Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, and performance of dentists in providing care to elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Supportive care and dental treatment for older adults are crucial in addressing the global emergency of population aging, requiring specialized healthcare services and knowledge-based practices. METHODS: This cross-sectional content analysis study was conducted on 150 general dentists in Kerman in 2021. The participants were selected using cluster sampling. The data were collected using a questionnaire with four sections assessing the participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and performance. The data were analyzed with SPSS-26 software using the t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The dentists' mean age was 36.10 ± 7.60 years. The mean knowledge score of the participants was 5.29 ± 1.49 (out of 9). The mean attitude score was 59.42 ± 11.6 (out of 85), and the mean performance score was 24.13 ± 4.96 (out of a maximum of 35). The data showed a positive relationship between the dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and performance. However, the participants' gender had no significant correlation with their knowledge, attitudes, or performance. It was also shown that 50% of dentists had adequate experience treating elderly patients with complex medical problems. CONCLUSIONS: The participants had an adequate level of knowledge and performance and a positive attitude toward dental care for older adults. Health officials and administrators need to organize and hold effective training and refresher courses on geriatric dentistry to promote dentists' knowledge and performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethics code IR.KMU.REC.1401.007.

Frequency of Self-Medication and Knowledge about Out-of-Counter Drugs during the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Group of Iranian Dental Students

Abstract Objective: To study the frequency of self-medication and knowledge about out-of-counter drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic in a group of Iranian dental students. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among dental undergraduates from September 2021 to November 2021 after receiving ethical clearance from the Kerman Medical University Ethical Committee. A valid and reliable questionnaire, consisting of demographic data and questions about self-medication and knowledge about out-of-counter drugs, was sent to participants via E-mail. Data was analyzed by SPSS 26 software by using a t-test. The P-value was considered at a 0.05% significant level. Results: A total of 88 students participated in the study with a mean age of 21.39±3.71 years. Prevalence of self-medication was found in 53.4%. The most common cause for self-medication was headache. Acetaminophen was the most commonly used medicine for self-medication. Females had more self-medication than males, but there was no significant differences. There was no significant differences between entering year to university and self-medication. Younger students had significantly more self-medication (p=0.007). Knowledge about out-of-counter drugs was moderate. Conclusion: Moderate self-medication as noticed. The out-of-counter drugs were the most used. Although out-of-counter drugs seem relatively safe, their improper use can cause serious side effects. Dental students need to be educated regarding appropriate safe medication and out-of-counter drugs.

Evaluation of the Frequency of Occupational Hazards Among a Group of Iranian General Dentists and its Prevention Criteria

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the frequency of occupational hazards and the criteria for their prevention among Iranian dentists. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 187 general dentists in Kerman. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including personal information (gender, age, marital status, condition and place and years of employment, and the average of weekly working hours) and a valid and reliable questionnaire of occupational hazards, including 24 questions about occupational hazards (6 domain) and nine questions about criteria for the prevention of the risks of dentistry. The t-test, chi-square, and linear regression were used. Results 92 (49.2%) were men. The mean and standard deviation of the score of occupational hazards was 27.04±16.21 out of 96, and the criteria of prevention were 22.00±7.28 out of 36. Regression analysis showed significant correlations between single statuses, years of occupational and type of employment, weekly work hours and occupational hazards, participation in occupational injury identification courses, and hepatitis vaccination. In addition, there were significant correlations between gender, age, weekly work hours, and preventive measures. Moreover, 3.2% of dentists were in a high-risk group and 26.2% were weak in preventive measures. Conclusion A total of 32.6% of dentists are at moderate risk of occupational hazards, and 10.7% meet the prevention criteria properly. It is recommended to hold training classes to identify occupational hazards and the criteria for their prevention among dentists.

Knowledge and Attitude About Research Ethics Among Iranian Dental Students

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of the students of Kerman dental school (Iran) about ethics in dental research. Material and Methods: This cross-section study was conducted on 307 dental students selected through the census sampling method. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 12 items about knowledge and 17 items about attitude toward research ethics. Data analyzed in SPSS software using t-test and linear regression test. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the respondents, 33.9% were male and 66.1% were female, and 44% had good knowledge and 20.8% had a positive attitude about research ethics. A significant correlation was found between knowledge and attitude. A significant correlation was also observed between knowledge and participation in research workshops. Knowledge and attitude showed no significant correlation with gender or year of admission. Conclusion: Participants had appropriate knowledge and attitude about research ethics. There is some room for improvement in research ethics education concerning experimental works and retrospective studies on biologic samples. Holding research workshops with an introduction to ethical codes of research is recommended.

Correlation Between Clinical and Histopathologic Diagnosis of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the frequency of oral potentially malignant disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and evaluate the consistency between their clinical and pathological features. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on records with a diagnosis of oral leukoplakia, oral erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, actinic cheilitis, lichen planus, and OSCC in the Pathology Department of Kerman dental school from September 1997 to September 2017. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21 at the significance level of ≤5%. Results: There were 378 cases of oral potentially malignant disorders and 70 cases of OSCC with a mean age of 46.82 ± 15.24 years. Buccal mucosa was the most frequent site, and lichen planus the most common lesion. Females were significantly older than males in leukoplakia and carcinoma in situ lesions. Clinical diagnosis and histopathology were consistent in 69.03% of cases. Conclusion: Clinical and histopathological diagnoses were consistent in 69.03% of records. The highest degree of clinical compliance with histopathology was observed in OSCC. Dentists should pay attention to oral potentially malignant disorders for early diagnosis to prevent their transformation to malignancy.

Internet Addiction Among Iranian Students of Medical Sciences

Abstract Objective: To identify the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) and associated factors among Iranian medical students. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted on a random sample of 400 students. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of two sections: the first section was sociodemographic data, data about student's relations, and Internet use characteristics; the second part aimed at assessment of the level of IA using Young's 20-item scale for IA. Data analyzed in SPSS 20 at 0.05 significant level. Results: Considering their familiarity with the Internet, 80.3% stated personal experience and 12.3% individuals stated educational periods held outside the university. The most locations of using the Internet were dormitories (21.0%) and houses (43.5%). Concerning hours of Internet use, 45.2% used the Internet more than two hours per day. One hundred sixty-eight individuals (42.0%) stated that they used the Internet less than 15% for university activities. One hundred eighty-eight individuals (47.0%) used VPN and 75.5% were dissatisfied with Internet speed 61.2%. A total of 64.3% had a poor dependency on the Internet and the prevalence of IA was 3.5%. The mean score of IA questionnaire was 43.98 ± 15.92 from 125. The mean score of IA was higher in the male sex, but there was no significant correlation between sex and IA (p>0.05). There was not a significant correlation between the field of study and the year of entrance. Conclusion: The prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students was low. Identification of factors associated with IA can help in the planning of preventive programs to raise students' knowledge about the hazards IA.

Comparison of TNF-α and IL-1ß Concentrations in Gingival Crevicular Fluid During Early Alignment Stage of Orthodontic Treatment in Adults and Adolescents

Abstract Objective: To compare the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during early leveling stage of orthodontic treatment. Material and Methods: This study was carried out on 20 orthodontic patients, including 10 teenagers and 10 adults. Before bonding, GCF was collected with a paper strip in gingival sulcus of maxillary right central incisor on the disto labial aspect for 60 seconds, followed by bonding and insertion of initial 14 NiTi archwire. GCF collection was repeated 24 hours, 7 days, and 28 days after bonding. Measurement of TNF-α and IL-1β levels was done utilizing Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed in SPSS using repeated measurement test. Results: Concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β increased after treatment. There was no significant relationship between TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations subsequent to bonding in comparison to the baseline. There was no significant relationship in TNF-α and IL-1β level changes in the two age groups and between males and females. Conclusion: Concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β increased after treatment. Age and sex had no statically significant effect on the concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β.

Oral Health Literacy and Related Factors among Pregnant Women Referring to Health Government Institute in Kerman, Iran

Abstract Objective: To evaluate oral health literacy among pregnant women in Kerman, Iran. Material and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 169 pregnant women referring to government institute. Data were collected by demographic profile (including age, number of children, educational level, dental attendance before pregnancy and economic status), 17-item oral health literacy questionnaire consisting of four domains (including reading comprehension, numeracy, listening, and decision-making skills), self-assessment oral health status, DMFT index and oral health behavior. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 software using ANOVA and Chi-square tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.92 ± 5.25 years, 38.2% of them had bachelor's degree, 35.8% had dental attendance before pregnancy and 29.1% brushed daily their teeth twice or more. Dentists were the most frequent source of oral health information. Moreover, 60.0% believed their oral health was to be moderate, and 59.4% had inadequate oral health literacy. There was also a significant correlation between educational level, monthly income and dental attendance before pregnancy. Conclusion: Our results showed inadequate oral health literacy among pregnant women, highlighting the necessity of dental consultation before pregnancy.