A Preexperimental Study to Assess the Impact of an Interdisciplinary Educational Intervention on Nurses' Knowledge of Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Care.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of an interdisciplinary educational intervention on the knowledge of nursing practitioners regarding perinatal and infant oral health (PIOH) care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a preexperimental study conducted among nursing practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria. Participants received hands-on training and didactic lectures, which included dental caries etiology and risk factors; oral hygiene and dietary education; teething and its management; dental trauma and its prevention; nonnutritive habits; screening, referrals, and counseling; and fluoride varnish application. Knowledge of the trainees was assessed using pre- and posttest questionnaires. Level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Overall, 110 nurses participated in the study with a mean age of 40.9 ± 10.8 years; 106 (96.4%) were females. Approximately 88% of the participants had not received formal training on PIOH. The baseline mean scores of the participants' knowledge on oral hygiene, teething, trauma, caries, and oral habits were 4.31 ± 1.9, 9.84 ± 2.6, 2.59 ± 1.7, 4.24 ± 1.8, and 1.45 ± 0.6, respectively; this increased significantly (P < 0.001) following the educational intervention with posttest mean scores as 7.58 ± 0.8, 11.79 ± 1.3, 4.34 ± 1.9, 6.19 ± 1.8, and 1.82 ± 0.4 and six-month evaluation scores as 6.21 ± 1.8,7 10.27 ± 3.1, 4.39 ± 1.5, 5.91 ± 1.8, and 1.79 ± 0.5, respectively. Overall posttest (31.4 ± 4.2) and six-month (28.6 ± 6.2) knowledge scores were significantly higher than the pretest values (22.4 ± 4.8, P < 0.001). At the six-month post-intervention survey, 84% of the nurses reported inclusion of PIOH education in their routine general health education sessions. CONCLUSION: There was a positive impact of the educational intervention as evidenced by an increase in the knowledge of the nurses on PIOH care and the inclusion of PIOH education in their general health education. A slight decline between posttest and six-month evaluation scores indicates a need for continuous education and evaluation.

The role of PAX9 promoter gene polymorphisms in causing hypodontia: a study in the Jordanian population.

BACKGROUND: The congenital absence of one or few teeth, hypodontia, is considered one of the utmost dental ageneses in human beings. Several genes have been shown to be involved in the development of hypodontia such as paired box gene 9 (PAX9). The expression of PAX9 is controlled by several polymorphic elements in the promoter region of the gene on 14q13.3 locus. The aim of this study was to find any association between PAX9 c.-912T>C (rs2073247) and c.-1031G>A (rs2073244) promoter polymorphisms and the development of hypodontia among the Jordanian population. METHODS: Genotyping of the polymorphisms in 72 unrelated subjects with hypodontia was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique and compared with that of 72 normal healthy unrelated control individuals. RESULTS: The hypodontia group had a significantly higher -1031GG genotype (P<0.01) and a significantly lower -912TC genotype (P<0.01) compared with the control group. The results suggest that the transcriptional activity of PAX9 gene is affected by polymorphisms in the promoter region of this gene and is associated with hypodontia phenotype. CONCLUSION: The rs2073247) and rs2073244 promoter polymorphisms of PAX9 might play a role in the development of hypodontia in the Jordanian population.

Dentists' intention to report suspected violence: a cross-sectional study in eight Arab countries.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed dentists' intention in eight Arab countries to report suspected exposure to violence among patients and factors associated with this intention based on the theory of planned behaviour. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 including a convenience sample of dentists practising in public, private and academic sectors in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Respondents answered a self-administered questionnaire collecting information about personal and professional background and perceived ability to identify victims of violence. The questionnaire assessed (on a scale from 1 to 10 using six negative statements) dentists' perception of healthcare system mandated reporting of suspected violence. Six statements were used to assess professional attitude towards reporting suspected violence. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between intention to report suspected violence and perceived ability, perception and attitude adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: The response rate was 65.2% (n=2936/4506) from general practitioners (70.9%) of mean age=31 years with 56.7% women. Of those, 68.8% intended to report and 52.2% considered themselves able to identify violence victims. The mean (SD) negative perception score=5.3/10 (2.1) and the mean (SD) professional attitude score=7.5/10 (1.9). In multivariate regression, intention to report was associated with professional attitude (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.14), ability to identify violence victims (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.12) and negative perception that reporting is not mandated (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.94). Significant differences existed among countries in intention to report. CONCLUSION: Most dentists intended to report suspected violence and their intention could be explained by the theory of planned behaviour which offers a framework for professional development to support violence victims. Sharing of training resources, policies and guidelines is needed to ensure that practices similar to international guidelines are consistently adopted by dentists across Arab countries.

Maximum occlusal bite force in pre-school children with different occlusal patterns.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to record maximum occlusal bite force (MOBF) in pre-school children with different occlusal patterns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomly selected sample of 1085 kindergarten children in primary dentition stage were selected. The age of subjects ranged between 3-6 years (averaged 4.90 ± 0.86 years). The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to molar relationship; flush terminal (n=335; 165 males and 170 females), distal step (n=450; 200 males and 250 females), mesial step (n=300; 150 males and 150 females) molar relationship. Clinical examination involved the record of molar relationship, overjet, overbite and the presence of wearing facets. Occlusal bite force was measured using a hydraulic occlusal force gauge. RESULTS: The means of MOBF for the different occlusal relationship were: - 193.47N (± 60.98), 179.20N (±56.80) and 245.11N (±69.45) for flush terminal, mesial and distal step molar relationships, respectively. Significant differences between studied groups were detected (P<0.01; P<0.001). MOBF were higher in subjects with distal step molar relationship, increased overjet and increased overbite. Gender differences were detected in flush terminal and distal step molar relationships. CONCLUSIONS: MOBF was affected by the different occlusal relationships. Children with distal step and mesial step molar relationship had the highest and the lowest MOBF, respectively. MOBF was similar in children with/without wearing facets. Key words:Occlusal, Bite force, primary, dentition, Pre-school.

Traumatic dental injuries in children with special health care needs.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) are at an increased risk for traumatic dental injuries (TDI) due to unique predisposing factors; moreover, their access to dental care is compromised. In Jordan, there is a need to study TDI among CSHCN to highlight their dental care needs. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence, types, possible risk factors associated with TDI, and treatment-seeking behavior in CSHCN in Jordan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Children (n=959) were examined in schools/centers for CSHCN, and compared to a healthy age- and gender-matched control group. Data concerning demographics, types of trauma, risk factors associated with TDI, and treatment-seeking behavior were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and bivariate analyzes. Significance level was set at P≤.05. RESULTS: Prevalence of TDI in the study group (age, 11.76±4.2 years) and control group (age 11.70±4.2 years) was (83 of 959, 8.7%) and (42 of 1010, 4.1%), respectively. TDI prevalence was highest in children with multiple disabilities (14.0%), followed by intellectual disabilities (13.1%), and cerebral palsy (12.2%). The most common type of TDI was an uncomplicated crown fracture (91.0%). Increased overjet and incompetent lips were significant risk factors associated with TDI. Reasons for not seeking treatment in the study vs control group included parental attitude and lack of dental awareness (68.1% vs 60%), difficulties getting an appointment and availability of dental clinics willing to see CSHCN (36.2% vs 0%), P≤.01, and financial reasons (31.9% vs 40%). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of TDI was higher in CSHCN, and associated with increased overjet and incompetent lips. Uncomplicated crown fracture was the most common injury. In both groups, the main reason for not seeking treatment was lack of dental awareness among parents/caregivers; however, difficulties in getting an appointment and availability of dental clinics willing to see children were more prominent in the CSHCN group.

Ability of Pit and Fissure Sealant-containing Amorphous Calcium Phosphate to inhibit Enamel Demineralization.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)-containing pit and fissure sealant on inhibition of enamel demineralization in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Enamel specimens (n = 75) were prepared using freshly extracted noncarious human third molars. Box-shaped cavities (8 × 2 × 2 mm) on the buccal or lingual surfaces were prepared and restored with resin-based sealant (Concise™), ACP-containing sealant (Aegis®) or fluoride-containing sealant (Conseal-F™). The samples were acid challenged in a demineralizing solution of 50 mmol/l lactic acid at pH 5.0 for 4 days. The change in enamel microhardness (ASuH) was calculated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test. RESULTS: The mean SuH0 (±SD) (in Vicker's unit) prior to the acid challenge was: Concise™ (318.83 ± 33.86), Aegis® (331.03 ± 21.52), Conseal-F™ (310.12 ± 34.31). Following the acid challenge, the values dropped in all groups and ASuH (±SD) values were 269.17 ± 47.49, 151.39 ± 23.96 and 175.79 ± 32.39 respectively. CONCLUSION: The ACP-containing pit and fissure sealant has the potential to inhibit enamel demineralization. How to cite this article: Zawaideh FI, Owais AI, Kawaja W. Ability of pit and fissure sealant-containing amorphous calcium phosphate to inhibit enamel demineralization. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):10-14.

Bedsharing and Oral Health-related Feeding Behaviors Among Zero- to Three-year-old Children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between bedsharing and oral health-related feeding behaviors among zero- to three-year-old children. METHODS: Data were collected from records of children attending the University of Iowa's Infant Oral Health Program (1998 to 2009), including maternal demographics, children's nighttime dietary practices, bedsharing habits, methods to help children sleep, and clinical evidence of plaque and caries. Statistical analyses utilized bivariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Mother-child dyads (n equals 629) who either bedshared every night (n equals 273) or did not bedshare (n equals 356) were included. Of the 629 children (mean±standard deviation [SD] age equals 21.6±12.1 months), 51 percent were male, 50 percent were nonwhite, and 72 percent lived with both parents. Logistic regression analysis revealed that children who bedshared were more likely to be healthy (OR equals 6.78; P=.008), older (OR equals 1.56; P=.007), nonwhite (OR equals 2.96; P<.001), live with a single mother (OR equals 3.41; P<.001), breastfed throughout the night (OR equals 4.33; P<.001), and bottle-fed and breastfed to help them sleep (OR equals 2.34; P=.03; OR equals 3.27; P=.03, respectively). Moreover, these children were more likely to be in the high caries-risk category (OR equals 2.19; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Bedsharing was significantly associated with the child's health status, age, race, nighttime feeding habits, and high caries-risk and with whom the child lived. Caries preventive measures should be targeted to mother-child dyads who bedshare.

Maximum occusal bite force for children in different dentition stages.

This study was carried out to record maximum occlusal bite force (MOBF) among different dentition stages in children and to study the relation of occlusal bite force to weight, height, and gender. A total of 1011 children (500 females and 511 males) aged from 3 to 18 years were examined. The subjects were divided into 5 groups according to their dentition stage as the following:- early primary dentition stage (100 males and 100 females, average age was 3.37 ± 0.23 years), late primary dentition stage (104 males and 100 females, average age was 5.86 ± 1.15 years), early mixed dentition stage (100 males and 100 females, average age was 8.15 ± 0.67 years), late mixed dentition stage (100 males and 100 females, average age was 9.97 ± 0.86 years ), and permanent dentition stage (107 males and 100 females, average age was 14.03 ± 2.14 years). Occlusal bite force was measured using a hydraulic occlusal force gauge. The means of MOBF for the different dentition stages were:- 176 N in early primary stage, 240 N in late primary stage, 289 N in early mixed stage, 433 N in late mixed stage, and 527 N in the permanent dentition stage, respectively. Gender differences were detected in groups 2, 3 and 4. Height and age significantly correlated with the MOBF in all dentition stage groups except group 1. In conclusion, the MOBF increased with age. Age, gender, and height were significant predictors of the MOBF.

Infection control knowledge and practices among dentists and dental nurses at a Jordanian University Teaching Center.

BACKGROUND: Information regarding compliance with infection control precautions in the dental settings in the Middle East is scant. OBJECTIVE: To examine the knowledge and practices in infection control among dental staff and dental nurses at a university teaching dental center. METHODS: A self-administered, confidential questionnaire concerning various aspects of infection control knowledge and practices was distributed to 48 dental staff and 28 dental nurses working at the Jordan University of Science and Technology Dental Teaching Center. RESULTS: Responses came from 37 (77%) dental teaching staff members and 23 (82%) dental nurses. Of the dental staff participants, 95% received hepatitis B immunization in comparison with 87% of the dental nurses. Dental nurses were more prone to percutaneous dental injuries (P < .05). In both groups, 100% reported routine wearing of gloves. Although the dental staff reported a statistically higher frequency of washing hands before gloving (46%), dental nurses reported a higher frequency of washing hands after removing the gloves (100%). Dental staff reported statistically higher frequency of routine mask use (43%) than dental nurses (30%). CONCLUSION: Compliance with recommended guidelines for control of cross infection varied among the 2 tested groups. A need exists for proper practice of infection control by both dental staff and dental nurses.