Antimicrobial effect and the mechanical and surface properties of a self-disinfecting and a chlorhexidine-incorporated Type IV dental stone.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Stone casts are subject to contamination, but whether disinfectants incorporated into the stone are effective is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the mechanical and surface properties of self-disinfecting gypsum (SDG) and gypsum mixed with 2% chlorhexidine (GCHX). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antimicrobial action was evaluated using the diffusion-disk technique on Streptococcus aureus and Candida albicans 1 hour and 24 hours after pouring the gypsum. The groups were SDG, GCHX, a positive control (PC) of gypsum mixed with distilled water, and a negative control (NC) of filter paper disk soaked with 2% chlorhexidine; n=8. Inhibition halos were measured using the ImageJ software program and statistically analyzed using the repeated measures mixed ANOVA with time×group interaction. Compressive strength (CS) in MPa and surface roughness (SR) in µm (parameters: Ra - roughness average; and Sa - 3-dimensional (3D) arithmetic mean of the surface profile) tests were performed to characterize the specimens (evaluated groups: SDG, GCHX, and PC; n=10). CS data were analyzed by a 2-way ANOVA with time×group interaction, and SR data by a 1-way ANOVA (α=.05). RESULTS: For S aureus, there were differences between GCHX and SDG at 1 hour and 24 hours (P<.05), but no significant differences were found for C albicans (P>.05). GCHX was better than PC, except for C albicans, and showed a reduction in CS when compared with PC and SDG (P<.05) at all time intervals. The SR of GCHX increased (Ra:1.76, Sa:2.08) when compared with PC (Ra:0.89, Sa:1.12) and SDG (Ra:1.03, Sa:1.35) (Ra: P<.004 and Sa: P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial activity of GCHX against S aureus was better than that of SDG, but neither had an effect against C albicans. As for CS and SR, GCHX presented a decrease in properties when compared with PC and SDG but was within the American Dental Association #25 specification values.

Effect of the incorporation of silica blow spun nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (SiO2/Ag) on the mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties of a low-viscosity bulk-fill composite resin.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed at producing silica-blow-spun nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (SiO2/Ag) and investigating the effect of their incorporation in different proportions, with or without pre-treatment with a silane coupling agent, on the mechanical, physicochemical, and biological properties of a commercial composite low-viscosity bulk-fill resin. METHODS: The production of SiO2/Ag nanofibers was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). A portion of the produced nanofibers was silanized. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements, and agar diffusion tests against Streptococcus mutans were used to verify the differences between silanized and non-silanized nanofibers. Different proportions (0.5 wt% and 1 wt%) of silanized (SiO2/Ag-0.5S and SiO2/Ag-1S) and non-silanized (SiO2/Ag-0.5NS and SiO2/Ag-1NS) nanofibers were incorporated into the bulk-fill composite (Opus Bulk Fill Flow, FGM). A commercial composite was used as the control. Evaluation of the color parameters (L*, a*, and b*), radiopacity, contact angle, antimicrobial activity, Vickers microhardness, surface roughness (Sa and Sq), flexural strength, and SEM of the fractured surfaces were performed. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (fiber morphology), Kruskal-Wallis tests, with Dunn's post hoc test (antimicrobial activity of the specimen against S. mutans), Student's t-test (disk diffusion), one-way ANOVA and Tukey (color, radiopacity, and contact angle), and two-way ANOVA and Tukey (microhardness, surface roughness, and flexural strength) tests. All statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of 1% (α = 0.01). RESULTS: Porous nanometric SiO2/Ag fibers were successfully produced. The silanization process, confirmed by FTIR, increased the diameter and contact angle and reduced the growth inhibition halos of the nanofibers (p < 0.01). After the incorporation of nanofibers into the dental composite, all color parameters were altered in all the experimental groups (p < 0.01). All the groups presented adequate radiopacity values. No statistical difference was observed in the contact angles of the experimental composites (p > 0.01). The lowest microbial counts were obtained in the SiO2/Ag-0.5S group; although no significant difference was observed with the control group (p < 0.01). The SiO2/Ag-1S, SiO2/Ag-0.5S, and SiO2/Ag-0.5NS groups exhibited higher microhardness after 30 d of immersion in water (p < 0.01). The surface roughness (Sa-µm) resembled that of the control at baseline, except for the SiO2/Ag-1NS group. For the baseline evaluation of flexural strength, all the experimental groups exhibited lower values than the control, except for SiO2/Ag-0.5NS and SiO2/Ag-0.5S, but after 30 d of immersion in water, there was no difference (p < 0.01). SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of 0.5% wt. of silanized nanofibers in the commercial composite (SiO2/Ag-0.5S) seemed to be promising, especially for its greater inhibition of S. mutans, adequate roughness, and flexural strength, in addition to high hardness, even after aging in water.

The pesticides use and the risk for head and neck cancer: A review of case-control studies

BACKGROUND: Tobacco, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection are the most common risk factors for head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite of this, recent evidences are growing on the association between long-term exposure to pesticides and the risk of chronic diseases, including different types of cancer. The present review evaluated in current literature evidence of an association between exposure to pesticides and the occurrence of HNCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search of the case-control studies was conducted in the PubMed, Web of science and Cochrane databases. Methodological quality of each study was rated with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN 50) checklist. RESULTS: One thousand and thirty-five studies were identified and twelve met all criteria and, therefore, considered for quality assessment and data extraction. According to SIGN 50 criteria, six studies received an overall high-quality. All the studies considered of high quality found a positive association between exposure to pesticides and different HNC sites, including larynx, pharynx and nasal cavity. In addition, the increased risk was associated with the frequency of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, improving pesticide users' awareness of their risks and proper handling, as well as adopting protective measures such as the use of personal protective equipment, appear to be effective in reducing human health damage

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Awareness on oral cancer among patients attending dental school clinics in Brazil

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is considered a public health problem worldwide. Dental schools may play an important role in educating patients about oral cancer. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge of patients attending clinics at two dental schools in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2017 to April 2017, 251 patients who were attending clinics at two dental schools in Recife, Brazil, were included in the study. Patients were contacted in the waiting rooms of the clinic. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire, which consists of 21 questions, including socio-demographic and specific information on the disease. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a chi-square test (with a 5% significance level) was used to assess the correlation between the variables, education and family income and other variables. RESULTS: Most participants were women (64.9%) with a mean age of 42.72 years. Most participants were knowl-edgeable about oral cancer and identified tobacco use (48.6%), alcohol consumption (25.1%), and solar radiation (12%) as the primary risk factors for the disease. Only 36.7% of the participants reported having received counsel-ling on oral cancer, of which 18.3% received the information from a dentist. All patients with an income higher than six minimum wages were aware about oral cancer (p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the importance of educational programs in dental schools as well provid-ing integrated services for patients seeking care at school clinics, including population's awareness on oral cancer

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In vitro antimicrobial and anticancer properties of TiO2 blow-spun nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles.

Nanosilver immobilized on TiO2 nanometric fibers (Ag/TiO2) was produced by solution blow spinning and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy analyses. The in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer activities of the produced nanofibers was also investigated. Ag/TiO2 nanofibers revealed a crystalline structure compatible with the rutile crystalline phase, as well as a mesoporous and superhydrophilic nature. XPS profiles showed Ti4+ and Ag0, indicating a strong interaction between the Ag nanoparticles and TiO2. The Ag/TiO2 nanofibers presented antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. The release of silver ions from 5 mg∙mL-1 and 50 mg∙mL-1 of Ag/TiO2 nanofibers was approximately 0.08 µg∙mL-1 and 0.18 µg∙mL-1, respectively. The nanofiber cytotoxicity in both macrophages (ATCC RAW 264.7) and cancer cells (murine AT-84 oral squamous carcinoma cells) was dose-dependent. A concentration of 5 mg∙mL-1 induced partial suppression growth and migration of cancer cells, while a concentration of 50 mg∙mL-1 resulted in complete inhibition of proliferation and migration of murine AT-84 cells. The overall results indicate that Ag/TiO2 nanofibers can selectively inhibit the cellular mechanism of AT-84 by apoptosis with DNA damage and cell death. The antimicrobial and anticancer performance of Ag/TiO2 nanofibers is probably the result of its nanometric dimension, high surface reactivity, and the interaction between TiO2 and Ag. Electron transfer at the metal-semiconductor interface and reactive oxygen species production, in addition to the biological activity of released silver ions, confirm the potential for use as an agent in antimicrobial and anticancer therapy.

Cytokine Regulation from Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes Cultured In Vitro with Silver Doped Bioactive Glasses Microparticles.

Bioactive glasses (BG) applications include tissue engineering for bone regeneration, coating for implants, and scaffolds for wound healing. BG can be conjugated to ions like silver, which might add some antimicrobial properties to this biomaterial. The immunomodulatory activity of ion-doped bioactive glasses particles was not investigated before. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effect of BG and silver-doped bioactive glass (BGAg) in human peripheral blood cells. BG and BGAg samples belonging to the system 58SiO2 •(36-x)CaO·6P2O5 ·xAg2O, where x = 0 and 1 mol%, respectively, were synthesized via sol-gel method and characterized. Cytotoxicity, modulation of cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10), and oxidative stress response were investigated in human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultures. Cell viability in the presence of BG or BGAg was concentration-dependent. In addition, BGAg presented higher PBMCs toxicity (LC50 = 0.005%) when compared to BG (LC50 = 0.106%). Interestingly, interleukin4 was produced by PBMCs in response to BG and BGAg in absence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and did not modulate PHA-induced cytokine levels. Subtoxic concentrations (0.031% for BG and 0.0008% for BGAg) did not change other cytokines in PBMCs nor reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by PMN. However, BG and BGAg particles decreased zymosan-induced ROS levels in PMN. Although ion incorporation increased BG cytotoxicity, the bioactive glass particles demonstrated a in vitro anti-inflammatory potencial. Future studies are needed to clarify the scavenger potential of the BG/BGAg particles/scaffolds as well as elucidate the effect of the anti-inflammatory potential in modulating tissue growth in vivo.

Pesticides as risk factors for head and neck cancer: A review.

Humans may be exposed to pesticides such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides, during occupational and non-occupational activities. Pesticides could be related to cancer development mainly because of their effects on the endocrine and immune systems and their cumulative effect. The present review evaluated in current literature evidence of an association between exposure to pesticides and the occurrence of head and neck cancer (HNC). A literature search for cohort studies was conducted in the PubMed, Web of science, and Cochrane databases. Methodological quality of each study was rated with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklist. One thousand one hundred and thirty-two studies were identified. Thirty-two were included. Most of the studies found addressed occupational exposure to pesticides and were conducted in Europe and North America. Eleven high-quality studies were found. Most of them found no association between exposure to pesticides and increased risk of HNC. Two studies found some evidence of a positive association between pesticide (malathion and atrazine) exposure and thyroid cancer. The literature review does not support a clear evidence for association between pesticides exposure and HNC. Only limited evidence points to a positive association between exposure to some pesticides and thyroid cancer. Further standardized studies based on appropriate designs are required to clarify the effect of pesticides on the genesis of HNC, considering dose, length of exposure, and type of pesticide.

Fatores socioeconômicos associados à necessidade de prótese, condições odontológicas e autopercepção de saúde bucal em população idosa institucionalizada / Socioeconomic factors associated with prosthetic treatment needs, dental conditions and oral health self-perception in an institutionalized elderly population

Objetivo: Identificar a associação entre fatores socioeconômicos, necessidade de prótese dentária, condições odontológicas e autopercepção de saúde bucal em população idosa institucionalizada em João Pessoa-PB através de uma abordagem descritiva. Método: Esse estudo, de caráter transversal e descritivo, utilizou 43 voluntários idosos asilados, que foram submetidos a inquérito sociodemográfico, índice GOHAI e exames clínicos odontológicos que verificaram condições de edentulismo, necessidade e uso de próteses. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente em valores percentuais e absolutos, com análise estatística realizada pelo teste Exato de Fischer (p menor que 0,05), utilizando-se o programa SPSS versão 13.0. Resultados: Da amostra pesquisada, 81,4% era do gênero feminino, com idade média de 75 anos (± 9), sendo a menor idade 60 anos e a maior 94 anos. A maioria da amostra (61,9%) era analfabeta; com renda de um salário mínimo (88,1%); 48,8% se consideraram solteiros e 48,8% da amostra não tiveram filhos. O edentulismo total afetou 62,7% da amostra, sendo que destes, 25,9% possuíam prótese total enquanto 74,1% necessitavam de tratamento protético. Houve relação estatística entre o analfabetismo e a não utilização de próteses (p=0,04). O índice GOHAI variou de acordo com condições sociodemográficas e condição bucal. Conclusão: O perfil da amostra avaliada é composta de idosos do gênero feminino, incluído no sistema de previdência, é solteiro, analfabeto, totalmente edêntulo, mas não utiliza prótese tendo, portanto necessidade de tratamento, e por fim, uma autopercepção de saúde bucal ruim.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the existence of association between socioeconomic factors, dental prosthetic treatment needs, dental conditions and oral health self-perception in an elderly institutionalized population in the city of João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, on the basis of a descriptive approach. Methods: Using a cross-sectional and descriptive design, this study was conducted with 43 institutionalized elderly volunteers, who underwent a demographic survey, GOHAI index and dental clinical examinations to verify the presence of total edentulism as well as need and use of dentures. Data were analyzed descriptively in percentage and absolute values. Statistical analysis was performed by Fischer's exact test (p less than 0.05) using SPSS software version 13.0. Results: Among the elderly volunteers, 81.4% were females, and the mean age was 75 ± 9 years (age range from 60 to 94 years old). Most of the sample (61.9%) was illiterate, with a monthly income of one minimum wage (88.1%); 48.8% were single and 48.8% of the sample had no children. Total edentulism affected 62.7% of the sample and, out of these, only 25.9% were denture wearers, while 74.1% needed prosthetic treatment. There was a statistically significant association between illiteracy and non-use of dentures (p=0.04). GOHAI index varied according to the sociodemographic and oral conditions. Conclusion: The profile of the institutionalized population evaluated in this survey was mostly composed of single, illiterate, totally edentulous, non-denture wearer females registered on social welfare, needing prosthetic treatment and with a poor oral self-perception.

Reabilitação Oclusal com Prótese Parcial Removível Provisória Tipo “Overlay” –Relato de Caso / Occlusal Rehabilitation with Overlay Provisional Removable Partial Denture – Case Report

Um planejamento adequado de uma reabilitação protética nãodeve imputar o restabelecimento da dimensão vertical deoclusão (DVO) às próteses novas, sob o risco do pacientenão se adaptar a uma nova condição, uma vez que énecessário um período mínimo para a readaptação a umanova DVO. Neste artigo realizou-se a reabilitação protéticacom próteses parciais removíveis provisórias (PPRs) do tipo“overlay” ou de recobrimento oclusal, previamente aotratamento definitivo, pois o paciente apresentou consideráveldiminuição da DVO, utilizando-se pra isso trêstécnicas de determinação da DVO. Conclui-se que a utilizaçãode próteses parciais removíveis provisórias é de grandeimportância no início do tratamento reabilitador, visando aadaptação do paciente a uma nova condição oclusal...

An appropriate design of a prosthetic rehabilitation shouldnot impute the restoration of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD)to new prostheses, at the risk of the patient does not adaptto a new condition, since a certain amount of time is oftennecessary for adaptation to a new OVD. This articleperformed prosthetic rehabilitation with an overlay provisionalremovable partial denture prior to definitive treatment becausethe patient showed a considerable decrease in the OVD.Three techniques for OVD determination were used. It ispossible to conclude that the use of interim removable partialdentures is of great importance at the beginning of therehabilitation treatment in order to adapt the patient to a newocclusal condition...

Comparação do uso do hipoclorito de sódio e da clorexidina como solução irrigadora no tratamento endodôntico: revisão de literatura / Comparison of the use of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine as an irrigant solution in endodontic treatment: a review of literature

A importância da limpeza mecânica e química do sistema de canais radiculares durante o tratamento endodôntico tem sido repetidamente enfatizada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades da clorexidina como irrigante endodôntico, em comparação ao hipoclorito de sódio quanto à atividade antimicrobiana, biocompatibilidade, substantividade, dissolução do tecido pulpar, eliminação delipopolissacarídeos, remoção de smear layer e uso combinadode ambas as soluções, através de um levantamento da literatura específica sobre o tema. A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases de dados: PUBMED, Portal de Periódicos CAPES, SCIELO, BBO, BIREME e LILACS. Como palavras chave sutilizou-se os termos: chlorhexidine/clorexidina, root canalirrigant/irrigantes de canal radicular e sodium hypochlorite/hipoclorito de sódio e como intervalo de tempo, os artigos publicados de 1981 a 2011. Inicialmente obteve-se 200artigos, os quais foram selecionados, utilizando-se 45 artigos.Tanto o hipoclorito de sódio quanto a clorexidina apresentam efeitos antimicrobianos. A clorexidina, ao contrário dohipoclorito de sódio, apresenta biocompatibilidade, não sendo irritante aos tecidos periapicais, além de possuir substantividade, isto é, tem efeito antimicrobiano residual. O hipoclorito de sódio é capaz de dissolver tecidos orgânicos,talvez sua principal vantagem sobre a clorexidina. Ambos não são capazes de inativar os lipopolissacarídeos nem de remover totalmente a smear layer. O uso combinado dos dois irrigantes gera a formação de um precipitado, cujos efeitos biológicos não são completamente conhecidos.

The importance of mechanical and chemical cleaning of theroot canal system during endodontic treatment has beenrepeatedly emphasized. The aim of this study was to evaluatethe properties of chlorhexidine as an endodontic irrigant,when compared to sodium hypochlorite, regardingantimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, substantivity, the pulptissue dissolution, elimination of lipopolysaccharide, smearlayer removal and combined use of both solutions, through asurvey of the dental literature. The survey was conducted inthe databases: PubMed, Portal CAPES Journals SCIELO, BBO,LILACS and BIREME. Keywords used were: chlorhexidine/clorexidina, root canal irrigant/irrigantes de canal radicular esodium hypochlorite/hipoclorito de sódio, and as time interval,the articles published from 1981 to 2011. Initially 200 articleswere obtained, from which 45 were selected. Both sodiumhypochlorite and chlorhexidine have antimicrobial effects.Chlorhexidine, unlike sodium hypochlorite, has biocompatibilityand it is not irritating to periapical tissues, besides havingsubstantivity, and a residual antimicrobial effect. Sodiumhypochlorite can dissolve organic tissue, perhaps its mainadvantage over chlorhexidine. Both are unable to inactivatelipopolysaccharide or completely remove the smear layer.The combined use of two irrigants causes the formation of aprecipitate, whose biological effects are not completely known.

Higienização de Próteses Totais e Parciais Removíveis / Complete and Partial Removable Dentures Cleansing Methods

Este estudo tem o objetivo de fazer uma revisão de literaturasobre os materiais e métodos de higiene de prótesesdentárias parciais removíveis e de próteses totais,apresentando quais materiais e métodos de limpeza estãodisponíveis, relacionando suas vantagens e desvantagens.O profissional tem função de orientar e motivar o pacienteem relação à higienização da prótese e dos tecidos dacavidade bucal, já que o acúmulo de debris na superfícieinterna das próteses removíveis e das próteses totais facilitaa colonização de bactérias e fungos. Isto contribui para aevidenciação clínica e subclínica de diversos processospatológicos, como a estomatite protética. Dentre os meios dedesinfecção estão os mecânicos (escovas, microondas eultrassom), químicos (peróxidos alcalinos, hipocloritosalcalinos, ácidos, desinfetantes e enzimas) e associaçãoentre os métodos mecânicos e químicos. Os estudosdemonstram que somente as escovas não são suficientespara remoção completa do biofilme, e o uso de escovasduras podem desgastar a superfície da resina, deixando-amais porosa e com maior facilidade de acúmulo de biofilme.Pode-se concluir que para uma correta higienização daspróteses devemos associar métodos físicos e químicos,utilizar escovas compatíveis para a prótese e produtosquímicos de acordo com cada planejamento...

The purpose of this study is to perform a literature reviewabout materials and methods available for the hygiene ofcomplete and removable partial dentures, comparing thecleaning methods available, and describing their advantagesand disadvantages. It is a function of the dental surgeon toguide and motivate the patient regarding hygiene of theprosthesis and tissues of the oral cavity, since theaccumulation of debris on the inner surface of dentalprosthesis may facilitate colonization of bacteria and fungi.This contributes to the establishment of clinical and subclinicalpathologic processes, such as denture stomatitis. Amongthe means of disinfection are the mechanical (brushes,microwave and ultrasound), chemicals (alkali peroxides, alkalihypochlorites, acids, disinfectants, and enzymes) andassociation between the chemical and mechanical methods.Studies have shown that only dental brushes are notsufficient for complete removal of bacterial plaque and theuse of hard brushes can wear away the surface of theresin, leaving it more porous and easier to plaqueaccumulation. It can be concluded that proper cleaning of theprosthesis requires physical and chemical methods, usingcompatible brushes for the prosthesis and chemicalsaccording to each planning...

Conhecimento odontológico e comportamento de retorno de escolares em função do tipo de instituição (pública ou privada) / Dental knowledge and attendance of schoolchildren according to the type of institution (public or private)

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento odontologico e comportamento de retorno de escolares em funcao do tipo de instituicao (publica ou privada). Metodo: A amostra foi composta por 800 criancas matriculadas de 5¦ a 8¦ serie, do ensino fundamental. O instrumento de analise baseou-se em um questionario, composto por questoes abertas, tornando possivel a multiplicidade de informacoes, evitando o direcionamento das respostas e a distorcao dos resultados. O seu conteudo abordou questoes relativas ao ultimo retorno, tipo de retorno praticado, importancia do mesmo e conhecimento sobre a carie dental e doenca periodontal. Realizou-se analise estatistica descritiva. Para o estudo da associacao utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado (X2), com nivel de significancia de 5%. Resultados: Observou-se diferenca significativa entre os estudantes das diferentes instituicoes com relacao ao tempo (p=0,001) e principal motivo (p=0,001) da ultima visita ao dentista, conhecimento sobre a necessidade de visitar o dentista rotineiramente (p=0,001), sobre a importancia do retorno periodico (p=0,001) e frequencia dos mesmos (p=0,001), sobre a carie dental (p=0,001) e doenca periodontal (p=0,001). Conclusao: Os adolescentes apresentaram conhecimento odontologico e comportamento de retorno distintos, segundo o tipo de instituicao de ensino.

Objective: To evaluate the dental knowledge and attendance of elementary schoolchildren according to the type of institution (public or private). Method: The sample was composed of 800 children from the 5th to 8th grades of the elementary education. The research instrument was a questionnaire composed of open questions referring to the last recall visit, type and importance of the recall visit, and knowledge of dental caries and periodontal disease. Descriptive statistical analysis was done and the chisquared test was used with a significance level of 5%. Results: There was statistically significant difference between the students from the different institutions regarding the time (p=0.001) and main reason (p=0.001) of the last visit to the dentist, knowledge of the need of periodic visits to the dentist (p=0.001), importance (p=0.001) and frequency (p=0.001) of periodic recalls, and knowledge of dental caries (p=0.001) and periodontal disease (p=0.001). Conclusion: The adolescents presented different dental knowledge and attendance, according to the type of teaching institution.

Conhecimento sobre cárie e doença periodontal: avaliação de adolescentes pertencentes à rede privada de ensino / Awareness of caries and periodontal disease: evaluation of adolescents from the private school system

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento de adolescentespertencentes à uma escola da rede privada de ensino sobre cárie dental e doença periodontal. Por isso foram selecionados 263 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, de 10 a 14 anos de idade, matriculados nas 5a a 8 ª séries em uma escola particular da cidade de Araraquara-SP. O instrumento de análiseselecionado foi um questionário aplicado em sala de aula por um cirurgião-dentista devidamente treinado. Observou-se que o cirurgião-dentista foi a principal fonte de informações sobre a cárie dental e doença periodontal (69,2%), tendo a família (4,9%) e a escola (6,8%) também sidomencionadas. Com relação à cárie dental, 19,1% dos adolescentes avaliados responderam não possuir conhecimento a seu respeito, 55,5% referiram-se inadequadamente à cárie como sendo bactérias ou microorganismos e apenas 3,8% souberam explicá-la adequadamente. Quanto à doença periodontal, 69,6% não souberam defini-la, e apenas 7,2% o fizeram de maneira correta. De acordo com a metodologia aplicada, conclui-se que, embora os adolescentes tenham como fonte de transmissão de conhecimentos o cirurgião-dentista, o seu conhecimento sobre cárie dental e doença periodontal é deficiente, sugerindo que também esse público deva ser alvo de campanhas educativas.

Avaliação da conduta de cirurgiões-dentistas no retorno periódico de usuários de prótese parcial removível / Survey the policy adopted by dentists concerning the periodic recalls of patients wearing removable partial

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a conduta de cem cirurgiões-dentistas quanto ao controle do retorno periódico de pacientes, tratados com prótese parcial removível (PRP). Foi utilizado um questionário para preenchimento manual e um software EPI Info 6.04 para análise dos dados. De acordo com as respostas, 25 por cento dos profissionais recomendaram o retorno após 2 dias e 39 por cento após 7 dias. Dos procedimentos realizados nessas consultas, 49 por cento foram de avaliação de higienização, de dentes e prótese, áreas de compressão e oclusão. Dos dentistas participantes, 65 por cento prescreveram retorno semestral. Dos profissionais estudados, 71 por cento recomendara o controle posterior para verificar a higienização dos dentes e adaptação da prótese ao rebordo. Os procedimentos mais realizados nesses retornos foram raspagem, instrução de higiene oral e restauração

Mercado de trabalho: avaliaçäo da relaçäo habitante/cirurgiäo-dentista no estado do Paraná / Work market: estimation of the resident/dentist relation from the Paraná State

O perfil da Odontologia brasileira atual torna necessária, por parte do cirurgiäo-dentista (CD), a procurapor cidades onde a proporçäo Habitante/CD seja favorável, associado ao nível sócioeconômico da área, observando características favoráveis à instalaçäo desses profissionais. Diante desse fato, este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a relaçäo habitante/CD e habitante/especialista nos diferentes municípios do estado do Paraná, além de avaliar a distribuiçäo das entidades da área odontológica nos diferentes municípios, ano ano 2000. Para este estudo, foram utilizados cadastros do CFO (Conselho Federal de Odontologia) referentes ao CRO (Conselho Regional de Odontologia) do Paraná e dados do IBGE, além de informaçöes presentes em sites sobre o Estado. Mediante metodologia aplicada, pôde-se concluir que o Paraná é um Estado atrativo para o mercado odontológico; a maioria dos CDs é clínica geral; o município mais promissor é Säo José dos Pinhais; os municípios com menor relaçäo Habitante/CD säo os mais populosos e conhecidos no Estado (Curitiba, Londrina e Maringá); a elevada relaçäo Habitante/CD nem sempre indica que a área seja propícia para a instalaçäo do CD, pois áreas com essa característica, na maioria dos casos, säo de economia agrária e infra-estrutura precária; 81 por cento dos municípios apresentam relaçäo Habitante/CD superior a 1/1.500