A protocol for an overview of systematic reviews to map photodynamic inactivation evidence in different dental specialties.

This is a protocol for an overview to summarize the findings of Systematic Reviews (SR) dealing with Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) for control of oral diseases. Specific variables of oral infectious will be considered as outcomes, according to dental specialty. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), MEDLINE, LILACS, Embase, and Epistemonikos will be searched, as well as reference lists. A search strategy was developed for each database using only terms related to the intervention (PDI) aiming to maximize sensitivity. After checking for duplicate entries, selection of reviews will be performed in a two-stage technique: two authors will independently screening titles and abstracts, and then full texts will be assessed for inclusion/exclusion criteria. Any disagreement will be resolved through discussion and/or consultation with a third reviewer. Data will be extracted following the recommendations in Chapter V of Cochrane Handbook and using an electronic pre-specified form. The evaluation of the methodological quality and risk of bias (RoB) of the SR included will be carried out using the AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS. Narrative summaries of relevant results from the individual SR will be carried out and displayed in tables and figures. A specific summary will focus on PDI parameters and study designs, such as the type and concentration of photosensitizer, pre-irradiation time, irradiation dosimetry, and infection or microbiological models, to identify the PDI protocols with clinical potential. We will summarize the quantitative results of the SRs narratively.

Comparison of gray-level detectability on computer monitors among several dental specialties: A web-based study.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis in dentistry begins with the correct reading and interpreting of the dental radiograph. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of the imaging technique used, the dentistry specialty and the years of experience on the gray-level perception among dentists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A custom web application was developed. Dentomaxillofacial radiologists (DentRads), endodontists (Ends) and general dental practitioners (GDPs) were invited via e-mail to participate in the study. A total of 46 participants met the requirements of the test. The test comprised 2 webpages. On the 1st page, the participants were asked for information such as gender, specialty, the years of experience, and the imaging techniques they used. Then, on the 2nd page, they were welcomed with instructions and directions, and asked to rearrange 85 gray color tones represented by square bars of equal dimensions. These mixed gray bars were placed in 4 rows according to the principles of the FarnsworthMunsell 100-hue test (FM). Each clinician's test results were recorded in a database. The individual's level of recognition of gray tones was evaluated through the total error score (TES), which was calculated using a web-based independent scoring software program. Lower TES values were a desirable result, indicating fewer misplacement, while higher scores indicated more misplacements of gray tones. The testing time (TT) was recorded automatically. RESULTS: The years of the participants' experience as dentists or specialists did not affect TES or TT. The dentists who used the charge-coupled device-complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CCD-CMOS) had lower TES values than those who used analog radiographs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While the specialty and the years of experience did not affect the clinicians' ability to recognize gray tones, the digital imaging techniques (photostimulable phosphor (PSP) and CCD/CMOS) could improve the clinicians' gray-level perception.

An overview of current evaluation methods of postgraduate dental specialty residents.

PURPOSE: A lack of contemporary dental literature exists on evaluating dental residents in postgraduate education, with no standardized criteria or information on technology adoption. This study aims to understand current evaluation methods in dental residency programs and compare them to existing literature. METHODS: A survey with 22 questions was sent to program directors of 749 ADA/CODA (American Dental Association/Commission on Dental Accreditation)-accredited postgraduate dental residencies. The questions focused on evaluation frequency, faculty involvement, submission methods, and electronic software usage. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 30.2% (226 responses). Results show that 98% of program directors are involved in evaluations, but require more support from auxiliary faculty. Evaluations are typically submitted twice or four times a year, with 12% of programs wanting increased frequency. Face-to-face delivery of feedback is considered crucial. While desktop computers are widely used for evaluation submission, 55% of programs utilize mobile devices, which correlates with higher program director satisfaction. The most popular evaluation software includes New Innovations, MEd Hub, and Qualtrics. Overall, 86.96% of program directors are satisfied with current evaluation practices. Areas needing improvement are non-program director faculty involvement, resident response/feedback, and software navigation. CONCLUSION: This study found that a majority of program directors of the postgraduate dental education system are using electronic technology for their resident evaluation systems and are satisfied with their current mechanism of evaluation.

Evaluación de hábitos de medicación sistémica de odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia ante patologías pulpares en Argentina / Evaluation of systemic medication habits of specialists and non-specialists dentists in endodontists in relation to different pulp pathologies in Argentina

Objetivo: Determinar los hábitos de medicación sistémica de odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia ante diferentes patologías pulpares previos al tratamiento en- dodóntico en Argentina. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó una encuesta para evaluar la prescripción de antibióticos, tipo de antibióticos, tiempo de prescripción, indicación de antinflamatorios no es- teroides y esteroides ante diferentes patologías pulpares. Se envió a 635 odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia a través de SurveyMonkey. Por medio de la prue- ba de Chi cuadrado se evaluaron las diferencias de medica- ción entre los grupos estudiados. Resultados: En pulpitis se medicó con antibióticos en el 3,48% de los casos y con antinflamatorios en un 62,60%. En necrosis pulpar sin fístula no se indicó ninguna medica- ción en un 64,47% de los casos, seguido de antibióticos en un 24,56%. En necrosis con fístula, el 52,38% no indicó nin- guna medicación, seguido de medicación con antibióticos en un 35,49%. En periodontitis apical aguda la principal medica- ción fue con antinflamatorios (52,79%), seguido de antibió- ticos (32,87%); y en el absceso alveolar agudo, un 57,10% indicó antibióticos seguido de antinflamatorios. El antibiótico de elección fue la penicilina en un 65,23% de los casos, y en caso de alergia a la misma, el antibiótico elegido fue azitromi- cina (30,12%). El tiempo de prescripción fue de 7 días. En la comparación entre especialistas y no especialistas hubo dife- rencias estadísticamente significativas para pulpitis y necrosis con fístula (p<0,01) y no las hubo entre necrosis sin fístula, periodontitis apical aguda y absceso alveolar agudo (p> 0,05). Conclusiones: La penicilina fue el antibiótico de elec- ción de la mayoría de los odontólogos argentinos encuestados junto al ibuprofeno como anti-inflamatorio. Existiría una so- bremedicación en patologías endodónticas que podría contri- buir a la resistencia microbiana a los antibióticos (AU)

Aim: Determine the systemic medication habits of den- tists specialists and non-specialists in endodontists in differ- ent pulp pathologies prior to root canal treatment in Argen- tina. Materials and methods: A survey was designed to evaluate the prescription of antibiotics, the type of antibiotics, prescription time, indication of non-steroidal anti-inflamma- tory drugs in different pulp pathologies. It was sent to 635 general dentists and endodontic specialists via SurveyMon- key. A Chi-square test was made to evaluate the differences in medication between the studied groups. Results: In pulpitis, antibiotics were prescribed in 3.48% of cases and anti-inflammatories in 62.60%. In pul- pal necrosis without fistula, no medication was indicated in 64.47% of cases, followed by antibiotics in 24.56%. In ne- crosis with fistula, 52.38% did not indicate any medication, followed by medication with antibiotics in 35.49%. In acute apical periodontitis the main medication was anti-inflamma-tories (52.79%), followed by antibiotics (32.87%); and for acute alveolar abscess, 57.10% indicated antibiotics, fol- lowed by anti-inflammatories. The antibiotic of choice was penicillin in 65.23% of the cases, and in case of allergy to it, the chosen antibiotic was azithromycin (30.12%). The prescription time was 7 days. In the comparison between specialists and non-specialists, there were significant dif- ferences for pulpitis and necrosis with fistula (p<0.01) and there were no significant differences between necrosis without fistula, acute apical periodontitis and acute alveo- lar abscess (p>0.05). Conclusions: Penicillin was the antibiotic of choice for the majority of the surveyed Argentine dentists, as well as ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory drug. These could reflect an overmedication in endodontics pathologies that could con- tribute to microbial resistance to antibiotics (AU)

European inequalities and similarities in officially recognized dental specialties.

BACKGROUND: Although the European Economic Space usually acts in a united and organized way, several main differences are found regarding the type and number of dental specialties all around this group of member states. The aim of the study is to analyse the inequalities and similarities existing between 21 European countries, highlighting the number and types of recognized dental specialties. METHODS: Available official documents and webpages from 20 out of the 30 countries of which the European Economic Space is comprised plus the United Kingdom (UK), were analysed to obtain reliable data referred to dental specialties. Differences were tested with the Lorentz curve and Gini test. Additionally, a Cluster analysis was performed to obtain groups of countries with a similar pattern in the number and type of dental specialties. RESULTS: Up to a total of 15 different specialties are officially recognized in all the analysed countries. Orthodontics (90%) and Oral Surgery (81%) are the two most frequently recognized specialties. The total global degree of inequality of the analysed countries was 40.2%. Cluster analysis differentiated three different main groups of countries according to the number and type of dental specialties. CONCLUSIONS: The situation of dental specialties in the area of the EES plus the UK exhibits an unequal organization. Cluster analysis showed 3 main clusters of countries with a similar pattern of dental specialties.

Rastreabilidade dos usuários atendidos no Núcleo de Acolhimento e Pronto Atendimento de uma clínica-escola de Odontologia / Trazabilidad de los usuarios atendidos en el Centro de Acogida y Urgencias de una clínica-escuela de odontología / Traceability of users attended at the Reception and Emergency Care Center of a dental clinic-school

A pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a rastreabilidade dos pacientes atendidos no setor de urgência do Núcleo de Acolhimento e Pronto Atendimento da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (NAPA-UFPE), o tempo decorrido entre seu encaminhamento e a continuidade do tratamento na instituição, além de identificar o perfil dos usuários. Trata-se de estudo observacional descritivo, com coleta de dados a partir dos prontuários físicos e eletrônicos dos pacientes atendidos no segundo semestre de 2014 (2014.2) e no primeiro semestre de 2015 (2015.1). Ao total, foram analisados 373 prontuários. Em ambos os semestres houve maior prevalência do sexo feminino e da faixa etária entre 20 e 59 anos. A rastreabilidade revelou que 40,75% dos pacientes continuaram seus tratamentos na instituição. Nos semestres 2014.2 e2015.1, respectivamente, 31,20% e 82,00% dos pacientes prosseguiram com o tratamento eletivo até 30 dias após a realização do atendimento de urgência. Em conclusão, a rastreabilidade revelou maior prevalência do sexo feminino e da faixa etária adulta. O quantitativo de pacientes que deram continuidade ao tratamento na instituição em até 30 dias após o encaminhamento esteve dentro do previsto, considerando-se as características das clínicas-escola (AU).

El objetivo de la investigación fue verificar la trazabilidad de los pacientes atendidos en el sector de urgencias del Centro de Recepción y Atención de Urgencias de la Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (NAPA-UFPE), el tiempo transcurrido entre su derivación y la continuidad del tratamiento en la institución, además de identificar el perfil de los usuarios. Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo, con recolección de datos de los registros físicos y electrónicos de pacientes atendidos en el segundo semestre de 2014 (2014.2) y en el primer semestre de 2015 (2015.1). En total se analizaron 373historias clínicas. En ambos semestres hubo mayor prevalencia del sexo femenino y del grupo de edad entre 20 y 59 años. La trazabilidad reveló que el 40,75% de los pacientes continuaron sus tratamientos en la institución. En los semestres 2014.2 y 2015.1,respectivamente, el 31,20% y el 82,00% de los pacientes continuaron con el tratamiento electivo hasta 30 días después de la atención de emergencia. En conclusión, la trazabilidad reveló una mayor prevalencia del sexo femenino y del grupo etario adulto. Elnúmero de pacientes que continuaron el tratamiento en la institución dentro de los 30 días posteriores a la derivación estuvo dentro del rango esperado, considerando las características de las clínicas docentes (AU).

The objective of this study was to verify the traceability of patients attended in the emergency sector of the Reception and Emergency Care Center of the Federal University of Pernambuco (NAPA-UFPE), the time elapsed between their referral and the continuity of treatment at the institution, in addition to identifying the users' profile. This is a descriptive observational study, with data collection from the physical and electronic medical records of patients treated in the second half of 2014 (2014.2) and in the first half of 2015 (2015.1). A total of 373 medical records were analyzed There was a higher prevalence of females and an age group between 20 and 59 years in both semesters. The traceability revealed that 40.75% of the patients continued their treatments at the institution. Moreover, 31.20% and 82.00% of the patients in the 2014.2 and 2015.1 semesters continued with the elective treatment up to 30 days after the emergency care, respectively. In conclusion, traceability revealed a higher prevalence of females and the adult age group. The number of patients who continued treatment at the institution within 30 days after referral was within the expected range, considering the characteristics of the teaching clinics (AU).

Potential Clinical Applications of Ozone Therapy in Dental Specialties-A Literature Review, Supported by Own Observations.

Apart from conventional treatment, dentists are increasingly relying on physical therapy modalities in their clinical practice. The aim of this literature review is to analyze the clinical relevance and potential uses of ozone in modern dentistry. The research question is geared towards detailing the multiple potential applications of ozone therapy in a range of dental specialties. Based on the available literature, accessed via the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EBSCO databases, a detailed search of the electronic literature was performed for 2001-2022. Eligible studies were chosen according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, using keywords: ozone, ozone therapy, therapeutic applications, oxidants, dental disinfectants, oral medicine, physical therapy in dentistry. Out of 834 manuscripts, 273 studies were curated. A total of 70 publications were used in the final consideration. After assessing their quality, they were analyzed to determine the relevance and potential use of ozone in the various aspects of modern dentistry. Ozone therapy is used mainly as an adjunct to the primary clinical or pharmacological treatment. In some cases of oral mucosal disease, it has proven effective as a primary therapy. During the literature analysis, it was noted that ozone therapy in dentistry is a subject of ongoing research, and the results are not always consistent. The multitude of studies in the literature on the applications of ozone in dentistry reflects the search for its undiscovered physical therapeutic potential.

Nível de conhecimento e risco de doping no atendimento ao atleta entre diversas especialidades Odontológicas / Level of knowledge and risk of doping in athlete care among different dental specialties

O uso de substâncias para melhorar a prática esportiva ou de trabalho, remonta a própria história, mesmo nas primeiras olimpíadas na Grécia, era tolerado o uso de remédios para melhorar o desempenho dos atletas, enquanto outros tipos de trapaça eram punidos até com a escravidão. Nossos tempos são de consumo de esportes em massa e grandes volumes financeiros como indústria de entretenimento. Tentando manter o jogo o mais justo possível, diversas entidades criaram regras cada vez mais rígidas para preservar a saúde do atleta e não deixar que haja trapaças por meio de substâncias proibidas. Tendo isso em vista, o CD (Cirurgião Dentista) precisa estar preparado para atender esse paciente a fim de não comprometer sua vida profissional no esporte e dar o melhor cuidado possível a ele. Este trabalho se propões a identificar os medicamentos mais utilizados pelos CDs, em suas várias especialidades, e identificar por meio da biotransformação as possíveis substâncias que levem ao doping.

Slipping through the cracks: Just how underrepresented are minorities within the dental specialties?

OBJECTIVE: There is a lack of diversity in the dental workforce. Efforts to enhance underrepresented minority (URM) recruitment and retention within dental school exist, but little effort has been made to track URM providers through education and practice. This study assesses the status of workforce diversity in the dental specialties and the predictors of URM dentist specialization. METHODS: The primary data used were a 2012 national sample survey of Hispanic/Latino (H/L), Black, or American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dentists in the US, supplemented by publicly available workforce data. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to describe the demographic composition of URM clinical general and specialist dentists and analyze changes in proportions of URMs specializing among age cohorts, differences in specific type of specialization, and racial concordance between specialists and their patients. RESULTS: The pathway continues to winnow with fewer URM dentists in specialty practice. Among all URM clinical dentists being first in his/her family to obtain a college degree, having a strong desire to work in his/her own cultural community or joining a loan repayment program due to debt load independently predicted lower odds of specialization. Alternatively, being initially foreign trained as a dentist and valuing professional training were independently predictive of higher odds of specialization. CONCLUSION: The lack of diversity within the dental specialties is a critical flaw in our education and care delivery systems demanding clear actions toward improving the pathway into residency programs for URM students.

[Influence of self-assessment for improving access and quality in the outpatient procedures in the Dental Specialties Centers]. / Influência da autoavaliação para melhoria do acesso e da qualidade no quantitativo de procedimentos dos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas.

We studied the influence of Self-Assessment for Improving Access and Quality (AMAQ) in the production of specialized procedures in the of Dental Specialties Centers (DSC). Data were obtained from the 900 DSC submitted to the external evaluation of the Program for Improving Access and Quality (PMAQ-CEO) and the Outpatient Information System (SIA-SUS). The dependent variable was the monthly average of dental procedures (proc/mon) in the DSC performed in three periods: 1) October 2012 to September 2013; 2) October 2013 to September 2014; and 3) October 2014 to September 2015. The main independent variable was the use of AMAQ/CEO, which occurred during the second period. Type of DSC, average number of dentists with a 20-hour workload, strategies to reduce missing appointments, referral support, clinical protocols and coverage of PHC registered users were used as covariates. Multiple linear regression models were run to estimate adjusted differences. Teams that used AMAQ-CEO had a mean of 515.0 proc/mon, 575.5 proc/mon, and 519.9 proc/mon in the first, second and third periods, respectively. The DSC that used AMAQ-CEO had a higher mean than those that did not, with an adjusted difference of 32.7 proc/mon, 64.7 proc/mon and 27.7 proc/mon for the first, second and third periods, respectively.

Estudou-se a influência da Autoavaliação para Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade (AMAQ) na produção de procedimentos especializados nos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO). Utilizou-se dados da avaliação externa de 900 CEO do primeiro ciclo do Programa para Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade (PMAQ/CEO) e Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial (SIA/SUS). A variável dependente foi a média mensal de procedimentos (proc/mês) dos CEO entre os três períodos: 1) outubro de 2012 a setembro de 2013; 2) outubro de 2013 a setembro de 2014; e 3) outubro de 2014 a setembro 2015. A principal variável independente foi o uso da AMAQ/CEO no segundo período. Tipo de CEO, média de cirurgiões-dentistas com carga-horária de 20h, estratégias contra absenteísmo, apoio matricial, protocolos clínicos e cobertura de cadastrados na Estratégia de Saúde Bucal das Família foram covariáveis. Utilizou-se modelos de regressão linear múltipla para análises ajustadas. Equipes que utilizaram a AMAQ-CEO apresentaram média de 515,0 proc/mês, 575,5 proc/mês, e 519,9 proc/mês no primeiro, segundo e terceiro períodos, respectivamente. As equipes que utilizaram AMAQ-CEO tiveram uma maior média de produção do que aquelas que não utilizaram, com diferença ajustada de 32,7 proc/mês, 64,7 proc/mês e 27,7 proc/mês no primeiro, segundo e terceiro períodos, respectivamente.

Influência da autoavaliação para melhoria do acesso e da qualidade no quantitativo de procedimentos dos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas / Influence of self-assessment for improving access and quality in the outpatient procedures in the Dental Specialties Centers

Resumo Estudou-se a influência da Autoavaliação para Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade (AMAQ) na produção de procedimentos especializados nos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO). Utilizou-se dados da avaliação externa de 900 CEO do primeiro ciclo do Programa para Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade (PMAQ/CEO) e Sistema de Informação Ambulatorial (SIA/SUS). A variável dependente foi a média mensal de procedimentos (proc/mês) dos CEO entre os três períodos: 1) outubro de 2012 a setembro de 2013; 2) outubro de 2013 a setembro de 2014; e 3) outubro de 2014 a setembro 2015. A principal variável independente foi o uso da AMAQ/CEO no segundo período. Tipo de CEO, média de cirurgiões-dentistas com carga-horária de 20h, estratégias contra absenteísmo, apoio matricial, protocolos clínicos e cobertura de cadastrados na Estratégia de Saúde Bucal das Família foram covariáveis. Utilizou-se modelos de regressão linear múltipla para análises ajustadas. Equipes que utilizaram a AMAQ-CEO apresentaram média de 515,0 proc/mês, 575,5 proc/mês, e 519,9 proc/mês no primeiro, segundo e terceiro períodos, respectivamente. As equipes que utilizaram AMAQ-CEO tiveram uma maior média de produção do que aquelas que não utilizaram, com diferença ajustada de 32,7 proc/mês, 64,7 proc/mês e 27,7 proc/mês no primeiro, segundo e terceiro períodos, respectivamente.

Abstract We studied the influence of Self-Assessment for Improving Access and Quality (AMAQ) in the production of specialized procedures in the of Dental Specialties Centers (DSC). Data were obtained from the 900 DSC submitted to the external evaluation of the Program for Improving Access and Quality (PMAQ-CEO) and the Outpatient Information System (SIA-SUS). The dependent variable was the monthly average of dental procedures (proc/mon) in the DSC performed in three periods: 1) October 2012 to September 2013; 2) October 2013 to September 2014; and 3) October 2014 to September 2015. The main independent variable was the use of AMAQ/CEO, which occurred during the second period. Type of DSC, average number of dentists with a 20-hour workload, strategies to reduce missing appointments, referral support, clinical protocols and coverage of PHC registered users were used as covariates. Multiple linear regression models were run to estimate adjusted differences. Teams that used AMAQ-CEO had a mean of 515.0 proc/mon, 575.5 proc/mon, and 519.9 proc/mon in the first, second and third periods, respectively. The DSC that used AMAQ-CEO had a higher mean than those that did not, with an adjusted difference of 32.7 proc/mon, 64.7 proc/mon and 27.7 proc/mon for the first, second and third periods, respectively.

Motivations, attitudes for choosing dental profession and preferred dental specialties amongst Turkish dental students.

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the influential factors for choosing dentistry, their thoughts about the profession, their expectations for the future and their thoughts about the specialisation of dental students from all grades in the School of Dentistry, Marmara University. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Socio-demographic information, influential factors the choice of profession, thoughts and expectations about dentistry, and thoughts about the specialisation were evaluated in the questionnaire that included different question types in four separate sections. Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between categorical variables, and multiple linear regression was performed to examine the combined effects of variables that influence the always dream of becoming a dentist. RESULTS: 462 of the 471 participants from all grades who agreed to participate in the study completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 98.1%. It was seen that the students' clinical experience made differences in almost half of their motivational sources for choosing dentistry and their views on future opinions and expectations (p < .05). In addition to clinical experience, gender also made a statistically significant differences in almost all answers in the students' opinions about specialisation (p < .05). CONCLUSION: From the results of the study, the majority of Turkish dental students were self-motivated compared to familial and environmental factors for choosing dentistry as a career. The career motivations of them seemed to be associated with the socioeconomic aspects of dentistry, whereas the perceptions regarding the future of dentistry seemed to be associated with the need for postgraduate education.

User satisfaction with Dental Specialty Centers in Brazil: Proposal of satisfaction index and associated factors.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the satisfaction of users of Dental Specialty Centers (CEO) in Brazil employing the Service Satisfaction Index (SSI) and identify associated factors. METHODS: This quantitative, evaluative, and cross-sectional study used secondary data extracted from the Second External Evaluation of the Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality of Brazilian Dental Specialty Centers (PMAQ-CEO) held in 2018 in 901 municipalities, accounting for 1097 CEO, of which 1042 were investigated. A total of 10391 users participated in the study. Considering user satisfaction as an aggregate variable, SSI was classified into two categories: Lower Satisfaction (SSI < 20) and Maximum Satisfaction (SSI = 20). Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS® software. The exploratory factor analysis verified the statistical correlations between attributes and SSI. RESULTS: The maximum satisfaction with the service was 21.1%; factors that expressed the most significant influence on SSI were waiting time (OR = 1.17; CI 95%: 1.05-1.31), feeling that CEO has good conditions of use (OR = 7.05; CI 95%: 5.15-9.65), not wishing to be assisted at another CEO (OR = 4.17; CI 95%: 3.12-5.57), not having treatment interrupted due to lack of material (OR = 2.05; CI 95%: 1.70-2.47), age up to 40 years of users (OR = 1.31; CI 95%: 1.18-1.46) and higher education (OR = 1.30; CI 95%: 1.14-1.49). CONCLUSIONS: SSI appropriately described the user's satisfaction with the service. The maximum satisfaction with the service was influenced by age, education, waiting time, not having treatment interrupted, and considering CEO clean and hygienic environment.

Clinical decision-making in complex endodontic cases between postgraduate students across dental specialties at a UK dental school: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment decisions for a heavily restored endodontically treated tooth vary amongst clinicians owing to multitude of factors. This phenomenon not only often poses dilemmas to clinicians of different clinical backgrounds, but also exerts a degree of treatment difficulty to the treating clinician. Previous studies indicated that specialty training and clinical experience significantly impacted clinical decision-making process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Master of Science postgraduate students in endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and implantology participated in a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. The dental specialties were further categorised into restorative and surgical dentistry. A multiple-choice questionnaire with three clinical cases was distributed to the students. Data were analysed for trends using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: There was a 44% response rate; the majority of respondents were from restorative dentistry specialties. Cases 1 and 2 were rated as moderate to high difficulty, and Case 3 was predominantly rated as high difficulty with procedure predictability being the main factor affecting their clinical decision-making in three cases. Endodontic retreatment was selected as the preferred treatment in Cases 1 and 2 and periradicular surgery in Case 3. The students were fairly confident in managing Cases 1 and 2, but not in Case 3. Referral patterns were consistent in Cases 1 and 2 with endodontists being the first choice of referral except for Case 3 where 48% preferred to refer to oral surgeons and 35% choosing endodontists. Some indication of differences between specialties were noted throughout. Years in practice appeared to be related to the importance of predictability in Case 3 only. CONCLUSION: Considerable inter-clinician variability was noted whereby specialty postgraduate training impacted on clinical decision-making. Overall, procedural predictability, technical difficulty, risk of damage to the tooth and patient preference were the most highly ranked factors affecting clinical decision-making. Evidence-based treatment guidelines and dental curricula should be reviewed to enhance inter-clinician agreement in clinical decision-making, ultimately improving patient care.

Factors affecting dental students' postgraduate plans: A multi-site study.

PURPOSE: This multi-site study examined dental students' postgraduate plans and factors affecting them, perceptions of pathways with the best future, and whether those postgraduate plans changed during dental school. METHODS: An online survey was made available to all four dental classes (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) and advanced standing/international dental students at eight US dental schools. The survey questionnaire consisted of two parts: (1) 14 questions pertaining to demographic information and (2) 11 questions pertaining to career path choices and possible influencing factors. RESULTS: Overall response rate was approximately 38.4% (1459/3800). For those responding 34.0% planned to enroll in a general dentistry residency, followed by associate dentist in a private practice (31.4%), and specialty residency (17.6%). Quality of life, to increase knowledge/clinical skills, and intellectual satisfaction were most often rated extremely important factors; Influence of family members in dentistry and prestigious specialty received the most responses of not important. General dentistry was perceived to have the best future in terms of overall impact on the profession, potential for positive impact on patient's quality of life, and personal quality of life; oral and maxillofacial surgery was believed to have the best future in terms of salary. Students changed their postgraduate plan during dental school 43.0% of the time, with race (p = 0.006) and year of progress toward degree (p < 0.001) being significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: General dentistry remains the most popular pathway. Many dental students change their plans during dental school; a better understanding of these trends and contributing factors may aid development of practice readiness curricula.

Pain Perception Before Endodontic Treatment: from Primary Care to Specialized Care

Abstract Objective: To analyze patients' pain perception requiring endodontic treatment referred to a Dental Specialties Center. Material and Methods: Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire for patients about their experience of pain and another for endodontists about the treatment performed. The results were analyzed descriptively using Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test, with Bonferroni correction (p≤0.05). Results: The median age of the patients was 39 years, and 71.1% were female. The median waiting time for treatment was five months. Pain was reported by 75.2% of patients, occurred more than one month earlier (63.6%), with moderate/severe intensity (66.9%), and most patients sought emergency treatment more than once (79.1%). In addition, pain was associated with sex (female; p=0.008); moderate/severe intensity (p<0.001); the number of times that patient had to go to the dentist because of the tooth treatment (twice or more; p=0.002); and type of tooth treated (posterior tooth; p=0.002). Conclusion: Severe pain episodes resulted in a repeated search for emergency services, which may overload the primary care service, especially if the waiting time for endodontic treatment is long.

Effect of cone beam computed tomography voxel size and dental specialty status on the agreement of observers in the detection and measurement of periapical lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare observer agreement between endodontists and oral and maxillofacial radiologists (OMRs) in the detection and measurement of periapical lesions as depicted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with 2 voxel sizes. STUDY DESIGN: In total, 256 CBCT images of maxillary molars were evaluated by 2 endodontists and 2 OMRs. Images were obtained at voxel sizes of 0.2 and 0.4 mm. Observers evaluated 64 endodontically and 64 nonendodontically treated teeth for the presence of periapical lesions using a 5-point confidence scale. Weighted κ values were calculated to determine intra- and interobserver agreement. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess intra- and interobserver agreement in width and height measurements of the lesions. RESULTS: Intraobserver agreement ranged from fair to almost perfect, with κ values higher for the OMRs than for the endodontists. Interobserver agreement between endodontists ranged from fair to moderate at the 0.2mm voxel size and was slight at 0.4 mm. Agreement between OMRs was almost perfect at 0.2 mm and ranged from substantial to almost perfect at 0.4 mm. ICC was excellent for all observers in all conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Intra- and interobserver reliability was affected by voxel size and specialty. Correlation for measurements exhibited no variation.