Prevalence of Oral Lesions Diagnosed at a Pathology Institute: A Four-year Analysis

Abstract Objective: To identify the most prevalent oral lesions based on reports from a pathology institute's reports and associations between malignant and oral potentially malignant disorders with patient's demographic variables and the anatomical location. Material and Methods: All 1,298 histopathological reports of oral lesions recorded in the database were reviewed. Demographic variables, anatomical location of the lesion, histopathological diagnosis of the lesions, and their biological behavior were analyzed. Results: Regarding the biological behavior of the identified lesions, benign lesions were predominant (70%), followed by lesions of undetermined behavior (14.3%), malignant lesions (14.2%), absence of histological alteration (1.2%), and finally, oral potentially malignant disorders (0.5%). The anatomical locations of the most prevalent oral lesions potentially malignant disorders and malignant were in the following structures of the oral cavity: gums, buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth and hard palate (p=49.2%), and tongue (p=48.7%). Conclusion: The probability of malignant and premalignant lesions was higher among males (PR= 4.21; 95% CI 2.08-6.22), the increase in age (PR = 1.06; 95% CI 1.05-1.08), and in the tongue region (PR = 5.48; 95% CI 1.67; 17.92). Identification of malignant and potentially malignant oral conditions is higher in older men and in tongue specimens.

Abordagem cirúrgica do lentigo maligno facial pela técnica de Spaghetti / Surgical approach of facial lentigo maligna with the Spaghetti technique

A completa remoção cirúrgica do lentigo maligno é desafiadora devido à dificuldade em determinar margens, disseminação subclínica e frequente localização facial. Neste artigo, relata-se abordagem cirúrgica de extenso lentigo maligno facial pela técnica de spaghetti, com margens livres no terceiro estágio cirúrgico. Essa técnica consiste na ressecção de margem circular periférica aos limites clínicos do tumor com avaliação histológica, sem remoção da lesão. Novas etapas incluem ampliação das margens comprometidas até que todo o perímetro esteja livre, quando então a ressecção do tumor e a reconstrução do defeito cirúrgico são realizadas simultaneamente. Objetiva atingir margens livres preservando tecido em áreas estéticas e funcionais.

Complete surgical removal of lentigo maligna is challenging due to the difficulty in determining margins, subclinical spread and frequent facial location. In this article, we report the surgical approach of an extensive facial lentigo maligna with the "spaghetti" technique, with free margins in the third surgical step. This technique consists in the resection of a circular margin surrounding the clinical boundaries of the tumor, with histological evaluation, without removing the lesion. New steps include widening of the affected margins until the whole area is free, when tumor resection and reconstruction of the surgical defect take place simultaneously. The aim is to reach the free margins, preserving tissue in aesthetic and functional areas.

Self-perceived quality of health and satisfaction by elderly seen by the Family Health Strategy team / Autopercepção da qualidade de saúde e satisfação de idosos acompanhados por equipe Estratégia Saúde da Família

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the profile of elderly followed up by Family Health Strategy teams and the influence of self-reported chronic diseases on demographic variables, describing self-perception and satisfaction with quality of health. Methods: This is a cross-sectional population- based study carried out with 301 elderly residents in two areas of a city in southern Brazil. Data were collected through a questionnaire based on the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Study adapted by researchers, and a playful scale to assess satisfaction with health. For the statistical analysis, the χ2 test was used (p<0.05). Results: Regarding cognitive assessment, the majority was classified as independent (86.4%), not requiring caregiver assistance to answer the questionnaire. The population was predominantly female (55.8%), White (64.8%), married (51.2%), and catholic (82.1%). A total of 47.5% considered their current health status as regular. Regarding satisfaction with health, 72.4% were happy, even reporting having at least one chronic health problem (58.5%). Conclusion: The presence of chronic diseases was reported by most respondents, and the practice of self-medication is significantly more frequent among the aged. Nevertheless, the degree of satisfaction with their health status was predominantly positive, both related to the previous year and compared to others of the same age.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar o perfil de idosos acompanhados por equipes Estratégia Saúde da Família e a influência de doenças crônicas autorreferidas nas variáveis sociodemográficas, descrevendo a autopercepção e a satisfação com a qualidade de sua saúde. Métodos: Pesquisa transversal, de base populacional, realizada com 301 idosos residentes em duas áreas de um município do sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por um questionário baseado no questionário do estudo Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento, adaptado pelos pesquisadores, e um escala lúdica, para avaliar a satisfação com a saúde. Para a análise estatística, foi utilizado o teste χ2 (p<0,05). Resultados: Com relação à avaliação cognitiva, a maioria da população foi classificada como independente (86,4%), não necessitando de auxílio de cuidador para responder o questionário. A população foi predominantemente feminina (55,8%), branca (64,8%), casada (51,2%) e católica (82,1%). Ainda, 47,5% consideraram seu estado de saúde atual como regular. Com relação à satisfação com a saúde, 72,4% sentiam-se felizes, mesmo tendo relatado possuir, no mínimo, um problema de saúde crônico (58,5%). Conclusão: A presença de doenças crônicas foi relatada pela maioria dos entrevistados, com a prática de automedicação significativamente mais frequente nestes idosos. Apesar disto, o grau de satisfação com suas condições de saúde foi referido de forma predominantemente positiva, tanto em relação ao ano anterior quanto quando comparado a outras pessoas da mesma idade.

Influence of maternal anxiety on child anxiety during dental care: cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES:: Anxiety is usually classified as a disorder of neurotic nature and is often related to contexts of stress, which may include worries, motor tension and autonomic hyperactivity. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of mothers' anxiety on their children's anxiety during dental care. DESIGN AND SETTING:: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted at in a private dentistry school in the south of Brazil. METHODS:: Convenience sampling was used. All mothers of children undergoing treatment were invited to participate in this study. Data to investigate anxiety related to dental treatment among the children were collected through applying the Venham Picture Test (VPT) scale. For the mothers, the Corah scale was applied. A self-administered sociodemographic questionnaire with questions about demographic, behavioral, oral health and dental service variables was also used. RESULTS:: 40 mother-child pairs were included in the study. The results showed that 40% of the children were anxious and 60% of the mothers were slightly anxious. Local anesthesia was the procedure that caused most anxiety among the mothers, making them somewhat uncomfortable and anxious (60%). Family income higher than R$ 1,577.00 had an influence on maternal anxiety (75.6%). Maternal anxiety had an influence on child anxiety (81.3%). CONCLUSION:: Most of the children showed the presence of anxiety, which ranged from fear of dental care to panic, inferring that maternal anxiety has an influence on children's anxiety. Dental procedures did not interfere with the mothers' anxiety, but caused positive feelings, whereas they affected the children more.

Influence of maternal anxiety on child anxiety during dental care: cross-sectional study / Influência da ansiedade materna na ansiedade infantil frente ao atendimento odontológico: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Anxiety is usually classified as a disorder of neurotic nature and is often related to contexts of stress, which may include worries, motor tension and autonomic hyperactivity. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of mothers’ anxiety on their children’s anxiety during dental care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted at in a private dentistry school in the south of Brazil. METHODS: Convenience sampling was used. All mothers of children undergoing treatment were invited to participate in this study. Data to investigate anxiety related to dental treatment among the children were collected through applying the Venham Picture Test (VPT) scale. For the mothers, the Corah scale was applied. A self-administered sociodemographic questionnaire with questions about demographic, behavioral, oral health and dental service variables was also used. RESULTS: 40 mother-child pairs were included in the study. The results showed that 40% of the children were anxious and 60% of the mothers were slightly anxious. Local anesthesia was the procedure that caused most anxiety among the mothers, making them somewhat uncomfortable and anxious (60%). Family income higher than R$ 1,577.00 had an influence on maternal anxiety (75.6%). Maternal anxiety had an influence on child anxiety (81.3%). CONCLUSION: Most of the children showed the presence of anxiety, which ranged from fear of dental care to panic, inferring that maternal anxiety has an influence on children’s anxiety. Dental procedures did not interfere with the mothers’ anxiety, but caused positive feelings, whereas they affected the children more.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A ansiedade é geralmente classificada como um transtorno de caráter neurótico, frequentemente relacionado a contextos de estresse variando entre preocupações, tensão motora e hiperatividade autonômica. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência da ansiedade materna na ansiedade de seu filho durante o atendimento odontológico. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo analítico transversal realizado em uma faculdade particular do sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Amostragem por conveniência foi utilizada. Todas as mães das crianças em tratamento foram convidadas a participar da pesquisa. A coleta dos dados para verificar a ansiedade relacionada com o tratamento odontológico nas crianças foi realizada a partir da aplicação da escala “Venham Picture Test” (VPT). Para as mães, foi utilizada a escala de Corah. Também se utilizou um questionário sociodemográfico autoaplicativo sobre variáveis demográficas, comportamentais, de saúde bucal e de serviço odontológico. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 40 pares de mães e crianças. Os resultados mostraram que 40% das crianças estavam ansiosas e 60% das mães estavam levemente ansiosas. A anestesia local foi o procedimento que causou mais ansiedade entre as mães, deixando-as um pouco desconfortáveis e ansiosas (60%). Renda familiar maior de R$ 1.577,00 influenciou a ansiedade materna (75.6%). A ansiedade materna influenciou a ansiedade das crianças (81.3%). CONCLUSÃO: A maioria das crianças apresentou ansiedade, o que variou do medo ao pânico ao atendimento odontológico, inferindo que a ansiedade materna tem influência na ansiedade dos seus filhos. Os procedimentos odontológicos não interferem na ansiedade das mães, atingindo mais as crianças, porém provocam sentimentos positivos.

Self-perceived quality of health and satisfaction by elderly seen by the Family Health Strategy team.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the profile of elderly followed up by Family Health Strategy teams and the influence of self-reported chronic diseases on demographic variables, describing self-perception and satisfaction with quality of health. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional population- based study carried out with 301 elderly residents in two areas of a city in southern Brazil. Data were collected through a questionnaire based on the Health, Well-Being, and Aging Study adapted by researchers, and a playful scale to assess satisfaction with health. For the statistical analysis, the χ2 test was used (p<0.05). RESULTS: Regarding cognitive assessment, the majority was classified as independent (86.4%), not requiring caregiver assistance to answer the questionnaire. The population was predominantly female (55.8%), White (64.8%), married (51.2%), and catholic (82.1%). A total of 47.5% considered their current health status as regular. Regarding satisfaction with health, 72.4% were happy, even reporting having at least one chronic health problem (58.5%). CONCLUSION: The presence of chronic diseases was reported by most respondents, and the practice of self-medication is significantly more frequent among the aged. Nevertheless, the degree of satisfaction with their health status was predominantly positive, both related to the previous year and compared to others of the same age.

Vigilância da concentração de flúor nas águas de abastecimento público na cidade de Passo Fundo - RS / Monitoring of fluorine concentration of the public water supply in Passo Fundo City - RS

Resumo Introdução O flúor possui eficácia no combate e na prevenção à cárie dentária, o que justifica sua adição na água de abastecimento público, no sal, em géis, soluções para bochechos, vernizes, dentifrícios e materiais restauradores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a fluoretação da água potável para consumo humano no abastecimento público, em um município do Rio Grande do Sul, por meio de análise das amostras de água. Métodos O estudo tem um delineamento descritivo de 121 amostras de água fluoretada, coletadas mensalmente no ano de 2013, em diferentes bairros da zona urbana do município. Resultados Os níveis estavam aceitáveis em 39,7% das amostras, pois 60,3% apresentaram-se abaixo do ideal, e somente 21,4% das amostras ofereceram a melhor combinação risco-benefício para a população (0,65-0,94mg/L de F). Conclusão Concluiu-se que os níveis de concentração de flúor observados nas amostras de água não se mantiveram constantes no período, estando em desacordo com a legislação vigente. Esses dados podem estar correlacionados com a alta prevalência de cárie dentária encontrada na população em estudos municipais.

Abstract Introduction Fluorine has efficiency combating and preventing tooth decay, which justifies its addition in public water distribuition, salt, gels, mouthwashes, varnishes, toothpastes and restorative materials. This work aimed to evaluate fluoridation of drinkable water for human consumption in the public water supply on a city of Rio Grande do Sul, through analysis of the samples of water. Methods The study was descriptive research, in which a database of 121 samples of fluoridated water were collected monthly in several metropolitan area districts of the city. Results results showed that 39.7% of the samples were acceptable, 60.3% unacceptable (suboptimal). Regarding the risk-benefit, only 21.4% of the samples offered the best risk-benefit match for the population (0.65 to 0.94 mg/L F). Conclusion The levels of fluorine concentration in samples from the public water supply in the city, showed significant changes during the study period, with a mean concentration of fluorine levels in compliance with the current legislation. These data can be correlated with the high prevalence of dental caries in this population on studies conducted in the cities.

Impact of dental orientation given to mothers during pregnancy on oral health of their children.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perception of mothers about oral health of their children, as well as to check the influence of demographic variables, perception and preventive practice in oral health of mothers regarding guidance received during pregnancy. METHODS: Quantitative and cross-sectional field study, with a non-probability sample formed by all mothers who attended the primary healthcare unit of Ijuí (RS), Brazil, from January to July 2014, comprising a sample of 79 women. Self-applied questionnaires were given to these mothers. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics, the χ2 test at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The mothers who received dental orientation during pregnancy had greater perception of oral health of their children. The mean age of mothers was 26 years, most of them attended high school education (32.9%) and worked outside the home (60.8%). There was a statistically significant relation between the outcome variable, dental orientation during pregnancy, and the independent variables: schooling level of mothers, occupation, baby's first visit to the dentist, duration of breastfeeding, beginning of baby's tooth brushing and knowledge about dental decay (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: Mothers with higher schooling levels and who worked outside the home had more knowledge about oral care, because they received dental orientation during pregnancy. The dental guidance during pregnancy influences the mother in the procedures adopted with their children, as to early oral hygiene, first dentist appointment, duration of breastfeeding, knowledge about the factors that lead to dental decay. OBJETIVO: Analisar a percepção das mães em relação à saúde bucal de seus filhos, bem como verificar a influência das variáveis demográficas, de percepção e prática preventiva em saúde bucal das mães, na orientação odontológica recebida durante a gestação. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa de campo com abordagem quantitativa e delineamento transversal. A amostragem foi não probabilística com todas as mães que frequentaram o posto de saúde do município de Ijuí (RS), de janeiro a julho de 2014, compondo uma amostra de 79 mulheres. Foram distribuídos questionários autoaplicativos às mães participantes da pesquisa. A análise dos dados foi feita através de estatística descritiva e inferencial, pelo teste do χ2 com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Mães que receberam orientação odontológica durante a gestação tiveram maior percepção sobre a saúde bucal de seus filhos. A média de idade das mães foi 26 anos, e a maioria delas frequentou o ensino médio completo (32,9%) e trabalhava fora de casa (60,8%). Houve uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre a variável desfecho, orientação odontológica durante a gestação e as variáveis independentes: escolaridade das mães, ocupação, primeira visita do bebê ao dentista, tempo de amamentação natural, início da escovação do bebê e conhecimento sobre a cárie dentária (p<0,005). CONCLUSÃO: As mães com maior nível de escolaridade e que trabalhavam fora de casa tinham mais conhecimento sobre atenção odontológica, pois receberam orientação odontológica na gestação. A orientação odontológica recebida na gestação influencia as mães nos procedimentos adotados com seus filhos, em relação ao início da higienização bucal, primeira consulta ao dentista, tempo de amamentação, o conhecimento sobre os fatores que levam ao aparecimento da cárie dentária.

Impact of dental orientation given to mothers during pregnancy on oral health of their children / Impacto da orientação odontológica para mães durante a gestação em relação à saúde bucal dos filhos

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the perception of mothers about oral health of their children, as well as to check the influence of demographic variables, perception and preventive practice in oral health of mothers regarding guidance received during pregnancy. Methods Quantitative and cross-sectional field study, with a non-probability sample formed by all mothers who attended the primary healthcare unit of Ijuí (RS), Brazil, from January to July 2014, comprising a sample of 79 women. Self-applied questionnaires were given to these mothers. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics, the χ2 test at a significance level of 5%. Results The mothers who received dental orientation during pregnancy had greater perception of oral health of their children. The mean age of mothers was 26 years, most of them attended high school education (32.9%) and worked outside the home (60.8%). There was a statistically significant relation between the outcome variable, dental orientation during pregnancy, and the independent variables: schooling level of mothers, occupation, baby’s first visit to the dentist, duration of breastfeeding, beginning of baby’s tooth brushing and knowledge about dental decay (p<0.005). Conclusion Mothers with higher schooling levels and who worked outside the home had more knowledge about oral care, because they received dental orientation during pregnancy. The dental guidance during pregnancy influences the mother in the procedures adopted with their children, as to early oral hygiene, first dentist appointment, duration of breastfeeding, knowledge about the factors that lead to dental decay.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a percepção das mães em relação à saúde bucal de seus filhos, bem como verificar a influência das variáveis demográficas, de percepção e prática preventiva em saúde bucal das mães, na orientação odontológica recebida durante a gestação. Métodos Pesquisa de campo com abordagem quantitativa e delineamento transversal. A amostragem foi não probabilística com todas as mães que frequentaram o posto de saúde do município de Ijuí (RS), de janeiro a julho de 2014, compondo uma amostra de 79 mulheres. Foram distribuídos questionários autoaplicativos às mães participantes da pesquisa. A análise dos dados foi feita através de estatística descritiva e inferencial, pelo teste do χ2 com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Mães que receberam orientação odontológica durante a gestação tiveram maior percepção sobre a saúde bucal de seus filhos. A média de idade das mães foi 26 anos, e a maioria delas frequentou o ensino médio completo (32,9%) e trabalhava fora de casa (60,8%). Houve uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre a variável desfecho, orientação odontológica durante a gestação e as variáveis independentes: escolaridade das mães, ocupação, primeira visita do bebê ao dentista, tempo de amamentação natural, início da escovação do bebê e conhecimento sobre a cárie dentária (p<0,005). Conclusão As mães com maior nível de escolaridade e que trabalhavam fora de casa tinham mais conhecimento sobre atenção odontológica, pois receberam orientação odontológica na gestação. A orientação odontológica recebida na gestação influencia as mães nos procedimentos adotados com seus filhos, em relação ao início da higienização bucal, primeira consulta ao dentista, tempo de amamentação, o conhecimento sobre os fatores que levam ao aparecimento da cárie dentária.

Information gaps on oral cancer and how should we fill them: proposals based on a survey of southern brazilians / Lacunas de informação sobre o câncer bucal e como preenchê-las: propostas enbasadas em pesquisa com sul brasileiros

The purpose of this research was to ascertain the population's knowledge about oral cancer and propose permanent actions incorporated to the Primordial Prevention Measures. Materials and Methods: There were apply questionnaires in 120 patients of a Basic Health Unit, and most the sample were female and the aged was between 18-82 years. Results: The results showed that most of users don't know adequately about the oral cancer, of which, some believe it's a communicable disease, others believe it's not even a disease. Users know some of the risk factors, but they don't know how to perform self-examination of the mouth. Conclusions: It is suggested the incorporation of three new actions to Prevention Primordial Measure, including the creation of a permanent program in Elementary and Secondary Education Schools, encouraging in favor of self-examination of the mouth and against the use of tobacco and alcohol; the training of dentists from the public care about the actions of measures in Primary and Secondary Prevention; and the integration of effective communication about the actions of measures in Primary and Secondary Prevention.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar o conhecimento da população sobre o câncer bucal e propor ações permanentes incorporados às medidas de prevenção primárias. Foram aplicados questionários em 120 usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, sendo a maioria da amostra do sexo feminine, com idade entre 18-82 anos. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos usuários não possui conhecimento adequado acerca do câncer bucal, dos quais, alguns acreditam que é uma doença transmissível, outros acreditam que não é uma doença. Os usuários demonstraram conhecer alguns dos fatores de risco, mas eles não sabem como realizar o auto-exame da boca. Sugere-se a incorporação de três novas ações para a prevenção Medida Primordial, incluindo a criação de um programa permanente nas Escolas em nível fundamental e Médio, incentivando a realização do auto-exame da boca e contra o uso de tabaco e álcool; a formação de dentistas do atendimento público sobre as ações de medidas em prevenção primária e secundária; e a integração de uma comunicação eficaz sobre as ações de medidas em prevenção primária e secundária.

[Satisfaction with life, dental experience and self-perception of oral health among the elderly]. / Satisfação com a vida, experiência odontológica e autopercepção da saúde bucal entre idosos.

The scope of this article is to analyze the relationship between satisfaction with quality of life, self-perception of oral health and experience with dental surgeons. The study is cross-sectional epidemiological in structure with a sample of 326 elderly individuals over 60 years of age living in a city in the north of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The instrument for data collection was a self-administered questionnaire with queries relating to self-perception in oral health (OHIP - Oral Health Impact Profile), Quality of Life Satisfaction scale and sociodemographic issues. The findings showed that the elderly with higher levels of quality of life satisfaction manifested an enhanced perception of their own oral health as well as a better perceived image of dental surgeons and less anxiety about their experiences with the dentist. It was proven that both the self-perception that the elderly have about oral health as well as their experience with dentists is associated with the quality of life satisfaction of the elderly. The results have important implications for decision-makers and formulators of public policy.

Differential diagnosis of dental fluorosis made by undergraduate dental students / Diagnóstico diferencial de fluorose dentária por discentes de odontologia

ABSTRACT Objective To check knowledge of undergraduate dental students to make diagnosis of dental fluorosis with varying degrees of severity and choose its appropriate treatment. Methods Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire addressing knowledge of undergraduates based on ten images of mouths presenting enamel changes. Results Only three images were correctly diagnosed by most undergraduates; the major difficulty was in establishing dental fluorosis severity degree. Conclusion Despite much information about fluorosis conveyed during the Dentistry training, as defined in the course syllabus, a significant part of the students was not able to differentiate it from other lesions; they did not demonstrate expertise as to defining severity of fluorosis and indications for treatment, and could not make the correct diagnosis of enamel surface changes.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o conhecimento de discentes de um curso de graduação em Odontologia ao diagnosticar casos de fluorose dentária nos diversos graus de severidade, bem como escolher seu tratamento adequado. Métodos O levantamento dos dados foi realizado por meio um questionário semiestruturado, que abordou o conhecimento dos acadêmicos sobre as imagens de bocas contendo alterações do esmalte dentário. Resultados Apenas três imagens foram diagnosticadas corretamente pela maioria dos acadêmicos; a maior dificuldade foi o diagnóstico da severidade da fluorose dentária. Conclusão Apesar das informações sobre fluorose repassadas no decorrer do curso de Odontologia, definidas pelos conteúdos abordados na matriz curricular, expressiva parte dos alunos ainda não soube diferenciá-la de outras lesões, não demonstrando domínio sobre a severidade e as indicações de tratamento, o que indicou desconhecimento no diagnóstico correto das alterações de superfície de esmalte.

Satisfação com a vida, experiência odontológica e autopercepção da saúde bucal entre idosos / Satisfaction with life, dental experience and self-perception of oral health among the elderly

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a relação existente entre a satisfação com a vida e a autopercepção em saúde bucal e a experiência com cirurgiões-dentistas. A pesquisa tem um delineamento epidemiológico transversal, com uma amostra de 326 idosos acima de 60 anos de idade, moradores de um município do norte do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para o instrumento de coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário autoaplicativo com questões referentes à autopercepção em saúde bucal (OHIP – Perfil de Impacto na Saúde Oral), Escala de Satisfação com a Vida e dados sociodemográficos. Os resultados mostraram que idosos com maiores níveis de satisfação com a vida apresentaram uma melhor percepção de sua própria saúde bucal, bem como possuem uma melhor imagem percebida dos cirurgiões-dentistas e sentem menos ansiedade em relação à experiência com o dentista. Comprova-se que tanto a autopercepção que os idosos possuem da saúde bucal quanto a experiência com cirurgiões-dentistas possuem uma associação com a satisfação com a vida. Os resultados possuem implicações importantes para tomadores de decisões e formuladores de políticas públicas.

Abstract The scope of this article is to analyze the relationship between satisfaction with quality of life, self-perception of oral health and experience with dental surgeons. The study is cross-sectional epidemiological in structure with a sample of 326 elderly individuals over 60 years of age living in a city in the north of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The instrument for data collection was a self-administered questionnaire with queries relating to self-perception in oral health (OHIP - Oral Health Impact Profile), Quality of Life Satisfaction scale and sociodemographic issues. The findings showed that the elderly with higher levels of quality of life satisfaction manifested an enhanced perception of their own oral health as well as a better perceived image of dental surgeons and less anxiety about their experiences with the dentist. It was proven that both the self-perception that the elderly have about oral health as well as their experience with dentists is associated with the quality of life satisfaction of the elderly. The results have important implications for decision-makers and formulators of public policy.

Differential diagnosis of dental fluorosis made by undergraduate dental students.

OBJECTIVE: To check knowledge of undergraduate dental students to make diagnosis of dental fluorosis with varying degrees of severity and choose its appropriate treatment. METHODS: Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire addressing knowledge of undergraduates based on ten images of mouths presenting enamel changes. RESULTS: Only three images were correctly diagnosed by most undergraduates; the major difficulty was in establishing dental fluorosis severity degree. CONCLUSION: Despite much information about fluorosis conveyed during the Dentistry training, as defined in the course syllabus, a significant part of the students was not able to differentiate it from other lesions; they did not demonstrate expertise as to defining severity of fluorosis and indications for treatment, and could not make the correct diagnosis of enamel surface changes.