broader scope of topics, including oral health needs and treatment, and planning of oral health services.

Factors associated with the use of a public information system of dentist-prescribed antibiotics in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Fatores associados ao uso de um sistema de informação público de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas em Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract This article aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors, health care organizations, and the use of a management and monitoring system for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in public health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is an ecological-epidemiological study that analyzed secondary data from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System (SIGAF) of the Department of Health of the state of MG, Brazil, in 2017. Thirteen independent variables were analyzed to assess their influence on municipal adherence to SIGAF system considering dental prescriptions of antibiotics. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and the Classification and Regression Tree technique was used to identify the municipal variables associated with the outcome. A total of 57,279 antibiotic courses prescribed by dentists and recorded in SIGAF were examined. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with the use of SIGAF to record these prescriptions. Oral healthcare coverage was positively associated with the use of SIGAF for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists. Dental Specialties Center were negatively associated with the outcome. Municipalities with high oral healthcare coverage and those without a Dental Specialties Center were more likely to use SIGAF.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a associação entre fatores socioeconômicos, organização dos serviços de saúde e a utilização de um sistema de gestão e monitoramento da dispensação de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Estudo epidemiológico ecológico que analisou dados secundários do Sistema Integrado de Gestão da Assistência Farmacêutica (SIGAF) da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de MG, Brasil, em 2017. Treze variáveis independentes foram analisadas para testar a influência destas com a adesão dos municípios ao SIGAF das prescrições odontológicas de antibióticos. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas, e a técnica de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão foi utilizada. Foram examinadas 57.279 prescrições de antibióticos prescritos por dentistas e registradas no SIGAF. Fatores socioeconômicos não foram associados ao uso do SIGAF para registro dessas prescrições. A cobertura de saúde bucal esteve positivamente associada à utilização do SIGAF para as dispensações de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas. A presença de Centro De Especialidade Odontológica, esteve negativamente associado ao desfecho. Municípios com maior cobertura de saúde bucal e sem Centro de Especialidade Odontológica foram mais propensos a utilizar o SIGAF.

Factors associated with the use of a public information system of dentist-prescribed antibiotics in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

This article aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors, health care organizations, and the use of a management and monitoring system for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in public health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is an ecological-epidemiological study that analyzed secondary data from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System (SIGAF) of the Department of Health of the state of MG, Brazil, in 2017. Thirteen independent variables were analyzed to assess their influence on municipal adherence to SIGAF system considering dental prescriptions of antibiotics. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and the Classification and Regression Tree technique was used to identify the municipal variables associated with the outcome. A total of 57,279 antibiotic courses prescribed by dentists and recorded in SIGAF were examined. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with the use of SIGAF to record these prescriptions. Oral healthcare coverage was positively associated with the use of SIGAF for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists. Dental Specialties Center were negatively associated with the outcome. Municipalities with high oral healthcare coverage and those without a Dental Specialties Center were more likely to use SIGAF.

Mother's education and family relations protect children from dental caries experience: a salutogenic approach.

The objective of this study was to identify dental caries-protective factors among 5-year-old children using the salutogenic theory. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a small-sized municipality in the Southeast region of Brazil, with a representative sample of 247 children registered in preschool and their respective mothers. The data were collected through questionnaires administered to the mothers about the socioeconomic, behavioral, and biological aspects of the mother and children. Additionally, the collections included validated instruments concerning psychosocial aspects, such as a sense of coherence, resilience, family cohesion and religiosity, and intraoral examinations of the children through the decayed-missing-filled primary teeth (dmft) index. All examinations were performed by a trained and calibrated examiner. The non-adjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their respective confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multiple logistic regression with a hierarchical model. Among the examined children, 41.7% were caries-free. In the final model, the chances of the absence of dental caries experience (dmft = 0) were greater in children with mothers who had higher education levels (> 8 years of study) (OR = 2.55 [95%CIi:1.42-4.59]) and those who lived in an environment of high family cohesion (OR = 3.66 [95%CI: 1.19-11.29]). The results indicated that mothers' level of education and family relationships are protective factors against dental caries in 5-year-old children, which overlapped with behavioral and biological factors.

Top 100 most-cited oral health-related quality of life papers: Bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the features of the 100 most-cited papers on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). METHODS: The 100 most-cited OHRQoL papers were collected from Web of Science, adopting a combined keyword search strategy. Google Scholar and Scopus databases were searched to compare citations. The following data were extracted from papers: title of the paper, number of citations, authorship, country, year of publication, title of the journal, study design, sample size, topic and OHRQoL instruments used. Graphical bibliometric networks were created using VOSviewer software. RESULTS: The number of citations of the top 100 most-cited OHRQoL papers ranged from 73 to 949. Fifty-six papers received at least 100 citations and two received more than 400 citations. Most papers were from Canada (23%) and had been published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology (37%). David Locker was the most-cited author (25 papers; 3,521 citations). The cross-sectional study design was the most common (68%). The impact of oral health conditions on OHRQoL (43%) was the most frequent topic, and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) was the most commonly used OHRQoL instrument (48%). CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis highlighted the characteristics of the 100 most-cited OHRQoL papers, demonstrating that this field is far from saturated. This list of the most-cited articles can provide a reference point to guide oral health research, education and services.

Mother's education and family relations protect children from dental caries experience: a salutogenic approach

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify dental caries-protective factors among 5-year-old children using the salutogenic theory. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a small-sized municipality in the Southeast region of Brazil, with a representative sample of 247 children registered in preschool and their respective mothers. The data were collected through questionnaires administered to the mothers about the socioeconomic, behavioral, and biological aspects of the mother and children. Additionally, the collections included validated instruments concerning psychosocial aspects, such as a sense of coherence, resilience, family cohesion and religiosity, and intraoral examinations of the children through the decayed-missing-filled primary teeth (dmft) index. All examinations were performed by a trained and calibrated examiner. The non-adjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their respective confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multiple logistic regression with a hierarchical model. Among the examined children, 41.7% were caries-free. In the final model, the chances of the absence of dental caries experience (dmft = 0) were greater in children with mothers who had higher education levels (> 8 years of study) (OR = 2.55 [95%CIi:1.42-4.59]) and those who lived in an environment of high family cohesion (OR = 3.66 [95%CI: 1.19-11.29]). The results indicated that mothers' level of education and family relationships are protective factors against dental caries in 5-year-old children, which overlapped with behavioral and biological factors.

Use and need of removable dental prostheses in an institutionalized Brazilian elderly population: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to assess the use and need of conventional removable prostheses (total and partial) and their associated factors among institutionalized elders. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1003 elderly people living in non-profit private long-term care institutions in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Inclusion criteria required a minimum Mini Mental State of Examination (MMSE) score of 21. After the test, 191 individuals were included. Oral examination and interviews were conducted to identify participants' use (throughout the day/every day) and need (do not have/have but do not use) of removable dental prostheses. Socioeconomic health indicators and behaviours were collected from institutional records and via interviews. Bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square test (p<0.05). Poisson regression with robust variance was used in multivariate analysis. Most elders were female (76.4%) and independent in their daily activities (56.5%). Elderly men (PR 1.26) and those whose dental visit was more than one year ago (PR 1.38) showed higher need of dental prostheses. Elderly women (PR 1.68) and individuals with morbidities (PR 1.33) had higher prostheses use. This study demonstrates how socio-demographic characteristics, health indicators, and oral health services impact the use and need of dental prostheses among elders and how these can contribute to public oral health policy development.

Prevalence of recognition and reporting of child physical abuse by dental surgeons and associated factors.

Studies evaluating the factors associated with under reporting and with the recognition and reporting of child physical abuse are scarce and highly necessary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of recognition and reporting of child physical abuse (CPA) by Brazilian dentistsin primary care and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of dentistsfrom the Family Health Strategy in Belo Horizonte. A self-administered questionnaire validated to Brazilian Portuguesewas used for data collection. Statistical analysis included univariate and multiple analyses through Poisson regression. A total of 181dentists participated in the study. Among them, 73 (40.3%) had already recognized some cases of CPA, but only 11 (6.1%) ended up reporting. Dentists with six to 19 years of experience as a municipal worker presented 2.38 times [PR = 2.38 (95%CI: 1.29-4.41)] more probability to recognize cases of CPA than the ones with less than six years. Having a graduate degree with a major in childcare [PR = 4.50 (95%CI: 1.08-18.68)] was associated with a larger number of reports. The employment duration as municipal worker was positively associated with the recognition of CPA cases and the prevalence of reporting was low.

Prevalence of recognition and reporting of child physical abuse by dental surgeons and associated factors / Prevalência de identificação e notificação de abuso físico infantil por dentistas e fatores associados

Abstract Studies evaluating the factors associated with under reporting and with the recognition and reporting of child physical abuse are scarce and highly necessary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of recognition and reporting of child physical abuse (CPA) by Brazilian dentistsin primary care and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of dentistsfrom the Family Health Strategy in Belo Horizonte. A self-administered questionnaire validated to Brazilian Portuguesewas used for data collection. Statistical analysis included univariate and multiple analyses through Poisson regression. A total of 181dentists participated in the study. Among them, 73 (40.3%) had already recognized some cases of CPA, but only 11 (6.1%) ended up reporting. Dentists with six to 19 years of experience as a municipal worker presented 2.38 times [PR = 2.38 (95%CI: 1.29-4.41)] more probability to recognize cases of CPA than the ones with less than six years. Having a graduate degree with a major in childcare [PR = 4.50 (95%CI: 1.08-18.68)] was associated with a larger number of reports. The employment duration as municipal worker was positively associated with the recognition of CPA cases and the prevalence of reporting was low.

Resumo Estudos que avaliem os fatores associados à subnotificação e às dificuldades dos dentistas para identificar e notificar abuso físico infantil são escassos e necessários. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência de identificação e de notificação de abuso físico infantil (AFI) e fatores associados por dentistas da atenção primária. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com amostra representativa dos dentistas da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Belo Horizonte. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário autoaplicável, validado para uso no Brasil. A análise estatística incluiu análise univariada e múltipla pela regressão de Poisson. Um total de 181 profissionais participaram do estudo. Destes, 73 (40,3%) já identificaram algum caso de AFI, mas apenas 11 (6,1%) realizaram a notificação. Dentistas com seis a 19 anos de trabalho no município apresentaram probabilidade 2,38 vezes [RP = 2,38 (CI 95%: 1,29-4,41)] maior de identificar casos de AFI do que aqueles com menos de seis anos de atuação. Possuir pós-graduação com foco em crianças [PR = 4,50(CI 95%: 1,08-18,68)] esteve positivamente associado a um maior número de notificações. O tempo de trabalho no município esteve associado à identificação de casos de AFI. A prevalência de notificação encontrada foi baixa.

Streamlining the dental care during COVID-19 pandemic: updated clinical recommendations and infection control management framework.

Several guidelines for dental practice have been published by dental associations and regulatory boards since the beginning of the pandemic. Initially, all non-emergency dental treatment were suspended. Healthcare personnel around the world are gradually expanding back to elective procedures. International updated recommendations alert that professionals must maintain regular observation of local health department reports, ensure personal protective equipment, and screen all patients for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Telehealth strategies, patient screening, rescheduling when presenting COVID-19 symptoms and/or history of contact with infected people and hand/environment hygiene practices are reinforced. Appropriate cleaning and surface disinfection are mandatory. The dental staff must be trained to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), following a risk assessment and standard precautions: gloves; fluid resistant disposable gown, eye protection (face shield or goggles) and a medical mask. A fit tested N95 or KN95 respirator (or higher) is recommended when aerosol generating procedures are performed. Only essential accompanying persons should attend to dental appointment with the patient and must wear a cloth face covering or facemask. Social distancing and mask wearing by all staff are necessary in all areas of the office. Dental health care providers should keep up to date to the current guidance of clinical practice during the pandemic.

Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life of Pre-School Children: Review and Perspectives for New Instruments.

This study aimed to describe different approaches for the evaluation of the Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children and to discuss perspectives for future instruments. The OHRQoL is a concept that surpasses an exclusively clinical perception and includes functional, social, emotional, and environmental issues. The measure of OHRQoL represents a holistic approach for researchers and clinicians extending their visions beyond the mouth and understanding the entire context of the patient. Negative impacts of oral conditions on OHRQoL in childhood can reflect on health development, especially in a life stage marked by social and cognitive maturation. Instruments have been developed and cross-culturally adapted to evaluate the impact of oral conditions on the OHRQoL of preschool children and their families. Some features distinguish these instruments and influence their selection, such as: self- or proxy-report; generic- or specific-condition; long- or short-form, and less or more established used in literature. Moreover, theoretical framework, construct validation and availability should also be considered. Nine OHRQoL instruments for preschool children were included in the present literature review. They were created between 2003 and 2017 by developed countries in most cases. The shorter instrument has five items, and the larger has 31 items. Most of them are proxy-reported, generic-condition, and have been relatively well established in the literature. The diversity of instruments indicates the evolution of OHRQoL studies, but there are methodological issues still in need to be improved in future developments or cross-cultural adaptations, according to current psychometric evidence.

Oral health-related quality of life of pre-school children: review and perspectives for new instruments

Abstract This study aimed to describe different approaches for the evaluation of the Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children and to discuss perspectives for future instruments. The OHRQoL is a concept that surpasses an exclusively clinical perception and includes functional, social, emotional, and environmental issues. The measure of OHRQoL represents a holistic approach for researchers and clinicians extending their visions beyond the mouth and understanding the entire context of the patient. Negative impacts of oral conditions on OHRQoL in childhood can reflect on health development, especially in a life stage marked by social and cognitive maturation. Instruments have been developed and cross-culturally adapted to evaluate the impact of oral conditions on the OHRQoL of preschool children and their families. Some features distinguish these instruments and influence their selection, such as: self- or proxy-report; generic- or specific-condition; long- or short-form, and less or more established used in literature. Moreover, theoretical framework, construct validation and availability should also be considered. Nine OHRQoL instruments for preschool children were included in the present literature review. They were created between 2003 and 2017 by developed countries in most cases. The shorter instrument has five items, and the larger has 31 items. Most of them are proxy-reported, generic-condition, and have been relatively well established in the literature. The diversity of instruments indicates the evolution of OHRQoL studies, but there are methodological issues still in need to be improved in future developments or cross-cultural adaptations, according to current psychometric evidence.

Resumo Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde Bucal (QVRSB) é um conceito que extrapola uma percepção exclusivamente clínica ao incluir questões funcionais, sociais, emocionais e ambientais. A avaliação da QVRSB representa uma abordagem holística para a pesquisa e prática clínica. O impacto negativo das condições bucais na QVRSB durante a infância pode refletir no desenvolvimento saudável, especialmente em um estágio da vida marcado pela maturação social e cognitiva. Instrumentos vêm sendo desenvolvidos e adaptados transculturalmente para avaliar o impacto das condições bucais na QVRSB de pré-escolares e seus familiares. Algumas características distinguem esses instrumentos e influenciam na seleção, tais como: autorrelato ou relato proxy; condição genérica ou específica; formas longas ou curtas, mais ou menos estabelecidos na literatura. Além disso, a base teórica, a avaliação do construto e a disponibilidade do instrumento também devem ser consideradas. A diversidade de instrumentos indica a evolução dos estudos em QVRSB, mas ainda há questões metodológicas que precisam ser avançadas em futuros desenvolvimentos ou adaptações desses instrumentos, seguindo as atuais evidências psicométricas. O presente estudo objetiva descrever as diferentes abordagens para avaliar a QVRSB de pré-escolares e discutir as perspectivas para futuros instrumentos.

COVID-19: a new turning point for dental practice.

Recent new zoonotic respiratory viruses have infected humans and led to severe acute respiratory syndrome: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), influenza A H5N1, influenza A H1N1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The first SARS-CoV outbreak took place in 2003, in Guangdong, China. A decade later, another pathogenic coronavirus, MERS-CoV caused an endemic in Middle Eastern countries. The latest pandemic coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) has been related to the newly isolated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For the first time since the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the 1980s. Dentistry is facing a new turning point. This critical review aims to discuss the impact of COVID-19 infection on oral health care. In dental practice COVID-19 patients are the main source of infection and symptomatic patients are more contagious. Dentists can be first line of diagnosis of the disease, as they work in close contact with patients and are at the risk of being affected by COVID-19 and all respiratory infections. Several guidelines for dental practice environments have been published by dental associations and regulatory boards. It is already evident that biological, psychological and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have present and future impacts on dental practice. Dental schools, regulatory boards, scientific associations, government authorities, and public and private health care services must join efforts to design enduring answers for severe and long-standing viral challenges.

COVID-19: a new turning point for dental practice

Abstract Recent new zoonotic respiratory viruses have infected humans and led to severe acute respiratory syndrome: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), influenza A H5N1, influenza A H1N1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The first SARS-CoV outbreak took place in 2003, in Guangdong, China. A decade later, another pathogenic coronavirus, MERS-CoV caused an endemic in Middle Eastern countries. The latest pandemic coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) has been related to the newly isolated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For the first time since the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the 1980s. Dentistry is facing a new turning point. This critical review aims to discuss the impact of COVID-19 infection on oral health care. In dental practice COVID-19 patients are the main source of infection and symptomatic patients are more contagious. Dentists can be first line of diagnosis of the disease, as they work in close contact with patients and are at the risk of being affected by COVID-19 and all respiratory infections. Several guidelines for dental practice environments have been published by dental associations and regulatory boards. It is already evident that biological, psychological and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have present and future impacts on dental practice. Dental schools, regulatory boards, scientific associations, government authorities, and public and private health care services must join efforts to design enduring answers for severe and long-standing viral challenges.

Social determinants of health and periodontal disease in Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, increasing importance has been placed on the social determinants of health and disease. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of periodontal disease in Brazilian adults and identify possible relationships with social determinants. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using a sample of 743 adults (aged 35-49 years) living in an urban area of a large city in southeastern Brazil. The condition of the periodontium was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) according to the diagnostic criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The variables related to social determinants were collected using a structured questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of all study variables was performed. Multiple correspondence analysis was subsequently performed to identify relationships between periodontal disease and the social determinants of health. RESULTS: The periodontal exams showed that 36.5% of adults had a healthy periodontium, 2.0% had gingival bleeding, 47.1% had calculus and 9.5% had periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm. Periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more were the worst periodontal condition found (affecting only 2.1% of the participants). The correspondence analysis enabled us to form three groups with different profiles. The first group was distinguished by the presence of bleeding (gingivitis) or a healthy periodontium. The members of this group were typically aged 35 to 39 years and had 9-12 years or more than 12 years of education. The second group consisted of subjects with calculus and periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm. The members of this group were typically white men aged 40-44 years with incomes greater than $ 300.00. The third group was distinguished by the presence of periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more. The members of this group were typically adult females, black and mixed individuals who had 8 years or less of schooling, individuals with incomes ≤ $ 300.00 and widowers. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that periodontal health is worse in the group for which the social indicators are worse. Therefore, the social determinants of health also affect the severity of periodontal disease in adults Brazilian society.