Validating evidence for the knowledge, management and involvement of dentists in a dental approach to sickle-cell disease.

This study validated the content of an instrument designed to assess the knowledge, involvement (attitudes) and management (practice) of dentists relative to sickle-cell disease (KAPD-SCD). The instrument consisted of five domains composed of a total of thirteen items: I. Dentist's self-assessment relative to sickle-cell disease; II. Dentist's knowledge of the repercussions of sickle-cell disease on the stomatognathic system; III. Dentist's knowledge of the complications of sickle-cell disease in the stomatognathic system; IV. Dentist's knowledge concerning the dental management of sickle-cell disease patients; and V. Dentist's involvement in an approach to sickle-cell disease. Twelve experts assigned scores to each item of the instrument. The criteria were clarity, understanding and appropriateness, leaving open fields for comments. Descriptive and content analyses of the data were made. Each expert analyzed 39 assessment units. The percentages considered for agreement were high (>80%), medium (70%-80%), or low (<70%), and each item was maintained or revised according to the percentage observed. There was high consensus in 74% of the assessment units (the corresponding items were maintained), medium consensus in 24% of them (the corresponding items were revised), and disagreement in 2% of them, namely as regards the "appropriateness" of item 5 ("Are there oral complications in sickle-cell disease?"), which was revised. The final version of the instrument had 16 items for different applications such as in the clinical care program, teaching program, or research program, with different cut-off scores for each application. In conclusion, the level of agreement among experts showed evidence of the content validity of the instrument.

Can predictive factors determine the time to treatment initiation for oral and oropharyngeal cancer? A classification and regression tree analysis.

This ecological study aimed to identify the factors with the greatest power to discriminate the proportion of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOC) records with time to treatment initiation (TTI) within 30 days of diagnosis in Brazilian municipalities. A descriptive analysis was performed on the variables grouped into five dimensions related to patient characteristics, access to health services, support for cancer diagnosis, human resources, and socioeconomic characteristics of 3,218 Brazilian municipalities that registered at least one case of OOC in 2019. The Classification and Regression Trees (CART) technique was adopted to identify the explanatory variables with greater discriminatory power for the TTI response variable. There was a higher median percentage of records in the age group of 60 years or older. The median percentage of records with stage III and IV of the disease was 46.97%, and of records with chemotherapy, radiation, or both as the first treatment was 50%. The median percentage of people with private dental and health insurance was low. Up to 75% had no cancer diagnostic support services, and up to 50% of the municipalities had no specialist dentists. Most municipalities (49.4%) started treatment after more than 30 days. In the CART analysis, treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both explained the highest TTI in all municipalities, and it was the most relevant for predicting TTI. The final model also included anatomical sites in the oral cavity and oropharynx and the number of computed tomography services per 100,000. There is a need to expand the availability of oncology services and human resources specialized in diagnosing and treating OOC in Brazilian municipalities for a timely TTI of OOC.

Oral conditions of children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of the present study was to compare the oral conditions of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical children, as well as to characterize their sociodemographic aspects and medical history. A paired cross-sectional study was carried out on 14 children with CZS-associated microcephaly and 24 age-matched controls, in Belo Horizonte, in southeastern Brazil. Children's oral conditions were assessed: dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT indices); developmental defects of enamel (DDE) index; dental anomalies; mucosal changes; lip sealing, and malocclusion (overjet, overbite, and/or posterior crossbite alterations). The quality of oral hygiene was analyzed by the simplified oral hygiene index. The children's mothers also answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and medical history data. The variables were analyzed descriptively. Female participants were more prevalent (60.5%), and the mean age of the participants was 4.9 years (±1.4) (range: 2-8 years) and 92.1% of their exhibited some oral condition. All participants with CZS-associated microcephaly showed absence of lip sealing and had malocclusion (100.0%). When compared to the other groups, children with CZS had a higher percentage of dental anomalies (35.7%), mucosal changes (71.4%), and unsatisfactory oral hygiene (64.3%). In a sample composed mainly of female participants aged less than 5 years, the prevalence of oral conditions and unsatisfactory oral hygiene was higher in the group with CZS-associated microcephaly, followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly. Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience.

EZH2 immunoexpression in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma and clinicopathological features.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the EZH2 protein and describe the clinical and microscopic characteristics of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA). The study included 16 ACC cases and 12 PA. All ACC and PA cases were positive for EZH2 and the ACC samples showed significantly higher EZH2 expression. The clinical and microscopic covariates were described in relation to EZH2 staining in ACC samples. The highest mean values of EZH2 were observed in cases with local metastasis, recurrence, perineural invasion, and predominantly cribriform growth pattern without solid areas. EZH2 is a potential marker of malignancy.

The Role of Socioeconomic and Health Services Organizational Factors on Infection Control Structure Score, Brazil.

This study aimed to analyze possible associations between the Infection Control Structure Score (ICSS), health services, and social characteristics of the municipalities in Brazil. Secondary data from the third cycle 2017-2018 of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) was analyzed. Six independent variables - FIRJAN Index of Municipal Development, number of inhabitants, number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government, healthcare expenditure per capita, and number of Oral Health Teams modalities 1 and 2 - were included to assess their influence on ICSS, measured for each Brazilian town. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25. A total of 4,900 municipalities were included, and the mean ICSS was 0.905 (±0.092). A positive relationship was observed between healthcare expenditure per capita, municipal development, and the outcome. Conversely, towns with a higher number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government showed lower mean ICSS. The findings suggest that inequalities in the infection control structures exist within the country, and they were related to the health services and social characteristics of the municipalities.

The Role of Socioeconomic and Health Services Organizational Factors on Infection Control Structure Score, Brazil / O Papel dos Fatores Socioeconômicos e de Organização dos Serviços de Saúde sobre o Escore da Estrutura de Controle de Infecção, Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to analyze possible associations between the Infection Control Structure Score (ICSS), health services, and social characteristics of the municipalities in Brazil. Secondary data from the third cycle 2017-2018 of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) was analyzed. Six independent variables - FIRJAN Index of Municipal Development, number of inhabitants, number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government, healthcare expenditure per capita, and number of Oral Health Teams modalities 1 and 2 - were included to assess their influence on ICSS, measured for each Brazilian town. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25. A total of 4,900 municipalities were included, and the mean ICSS was 0.905 (±0.092). A positive relationship was observed between healthcare expenditure per capita, municipal development, and the outcome. Conversely, towns with a higher number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government showed lower mean ICSS. The findings suggest that inequalities in the infection control structures exist within the country, and they were related to the health services and social characteristics of the municipalities.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar as possíveis associações entre o Escore da Estrutura de Controle de Infecção (EECI), os serviços de saúde e características sociais dos municípios brasileiros. Foram analisados dados secundários do terceiro ciclo 2017-2018 do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ). Seis variáveis independentes - Índice FIRJAN de Desenvolvimento Municipal, número de habitantes, número de Equipes de Saúde da Família que recebiam incentivo financeiro do governo federal, gasto com saúde per capita e número de Equipes de Saúde Bucal modalidades 1 e 2 - foram incluídas para avaliar a influência sobre o EECI, medido para cada município brasileiro. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o modelo de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão no IBM SPSS 25. Foram incluídos 4.900 municípios, e o EECI médio foi de 0,905 (±0,092). Observou-se uma associação positiva entre o gasto com saúde per capita, o desenvolvimento municipal e o desfecho. Por outro lado, municípios com maior número de Equipes de Saúde da Família com incentivo financeiro do governo federal apresentaram menor média do EECI. Os achados sugerem que existem desigualdades nas estruturas de controle de infecções no país, relacionadas aos serviços de saúde e às características sociais dos municípios.

EZH2 immunoexpression in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma and clinicopathological features

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the EZH2 protein and describe the clinical and microscopic characteristics of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA). The study included 16 ACC cases and 12 PA. All ACC and PA cases were positive for EZH2 and the ACC samples showed significantly higher EZH2 expression. The clinical and microscopic covariates were described in relation to EZH2 staining in ACC samples. The highest mean values of EZH2 were observed in cases with local metastasis, recurrence, perineural invasion, and predominantly cribriform growth pattern without solid areas. EZH2 is a potential marker of malignancy.

Oral conditions of children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare the oral conditions of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical children, as well as to characterize their sociodemographic aspects and medical history. A paired cross-sectional study was carried out on 14 children with CZS-associated microcephaly and 24 age-matched controls, in Belo Horizonte, in southeastern Brazil. Children's oral conditions were assessed: dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT indices); developmental defects of enamel (DDE) index; dental anomalies; mucosal changes; lip sealing, and malocclusion (overjet, overbite, and/or posterior crossbite alterations). The quality of oral hygiene was analyzed by the simplified oral hygiene index. The children's mothers also answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and medical history data. The variables were analyzed descriptively. Female participants were more prevalent (60.5%), and the mean age of the participants was 4.9 years (±1.4) (range: 2-8 years) and 92.1% of their exhibited some oral condition. All participants with CZS-associated microcephaly showed absence of lip sealing and had malocclusion (100.0%). When compared to the other groups, children with CZS had a higher percentage of dental anomalies (35.7%), mucosal changes (71.4%), and unsatisfactory oral hygiene (64.3%). In a sample composed mainly of female participants aged less than 5 years, the prevalence of oral conditions and unsatisfactory oral hygiene was higher in the group with CZS-associated microcephaly, followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly. Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience.

Influence of sociodemographic factors and Family Health Strategy coverage on oral health promotion procedures: an analysis of Brazilian municipalities in 2019.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate associations between sociodemographic factors and municipal Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage and oral health promotion (OHP) procedures in Brazil. Material and Methods: Data were obtained using public information systems and by direct request to the Ministry of Health. Clinical and collective OHP procedures performed in 2019 were analyzed, and sociodemographic covariates were associated with FHS coverage (population covered by FHS teams [FHST] and oral health teams [OHT]). Negative binomial regression models associated outcomes with covariates and estimated the prevalence ratio (PR) and confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: A total of 4,913 municipalities were included. Municipalities with low-income inequality (PR=1.04, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.08), high illiteracy rate (RP=1.06, 95%CI 1.00 to 1.13), and population size of 10,001 to 50,000 inhabitants (PR=1.07, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.12) and 50,001 to 100,000 (PR=1.21, 95%CI 1.12 to 1.30) showed a higher frequency of clinical procedures. In contrast, a low frequency of clinical procedures was associated with reduced vulnerability to poverty (PR=0.83, 95%CI 0.78 to 0.89) and low OHT coverage (PR=0.39, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.45). Regarding collective procedures, the final model showed associations between low frequency and reduced income inequality (PR=0.91, 95%CI 0.87 to 0.95), low per capita income (PR=0.84, 95%CI 0.81 to 0.88), and low (PR=0.53, 95%CI 0.35 to 0.80) and medium Human Development Index (PR=0.79, 95%CI 0.71 to 87). Conclusions: Clinical and collective OHP procedures were associated with sociodemographic conditions and OHT coverage in the FHS. Key words:Health Promotion, Oral Health, Social Determinants of Health, Universal Health Coverage.

Dental Pain Medication Prescriptions in Minas Gerais, Brazil (2011-2021): A Time-Series Analysis.

To describe trends of dentist-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics, from January 2011 to December 2021, as well as to examine the relationship between these trends and characteristics of public oral health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In this time-series analysis, all drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Drugs categorized as NSAIDs (M01A), and other analgesics and antipyretics (N02B) were included for analysis. The outcome was the number of Defined Daily Doses (DDDs)/1000 inhabitants/year for NSAIDs and analgesics in each town. Covariates referred to characteristics of public oral health services, such as coverage, estimates of dental procedures, and frequency of toothache. Linear time-series regression models were used to determine the influence of covariates on the outcome. Overall, there were 58,482 prescriptions of NSAIDs recorded in thirty-eight towns, while 47,499 prescriptions of analgesics in forty-three towns. For each year, there was a 0.38 (p < 0.001), and 0.28 (p < 0.001) increase in the average log of DDD/1000 inhabitants/year for NSAIDs and analgesics, respectively. A positive association was detected between toothache (p < 0.001) and the prescription of NSAIDs. Over the eleven years, there was a general rising trend in the prescriptions. Toothache was the only characteristic of public oral health services associated with the prescription rates of NSAIDs, implying that as the frequency of toothaches increase, so do the prescriptions of NSAIDs in the studied towns.

E-learning as a strategy in dentistry in the context of COVID-19: a path to follow?

The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of e-learning in compliance with the new biosafety recommendations in dentistry in the context of COVID-19 applied to the clinical staff of a dental school in Brazil. A quasi-experimental epidemiological study was carried out by means of a structured, pre-tested online questionnaire, applied before and after an educational intervention, using an e-learning format. After data collection, statistical tests were performed. A total of 549 members of the clinical staff participated in the study in the two collection phases, with a return rate of 26.9%. After the e-learning stage, a reduction was found in the reported use of disposable gloves, protective goggles, and surgical masks. The course had no impact on the staff's knowledge concerning the proper sequence for donning PPE and showed 100% effectiveness regarding proper PPE doffing sequence. Knowledge about avoiding procedures that generate aerosols in the clinical setting was improved. Despite the low rate of return, it can be concluded that online intervention alone was ineffective in significantly improving learning about the new clinical biosafety guidelines. Therefore, the use of hybrid teaching and repetitive training is highly recommended.

Describing the Oral Health of Warfarin Users. A Short Report

Aim: To describe the burden of oral diseases and of self-reported periodontal disease of patients under Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) with warfarin. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Validated questionnaires assessed self-reported periodontal disease and demographic variables. After calibration (Kappa > 0.80), an examiner evaluated dental caries and the need for dental prostheses. Statistical analysis involved proportions and measures of central tendency. Results: The sample consisted of 158 individuals, with a mean age of 58.8 years (SD = 12.1), of which 62.7% of the participants were women. The average DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index was 22.9 (SD = 7.6), with the missing component being the highest (Mean = 16.23). The use of maxillary prosthesis (53.2%) was higher than mandibular (32.3%). The need for mandibular prosthesis reached 66.5%. The percentage of participants that referred gum disease, tooth migration, and tooth mobility was 29.6%, 37.4%, and 30.4%, respectively. Conclusions: The burden of oral diseases among individuals undergoing OAT is worrisome.

Objetivo: Describir la carga de enfermedades bucales y la enfermedad periodontal autorreportada de pacientes en tratamiento con anticoagulación oral con warfarina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal. Los cuestionarios validados evaluaron la enfermedad periodontal autoinformada y las variables demográficas. Después de la calibración (Kappa> 0.80), un examinador evaluó la caries dental y la necesidad de prótesis dentales. El análisis estadístico involucró proporciones y medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: La muestra estuvo formada por 158 individuos, con una edad media de 58.8 años (DE = 12.1), de los cuales el 62.7% de los participantes eran mujeres. El índice CPOD promedio fue de 22.9 (DE = 7.6), siendo el componente perdido el que más contribuyó al índice (Media = 16.23). El uso de prótesis maxilar (53.2%) fue mayor que el de prótesis mandibular (32.3%). La necesidad de prótesis mandibular alcanzó el 66.5%. El porcentaje de participantes que informaron enfermedad de las encías, migración de los dientes y movilidad de los dientes fue del 29.6%, 37.4% y 30.4%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Las enfermedades bucales y la necesidad de rehabilitación oral entre los individuos sometidos a anticoagulación oral con warfarina fue motivo de preocupación.

Avaliação de um material educativo sobre higiene bucal e transtorno do espectro autista sob a ótica dos critérios do BR-CDC-CCI / Evaluation of an educational material on oral hygiene and autism spectrum disorder from the perspective of the BR-CDC-CCI criteria

Objetivo: avaliar a clareza e a qualidade das informações de um material educativo sobre higiene bucal voltado para pacientes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) sob a ótica de critérios preconizados da versão brasileira do Índice de Comunicação Clara em Saúde (BR-CDC-CCI). Materiais e Métodos: foi realizada uma busca no sítio de busca Google (www.google.com) no dia 4 de março de 2023, utilizando os unitermos "cartilha", "higiene bucal" e "pessoa com deficiência". O critério de inclusão envolveu material educativo direcionado a cuidadores de pessoas com TEA desenvolvido por instituição brasileira. Foram excluídos materiais educativos direcionados para profissionais de saúde ou educação, bem como materiais não disponibilizados online. A primeira página de busca revelou um material educativo em saúde bucal para cuidadores de pessoas com TEA, disponibilizado online. O BR-CDC-CCI foi utilizado de forma independente, por duas cirurgiãs-dentistas, para se avaliar o material a partir dos critérios de "Mensagem principal e chamada para ação", "Linguagem", "Design da informação", "Estado da ciência (conhecimento científico), "Recomendações de comportamento", "Números" e "Riscos". Os escores obtidos pelo consenso das avaliadoras para o material, em uma escala de zero a vinte, foram alcançados em uma reunião. Resultados: o material apresentou 100% de conformidade com os critérios exigidos pelo instrumento como mensagem principal destacada, linguagem simples, design atraente, recomendações comportamentais, evidência científica atual, riscos e abordagem adequada da numeracia, demonstrando clareza e qualidade das informações. Conclusão: o material educativo intitulado "Higiene Bucal Para Pessoas Com TEA", apresentou excelente qualidade de acordo com os critérios utilizados. O mesmo cumpre seu objetivo de ajudar pais e profissionais nos cuidados à higiene bucal das pessoas com TEA.

Objective: to evaluate the clarity and quality of information in one educational material on oral hygiene aimed at patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the criteria recommended by the Brazilian version of the Clear Communication in Health Index (BR-CDC-CCI). Materials and Methods: a electronic search was carried out on the Google search site (www.google.com) on March 4th, 2023, using the keywords "cartilha", "higiene bucal" and "pessoa com deficiência". The inclusion criterion involved educational material directed to caregivers of people with ASD developed by a Brazilian institution. Educational materials directed to health or education professionals were excluded, as well as materials not available online. The first search page revealed one oral health educational material for caregivers of people with ASD, available online. The BR-CDC-CCI was used independently by two dentists to assess the material using the criteria of "Main message and call to action", "Language", "Information design", "State of the science (scientific knowledge)", "Behavior recommendations", "Numbers", and "Risks". The scores obtained by the consensus of the evaluators for the material, on a scale of zero to twenty, were reached in a meeting. Results: the material showed 100% compliance with the criteria required by the instrument as highlighted main message, simple language, attractive design, behavioral recommendations, current scientific evidence, risks and appropriate approach to numeracy, demonstrating clarity and quality of information. Conclusion: the educational material entitled "Oral Hygiene for People with Autism" proved to be excellent material and could fulfill its goal of helping parents and professionals in the oral hygiene of people with ASD.

High prevalence of potential psychotropic drugs interactions among Brazilian dental patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions involving psychotropics prescribed by dentists, and dispensed by the public healthcare system, as well as to describe the severity and level of evidence of those interactions in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted data analysis from pharmaceutical claims in which dental patients received systemic psychotropics in 2017. Data from the Pharmaceutical Management System provided the drug dispensing history of the patients, allowing the identification of those on concomitant medication use. The outcome was the occurrence of potential drug-drug interactions, which were detected according to IBM Micromedex®. Independent variables were the patient's sex, age, and the number of drugs used. Descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS v. 26. RESULTS: Overall, 1480 individuals were prescribed psychotropic drugs. The prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions was 24.8% (n = 366). The total of 648 interactions was observed and, most of which were of major severity (n = 438, 67.6%). Most interactions occurred in female individuals (n = 235; 64.2%), with 46.0 (±17.3) years-old, concurrently taking 3.7 (±1.9) drugs. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of dental patients presented potential drug-drug interactions, mostly of major severity, which might be life-threatening.

Association between management, human resources, and care provided to patients with special healthcare needs in dental specialty centers in Brazil: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify the association between management and human resource factors with the performance of dental care provided to patients with special health care needs (SHCN) in secondary care in Brazil in the second cycle of the Program for Quality Improvement and Access to Dental Specialty Centers (PMAQ-CEO). METHODS AND RESULTS: This study is a secondary data analysis from the second cycle from PMAQ-CEO, which evaluated 1097 Dental Specialty Centers (DSCs), conducted in 2018. Seventeen independent variables taken from dentists' training, and dental team management characteristics were analyzed to assess their influence on the reported "Performance of care for SHCN patients". An estimated score was generated from their performance on 23 questions related to the physical and human structure and work processes in the oral health care of SHCN patients in the DSCs. Negative binomial regression model with values p ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Data analysis included residual deviation to the degree of freedom and the chi-square test. The patient care performance score with SHCN increases significantly when the DSC has a manager (RR = 1.019; CI = 1.011-1.026) and goal monitoring and analysis (RR = 1.012; CI = 1.007-1.005). By contrast, the DSCs in which the dentist is a statutory public servant (RR = 0.998; CI = 0.997-1.000) and performs additional unhealthy or hazardous duties (RR = 0.998; CI = 0.996-0.999) are less likely to provide a higher quality care. CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity and low-performance scores for dental care provided to SHCN was identified in Brazilian health services. It was possible to verify that management and human resource factors of the DSCs were associated with the performance of dental care provided to SHCN patients.

E-learning as a strategy in dentistry in the context of COVID-19: a path to follow?

Abstract The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of e-learning in compliance with the new biosafety recommendations in dentistry in the context of COVID-19 applied to the clinical staff of a dental school in Brazil. A quasi-experimental epidemiological study was carried out by means of a structured, pre-tested online questionnaire, applied before and after an educational intervention, using an e-learning format. After data collection, statistical tests were performed. A total of 549 members of the clinical staff participated in the study in the two collection phases, with a return rate of 26.9%. After the e-learning stage, a reduction was found in the reported use of disposable gloves, protective goggles, and surgical masks. The course had no impact on the staff's knowledge concerning the proper sequence for donning PPE and showed 100% effectiveness regarding proper PPE doffing sequence. Knowledge about avoiding procedures that generate aerosols in the clinical setting was improved. Despite the low rate of return, it can be concluded that online intervention alone was ineffective in significantly improving learning about the new clinical biosafety guidelines. Therefore, the use of hybrid teaching and repetitive training is highly recommended.

Factors associated with toothache in 12-year-old adolescents in a southeastern state of Brazil.

This cross-sectional study evaluated factors associated with toothache in 12-year-old adolescents from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Secondary data were collected from the SB Minas Gerais 2012 epidemiological survey. The dependent variable was toothache in the past 6 months. The independent variables were grouped into two levels: individual (sex, ethnic group, family income, periodontal condition, dental caries, dental treatment needs, and type of service used) and contextual (allocation factor, Human Development Index, Gini coefficient, gross domestic product, unemployment, illiteracy, basic sanitation, garbage collection, family income, half or a quarter of a minimum wage, primary healthcare coverage, primary oral healthcare team coverage, oral health technician, access to individual dental care, and supervised tooth brushing). A multilevel analysis was performed using the Hierarchical Linear and Nonlinear Modeling Software Program to assess the association of individual and contextual variables with toothache in the last 6 months. The prevalence of toothache in the last six months among the adolescents of this study was 19.1%. An association was found with family income (p <0.001), dental caries (p <0.001), primary oral healthcare team coverage (p = 0.015) and oral health technician (p = 0.008). Socioeconomic conditions and the most prevalent oral diseases, such as dental caries, as well as the use of public services, were related to toothache in adolescents aged 12 years. These findings reinforce the need to develop and implement public policies to address the oral health problems of this population.

Prevalence of unsatisfactory dental restorations in posterior primary teeth and associated factors.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of unsatisfactory dental restorations on posterior primary teeth and associated factors in school children aged six to ten years. A cross-sectional study was conducted with children randomly selected from public schools in a small Brazilian town. Questionnaires were sent to the guardians addressing socioeconomic and behavioral aspects of the child. Oral examinations were performed at the schools to determine the quality of dental restorations, visible biofilm, and presence of moderate/extensive untreated caries (scores 3-6 ICDAS). This examination was performed by two previously trained and calibrated examiners. Associations were tested using multilevel logistic regression. Among the 400 children evaluated, 98 had restorations (217 teeth). The prevalence of unsatisfactory restorations was 34.6%. Restorations in amalgam were less likely to fail compared to those in glass ionomer cement (OR = 0.11; 95%CI: 0.02-0.49; p = 0.005). Children with moderate/extensive untreated caries were more likely to have unsatisfactory restorations (OR = 6.79; 95%CI: 2.20-20.93; p = 0.001). Children with a visible plaque index ≥ 20% were also more likely to have unsatisfactory restorations (OR = 2.28 95%CI: 1.05-4.92; p = 0.036). The prevalence of unsatisfactory restorations was high. The occurrence of this outcome was associated with restorative material, presence of caries, and visible plaque.

Association of sociodemographic factors with the prescription pattern of opioids for dental patients: a systematic review.

Aim To evaluate the association of patients' sociodemographic factors (sex, age, ethnicity, income, educational level, living environment and health insurance) with the prescription pattern of opioids provided by oral health practitioners.Methods Observational studies that evaluated the association of patients' sociodemographic factors and the likelihood of receiving an opioid prescription provided by an oral health practitioner were eligible. Electronic searches were conducted in Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, Google Scholar, and OpenGrey up to March 2021. Two authors independently screened the studies, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk-of-bias using the critical appraisal tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Certainty of the evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).Results Eight studies were included in this systematic review. Publication year ranged from 2011 to 2021. Narrative synthesis showed with very low certainty of evidence that younger individuals were more likely to receive a prescription of opioids than older individuals. Regarding the other sociodemographic factors and the prescriptions of opioids in dentistry, the evidence is controversial. Risk of bias was low for most items assessed in the included studies.Conclusion The available evidence suggests that there is an association between patients' sociodemographic factors and the prescription patterns of opioids provided by oral health practitioners.

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.