Women in Maxillofacial Surgery and Otolaryngology; Career Obstacles and Success Factors.

ABSTRACT: Little is known on career factors and expectations for female oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in developing countries. The study aimed to explore career perceptions of females in 2 related surgical specialties: oral and maxillofacial surgery and otolaryngology (ENT) with a focus on career obstacles and success factors. A structured questionnaire was distributed to female surgeons working in Jordan in the 2 surgical specialties. Questions addressed socio-professional characteristics and career-promoting and hindering factors. All surgeons registered in both specialties were invited. A total of 56 surgeons participated in the survey. Age range was 29 to 55 years (mean = 38.55 ±â€Š5.799). Significantly more OMFS surgeons were single (P = 0.000) younger (P = 0.003), and had fewer years of experience (P = 0.01) than ENT surgeons. Significantly more ENT surgeons perceived the "hard working" attribute and "better communication skills" as career-promoting factors (P = 0.04, P = 0.015, respectively). Further, significantly more ENT surgeons believed that females in the surgical profession help in changing the traditional surgical stereotype linked with the male gender (93.8% ENT in contrast to 75% OMFS, P = 0.047), and expressed a preference for female mentors (48% ENT in contrast to 0% OMFS, P = 0.000). The results of this study indicate that female OMFS surgeons have different socio-professional characteristics and perceptions to their peers in ENT surgery, and this mainly manifested in professional experience, marital status, and important career perceptions. They seem to lack confidence in female participation and promotion of the surgical career, and they show preference for having exclusively male mentors.

Use of natural remedies to treat oral diseases among female patients in Al Madinah, western Saudi Arabia.

Background The study aimed to investigate natural remedies use (NRU) for oral diseases among female patients. Methods Dental patients attending the female section of Taibah University Dental Hospital were invited to complete an online questionnaire which explored demographic data, and pattern of NRU for oral diseases. Results A total of 540 patients participated in the survey. A total of 232 patients (43%) used natural remedies to treat oral diseases. The most commonly cited reasons for NRU were financial reasons (n=79, 34.1%). The practice had a statistically significant association with older participants (p=0.003), and those working as employees (p=0.031). Most of the natural remedies used (n=17) were herbal, with cloves (71.1%) and miswak (26.7%) being the most frequently reported. Acute dental pain (n=157, 67.7%) and halitosis (n= 51, 22%) were the most frequently cited oral conditions associated with NRU. A percentage of 87.1% of patients using natural remedies (n=202) perceived improvement of symptoms upon use of natural remedies, however, 2.2% (n=5) reported complications. Conclusions Substantial proportion of patients use natural remedies to treat their oral disease. Patients were mostly satisfied with natural remedies in terms of effectiveness and lack of complications.

Arabic Coffee as a Potential Alternative to Black Coffee in the Post- Bleaching Period: An in-vitro Study

Objective: To investigate the effect of Arabic coffee on bleached teeth in comparison to black coffee. Material and Methods: Forty teeth (sound maxillary or mandibular premolars with no carious lesions) were randomly selected into 4 groups (A, B, C and D). One group (A) did not receive bleaching and was incubated in saline. The second group (B) was bleached and then incubated in saline. The last two groups were bleached and were immersed in either Arabic coffee (C) or black coffee (D). Color recording of the samples was always carried out as near to their mid-buccal surfaces as possible using VITA Easyshade Advance System. Color measurements were carried out using a digital spectrophotometer at baseline and after short-term and long-term immersion. Data were subjected to two way ANOVA and T-test. The level of significance was set at was set at 0.05. Results: Results show that immersion in Arabic coffee resulted only in significant reduction in the b* color value upon long-term immersion (i.e. a reduction in the yellow hue). Black coffee on the other hand resulted in significant: reduction in lightness, increased red tint and increased yellow hue altogether. Conclusion: The use of Arabic coffee did not deteriorate color, with the only significant change being the reduction of yellowish hue. Arabic coffee could be an alternative to black coffee after bleaching.

Factors affecting oral health determinants in female university students: a cross-sectional survey in Saudi Arabia.

Objective This study aims at investigating factors affecting oral health patterns, attitudes and health risk behaviors among female university students. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to female university students in Al Madinah in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Students were requested to answer questions on demographic data, oral hygiene practices, dental attendance, smoking history, practice of sports and body weight and height. Results Two hundred and fourteen students participated with age range of 18-31 years (mean = 21.64 ± 1.72 years). Oral hygiene habits were reported by a percentage of 97.2%, 34.6%, 30.8% and 19.2% who used a tooth brush, dental floss, mouthwash, and a miswak (a teeth cleaning twig made from the Salvadora persica tree), respectively. The only factor that was significantly associated with a good oral hygiene level was a university major of non-healthcare specialties (p = 0.009). Conclusion It is concluded that female university students use various oral hygiene methods, however, dental attendance is poor and a number of health risk factors are noticed like smoking, lack of practicing sport and unhealthy body mass index (BMI).

Volatile sulphur compounds in exhaled air of dental students smoking the waterpipe: a nested case control study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims at investigating a potential adverse effect that waterpipe tobacco smoking may cause by comparing levels of volatile sulphur compounds in exhaled air of male dental students who smoke the waterpipe with those who do not smoke. METHODS: Dental students were categorized into waterpipe smokers and non-smokers. Volatile sulphur compounds were measured using a halimeter following the completion of questionnaire on smoking and oral hygiene habits and self-perceived halitosis. Statistics were carried out using ANOVA and relevant post hoc tests, associations were investigated using cross tabulation with the χ2 test. RESULTS: Results showed significantly higher levels of volatile sulphur compounds in: waterpipe smokers who smoke at least once a month when compared with non-smokers regardless their oral hygiene habits; subjects who do not brush their teeth; and subjects who self-perceive halitosis. There were no significant differences in these levels for similar groups on the basis of: use of floss, or use of mouth wash. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that waterpipe tobacco smoking results in increased volatile sulphur compounds levels in exhaled air. Oral hygiene practices like the use of tooth brush, dental floss, and mouth wash also seem to result in lower levels.

The mental foramen II: radiographic study of the superior-inferior position, appearance and accessory foramina in Iraqi population / El foramen mental II: estudio radiográfico de la posición superior-inferior, aspecto y forámenes accesorios de una población Iraquí

Accurate information regarding the vertical location and appearance of the mental foramen, and the presence of accessory foramina, can have clinical significance, such as reducing complications that may occur during many oral surgical procedures involving the mental area. Geographic variations were reported in these variables. The aim was to evaluate the above-mentioned variables in an Iraqi sample. Five hundred eighteen panoramic radiographs of a random Iraqi sample (257 males, 261 females, average age= 46.5 years) were evaluated with regard to the above-mentioned variables, as well as the symmetry of the foramen regarding these variables. The area below the apices of mandibular premolars, and the continuous type were the most frequent vertical location and appearance of the mental foramen, respectively. Age advancement was found to be associated with an increase in the frequency of more inferior positioning and continuous appearance. The vertical position and appearance were asymmetrical in 16.2 % and 20.1 % of cases, respectively. Symmetry in the vertical location was statistically significant between sexes (P= 0.035), and young and old ages (P= 0.000). Symmetry in the appearance was found statistically significant (P= 0.025) only between the two age groups. Accessory foramina were recorded in 7.3 % of cases. The most common vertical location and appearance of the mental foramen on panoramic radiographs in this group are below the apices of mandibular premolars, and continuous type, respectively. This is in consistence with the findings of previous studies on other populations. The mental foramen usually has symmetrical vertical location and appearance. Accessory foramina are recorded in a percentage lower than that recently reported in some regional countries.

La información precisa acerca de la localización vertical, apariencia del foramen mental y la presencia de forámenes accesorios, puede tener importancia clínica, como la reducción de las complicaciones que pueden ocurrir durante muchos procedimientos quirúrgicos orales relacionados con el mentón. Las variaciones geográficas fueron reportadas en estas variables. El objetivo fue evaluar las variables anteriormente mencionadas en una muestra iraquí. Fueron evaluadas 518 radiografías panorámicas de una muestra aleatoria de Irak (257 varones, 261 mujeres, edad media = 46,5 años) con respecto a las variables antes mencionadas, así como la simetría del foramen con respecto a estas variables. El área por debajo de los ápices de los premolares mandibulares y el tipo continuo, fueron la localización vertical y apariencia del foramen mental más frecuentes, respectivamente. La edad avanzada se asoció con un aumento en la frecuencia de posicionamiento más inferior y de apariencia continua. La localización vertical y la apariencia fueron asimétricas en 16,2 % y 20,1 % de los casos, respectivamente. La simetría en la localización vertical fue estadísticamente significativa entre sexos (p= 0,035), y entre jóvenes y viejos (P= 0,000). La simetría en apariencia sólo fue estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,025) entre los dos grupos de edad. Se registró presencia de forámenes accesorios en un 7,3 % de los casos. La localización vertical del foramen mental más común en las radiografías panorámicas de este grupo están por debajo de los ápices de los premolares mandibulares, y respecto a la apariencia, el tipo continuo fue el más común. Esto está en coherencia con los resultados de estudios anteriores en otras poblaciones. Los forámenes mentales tienen una localización vertical y apariencia que suelen ser simétricas. Los forámenes accesorios se registran en un porcentaje inferior al informado recientemente en algunos países de la región.

Antifungal prescribing pattern and attitude towards the treatment of oral candidiasis among dentists in Jordan.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude of Jordanian dentists towards the treatment of oral candidiasis and their current antifungal prescribing habits, shedding more light on the possible influence of their socio-professional factors on the pattern of prescribing and practice. METHODS: A structured validated questionnaire was developed and tested; it was then emailed to a random sample of 600 Jordanian dental practitioners during the period of this cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire recorded practitioners' personal details and their attitude and prescribing of antifungal therapy for oral candidiasis. Statistical significance was based on probability values of <0.05 and was measured using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the influence of respondents' socio-professional factors on their attitude towards oral candidiasis. RESULTS: Of the 423 questionnaires returned, only 330 were included. The attitude of respondents was significantly influenced by their experience [odds ratio (OR) = 0.14; P < 0.001] and workplace (OR = 4.70; P < 0.001). Nystatin was the most commonly prescribed antifungal agent (78.2%), followed by miconazole (62.4%), which was prescribed for topical use. Systemic antifungals were prescribed by 21.2% of respondents, with a significant (P < 0.05) association with the country in which their qualification was obtained. CONCLUSION: The attitude towards the treatment of oral candidiasis is much better among the least-experienced dentists working in private practice. Nystatin and miconazole are the most popular choices of antifungal agents among Jordanian dentists.

The mental foramen I: radiographic study of the anterior-posterior position and shape in Iraqi population / Foramen mental I: estudio radiográfico de su posición antero-posterior y forma en población iraquí

Accurate information regarding the horizontal location and shape of the mental foramen can have clinical significance, such as reducing complications that may occur during maxillofacial surgical procedures involving the mental area. Geographic variations were reported in these variables. The aim was to study the horizontal position and shape of the mental foramen, as seen on panoramic radiographs of an Iraqi sample, to assess difference in these variables between sexes and age groups, and to assess symmetry of the mental foramen. 518 panoramic radiographs of a random Iraqi sample (257 males, 261 females, average age=46.5 years) were evaluated with regard to the horizontal location, shape and symmetry of the mental foramina. The area between the long axes of the two mandibular premolars, and the round type were the most frequent horizontal location and shape of mental foramen, respectively. Age advancement was found to be associated with an increase in the frequency of more posterior positioning and irregular shape. The horizontal position and shape were asymmetrical in 21.6% and 31.6% of cases, respectively. The Symmetry in horizontal location and shape of mental foramina were found statistically significant between sexes (P=0.041), and between young and old age groups (P=0.001), respectively. The most common horizontal location and shape of the mental foramen on panoramic radiographs in this group are between the two premolars, and the round type, respectively. This is in consistence with the findings of previous studies on other populations. The mental foramina have usually symmetrical horizontal locations and shapes.

Información precisa sobre la ubicación horizontal y forma del foramen mental puede tener importancia clínica en la reducción de complicaciones durante procedimientos quirúrgicos maxilofaciales que involucran el área mental. Fueron reportadas variaciones geográficas en relación a estas variables. El objetivo fue estudiar la posición horizontal y forma del foramen mental, a partir de 518 radiografías panorámicas de una muestra aleatoria en sujetos de Irak (257 varones, 261 mujeres; edad media= 46,5 años), quienes fueron evaluados con respecto a la posición horizontal, forma y la simetría de los forámenes mentales. En individuos de edad avanzada se encontró una asociación con un aumento en la frecuencia de un posicionamiento posterior y con forma irregular. La posición horizontal y forma del foramen fueron asimétricos en 21,6% y 31,6% de los casos, respectivamente. La diferencia hallada en relación a la simetría en posición horizontal y forma de los forámenes mentales fue estadísticamente significativa entre sexos (p=0,041), y entre los grupos de edad jóvenes y mayores (P=0,001), respectivamente. Se encontró con mayor frecuencia la posición horizontal entre los ejes longitudinales de los dos premolares mandibulares, y la forma circular, en relación a la posición antero-posterior y forma del foramen, respectivamente. Estos fueron resultados similares a estudios anteriores sobre otras poblaciones. Los forámenes mentales son simétricos, respecto a su ubicación horizontal y su forma.

Unconventional materials and substances used in water pipe (narghile) by smokers in central western region of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of unconventional substances and materials in water pipe among café water pipe smokers. METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based survey among subjects attending coffee shops in the region of Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia between February and March 2013. RESULTS: We invited 110 subjects, only 90 consented to participate in the study. A percentage of 1.1% used fluids other than water in the water pipe tank, 18.9% added other soft drinks to the tank, and 7.8% added flowers, spices or drugs to the tobacco mix placed in the head of the water pipe. A proportion of participants used fruits to replace the water pipe head (12.2%), or to replace water pipe tank (4.4%). Higher number of children the smokers had and cafe smoking were all significantly associated with unconventional practices. CONCLUSION: A substantial percentage of sample of water pipe smokers in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia use unusual materials and/or substances in the water pipe and this is probably encouraged by cafe smoking.

The changing trends in tobacco smoking for young Arab women; narghile, an old habit with a liberal attitude.

Narghile smoking by young females is becoming more acceptable than cigarettes in the conservative societies of Arab countries. Lack of social constraints on narghile smoking has resulted in an increased prevalence of narghile smoking among young Arab females and an earlier age of onset of this habit when compared to cigarette smoking.Documented health hazards of narghile smoking including pulmonary, cardiovascular and neoplastic ailments are consequently expected to affect this vulnerable sector of the population together with their offspring. In this commentary, we shed some light on the changing trend of tobacco use among young Arabic women as shown by an increasing number of studies investigating habits of tobacco use in young people.

Narghile (water pipe) smoking among university students in Jordan: prevalence, pattern and beliefs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Narghile is becoming the favorite form of tobacco use by youth globally. This problem has received more attention in recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of narghile use among students in three public Jordanian universities; to assess their beliefs about narghile's adverse health consequences; and to evaluate their awareness of oral health and oral hygiene. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey of university students. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed randomly to university students in three public Jordanian universities during December, 2008. The questionnaire was designed to ask specific questions that are related to smoking in general, and to narghile smoking in specific. There were also questions about oral health awareness and oral hygiene practices. RESULTS: 36.8% of the surveyed sample indicated they were smokers comprising 61.9% of the male students and 10.7% of the female students in the study sample. Cigarettes and narghile were the preferred smoking methods among male students (42%). On the other hand, female students preferred narghile only (53%). Parental smoking status but not their educational level was associated with the students smoking status. Smokers had also significantly poor dental attendance and poor oral hygiene habits. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the spreading narghile epidemic among young people in Jordan like the neighboring countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region. Alarming signs were the poor oral health awareness among students particularly smokers.

Orofacial findings in chronic granulomatous disease: report of twelve patients and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Chronic granulomatous disease is an extremely rare primary immunodeficiency syndrome that can be associated with various oral complications. This can affect high number of patients. However, data on oral complications is sparse. Here we will review the literature and describe the orofacial findings in 12 patients. FINDINGS: The age range was 5-31 years. Oral findings were variable, and reflected a low level of oral hygiene. They included periodontitis, rampant caries, gingivitis, aphthous-like ulcers, and geographic tongue. One patient had white patches on the buccal mucosa similar to lichen planus. Another patient had a nodular dorsum of the tongue associated with fissured and geographic tongue. Biopsies from the latter two lesions revealed chronic non-specific mucositis. Panoramic radiographs showed extensive periodontitis in one patient and periapical lesions in another patient. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic granulomatous disease may develop oral lesions reflecting susceptibility to infections and inflammation. It is also possible that social and genetic factors may influence the development of this complication. Therefore, oral hygiene must be kept at an optimum level to prevent infections that can be difficult to manage.

Predicting recurrent aphthous ulceration using genetic algorithms-optimized neural networks.

OBJECTIVE: To construct and optimize a neural network that is capable of predicting the occurrence of recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) based on a set of appropriate input data. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Artificial neural networks (ANN) software employing genetic algorithms to optimize the architecture neural networks was used. Input and output data of 86 participants (predisposing factors and status of the participants with regards to recurrent aphthous ulceration) were used to construct and train the neural networks. The optimized neural networks were then tested using untrained data of a further 10 participants. RESULTS: THE OPTIMIZED NEURAL NETWORK, WHICH PRODUCED THE MOST ACCURATE PREDICTIONS FOR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF RECURRENT APHTHOUS ULCERATION WAS FOUND TO EMPLOY: gender, hematological (with or without ferritin) and mycological data of the participants, frequency of tooth brushing, and consumption of vegetables and fruits. CONCLUSIONS: FACTORS APPEARING TO BE RELATED TO RECURRENT APHTHOUS ULCERATION AND APPROPRIATE FOR USE AS INPUT DATA TO CONSTRUCT ANNS THAT PREDICT RECURRENT APHTHOUS ULCERATION WERE FOUND TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: gender, hemoglobin, serum vitamin B12, serum ferritin, red cell folate, salivary candidal colony count, frequency of tooth brushing, and the number of fruits or vegetables consumed daily.