Consensus for teaching dental caries in the Portuguese Language at Brazilian dental schools.

The aim of this paper was to present a summary of the process of developing and preparing the final documents of the national consensus for teaching undergraduate Brazilian dental students the dental caries curriculum in the Portuguese language. The final document was developed in three steps: a) The ABENO and LAOHA cariology group invited experts from all five regions of Brazil to participate in the discussion. The theoretical support for crafting the first draft of the consensus was based on two publications: National Curriculum Guidelines of the Dentistry graduation in Brazil, Ministry of Education (2021) and the competences described in the European Core Curriculum for Cariology (ORCA-ADEE, 2011); b) The group of experts was divided into 5 working groups: G1-Domain, Main and Specific Competences, G2-Essential knowledge, G3-Life course perspective, G4-Social determinants and dental caries, G5- Glossary. The document was finalized by thoroughly reviewing the process using Delphi methodology; c) The 5-chapter document (one from each working group) was submitted to three open public consultations in 2022 (May-June, August, and October) using Google-forms. The suggestions (content/wording) were discussed within the group as: totally accepted, partially accepted, and rejected. A total of 192 suggestions were registered from 31 dental schools in all regions of Brazil. The number of suggestions received per Group were: 84, 28, 26, 24, 30 suggestions for G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5, respectively. The majority of suggestions were totally accepted by the group of experts (n = 172, 89.6%), 15 were partially accepted (7.8%), and 5 were rejected. Conclusion The final document could be considered to be the first national consensus for teaching the dental caries curriculum in Brazil.

Retorno das atividades presenciais nos cursos de Odontologia brasileiros na pandemia de COVID-19: comparação entre instituições públicas e privadas / Retorno de las actividades presenciales en los cursos de Odontología brasileños durante la pandemia de COVID-19: comparación entre instituciones públicas y privadas / Return of on-site activities in Brazilian Dentistry courses during the COVID-19 pandemic: comparison between public and private institutions

Trata-se de estudo quanti-qualitativo que analisa o retorno das atividades presenciais nos cursos de Odontologia brasileiros, durante a pandemia de COVID-19, e as dificuldades enfrentadas, comparando instituições públicas e privadas. Um formulário on-line com questões abertas e fechadas foi encaminhado por e-mail aos representantes dos cursos de Odontologia, de março a junho de 2021. Foram incluídos os cursos cadastrados no sitee-MEC iniciados até 2017. A análise quantitativa utilizou os testes qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher e t de Student(p<0,05); uma questão aberta foi submetida à análise temática de conteúdo. Dos 329 cursos elegíveis, foram respondidos 83 formulários (21 públicos e 62 privados). Os cursos de instituições públicas apresentaram menor frequência de retorno das atividades presenciais até a data da coleta (p=0,038), inclusive com maior proporção de suspensão das atividades clínicas e laboratoriais (p≤0,001), mas sem diferença para aulas teóricas remotas (p>0,05). Os cursos privados demonstraram ter maior disponibilidade de recursos para o retorno presencial, tais como: estrutura, funcionários e docentes (p<0,001). Apesar das normas de biossegurança constituírem um desafio comum, as principais dificuldades relatadas nas instituições privadas diante do retorno das atividades presenciais foram a modulação ou escalonamento das turmas e ambientes de aula, controle do fluxo de pessoas e implantação de protocolos. Nas públicas, destacam-se dificuldades relacionadas à adequação da estrutura e aquisição de materiais. Conclui-se que a maioria dos cursos de Odontologia havia retomado às aulas no início de 2021, mas as instituições privadas apresentaram maior proporção de retorno às atividades laboratoriais e clínicas presenciais (AU).

Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y cualitativo que analiza el retorno de las actividades presenciales en las carreras de Odontología brasileñas, durante la pandemia de COVID-19, y las dificultades enfrentadas, comparando instituciones públicas y privadas. Se envió por correo electrónico un formulario en línea con preguntas abiertas y cerradas a los representantes de los cursos de Odontología, de marzo a junio de 2021. Se incluyeron los cursos registrados en el sitio web de e-MEC que iniciaron hasta el año 2017. El análisis cuantitativo utilizó las pruebas chi-cuadrado, Fisher exacta y t de Student (p<0,05); se sometió una pregunta abierta al análisis de contenido temático. De los 329 cursos elegibles, se completaron 83 formularios (21 públicos y 62 privados). Los cursos de instituciones públicas mostraron una menor frecuencia de retorno a actividades presenciales hasta la fecha de cobro (p=0,038), incluyendo una mayor proporción de suspensión de actividades clínicas y de laboratorio (p≤0,001), pero sin diferencia para clases teóricas remotas (p >0.05). Los cursos privados demostraron mayor disponibilidad de recursos para el retorno presencial, tales como: estructura, personal y docentes (p<0,001). Si bien los estándares de bioseguridad constituyen un desafío común, las principales dificultades reportadas en las instituciones privadas ante el regreso de las actividades presenciales fueron modular o escalonar clases y ambientes de aula, controlar el flujo de personas e implementar protocolos. En las públicas destacan dificultades relacionadas con la adecuación de la estructura y adquisición de materiales. Se concluye que la mayoría de las carreras de Odontología habían retomado clases a inicios de 2021, pero las instituciones privadas tuvieron una mayor proporción de retorno a las actividades presenciales de laboratorio y clínicas (AU).

This is a quantitative-qualitative study analyzing the return of on-site activities in Brazilian dentistry undergraduate courses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties faced, comparing public and private institutions. An online form with open and multiple-choice questions was sent via e-mail to the representatives of dentistry courses from March to June 2021. The courses included were those registered on the e-MEC webpage that had started up to 2017. The quantitative analysis employed the chi-square, the Fisher exact, and the T student tests (p<0.05); the open question was subjected to thematic content analysis. Out of the 329 eligible courses, 83 forms were answered and returned (21 public and 62 private). Public institution courses showed lower frequency of return to on-site activities up tothe data collection (p=0.038), and presented higher proportion of suspension of clinical and laboratory activities (p≤0.001), but no difference regarding remote theoretical lessons (p>0.05). Private courses showed higher availability of resources supporting the return to on-site activities, namely, structure, workers, and professors (p<0.001). Although biosafety norms presented a common challenge, the main difficulties reported in private institutions related to the return to on-site activities were the modulation and schedule of the classes and lesson environments, controlling the flow of people, and the implementation of protocols. Public institutions highlighted difficulties related to adjustment of the structure and material acquisition. The results showed that most dentistry courses had returned to on-site lessons in the early 2021, but private institutions reported higher proportion of return to on-site laboratory and clinical activities (AU).

Consensus for teaching dental caries in the Portuguese Language at Brazilian dental schools

Abstract The aim of this paper was to present a summary of the process of developing and preparing the final documents of the national consensus for teaching undergraduate Brazilian dental students the dental caries curriculum in the Portuguese language. The final document was developed in three steps: a) The ABENO and LAOHA cariology group invited experts from all five regions of Brazil to participate in the discussion. The theoretical support for crafting the first draft of the consensus was based on two publications: National Curriculum Guidelines of the Dentistry graduation in Brazil, Ministry of Education (2021) and the competences described in the European Core Curriculum for Cariology (ORCA-ADEE, 2011); b) The group of experts was divided into 5 working groups: G1-Domain, Main and Specific Competences, G2-Essential knowledge, G3-Life course perspective, G4-Social determinants and dental caries, G5- Glossary. The document was finalized by thoroughly reviewing the process using Delphi methodology; c) The 5-chapter document (one from each working group) was submitted to three open public consultations in 2022 (May-June, August, and October) using Google-forms. The suggestions (content/wording) were discussed within the group as: totally accepted, partially accepted, and rejected. A total of 192 suggestions were registered from 31 dental schools in all regions of Brazil. The number of suggestions received per Group were: 84, 28, 26, 24, 30 suggestions for G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5, respectively. The majority of suggestions were totally accepted by the group of experts (n = 172, 89.6%), 15 were partially accepted (7.8%), and 5 were rejected. Conclusion The final document could be considered to be the first national consensus for teaching the dental caries curriculum in Brazil.

Bibliometric analysis and diagnostic efficacy of cone-beam computed tomography studies published in Imaging Science in Dentistry from 2011 to 2022.

Purpose: This bibliometric analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics, trends, and level of diagnostic efficacy of studies on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) published in Imaging Science in Dentistry (ISD) from 2011 to 2022. Materials and Methods: Publications related to CBCT identified in the electronic collection of ISD were selected according to eligibility criteria by 2 independent reviewers who collected data on the characteristics of the articles (year, authors, and country). The type and topic of studies were analyzed using VOSviewer v.1.6.18 (Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands). The research articles were classified according to the hierarchical scale of diagnostic efficacy. Results: Of the 236 articles included, most were from South Korea and Brazil. Bong-Hae Cho and Yun-Hoa Jung were the most prolific authors on the topic of CBCT. The most frequently published types of studies were cross-sectional and laboratory-based. The most popular topics WERE related to the diagnosis of pathologies and/or alterations, as well as anatomical variations. On the diagnostic efficacy scale, most studies were rated level 1 (technical efficacy) or 2 (diagnostic accuracy efficacy). Conclusion: A steady increase was observed in publications related to CBCT, which are of both clinical and academic interest. The trends in these publications were analyzed, revealing that most are cross-sectional studies primarily exploring the capabilities of CBCT in diagnosing pathologies and/or changes in the oral and maxillofacial complex. These studies were typically classified as level 1 or 2 on the diagnostic efficacy scale.

Loss of dental tissue after restoration or sealing of occlusal carious lesions: 3-4-year results of randomized clinical trials.

Context: Although preservation of the tooth structure is quoted as the main advantage of sealing of carious lesions, there are no long-term studies comparing the maintenance of dental tissue after restoration or after caries sealing. Aim: To measure the radiographically visible loss of dental tissue after conventional restoration and sealing of carious lesions. Subjects and Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of two randomized controlled clinical trials, one conducted in Brazil and another in Belgium, which evaluated two different therapies for the treatment of occlusal carious lesions in permanent teeth: sealant (SE) without previous carious tissue removal or restoration (RE) with total removal of carious dentin. The greater depth and width of sealed carious lesions and restorations were compared. Statistical Analysis: The independent t-test was used to compare therapies at different time points, while the paired t-test was used to compare the same therapy over time. Results: Carious lesions in the RE and SE groups showed similar measurements at baseline (P > 0.05). Over time, significantly greater loss of tooth structure was observed in the RE group than in the SE group. No increase in lesion depth or width was observed in the SE group, suggesting no progression of sealed lesions. Conclusion: Sealing of carious lesions resulted in greater preservation of dental tissue.

Physicochemical properties of three bioceramic cements.

This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties of MTA Angelus (MTA-A), MTA Repair HP (MTA-HP), and Biodentine (BD). Setting times (n = 7) were determined in accordance with ASTM C266-15. Solubility (n = 11), pH (n = 10), and calcium ion release (n = 10) were evaluated up to 28 days in accordance with ANSI/ADA specification no. 57. Radiopacity was assessed by ANSI/ADA (n = 10) and the tissue simulator method (n = 10). In both methods, the specimens were radiographed using an aluminum stepwedge and the digital radiographs were analyzed in Adobe Photoshop, determining the mean grayscale pixel values of the materials, of the 3-mm aluminum stepwedge, and of the dentin, the latter of which was analyzed on the tissue simulator. The data obtained from each test were statistically analyzed and compared (p < 0.05). MTA-A presented longer final setting time compared with the other materials. There were no significant differences in the mass values of materials during the experiment. All materials presented an alkaline pH. BD promoted greater calcium ion release in most of the experimental periods. All materials presented appropriate radiopacity. BD showed lower radiopacity than MTA-A in the tissue simulator method. All groups presented higher radiopacity in the tissue simulator when compared with the ANSI/ADA method. MTA-A, MTA-HP, and BD showed appropriate physicochemical properties and radiopacity, and were considered suitable to be used in clinical practice.

XP Endo Finisher-R and PUI as supplementary methods to remove root filling materials from curved canals.

This study assessed the ability of XP-endo Finisher R (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) to remove filling remnants from curved mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars, using the passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) technique as a comparison. Twenty-four curved main mesiobuccal canals (MB1) of maxillary molars were instrumented with Wave One (#25/07) and filled with gutta-percha points and AH Plus Sealer. Samples were then re-treated with a standardized protocol with Wave One (#35/06) as the master apical file. Micro-CT scans measured baseline volume of remaining filling material (in mm3). Samples were divided into two groups (n = 12) according to the supplementary cleaning approach: (PUI) or XP-endo Finisher R. Statistics compared baseline and final volume of filling material (within-group); and the percentage of filling material reduction (between-group). Mean baseline volumes, final volumes, and percentages of reduction (%) of filling material for XP-endo Finisher R and PUI were respectively: 0.060 mm3, 0.042 mm3, and 31.28%; and 0.064 mm3, 0.054 mm3, and 16.57%. Both tested protocols reduced the amount of filling material (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R had higher percentage of reduction as compared to PUI (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R and PUI used as supplementary cleaning protocols during re-treatment improved the removal of root filling material in curved canals; but XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient. The complete filling material removal during re-treatment procedures is still a challenge. Supplementary cleaning protocols may help to remove the remaining material after the complete mechanical preparation of curved canals. XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient than PUI.

Physicochemical properties of three bioceramic cements

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties of MTA Angelus (MTA-A), MTA Repair HP (MTA-HP), and Biodentine (BD). Setting times (n = 7) were determined in accordance with ASTM C266-15. Solubility (n = 11), pH (n = 10), and calcium ion release (n = 10) were evaluated up to 28 days in accordance with ANSI/ADA specification no. 57. Radiopacity was assessed by ANSI/ADA (n = 10) and the tissue simulator method (n = 10). In both methods, the specimens were radiographed using an aluminum stepwedge and the digital radiographs were analyzed in Adobe Photoshop, determining the mean grayscale pixel values of the materials, of the 3-mm aluminum stepwedge, and of the dentin, the latter of which was analyzed on the tissue simulator. The data obtained from each test were statistically analyzed and compared (p < 0.05). MTA-A presented longer final setting time compared with the other materials. There were no significant differences in the mass values of materials during the experiment. All materials presented an alkaline pH. BD promoted greater calcium ion release in most of the experimental periods. All materials presented appropriate radiopacity. BD showed lower radiopacity than MTA-A in the tissue simulator method. All groups presented higher radiopacity in the tissue simulator when compared with the ANSI/ADA method. MTA-A, MTA-HP, and BD showed appropriate physicochemical properties and radiopacity, and were considered suitable to be used in clinical practice.

XP Endo Finisher-R and PUI as supplementary methods to remove root filling materials from curved canals

Abstract: This study assessed the ability of XP-endo Finisher R (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) to remove filling remnants from curved mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars, using the passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) technique as a comparison. Twenty-four curved main mesiobuccal canals (MB1) of maxillary molars were instrumented with Wave One (#25/07) and filled with gutta-percha points and AH Plus Sealer. Samples were then re-treated with a standardized protocol with Wave One (#35/06) as the master apical file. Micro-CT scans measured baseline volume of remaining filling material (in mm3). Samples were divided into two groups (n = 12) according to the supplementary cleaning approach: (PUI) or XP-endo Finisher R. Statistics compared baseline and final volume of filling material (within-group); and the percentage of filling material reduction (between-group). Mean baseline volumes, final volumes, and percentages of reduction (%) of filling material for XP-endo Finisher R and PUI were respectively: 0.060 mm3, 0.042 mm3, and 31.28%; and 0.064 mm3, 0.054 mm3, and 16.57%. Both tested protocols reduced the amount of filling material (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R had higher percentage of reduction as compared to PUI (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R and PUI used as supplementary cleaning protocols during re-treatment improved the removal of root filling material in curved canals; but XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient. The complete filling material removal during re-treatment procedures is still a challenge. Supplementary cleaning protocols may help to remove the remaining material after the complete mechanical preparation of curved canals. XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient than PUI.

Brazilian dentistry courses facing the COVID-19 pandemic / Cursos de Odontologia brasileiros frente à pandemia COVID-19

The study aimed to analyze the situation of Brazilian dental education considering the exceptionality of the COVID-19pandemic.An observational and analytical study was conducted with two cross-sections, using questionnaires sent to all course coordinators in Brazil, in the 1st semester of 2020 and in March 2021.At onset of the pandemic, the institutions interrupted on-site activities. There was significant association between private institutions and offering remote lectures and using these resources before the pandemic. The public sector was associated with not teaching remote lecturesand not using these resources previously. Public institutionshad a greater degree of difficulty in the use and access to technologies for online activitiesby professors and students, as well as a lower degree of preparation in relation to biosecurityprotocols to resume the clinical activities. Impacts were identified in different dimensions of dental education related to the development of practical activities and the establishment of new biosecurityprotocols. Nearly all private coursesdid not suspend activities or did it for less than one month and resumed clinical or laboratory activities at some point during the surveyed period, while public institutions required an average of 5 months for such reorganization.The COVID-19 pandemic substantially increased the use of digital media in Braziliandental education. From this assessment, there arefinancial limitations of the public sector to adapt the infrastructure to the requirements of the current biosecurityprotocols. In general, students are receiving support from the institutionand the coordinators identified negative impacts in different dimensions of dental education, notably in the establishment of new biosecurityprotocols, adequacy in the physical structure and teaching-learning process (AU).

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a situação da educação odontológica brasileira considerando a excepcionalidade da pandemia COVID-19. Foi realizado um estudo observacional e analítico com dois cortes transversais, por meio de questionários enviados a todos os coordenadores de curso no Brasil, no 1º semestre de 2020 e em março de 2021. No início da pandemia, as instituições interromperam as atividades presenciais. Houve associação significativa entre as instituições privadas e a oferta de aulasremotas e o uso desses recursos antes da pandemia. O setor público foi associado a não ministrar aulasa distância e não utilizar esses recursos anteriormente. As instituições públicas apresentaram maior grau de dificuldade no uso e acesso às tecnologias para atividades on-line por professores e estudantes, bem como menor grau de preparo em relação aos protocolos de biossegurança para a retomada das atividades clínicas. Foram identificados impactos em diferentes dimensões da formação odontológica relacionadas ao desenvolvimento de atividades práticas e ao estabelecimento de novos protocolos de biossegurança. Quase todos os cursos privados não suspenderam as atividades ou o fizeram por menos de um mês e retomaram as atividades clínicas ou laboratoriais em algum momento do período pesquisado, enquanto as instituições públicas necessitaram em média de 5 meses para tal reorganização. A pandemia COVID-19 aumentou substancialmente o uso de recursosdigitaisna educação odontológica brasileira. Existem limitações financeiras do setor público para adaptar a infraestrutura aos requisitos dos atuais protocolos de biossegurança. Em geral, os estudantesestão recebendo apoio da instituição e os coordenadores identificaram impactos negativos em diferentes dimensões do ensino odontológico, notadamente no estabelecimento de novos protocolos de biossegurança, adequação da estrutura física e processo de ensino-aprendizagem (AU).

Diagnostic accuracy of oximetry for obstructive sleep apnea: a study on older adults in a home setting.

OBJECTIVES: Owing to the fact that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an underreported disease, the strategy used for the diagnosis of OSA has been extensively dissected to devise a simplified process that can be accessed by the public health services. Polysomnography (PSG) type I, the gold standard for the diagnosis of OSA, is expensive and difficult to access by low-income populations. In this study, we aimed to verify the accuracy of the oxyhemoglobin desaturation index (ODI) in comparison to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using a portable monitor. METHODS: We evaluated 94 type III PSG home test results of 65 elderly patients (69.21±6.94 years old), along with information, such as the body mass index (BMI) and sex, using data obtained from a clinical trial database. RESULTS: A significant linear positive correlation (r=0.93, p<0.05) was observed between ODI and AHI, without any interference from sex, BMI, and positional component. The sensitivity of ODI compared to that of AHI increased with an increase in the severity of OSA, while the specificity of ODI in comparison to that of AHI was high for all degrees of severity. The accuracy of ODI was 80.7% for distinguishing between patients with mild and moderate apnea and 84.4% for distinguishing between patients with moderate and severe apnea. CONCLUSION: The ODI values obtained in uncontrolled conditions exhibited high sensitivity for identifying severe apnea compared to the AHI values, and correctly identified the severity of OSA in more than 80% of the cases. Thus, oximetry is promising strategy for diagnosing OSA.

The effectiveness of rotary and reciprocating techniques in curved root canals retreatment: a micro- CT analysis

Introduction: Different NiTi rotary systems have been developed to improve efficiency and retreatment success rates. Aim: To evaluate the Protaper Universal retreatment system and WaveOne instrument in removing the filling material from curved canals during retreatment. Materials and Methods: Thirty mesial root canals of extracted human mandibular molar teeth were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n=15). In the PT group, retreatment was performed with ProTaper Universal Retreatment according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the WO group, was used WaveOne Primary. ProTaper Universal F2 and F3 were used to achieve the apical diameter in both groups. The samples were scanned by micro-computed tomography pre and postoperatively to evaluate the filling material remaining. The percentage of material filling was compared between groups using Student's T test and in the same group among thirds was compared using Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn's post hoc test. Results: The filling material remaining was not statistically different between the groups (p≥0.05). The apical third presented a greater amount of remaining filling material when compared with the cervical third for both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Rotary and reciprocating techniques can effectively, but not completely, remove the filling materials from the root canal system. The apical third presented a more significant amount of remaining filling material.

The unplanned and unequal expansion of Dentistry courses in Brazil from 1856 to 2020

Abstract: This study analyzed the consequences of the disordered expansion of Dentistry courses on the distribution of professionals, the job market, and limitations of the National System of Higher Education Assessment (SINAES) developed as a guarantee of education quality. This observational, descriptive, and analytical study used secondary data from several official databases. The number of courses was obtained from the e-MEC registry. From the Higher Education Census, the study collected historical series of courses offered, number of candidates per open seat, number of individuals who initiated and completed the course, and information about professors in the public and private schools. The reports related to Dentistry courses from the National Health Council were also analyzed. The performance of undergraduate students was assessed from synthesis reports of Enade from 2004 to 2016. The number of dentists and their regional distribution was based on the Federal Dental Council, and Brazilian population and gross domestic product were collected from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Dentistry courses in Brazil grew exponentially from 1856 to 2020; among the 544 authorized courses, 82 currently have not yet started their activities. The fast expansion of courses in Brazil has worsened the regional asymmetries in the supply of dentist, and the SINAES has not been able to fully assure the quality of Dentistry courses. Brazilian dentistry, which has increased its scientific and technological development since the 19th century, with outstanding intellectual production, is at risk of a collapse due to a plethora of dentists.

Diagnostic accuracy of oximetry for obstructive sleep apnea: a study on older adults in a home setting

OBJECTIVES: Owing to the fact that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an underreported disease, the strategy used for the diagnosis of OSA has been extensively dissected to devise a simplified process that can be accessed by the public health services. Polysomnography (PSG) type I, the gold standard for the diagnosis of OSA, is expensive and difficult to access by low-income populations. In this study, we aimed to verify the accuracy of the oxyhemoglobin desaturation index (ODI) in comparison to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using a portable monitor. METHODS: We evaluated 94 type III PSG home test results of 65 elderly patients (69.21±6.94 years old), along with information, such as the body mass index (BMI) and sex, using data obtained from a clinical trial database. RESULTS: A significant linear positive correlation (r=0.93, p<0.05) was observed between ODI and AHI, without any interference from sex, BMI, and positional component. The sensitivity of ODI compared to that of AHI increased with an increase in the severity of OSA, while the specificity of ODI in comparison to that of AHI was high for all degrees of severity. The accuracy of ODI was 80.7% for distinguishing between patients with mild and moderate apnea and 84.4% for distinguishing between patients with moderate and severe apnea. CONCLUSION: The ODI values obtained in uncontrolled conditions exhibited high sensitivity for identifying severe apnea compared to the AHI values, and correctly identified the severity of OSA in more than 80% of the cases. Thus, oximetry is promising strategy for diagnosing OSA.

The unplanned and unequal expansion of Dentistry courses in Brazil from 1856 to 2020.

This study analyzed the consequences of the disordered expansion of Dentistry courses on the distribution of professionals, the job market, and limitations of the National System of Higher Education Assessment (SINAES) developed as a guarantee of education quality. This observational, descriptive, and analytical study used secondary data from several official databases. The number of courses was obtained from the e-MEC registry. From the Higher Education Census, the study collected historical series of courses offered, number of candidates per open seat, number of individuals who initiated and completed the course, and information about professors in the public and private schools. The reports related to Dentistry courses from the National Health Council were also analyzed. The performance of undergraduate students was assessed from synthesis reports of Enade from 2004 to 2016. The number of dentists and their regional distribution was based on the Federal Dental Council, and Brazilian population and gross domestic product were collected from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Dentistry courses in Brazil grew exponentially from 1856 to 2020; among the 544 authorized courses, 82 currently have not yet started their activities. The fast expansion of courses in Brazil has worsened the regional asymmetries in the supply of dentist, and the SINAES has not been able to fully assure the quality of Dentistry courses. Brazilian dentistry, which has increased its scientific and technological development since the 19th century, with outstanding intellectual production, is at risk of a collapse due to a plethora of dentists.

Efficacy of a thermally treated single file compared with rotary systems in endodontic retreatment of curved canals: a micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare WaveOne Gold with ProTaper and RaCe systems regarding remaining filling material, apical transportation (AT), and working time (WT) after (i) filling removal and (ii) shaping of curved canals. METHODS: Thirty mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars were prepared and filled. After 30 days, they were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 10), according to the instruments used for filling removal and shaping, respectively: WOG-WaveOne Gold Primary and Medium; PTG-ProTaper Retreatment and ProTaper Next; RCG-D-RaCe and RaCe. Micro-CT analysis assessed the residual filling material and AT. WT was recorded. Data were statistically analyzed (α = .05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in the amount of filling material at any evaluated moment (P > .05). All groups presented low AT values. The WT was similar in all groups in filling removal (P > .05), and in shaping step WOG was faster than PTG and RCG (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Neither system could completely remove the filling material. The instruments evaluated were safe and the reciprocating system was faster than the rotary systems in shaping the canals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provided consistent information on filling material removal capacity of WaveOne Gold. Considering that all tested systems were safe, WaveOne Gold may be an alternative with cost-effectiveness and shorter learning curve for endodontic retreatment.

Validation method of research instruments for Dental Radiology curriculum study / Método de validação de instrumentos de pesquisa para estudo do currículo de Radiologia Odontológica

Dental radiology is an important subject to Dental undergraduate education. Along with other disciplines, it plays a key role in diagnostics, the starting point for patient care. In this way, a specific international guideline for Dental Radiology curriculum was published in 2007. The aim of this study was to develop and validate two distinct instruments, a self-administered online survey, and an interview script, both designed for dental radiology education research. The processes for developing and validating the instruments are described, and the final documents are presented. There were several steps in the validation process of the research instruments in this study, such as translation, cultural adaptation, expert evaluation, read-aloud sessions and pilot testing. This detailed process guarantees control of the variables and helps to avoid bias in regard to the interview and the quantitative/qualitative method analysis (AU).

Root canal preparation in 3-rooted maxillary premolars through hand, rotary, and reciprocating techniques: a microcomputed tomography evaluation.

Endodontic management of 3-rooted maxillary premolars is a challenge due to their complex anatomy and narrow root canal walls. This study aimed to evaluate, by microcomputed tomography (µCT), the apical enlargement and centering ability promoted by hand, rotary, and reciprocating instrumentation in 3-rooted maxillary premolars. Eighteen teeth were divided into 3 groups (n = 6) according to the preparation technique: crown-down hand, rotary, and reciprocating instrumentation. Instruments with similar apical diameters were used (25 and 40 mm for buccal and palatal canals, respectively). Centering ability and canal enlargement were evaluated through the comparison of µCT images obtained before and after instrumentation. Distances of 0, 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apical stop were considered. Differences between canal areas before and after instrumentation were calculated. In addition, distances between the original canal center and the prepared canal center at the apical stop were measured in both the mesiodistal and buccopalatal directions. Significant differences in enlargement areas and centering ability among the techniques were determined using 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test (P > 0.05). Root canal enlargement was similar for all techniques. Excessive enlargement was observed in only a few specimens, and root perforation did not occur. Some specimens presented untreated canal areas. In mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots, reciprocating instrumentation promoted more centered preparations than hand instrumentation when measured in the mesiodistal direction (P > 0.05). There were no other statistically significant differences. The results established that hand, rotary, and reciprocating techniques presented similar safety margins for instrumentation of the apical third of 3-rooted maxillary premolars. Reciprocating instrumentation presented some advantages over hand preparation regarding centering ability.