Cross-cultural adaptation of the Dental Neglect Scale for five-year-old children in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian version of the Dental Neglect Scale (DNS). The process included (i) Translation; ii) Synthesis; iii) Back translation; (iv) Critical analysis by a committee of experts; (v) Pilot studies (n1=30 + n2=30); and (6) Evaluation and refinement of the instrument. The validated DNS presented a Content Validity Index (CVI) equal to 1.0 for the total score, as well as for each item. In the pilot studies, a minimum agreement level of 80% in understanding was achieved. DNS was properly adapted for Brazilian Portuguese, and it needs further study in a representative sample for reliability and construct validity assessment.

[Face and construct validation of the Instrument of Evaluation of Maternal and Child Care Networks (IEMCN)]. / Validação de face e construto do Instrumento de Avaliação de Redes de Atenção Materno-infantil (IARAMI).

The organization of health systems in Health Care Networks (HCN) presents itself as a strategy to overcome the fragmentation of maternal and child health actions and services and to qualify care management. The objective of this study was to validate the Instrument for Evaluation of Maternal and Child Health Care Networks (IARAMI), adapted from the Evaluation Tool of Health Care Networks. The validation process comprised face and construct validation. The methodology used for face validation included the conceptual and semantic adaptation of the instrument and analysis by a panel of experts, through the modified consensus e-Delphi technique. After face validation, IARAMI was applied in a sample of 99 health managers of municipalities in the state of Paraná. The construct validation was conducted through the internal consistency analysis using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and factorial analysis. The factorial analysis technique was applied to each of the dimensions of the instrument, enabling the analysis of communalities. The results showed that IARAMI presented reliability and validity, proving to be a tool that can help managers and health workers in the planning, management, and evaluation of the degree of integration of the maternal and child care network.

A organização dos sistemas de saúde em redes de atenção à saúde (RAS) se apresenta como uma estratégia para superar a fragmentação das ações e serviços de saúde materno-infantil e qualificar a gestão do cuidado. O objetivo deste estudo foi validar o Instrumento de Avaliação de Redes de Atenção Materno-infantil (IARAMI), adaptado a partir do Instrumento de Avaliação de Redes de Atenção à Saúde. O processo de validação compreendeu a validação de face e construto. A metodologia utilizada para a validação de face incluiu a adaptação conceitual e semântica do instrumento e a análise por um painel de especialistas, por meio da técnica e-Delphi de consenso modificada. Após sua validação de face, o IARAMI foi aplicado em uma amostra de gestores de 99 municípios do estado do Paraná. A validação de construto foi conduzida por análise de consistência interna por meio do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e de análise fatorial. A técnica de análise fatorial foi aplicada para cada uma das dimensões do instrumento, permitindo a análise de comunalidades. Os resultados evidenciaram que o IARAMI apresentou confiabilidade e validade, demonstrando ser uma ferramenta que pode auxiliar gestores e trabalhadores da saúde no planejamento, na gestão e na avaliação do grau de integração da rede de atenção à saúde materno-infantil.

Assessing oral health of crack users in Brazil: Perceptions and associated factors, findings from a mixed methods study.

This study explores associated factors and perceptions of oral health among crack users recruited in open drug scenes in Brazil. A mixed methods approach was used. The quantitative component analysed findings from a large (N = 7381), population-based survey. The outcomes under analysis were 'self-perception of oral health' and 'self-reporting of problems affecting the mouth, teeth and gingiva (gums)'. The qualitative component comprised a focus group, with 12 individuals recruited from a drug treatment clinic. Lower self-perception of oral health problems vis-à-vis a higher prevalence of problems affecting the mouth, teeth, and gingiva were found in users who had a lower level of education, used substances daily, had worse self-perception of physical health, did not receive health care and regularly used alcohol and/or tobacco. The results show an association between substance use and decline in oral health, as well as the lack of health services focusing on such issues. Oral health services should be emphasised as a gateway to the health system. So far, the putative cross-referral between services and professionals working in oral health and other health professionals working in the field of drug dependence has not been observed.

Methods for prevention of early childhood caries: Overview of systematic reviews.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a global problem, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate systematically the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of methods for ECC prevention. Six electronic databases were searched. Two independent reviewers selected the publications and analysed the quality of the included systematic reviews. Thirteen studies were included. Overall, eight reviews were classified with methodological quality critically low using the AMSTAR 2, whereas five reviews achieved a high risk of bias using the ROBIS tool. The methods identified that were positively related to the prevention of ECC were as follows: preventive dental programmes for pregnant women; advice on diet and feeding; prenatal oral health care; integration of maternal and children's oral health promotion into nursing practice; maternal oral health programmes undertaken by non-dental health professionals; dental health education in combination with the use of fluoride for children; early preventive dental visits; and the use of fluoride varnish and toothpastes with more than 1000 ppm of fluoride. The currently available evidence supporting the effectiveness of methods for prevention of ECC, although suggesting some methods of greater potential, is still lacking due to the methodological quality of the systematic reviews and the included primary studies.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Dental Neglect Scale for five-year-old children in Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian version of the Dental Neglect Scale (DNS). The process included (i) Translation; ii) Synthesis; iii) Back translation; (iv) Critical analysis by a committee of experts; (v) Pilot studies (n1=30 + n2=30); and (6) Evaluation and refinement of the instrument. The validated DNS presented a Content Validity Index (CVI) equal to 1.0 for the total score, as well as for each item. In the pilot studies, a minimum agreement level of 80% in understanding was achieved. DNS was properly adapted for Brazilian Portuguese, and it needs further study in a representative sample for reliability and construct validity assessment.

Desafios na implantação do modelo de atenção às condições crônicas na perspectiva de gestores no estado do paraná / Desafíos en la utilización del modelo de atención a las condiciones crónicas en la perspectiva de gestores en el estado de paraná / Challenges in implementing the care model for chronic conditions from the perspective of managers in the state of paraná

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever os enfrentamentos vivenciados pelos profissionais gestores no processo de implantação do Modelo de Atenção às Condições Crônicas no estado do Paraná/Brasil. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, com sete gestores de diferentes instituições públicas que participaram do processo de implantação do Modelo de Atenção às Condições Crônicas. As entrevistas foram realizadas no local de trabalho do entrevistado, gravadas, transcritas e validadas pelos participantes. A coleta de dados ocorreu em agosto de 2018. A análise de dados foi conduzida por meio de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: a análise evidenciou as seguintes categorias de análise: a relevância da capitania dos gestores municipais e estaduais no processo de implantação do modelo; educação permanente como estratégia para a implantação do Modelo de Atenção às Condições Crônicas; e a atenção hospitalar como limitação para as redes de atenção. Considerações finais: a implantação do Modelo de Atenção às Condições Crônicas demanda apoio financeiro e político dos gestores municipais e estaduais, e exige uma equipe multidisciplinar capacitada e motivada para envolver-se no processo de mudança. A região de saúde não conseguiu expandir o Modelo de Atenção às Condições Crônicas no âmbito hospitalar.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describirlos enfrentamientos vividos por los profesionales gestores en el proceso de utilización del Modelo de Atencióna las Condiciones Crónicas en el estado de Paraná/Brasil. Método: se trata de un estudio descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo. Fueron realizadas entrevistas semiestructuradas, con siete gestores de diferentes instituciones públicas que participaron del proceso de utilización del Modelo de Atención a las Condiciones Crónicas. Las entrevistas fueron realizadas en el lugar de trabajo del entrevistado, grabadas, transcriptas y validadas por los participantes. La recolección de datos ocurrió en agosto de 2018. El análisis de datos fue conducido por medio de análisis de contenido. Resultados: el análisis evidenció las siguientes categorías de análisis: la relevancia del comando de los gestores municipales y estatales en el proceso de utilización del modelo; educación permanente como estrategia para la utilización del Modelo de Atención a las Condiciones Crónicas; y la atención hospitalaria como limitación para las redes de atención. Consideraciones finales: la utilización del Modelo de Atención a las Condiciones Crónicas demanda apoyo financiero y político de los gestores municipales y estaduales, y exige un equipo multidisciplinario capacitado y motivado para involucrarse en el proceso de cambios. La regional de salud no consiguió ampliar el Modelo de Atención a las Condiciones Crónicas en elámbito hospitalario.

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the confrontations experienced by professional managers in the process of implementing the Modelo de Atenção às Condições Crônicas (Care Model for Chronic Conditions) in the state of Paraná/Brazil. Method: this is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven managers from different public institutions who participated in the process of implementing the Care Model for Chronic Conditions. The interviews were conducted at the interviewee's workplace, recorded, transcribed, and validated by the participants. Data collection took place in August 2018. Data analysis was performed through content analysis. Results: the analysis showed the following categories of analysis: the relevance of the command of municipal and state managers in the process of implementing the model; permanent education as a strategy for the implementation of the Care Model for Chronic Conditions; and hospital care as a limitation for care networks. Final considerations: the implementation of the Care Model for Chronic Conditions demands financial and political support from municipal and state managers and requires a trained and encouraged multidisciplinary team to be involved in the change process. The health area was unable to improve the Model of Attention to Chronic Conditions in the hospital environment.

Barriers in Access to Dental Services Hindering the Treatment of People with Disabilities: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: People with disabilities tend to have greater oral health problems compared to those without disabilities. This may be due to barriers they come across in accessing dental services. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review was to provide a critical digest of the scientific literature concerning barriers and facilitators of access to oral health services for people with disabilities. METHODS: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Brazilian Library of Dentistry (BBO) were searched using keywords relevant to the subject. The search was not restricted to specific languages or years of publication; all relevant studies were translated and reviewed. RESULTS: Sixteen studies including 14 articles, a doctoral thesis, and a monograph were selected, and their quality was analysed using the Downs and Black assessment tool. Barriers to dental services were divided into physical or nonphysical based on the dentist's perspective, as per the perception of parents/guardians or by the persons with disabilities. The barriers that emerged included the dentist's lack of preparation to assist people with disabilities, structural problems of access to dental offices, communication difficulties, and lack of awareness regarding the need for dental treatment for the disabled person. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that people with disabilities continue to run into complex physical, behavioural, or multidimensional barriers in accessing dental services. Improved training of dentists for the care of this population is hereby emphasized. The legal framework enabling access to dental care for people with disabilities must also be respected in each country.

Acesso de migrantes haitianos à saúde pública: uma questão bioética / Access of Haitian migrants to public healthcare: a bioethical question / Accesibilidad de los migrantes haitianos a la salud pública: una cuestión bioética

Resumo As vulnerabilidades intrínsecas à migração despertam o olhar bioético no que concerne às iniquidades em saúde, que muitas vezes comprometem o acesso a serviços sanitários. Com isso, esta pesquisa avalia o acesso à saúde de migrantes haitianos, buscando reconhecer situações que geram maior vulnerabilidade, com vistas ao aperfeiçoamento de políticas públicas. O estudo utilizou abordagem qualitativa, coletando dados por meio de grupo focal formado por haitianos de ambos os sexos. Conclui-se que é preciso sensibilizar profissionais de saúde em relação a diferenças culturais, combater a xenofobia e o racismo e conscientizar quanto à vulnerabilidade de migrantes e refugiados. A partir disso, será possível repensar políticas e ações em saúde de modo a alcançar a universalidade, a integralidade e a equidade fomentadas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde.

Abstract The vulnerabilities of migrants arouse the bioethical view of health inequities that often affect the access to health. This research evaluates the access to healthcare of Haitian migrants, recognizing the situations that generate greater vulnerability, aiming at the improvement of public health policies. The study used a qualitative approach by conducting a focus group with adult Haitians of both sexes. We verified the need for raising health professionals' awareness of cultural differences, migrants and refugees' vulnerability and the fight against xenophobia and racism. Only after this it will be possible to rethink health policies and actions to achieve the universality, integrality and equity promoted by the Brazilian Unified Health System.

Resumen Las vulnerabilidades intrínsecas a la migración despiertan la mirada bioética referente a las inequidades en salud, que a menudo comprometen la accesibilidad a los servicios sanitarios. Esta investigación evalúa el acceso a la salud de migrantes haitianos, buscando reconocer cuáles son las situaciones con más vulnerabilidad para el grupo, con miras a mejorar las políticas de salud pública. Se utilizó un enfoque cualitativo mediante la recolección de datos de un grupo focal con haitianos adultos de ambos sexos. Es necesario sensibilizar a los profesionales de la salud en cuanto a las diferencias culturales, al combate a la xenofobia y el racismo, y a la vulnerabilidad de los migrantes y refugiados. Esto posibilita repensar las políticas y acciones en salud para cumplir con el papel de universalidad, integralidad y equidad fomentado por el Sistema Único de Salud brasileño.

Atenção secundária em saúde bucal materno-infantil / Secondary Care in maternal and child oral health

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de análise sobre a atenção secundária em saúde bucal na Rede de Atenção Materno-infantil em 136 municípios no estado do Paraná. Para avaliação do perfil dessa rede foi utilizado o Instrumento de Avaliação de Rede de Atenção Materno-infantil (IARAMI). Os participantes da pesquisa responderam a um questionário composto por 131 perguntas, sendo duas delas sobre saúde bucal. A organização da atenção secundária em saúde bucal foi identificada na maioria dos municípios avaliados (80,80%), porém falta integração com a atenção primária. Dos municípios avaliados apenas 13,13% apresentaram ótima integração entre esses pontos. A atenção à saúde bucal para gestantes e crianças deve ser organizada em redes de atenção integrada para garantir a qualificação da atenção. (AU)

This article presents the results of analysis of secondary care in oral health in the Maternal and Child Care Network in 136 municipalities in the state of Paraná. To evaluate the profile of this network, the Maternal and Child Care Network Assessment Instrument (IARAMI) was used. The participants answered a questionnaire consisting of 131 questions, two of them about oral health. The organization of secondary care in oral health was identified in most municipalities evaluated (80.80%), but there is notintegration with primary care. Of the municipalities evaluated, only 13.13% presented good integration between these points of attention. Oral health care for pregnant women and children should be organized into integrated care networks to ensure the qualification of care. (AU)

The feminization of dentistry and the perceptions of public service users about gender issues in oral health / A feminização da odontologia e as percepções dos usuários do serviço público sobre as questões de gênero em saúde bucal

Abstract It was investigated the perception of service users in relation to the professional practice of dentists, based on gender differences. The Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) was applied to 900 users of the Public Service in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Sixty clinics were selected using random sampling, divided between conventional Primary Health Care (PHC) Units and PHC with Family Health System Units. The attributes of PHC that compound the PCATool were analyzed. A question was added about user preference regarding the gender of the dental professional, thus generating four dyads derived from user gender/dentist gender (FF, FM, MM, MF). The attributes were linked to the dyads by applying the independent sample t test. Using logistic regression, the dyads were linked to 23 factors relating to scaled-up care in PHC. Many users showed a clear preference for being attended by female dentists. Users who prefer to be cared for by women tend to better evaluate PHC on issues related to "active listening", while those who prefer to be cared for by male dentists highlight the attributes of "care integration" and "community guidance". In other factors and attributes studied, there is no difference between the care given by men or women, regardless the unit.

Resumo Investigou-se a percepção dos usuários do serviço quanto à prática profissional dos dentistas, com base em diferenças de gênero. O Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) foi aplicado a 900 usuários do Serviço Público de Curitiba, PR, Brasil. Sessenta clínicas odontológicas foram selecionadas usando amostragem aleatória, divididas entre unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) convencional e unidades de APS com Estratégia Saúde da Família. Os atributos da APS no PCATool foram analisados. Uma questão foi adicionada acerca da preferência do usuário em relação ao gênero do dentista, gerando quatro díades derivadas da combinação do gênero do usuário/gênero do dentista (FF, FM, MM, MF). Os atributos foram ligados às díades pelo teste t para amostras independentes. Por regressão logística, as díades foram relacionadas a 23 fatores referentes aos cuidados ampliados na APS. Muitos usuários mostraram preferência por dentistas mulheres. Esses tendem a avaliar melhor os cuidados de saúde primários quanto à "escuta ativa e qualificada", enquanto aqueles que preferem ser atendidos por homens destacam os atributos de "integração do cuidado" e "orientação comunitária". Em outros fatores e atributos estudados, não há diferença entre o atendimento prestado por homens ou mulheres, independentemente da unidade.

The feminization of dentistry and the perceptions of public service users about gender issues in oral health.

It was investigated the perception of service users in relation to the professional practice of dentists, based on gender differences. The Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) was applied to 900 users of the Public Service in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Sixty clinics were selected using random sampling, divided between conventional Primary Health Care (PHC) Units and PHC with Family Health System Units. The attributes of PHC that compound the PCATool were analyzed. A question was added about user preference regarding the gender of the dental professional, thus generating four dyads derived from user gender/dentist gender (FF, FM, MM, MF). The attributes were linked to the dyads by applying the independent sample t test. Using logistic regression, the dyads were linked to 23 factors relating to scaled-up care in PHC. Many users showed a clear preference for being attended by female dentists. Users who prefer to be cared for by women tend to better evaluate PHC on issues related to "active listening", while those who prefer to be cared for by male dentists highlight the attributes of "care integration" and "community guidance". In other factors and attributes studied, there is no difference between the care given by men or women, regardless the unit.

Dental caries: Genetic and protein interactions.

OBJECTIVE: To present a genetic and protein interaction analysis associated with dental caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first step was to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) through an electronic database search. Case-controls that reported associations between genes and dental caries were the main type of study design used as inclusion criteria, retrieved from the PubMed and the Virtual Health Library databases, comprising the chronological range from 1982 to 2017. The SLR was guided by PRISMA protocol and the methodological quality of the studies was established through Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). In the second step, the String Protein Interaction (SPI) approach was used to analyze protein interaction (by esyN software) and also the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to check biological pathways associated with dental caries genes. RESULTS: A total of 51 articles were included to perform this SLR, describing a number of 27 genes associated with dental caries development. At the genetic level, 23 genes have at least one other gene with which they interact. The genes TUFT1, VDR, TFIP11, LTF, HLA-DRB1, MMP2, MMP3 and MUC5B were shown to be connected in interactive networks by at least 10 other genes. CONCLUSION: It is essential to apprehend the multifactorial pattern of inheritance in human disease. This study presents pathways which may be directly correlated with several dental caries phenotype and this contributes to a better understanding of this disease, opening up a wider range of biotechnology options for its effective control in the future.

Self-Perception of Gerontoism according to Social Support and Family Functionality.

BACKGROUND: The gerontoism, a neologism adopted here, is a form of discrimination regarding age and can occur in rational, emotional, and behavioral contexts, and could be influenced by many factors. This study aimed to identify if the social support and the family functionality interfere in the self-perception of gerontoism. METHODS: Participants were 376 elderly in good physical and mental condition. They participated in the Group Living organization in the Municipality of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil, in 2012. Information was collected about sociodemographic profile using a structured questionnaire. The social support, the family functionality, and the self-perception of gerontoism were defined by the Medical Outcomes Study, the Family APGAR index, and Ageism Survey, respectively. The variables were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient, One Way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test, and the Student's t-test. RESULTS: Most of the participants came from small cities from the interior (48.7%), were female (94.4%), with age ranging 60-69 yr-old (45.5%), whites (76.1%), widowers (47.1%), with children (93.9%), with low schooling (55.3%), with family income from 1-2 minimum wage (31.4%), and retirees not working (44.1%). It was not observed correlation between sociodemographic variables and self-perception of gerontoism. Statistical significance was observed between self-perception of gerontoism and social support (r= -0.26, P=0.00), and between the self-perception and family functionality (r = -0.28, P=0.00). Once the scores of self-perception of gerontoism increased, the ones from social support and family functionality, decreased. CONCLUSION: Lower self-perception of gerontoism was observed in elderly with higher social support and family functionality.

Curitiba Statement on Health Promotion and Equity: voices from people concerned with global inequities.

This Statement represents the voice of participants in the 22nd IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion, held in Curitiba, Brazil, in May 2016. The Brazilian political context at that time greatly influenced the drafting of the Curitiba Statement, which was considered by many participants as an opportunity to categorically express that Brazilian democracy was threatened, as well as the danger of fiscal austerity implemented by many governments of the world. The conference organizers also perceived the launching of this Statement as an opportunity to influence the WHO Shanghai Declaration, since it very strongly stated the influence of commercial interests and corporate practices of the market that are harmful to health. The Curitiba Statement gathers 120 suggestions made by conference participants and focuses on how strengthening health promotion and equity can improve people's lives. The 21 recommendations were summarized and resulted in appeals to International Organizations, all levels of Governments, Health Sector, Citizens, Health Professionals and Researchers. Unlike a declaration from government summit that are restricted by governments negotiations from different ideological spectrum, the Curitiba Statement was developed in a free environment to foster professional activism. We reaffirm that the objectives of Health Promotion in the Sustainable Development will only be fully achieved by incorporating these four fundamental principles: democracy, social justice, social mobilization and equity. Health Promotion in the twenty-first century needs new narratives and inputs from professional associations, which can be more assertive and to influencing the official declarations of government.

Exploring challenges, threats and innovations in global health promotion.

Global health faces a broad spectrum of old and new challenges. Besides epidemiological problems, political conflicts, economic crisis and austerity policies are jeopardizing progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), affecting the most vulnerable populations. During the 22nd International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) World Conference on Health Promotion held in Curitiba, Brazil, in 2016, challenges and threats for global health, in addition to a wide range of innovative experiences in health promotion, were discussed with participants from 65 countries. At the end of the conference, a public statement was approved claiming for Democracy and Human Rights in all countries around the world as essential conditions for the promotion of health and equity. In this paper, we explore challenges, threats and innovations in global health promotion. We use scientific literature, analysis of the current situation of the Brazilian health system, and material presented during the 22nd IUHPE World Conference. Also, we discuss strategies to strengthen health systems, policies and practices through the approach of STI and illustrative local experiences presented at the congress mentioned above, including examples developed in the city of Curitiba. We conclude that STI is crucial to support strengthening local health systems, design effective intersectoral public policies, scaling up innovative initiates, and skilling staff in addressing the contemporary challenges. Finally, the Declaration of the 22nd World Conference on Health Promotion of the IUHPE is a fundamental policy statement based on the prioritization of democracy and human rights as essential conditions for the promotion of health and equity.

Impact of oral conditions on the quality of life of incarcerated women in Brazil.

Imprisoned women represent a growing population worldwide with important health needs. In this study, we aimed to analyze the impact of oral health conditions on the quality of life of female inmates in a maximum security correctional facility. Participants were examined and answered the OHIP-14 questionnaire. A total of 305 inmates were included in the study. Prevalence of untreated caries was 84%. Worse quality of life was associated with dental caries, dental pain, deep periodontal pocket, prosthetic use, and age. Sociodental indicators should be incorporated into healthcare and health policies in order to promote wellbeing among this vulnerable population.

Training and evaluation of professors of dentistry in postgraduate programmes in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, the undergraduate dental education still remains fragmented and dissociated from its social context, with emphasis on the individualistic and private aspects of dental health. This study aimed to analyze the training and development of university professors of dentistry in stricto sensu postgraduate programs in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Delphi electronic methodology was used within a qualitative-quantitative design to gather data from a panel of 58 experts. Discussions representing the analytic axis focused on: (i) the evaluative processes of higher education, in particular stricto sensu postgraduate programs, and their influence on academic activities in undergraduate dentistry courses and (ii) policies for training and developing university professors. RESULTS: Of the experts, 30 participated in the first round, 24 in the second, and 19 in the third. They considered the training of university professors in dentistry to be highly specialized and technologically focused and indicated the review of political-pedagogic aspects of the educational sphere, as well as the social, economic, cultural, epidemiologic, and professional aspects of training and preparation prescribed by the National Curricular Guides for graduate courses in dentistry. An adequate process of evaluating the official organs and regulators of postgraduate stricto sensu programs, as well the programs themselves, should be implemented. CONCLUSION: The experts stated that changes to the university teaching system are necessary, even in the field of dentistry. Mechanisms for evaluating areas and professors were inadequate, and the training was overly specialized and not consistent with the social reality of the country.

Assessment of public oral healthcare services in Curitiba, Brazil: a cross-sectional study using the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool).

OBJECTIVES: To compare two different models of public oral health in primary care services, a so-called family health strategy (FHS), as opposed to non-FHS services designated as 'conventional' healthcare (CHC), regarding the presence and extent of the attributes of 'good' primary healthcare (PHC). The null hypothesis of this study is that the attributes do not differ between the FHS and CHC. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Public PHC services in Curitiba, the state capital of Paraná. PARTICIPANTS: PHC users of the public oral health network (n=900) and dentists active in this municipal network (n=203). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool)-Dentists and PCATool-Users were used to analyse the primary outcomes ('essential' attributes) and secondary outcomes ('derived' attributes) in the PHC. RESULTS: Overall, the primary care services in oral health were well evaluated, both by users and by dentists, with mean scores ascribed to PHC attributes mostly above the cut-off point (6.6). The exception for users were affiliation (6.36; 95% CI 6.11 to 6.60) and accessibility (5.83; 95% CI 5.78 to 5.89); and for dentists the accessibility (5.80; 95% CI 5.63 to 5.96). When comparing FHS and CHC, there was a superiority of the FHS model, which reached a general mean score of 7.53 (95% CI 7.48 to 7.58) among users and 7.56 (95% CI 7.45 to 7.67) among dentists; on the other hand, the CHC general mean score was of 6.61 (95% CI 6.49 to 6.73) and 6.68 (95% CI 6.56 to 6.80) respectively for users and dentists. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal a reasonable level of attainment of PHC attributes in the services investigated. Nevertheless, public health managers should make efforts to reduce the difficulties faced by users in accessing dental care. The more positive results achieved by FHS services indicate that the provision of oral healthcare under this strategy should be expanded.

Behaviour and Prevention of 5'Fluorouracil and Doxorubicin-induced Oral Mucositis in Immunocompetent Patients with Solid Tumors: A Randomised Trial.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of four methods to prevent chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) in patients with solid tumors (ST). In addition, the behaviour of OM was investigated in these oncological patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients, aged 27-84, were randomly allocated to different groups from the first day of chemotherapy (CT), in the following sequence: group 1: intensive oral care programme (IOCP); group 2: 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse; group 3: 0.03% triclosan mouthrinse; group 4: low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Oral mucositis was evaluated on the 7th and 14th days by means of the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS). RESULTS: Thirty-one (64.5%) patients developed OM in the first cycle of CT and the pain was significantly associated with OM severity (p < 0.0001). The statistically significantly worst OMAS score was found for the lips and buccal mucosa (p < 0.0001). Despite a lack of statistical significance, IOCP and LLLT notably demonstrated potential effects to prevent OM in patients who presented with only oral erythema (75%) and lower peak of severity during the follow up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Improved oral care awareness is needed in patients undergoing 5'fluorouracil and doxorubicin, mainly to avoid pain caused by oral mucositis. Oral mucositis was more prevalent and aggressive in oral sites exposed to chronic trauma. The IOCP and LLLT approaches showed positive results to prevent oral mucositis and should be further investigated in similar and larger samples.