Integration of an evidence-based caries management approach in dental education: The perspectives of dental instructors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: Evidence-based caries management (EBCM) has developed into an internationally recognized tool for integration of comprehensive non-surgical caries treatment in dental education. However, uptake of the EBCM approach remains uneven across Canadian dental schools. Our project sought to understand how dental instructors perceive the challenges and solutions to the integration of the EBCM approach in undergraduate clinical education. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, we recruited a purposeful sample of clinical instructors supervising undergraduate dental students in caries-related dental care. Semi-structured, online interviews focused on the main characteristics of EBCM. Interviews were analyzed using the awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, and reinforcement (ADKAR) change management model to understand challenges with EBCM implementation in undergraduate education. The analysis process started with verbatim transcription; then, transcripts were coded deductively based on the interview guide and the ADKAR model domains, and inductively to generate emergent codes. Finally, thematic analysis was used to develop themes and subthemes. RESULTS: We interviewed 11 dental instructors with a wide range of clinical experience. Our results show that participants had sufficient awareness regarding the need for the EBCM approach and portrayed a strong desire to participate in bringing curricular changes. Knowledge and ability of participants depended on their training, experience, and involvement in continuing education courses. A lack of standardized caries management practices, less chairside time, and poor remuneration for instructors were major barriers in EBCM clinical implementation. Potential solutions suggested included providing continuing education courses, credits for students for non-surgical caries management, and remunerating instructors for implementation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, most participants were aware of the need for a substantive change toward EBCM and demonstrated the desire to participate and improve its implementation. Our analysis showed that to facilitate full integration of the EBCM approach into the undergraduate dental clinics, organizational focus needs to be placed on the individual's knowledge and ability, with tailored efforts toward reinforcement.

Palatal brushing for the treatment of denture stomatitis: A multicentre randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of palatal brushing in the treatment of denture-related erythematous stomatitis (DES) in complete denture wearers. METHODS: This two-parallel-arm RCT was conducted in three university clinics in Brazil, Canada, and Chile. Participants (n=77) were randomly allocated to receive (i) instructions for palatal brushing and standard oral/denture hygiene ("intervention"); or (ii) standard oral/denture hygiene instructions only ("control"). Data collection was carried out at the baseline and at 3 and 6 months after intervention. Outcomes included the magnitude of oral Candida carriage and the degree of inflammation of denture-bearing tissues. Groups were compared using generalized estimating equations and chi-square test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Palatal inflammation levels were reduced significantly in the "intervention" compared to "control" group at 6 months (intervention: 70%, control: 40%; chi-square, p=0.04). There was no between-group significant difference in the Candida count from denture and palatal biofilms; however, a subgroup analysis restricted to baseline Candida carriers showed further reduction with the intervention at 6 months. No adversity was observed by trialist or reported by participants. CONCLUSIONS: Including palatal brushing in oral instructions for denture wearers has positive impact on DES-related mucosal inflammation. Thus, our findings endorse the inclusion of palatal brushing in standard oral hygiene instructions to treat DES.

Correlation between maxillary cuspid impaction with available space and anomalies of maxillary lateral incisors.

BACKGROUND: Association of cuspid impaction with adjacent lateral incisor anomalies is under controversy. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between maxillary cuspid impaction with dental anomalies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this in vitro experimental study, the material consisted of pretreatment dental records of 102 patients with at least one palatally or buccally displaced impacted permanent cuspid (palatal and buccal impaction groups). They were matched with a comparison control group of 102 patients having normally erupted maxillary cuspids. Available space, mesiodistal dimensions of teeth, and morphologic parameters of lateral incisors were measured using the digital caliper. Comparison of mean values of lateral incisors anomalies and severity of crowding between different groups were performed using the one-way ANOVA test, and the analysis of associations between position of the impaction and anomaly of the lateral incisors and severity of crowding was performed using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the arch length-tooth size discrepancy between the cuspid impaction groups and control group. The impaction group (buccal or palatal) presented statistically significant differences in terms of anomalies of maxillary lateral incisor compared to the control group. Peg-shaped lateral incisor was related to buccal cuspid impaction and microdontia had relationship with palatal cuspid impaction. CONCLUSION: There is the relationship between cuspid impaction and adjacent lateral incisor abnormality, but no difference was observed between buccal and palatal cuspid impactions. Crowding revealed no relationship with cuspid impaction (buccal or palatal) in this study.