Predictors of perceived stress and quality of life amongst dental master and doctoral students.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify predictors of perceived stress and quality of life (QoL) amongst dental master and doctoral students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with Brazilian students as participants (n = 707). The following instruments were administered: Perceived stress scale (PSS), the WHOQOL-BREF and a socio-demographic questionnaire. A linear regression model was estimated. RESULTS: The results showed that female was associated with higher scores of PSS and lower scores of QoL. A negative correlation was observed between PSS and all four domains of QoL. Multivariate analysis revealed that the set of selected variables partially explained the variability of PSS score (28%) and the four QoL domains: physical (52%), psychological (62%), social relationships (25%) and environment (37%). The variable number of children, hours of sleep, concurrent work and study, leisure time and physical activity practice were associated with positive changes on QoL, whilst PSS and medication intake with negative. Lower PSS score was associated with the variables age, hours of sleep, leisure time and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that perceived stress and medication intake due to study are important predictors of lower QoL in dental master and doctoral students, especially in the psychological domain. More hours of sleep, leisure time and physical activity improved both QoL and perceived stress scores and might be feasible coping strategies for these outcomes in this population.

Formação profissional e conhecimento sobre biossegurança de Auxiliares de Saúde Bucal dos setores público e privado / Professional training and knowledge on biosafety by Oral Health Assistants of the public and private sectors

Na Odontologia, o conhecimento de medidas de biossegurança relacionadas ao controle de infecção constituem preocupação constante, já que conhecimentos adquiridos podem ser aplicados para a prevenção, minimização ou eliminação de riscos à saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre a formação profissional e o conhecimento sobre biossegurança de Auxiliares de Saúde Bucal (ASBs) dos serviços público e privado em uma cidade do sudoeste da Bahia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal envolvendo 44 profissionais, sendo 16 do setor público e 28 do setor privado. Utilizou-se questionário semiestruturado com 22 questões. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e pelo teste Qui-quadrado. A análise dos dados revelou que 45,5% das ASBs ainda não haviam realizado curso técnico profissionalizante, capacitação ou atualização e 77,3% não possuíam registro no Conselho Regional de Odontologia. As participantes que haviam recebido algum tipo de informação técnico-científica mostraram saber mais sobre o significado do termo biossegurança (p<0,05) e realizar com maior frequência a lavagem das mãos entre um paciente e outro (p<0,05). As profissionais do serviço público mostraram maior conhecimento sobre o significado do termo biossegurança (p<0,05) e a possiblidade de transmissão de doenças para os pacientes (p<0,05), em comparação às do serviço privado. Observou-se neste estudo que uma melhor formação profissional das ASBs pode interferir positivamente sobre os conhecimentos de biossegurança referentes ao controle de infecção (AU).

In dentistry, knowledge of biosafety measures related to infection control is a constant concern, since acquired knowledge can be applied to the prevention, minimization, or elimination of health risks. The objective of this study was to verify the relationship between professional training and biosafety knowledge of Oral Health Assistants (OHAs) of the public and private sectors in a city in southwestern Bahia. This is a cross-sectional study involving 44 professionals, 16 from the public sector and 28 from the private sector. A semi-structured questionnaire with 22 questions was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. Data analysis revealed that 45.5% of the OHAs had not yet completed a vocational technical training or refresher course, and 77.3% had not registered with the Regional Council of Dentistry. Participants who had received some kind of technical-scientific information showed more knowledge about the meaning of the term biosafety (p<0.05) and performed handwashing more frequently between patients (p<0.05). The public sector professionals showed greater knowledge about the meaning of the term biosafety (p<0.05) and the possibility of disease transmission to patients (p<0.05) compared to those in the private sector. It was observed in this study that better professional training of the OHAs can positively influence the knowledge of biosafety regarding the control of infection (AU).

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: how should the dental surgeon proceed? / Apnéia obstrutiva do sono: como o cirurgião-dentista deve proceder?

The aim of this study is to describe a case report of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and to describe a logical sequence for the treatment of patients who suffer from this disease. Through an interpretation of the polysomnography examination, case history, and clinical examination and by performing cephalometric analysis for sleep apnea, a safe and effective treatment using an intraoral device was indicated. Along these lines, a mandibular advancement device, the Posicionador Luiz Godolfim (PLG), was constructed. After using the device for 4 weeks, the patient underwent another polysomnography, which showed the absence of obstructive sleep apnea. The steps followed for the treatment in this case highlight the importance of and the need for a correct and careful approach for patients with sleep apnea referred to dental office. The approach and sequence presented ensured the success of treatment in this case.

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um caso clínico diagnosticado como Síndrome da apnéia obstrutiva do sono, e expor uma sequência lógica para o tratamento de pacientes que sofrem desta doença. Através da interpretação do exame de polissonografia, da anamnese, exame clínico e, ainda, por meio da realização do traçado e análise cefalométrica para apnéia do sono, indicou-se de forma segura e efetiva a terapia com aparelho intra-oral. Desta maneira, foi confeccionado um aparelho de avanço mandibular, o PLG. Após quatro semanas de uso do aparelho, o paciente foi encaminhado à realização de uma nova polissonografia, a qual revelou ausência de apnéias obstrutivas durante o sono. As etapas seguidas no tratamento deste estudo de caso destacaram a importância e a necessidade de uma abordagem correta e criteriosa dos casos de pacientes com apnéia do sono encaminhados ao consultório odontológico. A abordagem e sequência apresentadas garantiram o sucesso no tratamento deste estudo de caso.

Virulence modulation of Streptococcus mutans biofilms by metal ions released from orthodontic appliances.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of metal ions commonly shed from orthodontic appliances on the virulence of Streptococcus mutans ATCC®25175™ biofilms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biofilms were grown in the presence of Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Cr(3+), Co(2+), and a metal ion pool at concentrations similar to those released in saliva of orthodontic patients for 72 hours. Once mature, biofilms were treated for up to 12 hours with 5% glucose. RESULTS: Ions interfered with the growth of S mutans by reducing its biomass (Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Cr(3+)), raising its rates of sugar metabolism (Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Cr(3+)), and raising its secretion of lactate (Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Cr(3+), pool). CONCLUSION: The laboratory data presented here point to the possibility of virulence increase of S mutans by metal ions commonly released during orthodontic therapy.

Insertion torque, pull-out strength and cortical bone thickness in contact with orthodontic mini-implants at different insertion angles.

This study aimed to evaluate biomechanical behaviour of inclined orthodontic mini-implants by analyzing its insertion torque (IT), axial pull-out strength (APS), and cortical bone thickness in contact with mini-implant (CBTC). A total of 102 mini-implants were inserted at 90 degree, 60 degree, and 45 degree to the surface of synthetic bone. Peak IT was measured, and the mini-implants were aligned with the mechanical testing machine to record the APS. The cortical bone thickness in contact with each mini-implant was measured after the pull-out test and the data were subjected to statistical analyses. The 45 degree group had a significantly higher IT compared with the 90 degree group (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant increase in the average of cortical bone thickness in CBTC across the three groups (P < 0.05). A negative correlation between the angulation and the CBTC (r = -0.95, P < 0.05) and a positive correlation between the APS and the CBTC were observed (r = 0.34, P < 0.05). Mini-implants that are inserted more inclined to the surface of the bone provide greater IT and an increased contact with the cortical bone. The greater the CBTC, the greater is the APS.

Virulence modulation of Candida albicans biofilms by metal ions commonly released from orthodontic devices.

The installation of metal devices leads to an increase in the salivary concentration of metal ions and in the growth of salivary Candida spp. However, the relationship between released metal ions and Candida virulence has not been previously examined. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether metal ions affect fungal virulence. We prepared culture media containing Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Cr(3+), Co(2+) or a mixture of these metal ions at concentrations similar to those released in saliva of orthodontic patients. Biofilms of Candida albicans SC5314 were grown for 72 h and their biomasses were determined. The supernatants were analyzed for secretory aspartyl protease (SAP) and hemolysin activities. To verify changes in virulence following treatment with metals, proteolytic and hemolytic activities were converted into specific activities. The results revealed that all ions, except Co(2+), caused increases in biofilm biomass. In addition, Ni(2+) caused an increase in SAP activity and Fe(3+) reduced hemolytic activity. However, the SAP and hemolysin activities in the presence of the mixture of ions did not differ from those of control. These results indicate that metal ions released during the degradation of orthodontic appliances can modulate virulence factors in C. albicans biofilms.