Association of exposures to environmental chemicals estimated through primary teeth biomatrix and health outcomes in children and adolescents - A systematic review.

Children's heightened susceptibility to environmental exposure arises from their underdeveloped detoxification mechanisms and augmented per-unit body-weight absorption capacity for chemical compounds. Primary teeth are an emerging biomatrix, which aid in storing crucial data on early exposure to harmful substances and developmental illnesses. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between environmental chemical exposure and health outcomes in children and adolescents using primary teeth as a matrix. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023428013). The review spanned studies published between 1974 and 2023, identified through an extensive literature search on databases like MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL, the Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialized Register, Scopus, and Web of Science. Distiller SR software was used to assess study quality and extract the outcome data. The NTP-OHAT scale assessed evidence quality, and case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies in English were included. Comprehensively reviewing 5287 articles resulted in 29 studies being included in the final analysis, comprising 15 cross-sectional, seven case-control, and seven cohort studies. All 29 studies qualified for qualitative analysis. Eleven studies analyzed lead (Pb) effects on health outcomes, four analyzed manganese (Mn), and 14 investigated other element groups. Primary teeth biomatrix assessed various health outcomes: neurobehavior, childhood behaviour, ADHD, birth outcomes, fetal alcohol syndrome disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and dental caries. This study contributes to existing evidence, reinforcing a link between environmental metal exposure and health consequences. The evidence extends to prenatal and postnatal periods, substantiated by primary teeth biomatrix analysis. Lead level fluctuations can influence neuropsychological functioning, potentially causing cognitive impairments. Altered manganese levels correlate with behavioral issues, adverse effects on visuospatial development, and birth weight changes. Primary teeth biomatrices aid fetal alcohol spectrum disorders diagnosis, and correlations between organo-chemical exposure and autism were observed.

Use of Vital Pulp Therapies in Primary Teeth 2024.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present an evidence-based guideline for primary teeth with deep caries or trauma requiring vital pulp therapies (VPT). Methods: A systematic review/meta-analysis on vital primary teeth resulting from trauma or caries was conducted using GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for clinical recommendations. A decision tree was provided for choosing VPTs. Results: No articles on trauma VPT were found. For VPT in primary teeth with deep caries, indirect pulp treatment (IPT) or pulpotomy using the calcium silicate cement (mineral trioxide aggregate [MTA] or Biodentine®) show increased success over using direct pulp capping (DPC) and other pulpotomies. Different liners do not affect IPT success (high certainty) or DPC capping agents' success (very low certainty) after 24 months. It is strongly recommended, with high certainty from 24-month data, that calcium silicate cement pulpotomy is preferred over formocresol, ferric sulfate, zinc oxide eugenol pulpotomy, and other pulpotomies. Using selective caries removal and IPT for deep caries is strongly recommended with moderate certainty over complete and stepwise removal. Statistically, this results in significantly fewer pulp exposures. No caries removal and Hall technique crown may be used when indicated (moderate certainty at 24 months). For vital primary incisors with deep caries, pulpotomy was significantly better statistically than pulpectomy. Teeth diagnosed with/without reversible pulpitis pain showed comparable success after 12 months of treatment by IPT or calcium silicate cement pulpotomy. The following had little or no significant effect on MTA pulpotomy success: coronal pulp removal methods; irrigation solution; method to control hemorrhage; base over MTA; treatment in one or two visits; anterior or posterior teeth. Conclusions: Indirect pulp treatment or calcium silicate cement pulpotomy is likely to increase vital pulp therapy success over other VPTs such as direct pulp capping and other pulpotomies after 24 months (moderate certainty).

Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain in adolescents, adults, and older adults: A report from the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania.

BACKGROUND: A panel convened by the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses and formulated evidence-based recommendations for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain after simple and surgical tooth extraction(s) and for the temporary management (ie, definitive dental treatment not immediately available) of toothache associated with pulp and periapical diseases in adolescents, adults, and older adults. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The panel conducted 4 systematic reviews to determine the effect of opioid and nonopioid analgesics, local anesthetics, corticosteroids, and topical anesthetics on acute dental pain. The panel used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Evidence-to-Decision Framework to formulate recommendations. RESULTS: The panel formulated recommendations and good practice statements using the best available evidence. There is a beneficial net balance favoring the use of nonopioid medications compared with opioid medications. In particular, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with acetaminophen likely provide superior pain relief with a more favorable safety profile than opioids. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nonopioid medications are first-line therapy for managing acute dental pain after tooth extraction(s) and the temporary management of toothache. The use of opioids should be reserved for clinical situations when the first-line therapy is insufficient to reduce pain or there is contraindication of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clinicians should avoid the routine use of just-in-case prescribing of opioids and should exert extreme caution when prescribing opioids to adolescents and young adults.

Primary Tooth Vital Pulp Treatment Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.

Purpose: to update the 2016 systematic review evidence for vital pulp therapy (VPT) for primary teeth affected by caries or trauma. Methods: The population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study (PICOS) design inclusion/exclusion was used for multiple databases. Risk of bias, meta-analyses using RevMan, and certainty of evidence was created. Results: A total of 299 studies were included; no trauma was found. Indirect pulp treatment (IPT) resulted in 97 percent success. Two calcium silicate cement (CSC) pulpotomies' success using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine® were 94 percent and 90 percent, respectively, greater than for direct pulp capping (DPC; 86 percent) and other pulpotomies (moderate certainty). The success of IPT versus pulpotomy at 24 months showed no significant difference (P=0.31). Different liners or capping agents did not affect the success of IPT (P=0.79) or DPC at 24 months (P=0.24). The two CSC pulpotomies were not significantly different based on 24-month success (P=0.34). The formocresol pulpotomy success at 24 months was significantly lower than for MTA (P=0.02). Ferric sulfate had a significant lower success at 24 months than MTA pulpotomy (69 percent versus 92 percent; P=0.03). Zinc oxide eugenol, as a singular pulpotomy, had low success (65 percent). Selective/stepwise caries removal did significantly better at avoiding pulp exposures than complete excavation (P<0.001). Complete, selective, and no caries removal (Hall technique [HT], steel crown placement with no caries removal) had no significant difference in pulp vitality success for deep caries at 24 months (P=0.29). For deep caries affecting vital incisors, pulpotomy had significantly greater success than pulpectomy (P=0.002). The following had no significant effect on MTA pulpotomy success: coronal pulp removal methods; irrigation solution; method to control hemorrhage; base over MTA; treatment in one or two visits; and anterior or posterior teeth. Conclusions: Vital pulp therapy success of indirect pulp treatment or two calcium silicate cement pulpotomies demonstrated improved success over direct pulp capping and other pulpotomies based on 24-month evidence with moderate certainty. The Hall technique did not significantly reduce pulp vitality success versus caries removal.

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance for the Pediatric Dental Patient.

Purpose: To present evidence-based recommendations on nonpharmacological behavior guidance for the pediatric dental patient. Methods: The work group assessed eight systematic reviews for effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance techniques in children undergoing preventive care or a dental treatment visit. The key outcomes assessed included cooperative behavior, anxiety, and procedural pain. To formulate the recommendations, the work group used the GRADE framework to obtain consensus on domains such as priority of the problem, certainty of the evidence, balance between desirable and undesirable consequences, patients' values and preferences, acceptability, and feasibility. Results: Overall, the use of basic nonpharmacological behavior guidance techniques resulted in trivial-to-small effect on improvement in behavior or reduction in anxiety. However, for children and adolescents undergoing preventive care, mobile applications and modeling showed large effects in reduction of anxiety. For those undergoing dental treatment, strategies such as modeling, positive reinforcement, biofeedback relaxation, breathing relaxation, animal-assisted therapy, combined tell-show-do, audiovisual distraction, and cognitive behavior therapy showed large reduction in anxiety. For children and adolescents with special health care needs, audiovisual distraction and sensory-adapted dental environment showed large reduction of anxiety. Conclusions: All the formulated recommendations were conditional and were mostly based on very low certainty of evidence. Conditional recommendations imply that different choices or combinations of behavior guidance techniques may be most appropriate for different patients. Clinicians should use techniques consistent with the parent/patient values and preferences. These recommendations are based on the best available evidence to-date and are intended to aid clinical decision making.

Pediatric Dentists' Use of Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance Techniques and Experiences with Parent / Caregiver Acceptance: A National Survey.

Purpose: To determine: (1) which nonpharmacological behavior guidance techniques recommended in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) best practice statement are currently routinely used by pediatric dentists; and (2) their perception of parent/ caregiver acceptance of the techniques. Methods: All active AAPD dentist members were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants (n equals 518) completed an online questionnaire that queried the use of each nonpharmacological behavior guidance technique outlined in the AAPD best practice statement, the frequency with which parent / caregiver hesitancy/refusal is encountered for each, and practice characteristics and demo- graphics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and tests of group differences. Results: Nearly all participants endorsed routine use of the foundational techniques tell-show-do (98.6 percent), counseling skills to build rapport (97.7 percent), and positive reinforcement (95.6 percent). Fewer endorsed using more complex techniques like desensitization (75.3 percent), memory restructuring (22.6 percent), and cognitive behavioral therapy (4.4 percent). There were significant differences in mean years of clinical experience between those who used and did not use some of the more complex techniques. Of the 26 techniques queried, parent / caregiver hesitancy/refusal was encountered most frequently for parental absence, physical restraints, and voice control, and never to rarely for the others. Conclusions: This first-ever study of all nonpharmacological behavior gui- dance techniques outlined in the AAPD's best practice statement suggests that pediatric dentists routinely use foundational techniques but less frequently use more resource-intensive or complex techniques. With few exceptions, these techniques are well accepted by parents / caregivers.

Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain in children: A report from the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania.

BACKGROUND: A guideline panel convened by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses and formulated evidence-based recommendations for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain after 1 or more simple and surgical tooth extractions and the temporary management of toothache (that is, when definitive dental treatment not immediately available) associated with pulp and furcation or periapical diseases in children (< 12 years). TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors conducted a systematic review to determine the effect of analgesics and corticosteroids in managing acute dental pain. They used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Evidence to Decision framework to formulate recommendations. RESULTS: The panel formulated 7 recommendations and 5 good practice statements across conditions. There is a small beneficial net balance favoring the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with acetaminophen compared with not providing analgesic therapy. There is no available evidence regarding the effect of corticosteroids on acute pain after surgical tooth extractions in children. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nonopioid medications, specifically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen alone or in combination with acetaminophen, are recommended for managing acute dental pain after 1 or more tooth extractions (that is, simple and surgical) and the temporary management of toothache in children (conditional recommendation, very low certainty). According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the use of codeine and tramadol in children for managing acute pain is contraindicated.

Evidence-based clinical practice guideline on restorative treatments for caries lesions: A report from the American Dental Association.

BACKGROUND: An expert panel convened by the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs together with the ADA Science and Research Institute's program for Clinical and Translational Research conducted a systematic review and developed recommendations for the treatment of moderate and advanced cavitated caries lesions in patients with vital, nonendodontically treated primary and permanent teeth. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors searched for systematic reviews comparing carious tissue removal (CTR) approaches in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Trip Medical Database. The authors also conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials comparing direct restorative materials in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The authors used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and formulate recommendations. RESULTS: The panel formulated 16 recommendations and good practice statements: 4 on CTR approaches specific to lesion depth and 12 on direct restorative materials specific to tooth location and surfaces involved. The panel conditionally recommended for the use of conservative CTR approaches, especially for advanced lesions. Although the panel conditionally recommended for the use of all direct restorative materials, they prioritized some materials over the use of others for certain clinical scenarios. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The evidence suggests that more conservative CTR approaches may decrease the risk of adverse effects. All included direct restorative materials may be effective in treating moderate and advanced caries lesions on vital, nonendodontically treated primary and permanent teeth.

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance For Children During Dental Treatment Visits: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-Part 2.

'Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance interventions used for children undergoing dental treatment visits. METHODS: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmacological techniques rendered during a dental treatment visit including sealants, restorative care, dental local anesthesia, and simple surgical procedures. The primary outcome measures were reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improvement in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included RCTs, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias (ROB). Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommenda- tions Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. RESULTS: Forty articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. Included studies evaluated the effectiveness of pre-visit preparation and in office strategies rendered pre-/post- or during treatment such as positive imagery, direct observation/modeling, desensitization, tell-show-do and its modifications, voice control, positive reinforcement, memory restructuring, bio- feedback and breathing relaxation, animal assisted therapy, combined therapies, and cognitive behavior therapy. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to high and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to large change in the desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the basic non- pharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/or improvement in behavior, with modeling, positive reinforcement, biofeedback relaxation, breathing relaxation, animal assisted therapy, combined tell-show-do and audiovisual distraction, and cognitive behavior therapy showing large effects in reduction of anxiety based on some scales.

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance for Children with Special Health Care Needs During Preventive and Treatment Dental Visits: A Systematic Review-Part 3.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance interventions used for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) during preventive and dental treatment visits. METHODS: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmacological techniques rendered during a preventive visit (exam, fluoride application, radiographs, and prophylaxis) or a treat- ment visit (simple surgical treatment, sealants, restorative care with or with local anesthesia) with control or other interventions. The primary outcome measures for the studied interventions were reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improvement in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias (ROB). Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. RESULTS: Eleven articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. Included studies evaluate the effectiveness of in office strategies such as modeling, audio-visual distraction, sensory adapted dental environment, and picture exchange communication system. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to Low and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to large change in the desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most basic non-pharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed some trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/ or improvement in behavior, with audiovisual distraction, Sensory Adapted Dental Environment, and Picture Exchange Communication System showing large reduction in anxiety based on some rating scales. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO: CRD42022314723.

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance for Children During Preventive Dental Visits: A Systematic Review-Part 1.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance interventions used for a child undergoing preventive dental visits. METHODS: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmacological techniques rendered during a pre- ventive visit including examination, prophylaxis, fluoride application and radiographs. Workgroup (WG) identified moderate-to-high quality system- atic reviews (SRs) published on hypnosis, audiovisual distraction, and parental presence/ absence; and decided to exclude these interventions from current SR to avoid duplication. The primary outcome measures for the studied interventions included reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improve- ment in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included RCTs, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias. Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. RESULTS: Fifteen articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. WG found studies evaluating effectiveness of pre- visit preparation and in-office strategies rendered pre- or during treatment such as positive imagery, communication, modeling, tell-show-do, magic tricks, mobile applications, positive reinforcement, and sensory adapted dental environment. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to Moderate and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to a large change in the desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most basic nonpharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/or improvement in behavior, with mobile application and modeling showing large effects in reduction of anxiety based on some rating scales. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO: CRD42022314723.

Direct materials for restoring caries lesions: Systematic review and meta-analysis-a report of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs.

BACKGROUND: The goal of restoring caries lesions is to protect the pulp, prevent progression of the disease process, and restore the form and function of the tooth. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of different direct restorative materials for treating cavitated caries lesions on anterior and posterior primary and permanent teeth. TYPE OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors included parallel and split-mouth randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of direct restorative materials commercially available in the United States placed in vital, nonendodontically treated primary and permanent teeth. Pairs of reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and assessments of risk of bias and certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The authors conducted pair-wise meta-analyses to summarize the evidence and calculated measures of association and their 95% CIs. RESULTS: Thirty-eight randomized controlled trials were eligible for analysis, which included data on Class I and Class II restorations on primary teeth and Class I, Class II, Class III, Class V, and root surface restorations on permanent teeth. Included studies assessed the effect of amalgam, resin composite, compomer, conventional glass ionomer cement, resin-modified glass isomer cement, and preformed metal crowns. Moderate to very low certainty evidence suggested varying levels of effectiveness across restorative materials. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Owing to a relatively low event rate across various outcomes indicating restoration failure, there was limited evidence to support important differences between direct restorative materials used in practice.

COMPARING THE CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC OUTCOMES OF PULPOTOMIES IN PRIMARY MOLARS USING BIOACTIVE ENDODONTIC MATERIALS AND FERRIC SULFATE - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIALS.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of pulpotomies in primary molars using bioactive endodontic materials and ferric sulfate. DESIGN: The search was conducted in PubMed, Ebscohost, ProQuest, and Scopus databases till June 2021. Children undergoing pulpotomy therapy in primary molars treated with ferric sulfate (FS) and bioactive endodontic materials were evaluated for clinical and radiographic success. Meta-analysis was performed on a random-effects model to assess the success at 6,12,18, and 24 months. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and FS at 24 months for both clinical [RR0.98 (95%CI 0.15,6.34), I2 = 0%] and radiographic [RR0.74 (95%CI: 0.23,2.43), I2 = 0%] success. At 6 months [RR1.36 (95%CI: 0.10,19.34), I2 = 33%], no difference was observed in the clinical [RR1.00 (95%CI: 0.95,1.05), I2 = 0%] and radiographic success [RR0.99 (95%CI: 0.88,1.11), I2 = 51%] between Biodentine (BD), FS and radiographic success of calcium enriched cement and FS [RR0.25 (95%CI: 0.03, 2.22), I2 = 0%]. CONCLUSION: Amongst bioactive materials, MTA and FS demonstrated equal success rates in both clinical and radiographic outcomes with follow-up periods of up to 24 months. Future, high-quality trials are required to verify the result of the current review.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Applicants to Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry Programs and Recommendations for Virtual Interviews.

Purpose:To assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on applicants for advanced education programs in pediatric dentistry in the United States and provide recom- mendations for virtual interviews (VI).
Methods:A cross-sectional survey was emailed to pediatric dentistry applicants in the 2020-2021 cycle.
Results:One hundred seventy-five applicants responded. Virtual interviews were the universal format during this timeframe. Forty-four percent admitted to applying to programs they were not initially strongly considering and 42 percent accepted inter- views they would have declined if they had to travel. Applicants found social events with residents only (80 percent), a program overview presentation (86 percent), a virtual tour (77 percent) and a question-and-answer session with residents (85 percent) to be helpful. One-on-one or paired faculty interviews were the most preferred inter- view method. More than half (55 percent) thought programs were not able to learn about them as effectively through virtual compared to an in-person format.
Conclusions: VI caused different applicant behavior due to the low time and financial investment. Applicants valued their time with residents to learn about programs, but were split in their preferences for virtual, in-person or hybrid interviews. Programs can use findings from this study to plan future recruitment cycles.

3D cone-beam C.T. imaging used to determine the effect of disinfection protocols on the dimensional stability of full arch impressions.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the dimensional stability of irreversible hydrocolloid and polyvinylsiloxane (P.V.S.) impressions after exposure to four commercial disinfectants using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different impression materials were tested: irreversible hydrocolloid and P.V.S. Four disinfection solutions were applied: BirexSE, Opti-Cide3, COEfect MinuteSpray, and CaviCide Spray. Distilled water was used as a control group. Each solution remained in contact with the impression for 5 min. Additional contact time of 5 min compromises time for scanning. The materials were evaluated for dimensional stability after the impression of a maxillary complete edentulous template via CBCT before and after being in contact with the disinfectant agents. Measurements were assessed on the digital models from A-B, B-C, and C-A points. Paired analyses (Wilcoxon Signed Rank test or paired Student's t-test) were used to analyze each measurement before and after the contact with the disinfectant agents. The variance for each measurement was also analyzed via a one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTS: Overall, there were no statistical differences among the points measurements in the irreversible hydrocolloid or P.V.S. between initial and final assessments (p > 0.05). The used disinfectant agents in this study did not influence each measurement's variation on irreversible hydrocolloid or P.V.S. (p > 0.05). All agents showed an effect on the dimensional stability of both impression materials. The differences in the three dimensions ranged between 0.34 and 1.54%. CONCLUSION: Within 10 min of removing the impression from the master cast, is study's findings indicated that the four commercially available disinfectants did not influence the dimensional stability of irreversible hydrocolloid or P.V.S. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the antimicrobial effect of these solutions applied as a spray on the surface of irreversible hydrocolloid and P.V.S. impressions.

Worldwide Variations in Methodology and Reporting of Early Childhood Caries: A Scoping Review.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the variations in the definition, diagnostic criteria, and clinical study methods regarding early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children or children younger than six years old. Methods: This is a scoping review of ECC studies published from January 1999 to December 2019. Extracted information from 256 studies included the year of publication, country/city of the studied population, nomenclature used, diagnostic criteria, and case definition. Results: The number of published studies was greatest in the past five years. Thirteen different methods for diagnosis of ECC were identified, with World Health Organization criteria being the most frequently used. The nomenclature "dental caries in primary teeth" remained the most popular terminology to describe caries in preschool children, followed by ECC. The threshold for determining caries ranged from visual observation of dental caries to a full range of clinical and radiographic findings. Conclusions: There is a wide variation in diagnostic criteria and case definitions of early childhood caries. Global consensus would advance the understanding, epidemiology, burden, and management of ECC.

Reporting stAndards for research in PedIatric Dentistry (RAPID): an expert consensus-based statement.

BACKGROUND: Reporting guidelines for different study designs are currently available to report studies with accuracy and transparency. There is a need to develop supplementary guideline items that are specific to areas within Pediatric Dentistry. This study aims to develop Reporting stAndards for research in PedIatric Dentistry (RAPID) guidelines using a pre-defined expert consensus-based Delphi process. METHODS: The development of the RAPID guidelines was based on the Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting Guidelines. Following a comprehensive search of the literature, the Executive Group identified ten themes in Pediatric Dentistry and compiled a draft checklist of items under each theme. The themes were categorized as: General, Oral Medicine, Pathology and Radiology, Children with Special Health Care Needs, Sedation and Hospital Dentistry, Behavior Guidance, Dental Caries, Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, Pulp Therapy, Traumatology, and Interceptive Orthodontics. A RAPID Delphi Group (RDG) was formed comprising of 69 members from 15 countries across six continents. Items were scored using a 9-point rating Likert scale. Items achieving a score of seven and above, marked by at least 70% of RDG members were accepted into the RAPID checklist items. Weighted mean scores were calculated for each item. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and one-way ANOVA was used to calculate the difference in the weighted mean scores between the themes. RESULTS: The final RAPID checklist comprised of 128 items that were finalized and approved by the RDG members in the online consensus meeting. The percentage for high scores (scores 7 to 9) ranged from 69.57 to 100% for individual items. The overall weighted mean score of the final items ranged from 7.51 to 8.28 (out of 9) and the difference was statistically significant between the themes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The RAPID statement provides guidance to researchers, authors, reviewers and editors, to ensure that all elements relevant to particular studies are adequately reported.