Sociodemographic factors impacting the spatial distribution of private dental clinics in major cities of Peoples Republic of China.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate the geographical distribution of private dental practices in major Chinese cities and analyze the variables influencing this distribution. METHODS: This study used Python to extract various types of Point of Interest (POI) data spanning from 2016 to 2022 from the AutoNavi map. A 1km*1km grid was constructed to establish the study sample. Additional spatial pattern data, including nighttime lighting, population, and air quality data, were integrated into this grid. Global Moran's I index was used to analyze the spatial autocorrelation. The spatial lag model was used to explore the influencing factors of private dental practice distribution. RESULTS: This study reveals a specific clustering pattern for private dental practices in major Chinese cities. The primary influencing factors include nighttime lights, population density, and housing prices, suggesting that dental practices are typically concentrated in highly developed regions with dense populations and high housing costs. Additionally, we discovered that patterns vary across different metropolises, with the most pronounced clustering patterns and substantial inequalities found in the most developed areas. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes that factors such as regional development and population density positively correlate with private dental practice. Additionally, it reveals a strong mutual correlation in the clustering of dental practices, which does not show a substantial correlation with public resources. Finally, it suggests that the spatial heterogeneity pattern implies a rising necessity to tackle inequality issues within urban areas as economic development progresses.

The Impact of a Web-Based Restorative Dentistry Course on the Learning Outcomes of Dental Graduates: Pre-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Restorative dentistry plays a crucial role in dental practice, necessitating professionals to stay abreast with the latest advancements in the field. The advancement of technology has made web-based learning a widely used method of education delivery in dentistry, providing learners with extensive information and flexibility. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate how effective an online educational course in restorative dentistry is for dental graduates in Syria. METHODS: This study used a pre-experimental study design, with pretest and posttest assessments to measure changes in participants' knowledge and skills. A total of 21 dental graduates completed the online course in restorative dentistry, which was hosted on Moodle, using the learning management system of the Syrian Virtual University. Participants were provided with a suggested learning sequence and had the flexibility to navigate the course on their own and at their own pace. The course was developed based on the principles of web course design and web-based course development using the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation) general instructional design model. The pretest and posttest assessments consisted of 50 multiple-choice questions with a single correct answer, aligning with the course content. Furthermore, participants were asked to complete a course acceptance survey upon finishing the course. RESULTS: The results showed a significant improvement in the participants' knowledge of restorative dentistry, supported by a statistically significant P value of less than .05. The effect size of the difference between the pre and posttest indicated that the effect size, as indicated by ω2, demonstrated a significant 62.1% difference between the pre and posttest, indicating a high and statistically significant effect. Furthermore, the value derived from the Haridy obtained work ratio formula indicated that the educational program was effective, with an effectiveness amount of 3.36%. Additionally, 93% (n=19) of respondents expressed confidence in having gained the expected benefits from the educational course upon its completion. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated a notable enhancement in the participants' understanding of restorative dentistry. The participants' high satisfaction rate and positive feedback from the course acceptance survey further emphasize the favorable reception of the web-based learning approach. This study highlights the potential of web-based learning in dental education, opening the door for future research in this area. The findings of this study carry important implications for the design and implementation of web-based educational programs in dentistry, suggesting that such programs can serve as an effective tool for continuous professional development in the field.

Patient Satisfaction with the Quality of Oral Rehabilitation Dental Services: A Comparison between the Public and Private Health System.

Measuring satisfaction can help us understand patients' expectations and adopt individualized treatment according to their expectations. In the current study, we applied the DPQ (Dental Practice Questionnaire) to analyze the degree of patient satisfaction regarding medical services in the public and private sector in a Romanian city from the central region. A group of 200 patients, 100 patients from the public sector and 100 patients from the private sector, participated in the survey. The results showed significant differences in response when patients were stratified by age, gender, visit frequency and length of time attending the same practice. Significant differences between public and private practices were encountered. Moreover, the degree of patient satisfaction was found to be related to appointment promptness/length of time and the confidentiality/ability to listen/knowledge/respect shown by the dentist, while patients' recommendations to others were influenced by dentists' explanations and warmth, followed by the appointment system and confidentiality. Patient satisfaction with oral rehabilitation dental services plays an essential role in maintaining patients' addressability, but there is a multitude of factors that can influence patients' opinions. Further analysis of the evolution of the influencing factors (causing satisfaction or dissatisfaction), in time, could provide deeper insights into the links between patient satisfaction and these factors.

Effectiveness of virtual reality interactive simulation practice in prosthodontic education: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Virtual reality-based interactive simulation (VRIS) provides a safe and controlled environment for dental students and professionals to develop skills and knowledge. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using the VRIS for prosthodontic practice and to explore the trends, application areas, and users' attitudes towards VRIS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for searching studies published until 21 March 2023 that reported quantitative or qualitative learning outcomes related to the use of VRIS for dental prosthodontic practice and clinical training. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale-Education (NOS-E) tools. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to compare the intervention group (utilizing VRIS) and the control group (employing conventional prosthodontic training methods) based on performance skill scores and task completion time, with a significance level set at <.05. RESULTS: The meta-analysis revealed that the utilization of VRIS generally improves students' performance scores (SMD = 1.04; 95% CI, -0.35 to 2.44; I2 > 50%; p = .13) and reduces task completion time (SMD = -0.03; 95% CI, 1.39-7.72; I2 > 50%; p = .93). Notably, using VRIS significantly enhanced the performance scores in implant surgery practice (SMD = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.42; p < .05). Additionally, the VRIS method significantly reduced task completion time in the cavity restorative preparation task (SMD = -1.19; 95% CI, -1.85 to -0.53; p < .05). CONCLUSION: Engaging in practice with VRIS has the potential to enhance learning proficiency in prosthodontic education. The advantages associated with VRIS encompass the provision of immediate feedback, decreased task completion time, heightened confidence and motivation, accelerated skill acquisition, improved performance scores, and increased learning engagement.

Behavioural intervention to promote the uptake of planned care in urgent dental care attenders: a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Urgent dental care may be the only place where many people, especially vulnerable groups, access care. This presents an opportunity for delivery of a behavioural intervention promoting planned dental visiting, which may help address one of the factors contributing to a socio-economic gradient in oral health. Although we know that cueing events such as having a cancer diagnosis may create a 'teachable moment' stimulating positive changes in health behaviour, we do not know whether delivering an opportunistic intervention in urgent dental care is feasible and acceptable to patients. METHODS: The feasibility study aimed to recruit 60 patients in a Dental Hospital and dental practices delivering urgent care within and outside working hours. Follow-up was by telephone, e mail and post over 4 months. RESULTS: Although the recruitment window was shortened because of COVID-19, of 47 patients assessed for eligibility, 28 were enrolled (70.1% of screened patients provided consent). A relatively high proportion were from disadvantaged backgrounds (46.4%, 13/28 receiving State benefits). Retention was 82.1% (23/28), which was also the rate of completion of the Oral Health Impact Profile co-primary outcome. The other primary outcome involved linking participant details at recruitment, with centrally-held data on services provided, with 84.6% (22/26) records partly or fully successfully matched. All intervention participants received at least some of the intervention, although we identified aspects of dental nurse training which would improve intervention fidelity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recruitment being impacted by the pandemic, when the majority of clinical trials experienced reduced rates of recruitment, we found a high recruitment and consenting rate, even though patients were approached opportunistically to be enrolled in the trial and potentially receive an intervention. Retention rates were also high even though a relatively high proportion had a low socio-economic background. Therefore, even though patients may be in pain, and had not anticipated involvement before their urgent care visit, the study indicated that this was a feasible and acceptable setting in which to position an opportunistic intervention. This has the potential to harness the potential of the 'teachable moment' in people's lives, and provide support to help address health inequalities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 10,853,330 07/10/2019.

Dental Service Organization affiliation: Understanding key aspects of State Dental Practice Act compliance.

Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) are an increasingly visible and available practice option for new dental graduates. While guidance has been published to help dental students make informed decisions when considering a DSO affiliation, they have not focused on the complexities of assessing compliance with controlling state laws. Accordingly, this Perspectives article provides a concise summary of the common components of state regulatory provisions across the United States to support an understanding of the corporate practice of dentistry and compliance considerations. The guiding principles to consider include ownership or proprietorship of and control over a dental practice; control over dental offices, equipment, and materials; employment of dental personnel; and control over clinical judgment. This article should be helpful to students who are considering a DSO affiliation and educators who prepare them to enter dental practice.

Efficacy of antiseptics for rubber dam sterilization prior to endodontic treatment.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the efficacy of various antiseptics for disinfection of rubber dams used during endodontic treatment, the duration of disinfection effectiveness, and the disinfection protocol employed by dental schools in Thailand. METHODS: The efficacy of 10% povidone-iodine, 1.5% tincture iodine and 70% ethyl alcohol in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) on the rubber dam was investigated. Time duration of disinfection was evaluated at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min. The two-step disinfection method adopted at Thai dental school was examined. Independent t-test or Kruskal-Wallis followed by a Dunnett's test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among the three antiseptics, 10% povidone and 1.5% tincture iodine eradicated the microorganisms completely, whereas 70% ethyl alcohol did not achieve a statistically significant decrease. The duration of sterilization effectiveness was 120 min for 10% povidone-iodine, but bacteria were eliminated only at 0 min by 1.5% tincture iodine. The results also indicated that the two-step protocol scarcely eliminated the microorganisms. CONCLUSION: The best antiseptic for rubber dam disinfection is 10% povidone-iodine, which remains effective for 120 min. The two-step protocol typically practiced in Thai dental schools needs to be updated. The use of 10% povidone-iodine alone is adequate for complete eradication of E. faecalis and C. albicans.

Preparedness and competency of New Zealand graduates for general dental practice - perceptions from the workforce.

BACKGROUND: Dental graduates need to demonstrate clinical competency. This mixed-methods study explored the perceptions of clinicians who employ or work with new graduates from the University of Otago, New Zealand, and identified themes reflecting graduates' preparedness for independent practice. METHODS: An online survey using a semantic differential scale and open-ended questions collected opinions and experiences from the workforce. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS software, and qualitative data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: A representative sample of the workforce was obtained with a response rate of 35% (N = 83). Most clinicians engage new graduates to support the profession and/or rural communities. They perceived that graduates were well prepared in most areas, could translate theory to clinical practice and demonstrate professionalism. Graduates were reportedly stronger in basic dentistry, communication, ethics, and record keeping however were less strong in complex treatment planning, molar endodontics, fixed prosthodontics and exodontia. Clinical exposure during dental training was perceived as more limited, and mentoring and guidance in the transition to practice were deemed to be important. CONCLUSIONS: New Zealand dental graduates appear prepared for independent practice; however, maximising clinical opportunities during training, mentoring and early professional development in advanced areas of practice is essential to enhance competency and confidence.

Evaluation of the Performance of Generative AI Large Language Models ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Microsoft Bing Chat in Supporting Evidence-Based Dentistry: Comparative Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: The increasing application of generative artificial intelligence large language models (LLMs) in various fields, including dentistry, raises questions about their accuracy. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to comparatively evaluate the answers provided by 4 LLMs, namely Bard (Google LLC), ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 (OpenAI), and Bing Chat (Microsoft Corp), to clinically relevant questions from the field of dentistry. METHODS: The LLMs were queried with 20 open-type, clinical dentistry-related questions from different disciplines, developed by the respective faculty of the School of Dentistry, European University Cyprus. The LLMs' answers were graded 0 (minimum) to 10 (maximum) points against strong, traditionally collected scientific evidence, such as guidelines and consensus statements, using a rubric, as if they were examination questions posed to students, by 2 experienced faculty members. The scores were statistically compared to identify the best-performing model using the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. Moreover, the evaluators were asked to provide a qualitative evaluation of the comprehensiveness, scientific accuracy, clarity, and relevance of the LLMs' answers. RESULTS: Overall, no statistically significant difference was detected between the scores given by the 2 evaluators; therefore, an average score was computed for every LLM. Although ChatGPT-4 statistically outperformed ChatGPT-3.5 (P=.008), Bing Chat (P=.049), and Bard (P=.045), all models occasionally exhibited inaccuracies, generality, outdated content, and a lack of source references. The evaluators noted instances where the LLMs delivered irrelevant information, vague answers, or information that was not fully accurate. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that although LLMs hold promising potential as an aid in the implementation of evidence-based dentistry, their current limitations can lead to potentially harmful health care decisions if not used judiciously. Therefore, these tools should not replace the dentist's critical thinking and in-depth understanding of the subject matter. Further research, clinical validation, and model improvements are necessary for these tools to be fully integrated into dental practice. Dental practitioners must be aware of the limitations of LLMs, as their imprudent use could potentially impact patient care. Regulatory measures should be established to oversee the use of these evolving technologies.

Insights on the digitalisation of dental practices: A cross-sectional pilot study in Hesse.

AIM: Even though today, many fields in dentistry allow digital processes, analogue procedures are still widely used. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to survey insights on the digitalisation of dental practices using the example of Hesse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April and June 2022, 4840 active practicing dentists registered by the State Dental Association of Hesse were invited via e-mail to fill out an online questionnaire regarding their technical requirements in dental practice, dental treatment procedures, and attitude towards digitalisation in dentistry. Demographic questions were asked. Besides descriptive statistics, correlations were analyzed (P < 0.05). RESULT: Questionnaires of 937 dentists (279 female, 410 male, four inter/divers, 244 no answer; mean age of 51.4 ± 10.4 years) were examined representing a respond rate of 19.36%. In the area of practice administration and dental radiography, the majority of the dentists surveyed is already working digitally, which is predominantly assessed as a positive development. Already one third of the respondents state that they use an intraoral scanner for dental treatments, but the indication is mainly limited to smaller restorations. However, many dentists rate the use of social media accounts and telemedicine rather negative. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this pilot study, many processes especially in dental treatments are still analogue. However, 60% of the participants plan digitalisation of their dental practices within the next five years, which indicates a clear shift from analogue to digital dentistry.

Implementation of Blockchain Technology Across Different Domains of Dentistry: A Systematic Review.

Blockchain technology has gained attention as a potential solution for improving data security, privacy, and interoperability in various industries, including healthcare. In the field of dentistry, the implementation of blockchain holds promise for transforming dental practice and management. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the existing literature regarding the implementation of blockchain technology in dental practice is lacking. This systematic review aimed to assess the current evidence on the implementation of blockchain technology in dental practice and management. A systematic literature search was conducted using major databases to identify relevant studies. The search strategy included keywords related to blockchain technology and dentistry. The investigation was performed as per the PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting on the implementation, adoption, and outcomes of blockchain technology in dental practice and management were included. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed following predefined criteria. The initial search yielded a multitude of articles, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies were included in the systematic review. The studies explored various aspects of blockchain technology implementation in dental practice, including data security, interoperability, supply chain management, and patient consent management. Furthermore, the use of blockchain-based systems showed potential benefits in enhancing supply chain management efficiency and patient consent authentication. This systematic review provided insights into the current state of blockchain technology implementation in dental practice and management. The findings suggested that blockchain technology has the potential to enhance data security, privacy, and interoperability in dental practices. However, further research and real-world implementation studies are needed to fully understand the impact of blockchain technology on dental practice and to address the existing challenges.

Smoking cessation in dental setting: a narrative review on dental professionals' attitude, preparedness, practices and barriers.

Integration of smoking cessation program into routine oral health care has been advocated by World Health Organization since it brings extensive benefits to oral health. By tobacco cessation, patients are less prone to progression of periodontal disease, have less future tooth loss, have reduced risks of oral mucosal lesions and head and neck cancers. Evidence indicates that dentists are in a favorable position to deliver effective smoking cessation advice to improve patients' oral health. This article aims to present the current situation of smoking cessation in dental setting, including dental management of smoking patients, perceptions of dentists and dental students towards smoking cessation, challenges dental professionals face when carrying out cessation interventions. Patients' perspectives are also evaluated to provide a clearer picture of smoking cessation practice in the dental field. Review of past surveys show most patients welcome smoking cessation advice from dental practitioners. Meanwhile dentists may have wrong assumption that patients would disapprove them if they advise patient to quit smoking. On top of that, main obstacles identified are lack of training, inadequate treatment time and insufficient knowledge towards smoking cessation guidelines and referral routes. With regard to the potential barriers, evidence demonstrates that more trainings on smoking cessation strategies are needed. Future research in this aspect is also indicated to further foster the practice of smoking cessation counselling in dental setting.

Screening of atrial fibrillation in dental practices: a qualitative feasibility study.

OBJECTIVES: To increase the detection of unknown atrial fibrillation (AF), general practitioners have started screening their patients using small hand-held devices. It is thought that dental settings could be utilized for screening as they have regular access to patients. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of dental staff of screening for AF using a hand-held electronic device in primary dental care. METHODS: The research took place in one large mixed NHS and private general dental practice. Views from staff including dentists, dental therapists, dental nurses, and managers were elicited via semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Interviews continued until there were no new themes or patterns emerging from the data, and thematic saturation had been achieved. RESULTS: Eleven participants were interviewed. The main themes generated were methodology for screening, acceptability for screening within the practice, attitudes to screening, and implementation of screening. Overall, participants were positive about implementing AF screening in a dental practice but expressed concerns about time and remuneration. Staff also gave encouraging feedback regarding the simplicity of the portable screening device. CONCLUSIONS: Participants felt that AF screening in primary care dental practices was a good concept but may be challenging to implement in NHS Dentistry, especially due to the pandemic.

Knowledge and Attitude about Evidence-Based Dental Practice among Dentists in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Quality of patient care will improve when dental professional practices are based on evidence. The present study was aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitude of private dental practitioners in Al-Kharj regarding evidence-based dentistry. Methodology: The study sample consisted of 180 private dental practitioners in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information regarding knowledge and attitude toward evidence-based dental practice (EBDP). Data were collected by direct personal contact and information was collected on the same day. Results: Awareness of EBDP among private dental practitioners was 67.8%. Also, 31.1% of subjects told that they practice EBD in decision-making about patient treatment. Only 16.7% of study subjects were aware of the Cochrane database, whereas 34.1% were aware of the evidence-based pyramid. Also, 91.7% thought that they needed to be trained regarding EBD. Conclusion: Awareness of EBDP is low among private dental practitioners but the majority of dentists think they need training regarding evidence-based dentistry.

Knowledge and attitudes toward evidence-based cariology and restorative dentistry among Egyptian dental practitioners: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: This is the first study to assess Egyptian dental practitioners' knowledge about conservative caries management approaches and investigate whether this knowledge transfers into clinical practice and the barriers to translating research into evidence-based practice. METHODS: A sample of dental practitioners was surveyed using an online questionnaire. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to collect data from February to June 2022. We included graduated dentists from Egyptian universities who practiced in Egypt. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and the associations between variables were checked using Kruskal Wallis and Chi-Square tests. RESULTS: This study included 396 participants from throughout Egypt. There were significant correlations between specialty and participants' knowledge and behaviors toward evidence-based caries management (p = 0.002) and between specialization and tools used to detect carious lesions (p < 0.001). Most participants (59.1%) used G.V Black's classification, and (80.8%) removed caries based on the feature of dentin hardness and color, whereas (67%) removed caries until hard dentine remained. The participants' primary hurdle to staying up-to-date was their belief that the newly gained information would not be clinically applicable due to a lack of equipment or working in low-economic areas. Patient-related barriers were the major obstacles for participants in implementing evidence-based practice. CONCLUSION: Egyptian dentists did not fully embrace minimal invasive approaches for caries management, and practitioners' experiences continue to shape decision-making. It emphasizes the imperative to practically educate dentists using effective knowledge translation dissemination to promote evidence adoption in daily practice and advocate value-based dental care to address the economic crisis's impact on Egypt's healthcare.

Revisiting Oral Antiseptics, Microorganism Targets and Effectiveness.

A good oral health status is mostly dependent on good oral hygiene habits, which knowingly impacts systemic health. Although controversial, chemical oral antiseptics can be useful in adjunct use to mechanical dental plaque control techniques in the prevention and management of local and overall health and well-being. This review aims to revisit, gather and update evidence-based clinical indications for the use of the most popular oral antiseptics, considering different types, microorganism targets and effectiveness in order to establish updated clinical recommendations.

Dental Health Knowledge Attitude and Practice Among University of Calabar Students.

Introduction Oral health has been linked to aspects of individual knowledge, attitude, and practices. In Nigeria, the increased prevalence of poor oral hygiene has been attributed behavioral factors. Behavioral aspects that include the increased intake of sugary foods and beverages, and lack of proper oral hygiene have been touted as the main causes of poor oral hygiene among university students. The knowledge of oral health is vital owing to its contribution to better oral health; however, unless students develop good oral habits and attitudes and subsequently put them into practice, very little will be realized with regard improvement in oral health and hygiene. Objective This research aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental care among the University of Calabar students. Method This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between 2016 and 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data from 430 student participants in a university using a multi-stage random technique. An inferential statistical approach was adopted to test the relationships represented in the tables. Data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences, version 20.0. Result The study included 430 participants, 239 (55.6%) females and 191 (44.4%) males. The survey revealed that 94% of the 404 respondents agreed that poor dental care can cause dental diseases, while only 6% disagreed. Regarding excessive drinking of water, 91% of the respondents agreed that it cannot cause dental disease, 4.2% agreed it could, and 4.8% did not know. Furthermore, 60.2% of the 430 respondents acknowledged that genetic inheritance could cause dental disease, while 21.4% disagreed, and 18.4% did not know. Finally, 74.9% of the respondents knew that trauma to the teeth could cause dental disease, while only 9.3% thought that trauma could not cause illness to the teeth. Regarding attitude to dental care, 232 (54%) respondents agreed that visiting the dentist was necessary, while 164 (38.1%) strongly agreed. Only eight (1.9%) strongly disagreed, while five (1.2%) disagreed that visiting the dentist was necessary. Moreover, 82% of the respondents agreed that bad breath was associated with poor dental care, with 195 (45.3%) respondents strongly agreeing and 158 (36.7%) agreeing. However, 37 (8.6%) disagreed, and 16 (3.7%) strongly disagreed, while 24 (5.6%) were indifferent. As regards practice, most respondents used the up-down technique when brushing their teeth (62.8%), while 17.4% brushed left-right and 19.8% used both methods. Moreover, 67.4% of the respondents brushed twice daily, 26.5% brushed once daily, and only 6.1% brushed after every meal. About half of the students spent one to three minutes brushing their teeth (50.5%), while the other half spent more time. Over half of the students replaced their toothbrushes every three months (57.7%), with the most common reason for replacement being the fraying of bristles. However, the use of dental floss was found to be low. Conclusion The utilization of dental care facilities was low among most University of Calabar students, who did not see the need for dental clinic visits unless they had dental needs. The lack of dental visits was attributed to perceived high dental costs and a lack of time. Targeted interventions and educational programs that address these barriers could promote better oral hygiene practices among the students.

The Utility Of Pre-Procedural COVID-PCR Testing For Dental Aerosol Generating Procedures Is Questionable.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the number of aerosol-generating procedures performed and the number of coronavirus disease-2019-positive workers in dental practice. METHODS: The audit study was conducted in May 2021 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, which was retrieved from dental clinics at the main hospital and its Clifton branch as well as in three secondary care hospitals in Garden, Kharadar, Karimabad areas of Karachi, and one in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Data of individuals who followed mandatory pre 20 procedural polymerase chain reaction testing in addition to using personal protective equipment in the main hospital and Clifton branch was placed in group A, and of those using personal protective equipment only at the 4 satellite clinics with no testing was placed in group B. Dental charts of patients who underwent dental aerosol-generating procedures were analysed. Number of dental clinics affected by coronavirus disease 25 2019 and number of dental patients who were reported positive on pre-procedural polymerase chain reaction testing were evaluated. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 63 dental healthcare workers, 44(69.8%) were in group A and 19(30.2%) were in group B. In group A, 19(43.2%) were affected by coronavirus disease-2019 compared to 2(11%) in group B (p=0.01). Among 782(67.8%) patients who underwent polymerase chain reaction testing, 26(3.3%) turned out positive for coronavirus disease-2019. Due to the mandatory testing imposed on patients, 371/1153(32.2%) refused to get the desired dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The benefit of pre-procedural testing in dentistry remained uncertain.

[Utilization of dental care by adults with and without impairments and disabilities-results of the GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS study]. / Inanspruchnahme zahnmedizinischer Versorgung von Erwachsenen mit und ohne Beeinträchtigungen und Behinderungen ­ Ergebnisse der Studie GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS.

BACKGROUND: Impairments and disabilities can have a negative impact on oral health. However, studies on the oral health of people with impairments and disabilities are rare. This article examines the 12-month prevalence of dental utilization among adults with and without impairments and disabilities in Germany. METHODS: Analyses are based on data from 23,372 persons aged 18 years and older with permanent residency in Germany from the GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS study. Participants were asked when they last visited a dentist or orthodontist on their own behalf - "less than 6 months ago," "6 to less than 12 months ago," "12 months ago or longer," or "never." For the analyses, the first two and the last two response options were combined, giving the 12-month prevalence of dental utilization. RESULTS: Adults with impairments and disabilities were slightly more likely not to have visited a dental practice in the year prior to the survey than adults without impairments and disabilities (21.5% and 18.4%, respectively; p = 0.002). However, the association between the presence of impairments and disabilities and lower dental utilization did not persist after controlling for age, gender, partnership, and socioeconomic status. DISCUSSION: There are hardly any differences in the dental utilization between persons with and without impairments and disabilities. However, due to their poorer oral health on average, it is necessary to consider how the dental care of this very heterogeneous group can be further improved. The analyses point to the need for care and prevention potentials.

The Changing Scene of Practicing Dentistry: A Survey of the Past 200 Years.

If one could be a patient repeatedly, every twenty-five years, starting in 1825, the evolution and comparison of dental care and dental practice would be historically meaningful. Such a time travel, as a perpetual patient through 200 years, is the purpose of this paper. The changes that occurred over 200 years provide a sense of the progress in treating patients and the transformation of a painful and dreaded experience to a highly sophisticated painless profession.