Differential attitudes and outcomes of endodontics education between mainland and non-mainland chinese students during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the learning style and campus life of dental students. This study aimed to evaluate the learning attitudes and outcomes of endodontics among mainland Chinese students and non-mainland Chinese students (students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2022 at the School of Stomatology, Jinan University, utilizing a self-report online questionnaire, including demographic characteristics and attitudes toward the endodontic course and the COVID-19 pandemic. The endodontics scores were collected from recruited students for further analysis. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software, with independent two-sample t-tests to compare continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 215 dental students completed the survey, with 126 (58.6%) of them being non-mainland Chinese students. Compared to mainland Chinese students, non-mainland Chinese students had lower scores in both theoretical (63.6 ± 13.5 vs. 83.2 ± 8.00) and skill (88.4 ± 5.38 vs. 90.0 ± 4.91) endodontic assessments. Non-mainland Chinese students reported significantly greater impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their learning emotions, personal hygiene, and future career choices compared to mainland Chinese students. CONCLUSIONS: Non-mainland Chinese students had poorer academic performance in endodontics and experienced a greater impact from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of their studies and lives. Dental educators should consider the diversity of students and take necessary measures to support their mental health and enhance learning outcomes in the post-COVID-19 era.

Work experience influences treatment approaches in endodontics: a questionnaire survey among dentists in Western Norway.

Objectives: To collect information on endodontic treatment procedures among dentists in the public dental service (PDS) in Western Norway and relate this information to their work experience. Materials and methods: A survey comprised of 35 questions related to personal information, frequency of endodontic treatment, endodontic procedures and treatment principles was distributed electronically to 187 dentists in PDS in two counties of Western Norway. Results: The response rate was 74%, and 130 dentists participated. Among them, 57.0% had completed their education less than 13 years ago, and almost all were below 39 years old (95%). The majority (81.0%) had graduated in Norway. Stepwise caries excavation in primary and permanent teeth and direct pulp capping in primary teeth were more frequently performed by dentists with less than 13 years from graduation. Routine use of rubber dam was high among the responders (87%). However, use of rubber dam and master-cone radiograph uptakes were more frequent among the younger dentists. The majority used rotary instrumentation systems, and almost all participants followed the current guidelines for use of antibiotics in endodontics. Conclusions: In general, dentists in PDS follow the current endodontic treatment guidelines. However, it seems that the more recently graduated dentists perform more endodontic procedures and tend to adhere more to the taught principles regarding rubber dam use and radiograph uptakes.

Endodontic infection control routines among general dental practitioners in Sweden and Norway: a questionnaire survey.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate endodontic infection prevention and control routines among general dental practitioners in Sweden and Norway. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was sent by email to 1384 general dental practitioners employed in Sweden and Norway. The participants were asked questions concerning different aspects of infection prevention and control during endodontic treatment; use of rubber dam, sealing of rubber dam, antibacterial solutions, and use of hand disinfectant and gloves. Results: The response rate was 61.4% (n: 819). 96.9% reported routinely using rubber dam during endodontic treatment. 88.3% reported always, or sometimes, sealing the area between rubber dam and tooth. Most disinfected the endodontic operative field, but the antibacterial solutions used varied. 11.9% did not use gloves at all during treatment, and 10.5% did not use hand disinfectant during treatment. Conclusions: Most of the general dental practitioners took measures to establish and maintain aseptics during endodontic treatment, which infers an awareness of the importance of endodontic infection prevention and control. But the results were self-reported and there may be a gap between claimed and actual behaviour. Further studies using observation methodologies are needed to assess how infection control routines are performed in everyday clinical practice.

Complications of augmentation procedures for dental implants in private practice, Victoria, Australia.

PURPOSE: This study audited complications associated with augmentation for dental implants, retrospectively over a 5-year period in a variety of private dental practices in Victoria (Australia). METHODS: Complications were categorized as surgical or biological and compared to a group not requiring augmentation. Implant factors underwent univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The study assessed 8486 implants with 26.9% undergoing augmentation. Augmentation had no effect on implant survival, however, a significant increase in complications for those implants requiring augmentation was found (P = <0.001). The hard tissue augmented group had significantly more cases of insufficient bone/dehiscences at implant placement (P < 0.001), and post-placement bone loss (P = 0.0014). These implants were grafted simultaneously (P < 0.05) with particulate autogenous bone and/or Bio-Oss (P < 0.05) with resorbable xenograft membrane (P < 0.001). There was significantly more bone loss in open sinus lifted cases than implants placed in native bone (1.90% v 0.30%; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated no increase in graft complications that could be related to any specific augmentation technique, suggesting that routine grafting procedures used in private practice were safe and appropriate. Previously augmented sites were found to be more likely to require further augmentation at implant placement.

Defining Endodontic Residents' Clinical Experiences: A National Survey.

Endodontic residency programs across the U.S. vary in the exposure they provide to residents in procedures, protocols, and equipment. Having information on the range of clinical experiences provided in programs would be useful for program directors and for applicants who are seeking the best fit for their residency. The aim of this study was to collect information from residents in U.S. endodontic residency programs about the procedures and equipment they experienced in their programs. In January 2018, a 14-question survey was emailed to all 437 endodontic residents with an email address in the 2016-17 American Association of Endodontists Membership Directory. Survey items asked about the number of endodontic procedures, techniques employed, and products used in residents' programs. A total of 133 endodontic residents responded to all or part of the survey, for a 30% response rate. The majority reported completing 151-250 nonsurgical root canals, 26-50 nonsurgical retreatments, 0-10 surgical retreatments, and 0-10 regenerative endodontic procedures during their residencies. All respondents said they used a surgical operating microscope (SOM), and 82% reported using a multi-file rotary system for nonsurgical procedures. Respondents reported that the main instruments they used were Dentsply Sirona file systems, and the most commonly used obturation technique was warm vertical compaction/condensation, reported by 92% of respondents. These endodontic residents reported being exposed to a variety of procedures, products, and protocols during their residency. Based on information they provided, prospective endodontic residency applicants can expect to use the SOM for treatment, to gain extensive experience in primary nonsurgical endodontic treatment, and to not perform endodontic surgery during their first year of postgraduate training.

Índice del dolor postratamiento endodóntico / Pain Index after endodontic treatment

Introducción: Pronosticar la aparición de dolor postratamiento endodóntico favorece el juicio clínico de profesionales en relación con este procedimiento. Objetivo: Elaborar un índice a partir de factores que conducen al dolor postratamiento endodóntico en la población objeto de estudio. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación en dos etapas en la ciudad Santo Domingo, provincia Villa Clara. La primera fue un estudio analítico transversal sobre 94 tratamientos endodónticos seleccionados mediante un muestreo aleatorio, entre marzo y diciembre de 2015, para obtener un índice. La segunda fue un estudio transversal realizado sobre 62 tratamientos escogidos también de forma aleatoria, entre enero y mayo de 2016, para valorar la capacidad discriminatoria del índice. Se recopiló información mediante el interrogatorio, examen clínico y radiográfico, y se registró la presencia de dolor al terminar la terapia. Los datos se analizaron empleando estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Para la construcción del índice, se obtuvieron los valores del estadígrafo V de Cramer de cada variable. Resultados: Entre los factores asociados al dolor postratamiento endodóntico se observó como los más relevantes el dolor o inflamación preoperatorio, el dolor durante el tratamiento, el número de citas y el conducto radicular reducido; con valores de la V de Cramer de 0,848; 0,605; 0,595 y 0,592, respectivamente. La sensibilidad del índice propuesto fue del 83,3 pr ciento. Conclusiones: En la población estudiada se observaron varios factores asociados a la presencia de dolor postratamiento endodóntico; el dolor o inflamación preoperatorio resultó el de mayor significación. Estos factores se sintetizaron mediante un índice. El índice propuesto presentó una adecuada sensibilidad, lo que contribuye a establecer juicios pronósticos más acertados con respecto a la aparición posterior del dolor(AU)

Introduction: Predicting the onset of pain after endodontic treatment favors the professionals' clinical judgment regarding this procedure. Objective: To construct an index that combines the factors associated to pain after endodontic treatment in the study population. Methods: A study was carried out in two stages, in Santo Domingo City, Villa Clara Province. The first stage was a cross-sectional analytic study over a random sample of 94 endodontic treatments, collected in the period of March to December of 2015, for the construction of the index. The second stage was also a cross-sectional study over a sample of 62 treatments, carried out between January and May, 2016, with the purpose of assess the discriminatory ability of the obtained index. The information was collected through interrogation, clinical and radiographic examination; the presence of pain after therapy was recorded. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. For the construction of the index, we obtained the Cramer's V statistic values ​​of each variable. Results: Among the factors associated with pain after endodontic treatment pain, the most were described such as preoperative pain or inflammation, pain during treatment, the number of appointments, and a reduced root canal, with Cramer's V values of 0.848, 0.605, 0.595 and 0.592, respectively. The sensitivity of the proposed index was 83.3 por ciento. Conclusions: In the studied population, a multi-causal relationship was observed in the factors associated with the presence of pain after endodontic treatment. The preoperative pain or inflammation was the most influential factor. This factors were synthesized by means of an index. The proposed index presents an adequate sensitivity, which contributes to establish more accurate judgments regarding the subsequent onset of pain(AU)

Índice del dolor postratamiento endodóntico / Pain Index after endodontic treatment

Introducción: Pronosticar la aparición de dolor postratamiento endodóntico favorece el juicio clínico de profesionales en relación con este procedimiento. Objetivo: Elaborar un índice a partir de factores que conducen al dolor postratamiento endodóntico en la población objeto de estudio. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación en dos etapas en la ciudad Santo Domingo, provincia Villa Clara. La primera fue un estudio analítico transversal sobre 94 tratamientos endodónticos seleccionados mediante un muestreo aleatorio, entre marzo y diciembre de 2015, para obtener un índice. La segunda fue un estudio transversal realizado sobre 62 tratamientos escogidos también de forma aleatoria, entre enero y mayo de 2016, para valorar la capacidad discriminatoria del índice. Se recopiló información mediante el interrogatorio, examen clínico y radiográfico, y se registró la presencia de dolor al terminar la terapia. Los datos se analizaron empleando estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Para la construcción del índice, se obtuvieron los valores del estadígrafo V de Cramer de cada variable. Resultados: Entre los factores asociados al dolor postratamiento endodóntico se observó como los más relevantes el dolor o inflamación preoperatorio, el dolor durante el tratamiento, el número de citas y el conducto radicular reducido; con valores de la V de Cramer de 0,848; 0,605; 0,595 y 0,592, respectivamente. La sensibilidad del índice propuesto fue del 83,3 pr ciento. Conclusiones: En la población estudiada se observaron varios factores asociados a la presencia de dolor postratamiento endodóntico; el dolor o inflamación preoperatorio resultó el de mayor significación. Estos factores se sintetizaron mediante un índice. El índice propuesto presentó una adecuada sensibilidad, lo que contribuye a establecer juicios pronósticos más acertados con respecto a la aparición posterior del dolor(AU)

Introduction: Predicting the onset of pain after endodontic treatment favors the professionals' clinical judgment regarding this procedure. Objective: To construct an index that combines the factors associated to pain after endodontic treatment in the study population. Methods: A study was carried out in two stages, in Santo Domingo City, Villa Clara Province. The first stage was a cross-sectional analytic study over a random sample of 94 endodontic treatments, collected in the period of March to December of 2015, for the construction of the index. The second stage was also a cross-sectional study over a sample of 62 treatments, carried out between January and May, 2016, with the purpose of assess the discriminatory ability of the obtained index. The information was collected through interrogation, clinical and radiographic examination; the presence of pain after therapy was recorded. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. For the construction of the index, we obtained the Cramer's V statistic values ​​of each variable. Results: Among the factors associated with pain after endodontic treatment pain, the most were described such as preoperative pain or inflammation, pain during treatment, the number of appointments, and a reduced root canal, with Cramer's V values of 0.848, 0.605, 0.595 and 0.592, respectively. The sensitivity of the proposed index was 83.3 por ciento. Conclusions: In the studied population, a multi-causal relationship was observed in the factors associated with the presence of pain after endodontic treatment. The preoperative pain or inflammation was the most influential factor. This factors were synthesized by means of an index. The proposed index presents an adequate sensitivity, which contributes to establish more accurate judgments regarding the subsequent onset of pain(AU)

Irrigation trends among members of the Chilean Endodontic Society

Introduction: the aim of this study is to determine the current trends of irrigation during root canal therapy by specialists who are members of the Chilean Endodontic Society. materials and method: a survey (survey monkey -SurveyMonkey.com) was e-mailed to the 485 members of the Chilean Endodontic Society. the instrument was translated and adapted from the survey "irrigation trends among American Association of Endodontists members: a web-based survey" applied in the USA in 2012. participants answered a set of 16 questions that included irrigant selection, irrigant concentration, the adopted protocol, techniques or devices for irrigant activation. results: 99 percent of respondents use sodium hypochlorite as the main irrigant. data indicate that 74 percent of respondents use hypochlorite at a concentration of 5 percent. most respondents (94 percent) also include EDTA in their usual practice. In addition, 90 percent of respondents reported that they activate the irrigating agent, and 94 percent confirmed that they perform a final irrigation protocol. conclusion: the majority of respondents use sodium hypochlorite as the main irrigant at a concentration of 5 percent, use ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a smear removal agent, activate the irrigant, and perform a final irrigation protocol.

Ten-year follow-up on adoption of endodontic technology and clinical guidelines amongst Danish general dental practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to re-assess the adoption of certain endodontic technology and central treatment principles of root canal treatments as advocated by guidelines presented by the European Society of Endodontology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The questionnaire included the same questions in 2003 and 2013. The general dental practitioners (GDPs) anonymously reported how frequent ('often', 'occasionally', and 'never') they used certain endodontic technology and adhered to central treatment principles. The statistical analyses were performed using Chi-squared test and Goodman-Kruskal's γ-coefficient as an association measure. RESULTS: The overall response rate of the 2013 group was 46.5% (n = 531). The frequencies of GDPs reporting often use of rubber dam, apex locator and rotary NiTi instruments were significantly higher (p < .0001) than in 2003, as well as reporting the use of composite resin for coronal sealing (p < .019). Adoption was significantly influenced by the factors gender (p = .601) and time since graduation (p = .361), and the cluster analyses revealed the neglected use of rubber dam to be associated with no established postoperative recall system. CONCLUSIONS: After 10 years, there was a higher frequency of GDPs who had adopted certain endodontic technologies. However, progress towards high-quality root canal treatment might be obstructed as the majority of GDPs avoids consistent use of rubber dam, and routinely neglects recalls for postoperative controls of their endodontic treatments.

Antibiotic prescribing for endodontic therapies: a comparative survey between general dental practitioners and final year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students in Cardiff, UK.

AIM: To evaluate the views of final year dental surgery students (BDS; G1) at Cardiff University and general dental practitioners (GDPs; G2) within the geographic area of Cardiff, Wales, on antibiotic prescribing for endodontic conditions, and investigate the potential differences between the two groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional online questionnaire-based survey of 12 qualitative and quantitative questions was distributed to 76 final year BDS Cardiff University students and 55 dental practices within Cardiff, UK. Six questions recorded general information, and the remaining questions included a series of hypothetical clinical scenarios, where the participants were asked to state whether they would or would not prescribe antibiotics. The data were analysed using spss version 23 to produce descriptive statistics, contingency tables and to run chi-square (χ²) tests, Fisher's exact tests and relative risk calculations. RESULTS: The response rate was 60% (n = 79). All G1 participants were aware of the consequences of antibiotic overuse. Approximately 60% of responders were aware of guidelines for antibiotic use in endodontic therapies, and 83% would only use antibiotics for a limited selection of patients (e.g. patients with systemic complications). G1 responses to clinical scenarios indicated overall that they were comparable to the ideal answers except for acute apical abscess (64% believed that antibiotics were indicated). The majority of G2 were aware of the consequences of antibiotic overuse. Only 28% of G2 were aware of guidelines for antibiotic use in endodontic therapies. Overall responses revealed that antibiotics would be prescribed for: systemic complications (78%), acute apical abscess (72%) and symptomatic apical periodontitis (28%). The clinical scenarios revealed G1 were more likely to prescribe antibiotics compared to G2 for cases of necrotic pulp with symptomatic apical periodontitis without systemic complications (incorrect answer) and less likely to other clinical scenarios such as necrotic pulp and asymptomatic apical periodontitis for patients with a history of rheumatic fever (ideal answers), symptomatic irreversible/reversible pulpitis, failure to achieve anaesthesia, chronic apical abscess for patients with diabetes. The recognition of antibiotic prescription for cases with signs of spreading infection was more evident in G2. CONCLUSION: Final year undergraduate students were aware of the antibiotic resistance crisis, although a third was not aware of guidelines for use of antibiotics in endodontic conditions; their responses to clinical scenario were generally compatible with the guidelines. General dentists were less aware of the implications of overuse of antibiotics and the existence of guidelines, and their responses were occasionally incompatible with antibiotic guidelines for endodontic therapies.

A Survey of Endodontic Practices among Dentists in Burkina Faso.

AIM: Dental surgeons must be aware of the most appropriate endodontic treatments and how to properly conduct them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of dental surgeons in Burkina Faso in terms of endodontic treatment procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed during the regular annual conference of the National Board of Dental Surgeons of Burkina Faso, held on February 27 and 28, 2015 in Ouagadougou, through a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 33 practitioners took part (52.4% of the dental surgeons of Burkina Faso) in the study. The majority of them (90.9%) used sodium hypochlorite as their preferred irrigation solution. Nearly half of the dental surgeons (48.5%) did not know how to use a permeabilization file, and most did not make use of nickel-titanium (NiTi) mechanized instruments (78.8%) or rubber dams (93.9%). Approximately two-thirds of participants did not perform file-in-place radiography (66.7%) or control radiography of the canal obturation (63.6%). The adjusted single-cone technique was the most commonly used (87.9%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights that the majority of dental surgeons in Burkina Faso are not using the currently recommended endodontic procedures to perform obturations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dental surgeons in Burkina Faso must commit to regularly upgrading their knowledge and techniques. Key words: Burkina faso, Cross-sectional study, Dental surgeons, Endodontic treatments, Protocol adherence.

Incidental Findings in Small Field of View Cone-beam Computed Tomography Scans.

INTRODUCTION: The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in endodontics has increased in recent years. In clinical application of small field of view (FOV) CBCTs, these scans are not reviewed routinely by a radiologist. Studies of large FOV CBCT scans show the prevalence of incidental findings to be greater than 90%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of missed findings by endodontic residents as compared with a radiologist on small FOV CBCT scans. METHODS: Two hundred three small FOV CBCTs obtained for endodontic purposes were analyzed by an endodontic resident and a medical radiologist. The reported findings of each practitioner were compared to evaluate for missed incidental findings by the endodontic resident. RESULTS: The radiologist reported abnormalities in 176 of the 203 subjects (87%), with a total of 310 abnormalities reported. The endodontic resident reported abnormalities in 102 of the 203 subjects (50%), with a total of 126 abnormalities reported. The percentage of scans with any abnormality reported by the radiologist was significantly greater than the endodontic resident (P < .001). There was no significant difference between jaw locations in percentage of missed findings for the 3 most common types of finding-rarefying osteitis, sinusitis/mucosal lining thickening, and excess restorative material in the periapical area. Rarefying osteitis was missed significantly less than the other 2 types of findings (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A radiologist is significantly more likely to identify incidental findings in small FOV CBCT scans than an endodontic resident. Scan location had no significant association with the rate of missed findings.

A Survey of Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Use among Endodontic Practitioners in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging is an emerging technology for clinical endodontic practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptance, accessibility, and usage of CBCT imaging among American Association of Endodontists members in the United States by means of an online survey. METHODS: An invitation to participate in a web-based survey was sent to 3076 members of the American Association of Endodontists. The survey consisted of 8 questions on demographics, access to CBCT machines, field of view (FOV), frequency of use for particular applications, and reasons in case CBCT was not used. RESULTS: A total of 1083 participants completed the survey, giving an overall completed response rate of 35.2%; 80.30% of the participants had access to a CBCT scan, of which 50.69% (n = 443) were on-site and 49.31% (n = 431) were off-site, and 19.30% of all respondents denied having access to CBCT imaging. Limited FOV was used by 55.26% participants, 22.37% used larger FOV formats, and the remaining 22.37% were not sure about the format. There was a significantly greater usage of CBCT technology in residency programs (n = 78/84 [92.86%]) compared with practitioners who had finished an endodontic specialty program (n = 796/999 [79.68%]) (χ2 = 10.30, P = .02). Practitioners used CBCT imaging "frequent" or "always" for internal or external resorptions (47.28%), preoperatively for surgical retreatment or intentional replantation (45.34%), missing canals (25.39%), preoperatively for nonsurgical retreatments (24.91%), differential diagnosis (21.16%), identifying periradicular lesions (18.26%), calcified cases (13.54%), immature teeth (4.71%), and to assess healing (3.87%). There was a significant difference in on-site and off-site CBCT imaging use for any of these applications (P < .001). Prevalent reasons for not using CBCT technology were cost (53.79%) and lack of installation space (8.29%). General concerns were expressed about resolution limitations, radiation exposure, and cost to the patient. CONCLUSIONS: There is a widespread application of CBCT technology in endodontic practice; however, results from the survey also confirmed that the benefit versus risk ratio should always be in favor of the patient if CBCT scans are taken.

Relationship between Primary and Secondary Dental Care in Public Health Services in Brazil.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between primary and secondary oral health care in Brazil. For this purpose, data from the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care were used. Dentists from 12,403 oral health teams (OHTs) answered a structured questionnaire in 2012. The data were analyzed descriptively and by cluster analysis. Of the 12,387 (99.9%) OHTs that answered all the questions, 62.2% reported the existence of Dental Specialties Centers (DSCs) to which they could refer patients. The specialties with the highest frequencies were endodontics (68.4%), minor oral surgery (65.8%), periodontics (63.0%), radiology (46.8%), oral medicine (40.2%), orthodontics (20.5%) and implantology (6.2%). In all percentiles, the shortest wait time for secondary care was for radiology, followed by oral medicine and the other specialties. In the 50th percentile, the wait for endodontics, periodontics, minor oral surgery and orthodontics was 30 days, while for implantology, the wait was 60 days. Finally, in the 75th percentile, the wait for endodontics, orthodontics and implantology was 90 days or more. Two clusters, with different frequencies of OHT access to specialties, were identified. Cluster 1 (n = 7,913) included the OHTs with lower frequencies in all specialties except orthodontics and implantology compared with Cluster 2 (n = 4,474). Of the Brazilian regions, the South and Southeast regions had the highest frequencies for Cluster 2, with better rates for the relationship between primary and secondary care. This study suggests certain difficulties in the relationship between primary and secondary care in specific specialties in oral health, with a great number of OHTs with limited access to DSCs, in addition to different performance in terms of OHT access to DSCs across Brazilian regions.

An Investigation into Patient Non-Attendance and Use of a Short-Message Reminder System at a University Dental Clinic.

Non-attended appointments in health care facilities create inefficiencies and loss of clinical productivity: clinical teaching hours are reduced, impacting students' ability to meet the competencies necessary for professional registration. The aim of this study was to assess demographic and time-related factors for patient non-attendance at a dental school clinic in Australia. Appointment data were extracted from the patient management system for the years 2011 and 2012. Data included the status of appointment (attended, cancelled, or failed to attend [FTA]) and an array of demographic and time-related factors. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to assess relationships between these factors and appointment status. Attendance rates were also compared by year following implementation of a short message service (SMS) reminder at the beginning of 2012. The results showed that, of 58,622 appointments booked with students during 2011 and 2012, 68% of patients attended, 23% cancelled, and 9% were FTA. The percentage of non-attended (cancelled or FTA) appointments differed by demographic and time-related factors. Females were 7% less likely to be FTA, those aged 16-24 years were five times more likely to be FTA, and early morning appointments were 18% less likely to be cancelled and FTA. With the SMS reminder system, the odds of a cancellation were 15% higher, but FTAs were 14% lower (both were statistically significant differences). This study found that failing to attend an appointment was significantly related to a number of factors. Clinical scheduling and reminder systems may need to take these factors into account to decrease the number of teaching hours lost due to patients' missing their appointments.

Techniques and materials used by general dentists during endodontic treatment procedures: Findings from The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about which materials and techniques general dentists (GDs) use during endodontic procedures. The objectives were to quantify GDs' use of specific endodontic tools, quantify inappropriate use, and ascertain whether inappropriate use is associated with GDs' practice characteristics. METHODS: GDs in The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network reported in a questionnaire materials and techniques they use during endodontic procedures. RESULTS: Among eligible GDs, 1,490 (87%) participated. Most (93%; n = 1,383) used sodium hypochlorite to irrigate. The most commonly used sealers were zinc oxide eugenol (43%) and resin (40%), followed by calcium hydroxide (26%). Most (62%; n = 920) used a compaction obturation technique; 36% (n = 534) used a carrier-based method. Most (96%; n = 1,423) used gutta-percha as a filler; 5% used paste fillers. Few used irrigants (n = 46), techniques (n = 49), or fillers (n = 10) that investigators classified as inappropriate. CONCLUSIONS: GDs use a broad range of endodontic techniques and materials, often adapting to newer technologies as they become available. Few GDs use tools that the investigators classified as inappropriate. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: GDs use many types of endodontic techniques and materials, but only a small percentage of them are inappropriate.

Treatment procedures and referral patterns of general dentists in Lithuania.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The requirement for dental specialties and the number of specialists in each country depends on the content and execution of undergraduate dental education, the complex oral health care needs of the society and other factors. The aim of our study was to assess specific treatment procedures of Lithuanian general dentists and their need to refer patients to specialists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Census sampling was employed and the data collected by means of a structured questionnaire asking dentists about the frequency of specific treatment procedures they perform and the frequency of referrals they make to different dental specialists. The results are of a self-reported nature. RESULTS: From general dental practice, 76.3% of cases needing orthodontic treatment were referred to orthodontists. About half of patients needing specialized care were referred to periodontists (50.2%), orthopedists (46.9%) and oral surgeons (45.0). More than one-third (39%) of the cases needing specialist care were referred to endodontists. Only one-third of patients were referred to pediatric dentists. In about 60% of cases needing respective care general dentists extracted teeth and roots, made incisions in acute jaw infections and treated young children; in about half of cases general dentists performed complex endodontic manipulations and treatment with fixed and removable prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear need for Lithuanian dental practitioners to refer patients to all types of dental specialists. Undergraduate dental education program and postgraduate training should be more directed toward the extraction of teeth and roots, treatment of young children and provision of dental prostheses to patients.

Residents' Perceptions of the Graduate Endodontic Application Selection Process and Match.

INTRODUCTION: Anecdotal reports suggest that the application process for graduate endodontic programs in the United States and Canada is inefficient and may be perceived by applicants as being unfair. This survey examines residents' perceptions of the graduate endodontic application process and related issues. METHODS: A web-based survey consisting of 24 questions on the residents' perception of the graduate endodontic application process was developed and e-mailed to 403 graduate endodontic students in the United States and Canada. RESULTS: Of the 403 invited participants, 218 surveys were completed (53%). The responses were varied. Respondents were not overwhelmingly satisfied with the application/interview/selection process; 45% were satisfied or very satisfied, 25% were neutral, and 30% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Only 39% indicated that they would have preferred a Match process. Eighty-two percent accepted the first program that offered a position, and 79% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their choice of a program. CONCLUSIONS: Forty-five percent of endodontic residents were satisfied with the application/interview/selection process, and most would not have preferred a Match process.

A survey for endodontists in today's economy: exploring the current state of endodontics as a profession and the relationship between endodontists and their referral base.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions, referral trends, and practice patterns of practicing endodontists in the United States and any effect the recent economy may have had on these. METHODS: A 24-question survey was formulated and sent via www.surveymonkey.com to 3255 active members of the American Association of Endodontists. Overall, 875 participants completed the survey, a response rate of 26.9%. RESULTS: The average number of treatment cases per day was 5.7. Average work hours per week were 34.3 for men and 30.7 for women (P < .05). Among all treatment cases, 46% were nonsurgical retreatment, and 7.2% were apical surgical procedures. Procedural misadventure accounted for 10.8% of all treatment cases, with the most common referral reason being unable to locate canals (75.0%) followed by separated instruments (15.3%). Of all respondents, 49.9% performed regenerative endodontic procedures, and 7.7% placed implants. Among endodontists who practice in urban areas, 69.7% believed there were too many endodontists, and 50% have delayed their retirement plans because of recent economic impact, compared with their suburban and rural counterparts at 66.1% and 38%, 25.9% and 33.1%, respectively (P < .05). Fifty-nine percent of respondents were optimistic about the future of endodontics as a specialty, but those who have practiced more than 20 years were more pessimistic than those with less experience (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Recent economic impacts appear to have had an effect on the perceptions of active endodontists regarding practice success, the future of the specialty, and their retirement plans. Those who have been in practice longest (>20 years), practice in urban settings, and practice in a solo environment are most significantly affected.

[Medicolegal aspects of iatrogenic root perforations].

AIM: To retrospectively analyze the medico-legal aspects of iatrogenic root perforations (IRP) that occurred during endodontic treatments. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive search in a professional liability insurance database was conducted to retrospectively identify cases of IRP following root canal treatments (RCTs). The complaints were categorized as either financial risk bearing or financial nonrisk bearing, and related demographic and endodontic variables were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty cases of patients with IRP were identified. Twenty six cases (22%) were elective RCTs, and 94 cases (78%) were endodontic treatments performed due to pathologic processes (p < 0.05). Sixty cases (50%) were identified in mandibular molars, significantly more than other tooth locations (P < 0.05). In 102 cases (85%) the outcome was extraction, and in 18 cases (15%) the outcome was an additional treatment (p < 0.05). For both the cases with outcome of extraction and for the cases with an additional treatment, the complaints were judged as financial risk bearing in 95% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: latrogenic root perforation is a complication of root canal treatment and may result in tooth extraction and in legal actions against the treating practitioner. Mandibular molars are more prone to medico-legal claims related to root perforations. The patient should be informed of the risks during RCT and should get information on alternative treatments and their risks and prognosis