Preventive dental service use and oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian older adults.

BACKGROUND: Information on the use of preventive dental services and associated variables is needed to guide policy for the old adult population and consequently promote better oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between preventive dental service use and OHRQoL by older Brazilians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out using the baseline data of participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Stud of Aging (ELSEI-Brazil) who were aged 60 years or more. Associations with the use of preventive dental services were carried out using Poisson regression models with robust variance, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 5432 older adults. Almost all (90.7%) participants reported not having sought preventive dental services in the last year. Individuals who used dental services for prevention had fewer impacts on their OHRQoL (RR: 0.74; [95% CI: 0.57-0.97]). CONCLUSION: Preventive dental service use is associated with a better OHRQoL in older Brazilians. Policies to improve access to preventive dental services may result in improved OHRQoL in this age group.

A professional and institutional organization based on the "Aller vers" dynamic / Un acteur professionnel et institutionnel fondé sur la dynamique du « Aller Vers ¼

The French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) embodies a professional initiative in institutional form, based on the philosophy of "Aller vers" (going toward). Based on plural representation, it brings together a variety of dentists, who are representative of the diversity of practices, whether in urban or rural areas, as employees or independent practitioners, or in local practice or hospital contexts. Proximity to the public is the very essence of its action and gives it a good understanding of realities on the ground. Since its creation, the UFSBD has been engaged in an ever-evolving collective mission, adapting its efforts to the changing needs of society and citizens. Its bold approach goes beyond the traditional boundaries of dental practice, by reaching out to the most vulnerable people and those furthest from the health system. This translates into an inclusive, proactive, and local approach. This dynamic has played a decisive role in advocating, since the 1990s, the recognition of oral health as an essential component of general health. Despite the obstacles and the time required to change mentalities, the UFSBD persevered, particularly regarding the challenge that periodontal diseases represent for oral health. Challenges persist, particularly with regard to access to prevention for populations at risk, population aging, and the integration of oral health into overall care pathways. However, the main objective remains that oral health regains its place as an undeniable national priority. Indeed, the mouth is at the heart of general health and can play an essential transversal role in public health.

L'Union Française pour la Santé Bucco-dentaire (UFSBD) incarne une initiative professionnelle sous forme institutionnelle qui repose sur la philosophie du « Aller Vers ¼. Fondée sur une représentation plurielle, elle réunit une diversité de Chirurgiens-dentistes, qui sont représentatifs de la diversité des pratiques, que ce soit en milieu urbain ou rural, en tant que salariés ou praticiens libéraux, dans des contextes citadins ou hospitaliers. Cette proximité avec les populations est l'essence même de son action et lui donne une bonne vision des réalités de terrain. Depuis ses débuts, l'UFSBD s'est engagée dans une mission collective en constante évolution, adaptant ses efforts aux besoins changeants de la société et des citoyens. Son approche audacieuse dépasse les frontières traditionnelles des cabinets dentaires, en se lançant à la rencontre des populations les plus vulnérables et éloignées du système de santé. Cela se traduit par une approche inclusive, proactive et de proximité. Cette dynamique a joué un rôle déterminant en plaidant, depuis les années 90, pour la reconnaissance de la santé bucco-dentaire en tant que composante essentielle de la santé générale. Malgré les freins et le temps nécessaire des plaidoyers pour faire évoluer les mentalités, l'UFSBD a persévéré, en particulier dans le défi que représentent les maladies parodontales pour la santé bucco-dentaire. Des défis perdurent, notamment en ce qui concerne l'accès à la prévention pour les populations à risques, le vieillissement de la population et l'intégration de la santé bucco-dentaire dans les parcours de soins globaux. Cependant, l'objectif principal demeure que la santé bucco-dentaire retrouve sa place de priorité nationale incontestable. En effet, la bouche est au cœur de la santé générale et peut jouer un rôle transversal essentiel en santé publique.

Intervención interdisciplinaria para la prevención primaria de la caries en lactantes de 0 a 18 meses / Interdisciplinary intervention for the primary prevention of dental caries in children under 18 months

Introducción: la caries es la enfermedad crónica más frecuente en la infancia. La presencia de caries en la dentición temporal es el principal factor de riesgo para desarrollar caries en la dentición definitiva. La mayoría de los factores de riesgo de la caries son modificables y pueden convertirse en elementos para la prevención y control de la enfermedad. Con el objetivo de reducir la incidencia de caries a la edad de 18 meses se diseña una intervención interdisciplinaria de prevención primaria dirigida a familias con niños que se visitan siguiendo el Protocol d’activitats preventives i de promoció de la salut a l’edat pediátrica (PAPPS). Material y métodos: ensayo clínico no aleatorizado, realizado en dos centros de asistencia primaria de Catalunya desde enero de 2019 hasta junio de 2022. En uno de los centros se diseñó e implementó una intervención educativa de prevención primaria de la caries con consejos y habilidades para las familias. En el otro centro se mantuvo el protocolo habitual de recomendaciones. Se evaluó y comparó la incidencia de caries en ambos grupos a la edad de 18 meses con un modelo de regresión logística estimado con el programa R. Resultados: la incidencia de caries a los 18 meses fue superior en los niños del grupo control (OR = 6,0; IC 95% 1,8-20,2), a pesar de que la valoración del riesgo de caries basada en el sistema llamado Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) indicó mayor riesgo de desarrollo de caries en los lactantes del grupo intervención. Conclusión: la intervención interdisciplinaria de prevención primaria de la caries incorporada en los programas de salud infantil reduce la incidencia de caries en los primeros años de vida. (AU)

Introduction: caries is the most common chronic disease in childhood. The presence of caries in the primary dentition is the main risk factor for developing caries in the permanent dentition. Most of the risk factors for caries are modifiable and can become elements for the prevention and control of the disease. With the goal of reducing the incidence of caries in children at age 18 months, we designed an interdisciplinary primary prevention intervention aimed at families with children who attended routine preventive visits within the PAPPS (“Protocol d’activitats preventives i de promoció de la salut a l’edat pediàtrica”) child health programme. Methodology: non-randomized clinical trial carried out in two primary care centres in Catalonia between January 2019 and June 2022. In one of the centres, an educational intervention for the primary prevention of caries was designed and implemented to provide families with guidance and skills. In the other centre, patients received standard care. The incidence of caries was assessed and compared in both groups at age 18 months by means of a logistic regression model fitted with the R software. Results: the incidence of caries at 18 months was higher in children in the control group (OR=6.0; 95% CI: 1.8-20.2), despite the fact that the caries risk assessment by means of the “Caries Management by Risk Assessment” (CAMBRA) protocol indicated a higher risk of caries in infants in the intervention group. Conclusion: the interdisciplinary primary caries prevention intervention integrated into the child health prevention and promotion programme achieved a reduction in the incidence of caries in early childhood. (AU)

Screening, Referral, Behavioral Counseling, and Preventive Interventions for Oral Health in Children and Adolescents Aged 5 to 17 Years: A Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.

Importance: Dental caries is common in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years and potentially amenable to primary care screening and prevention. Objective: To systematically review the evidence on primary care screening and prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Data Sources: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (to October 3, 2022); surveillance through July 21, 2023. Study Selection: Diagnostic accuracy of primary care screening instruments and oral examination; randomized and nonrandomized trials of screening and preventive interventions and systematic reviews of such studies; cohort studies on primary care oral health screening and preventive intervention harms. Data Extraction and Synthesis: One investigator abstracted data; a second checked accuracy. Two investigators independently rated study quality. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed for fluoride supplements and xylitol; for other preventive interventions, pooled estimates were used from good-quality systematic reviews. Main Outcomes and Measures: Dental caries, morbidity, functional status, quality of life, harms; diagnostic test accuracy. Results: Three systematic reviews (total 20 684 participants) and 19 randomized clinical trials, 3 nonrandomized trials, and 1 observational study (total 15 026 participants) were included. No study compared screening vs no screening. When administered by dental professionals or in school settings, fluoride supplements compared with placebo or no intervention were associated with decreased change from baseline in the number of decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth (DMFT index) or decayed or filled permanent teeth (DFT index) (mean difference, -0.73 [95% CI, -1.30 to -0.19]) at 1.5 to 3 years (6 trials; n = 1395). Fluoride gels were associated with a DMFT- or DFT-prevented fraction of 0.18 (95% CI, 0.09-0.27) at outcomes closest to 3 years (4 trials; n = 1525), fluoride varnish was associated with a DMFT- or DFT-prevented fraction of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.11-0.76) at 1 to 4.5 years (5 trials; n = 3902), and resin-based sealants were associated with decreased risk of carious first molars (odds ratio, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.16-0.28]) at 48 to 54 months (4 trials; n = 440). No trial evaluated primary care counseling or dental referral. Evidence on screening accuracy, silver diamine fluoride, xylitol, and harms was very limited, although serious harms were not reported. Conclusions and Relevance: Administration of fluoride supplements, fluoride gels, varnish, and sealants in dental or school settings improved caries outcomes. Research is needed on the effectiveness of oral health preventive interventions in primary care settings and to determine the benefits and harms of screening.

Odontología sostenible y sustentable / Sustainable dentistry

Introducción: la periodontitis es una enfermedad infecciosa multifactorial asociada a un biofilm de microorganismos patógenos. Objetivo: el objetivo del trabajo fue establecer la prevalencia de Porphyromonas gingivalis en pacientes con periodontitis y relacionarla con la severidad de la enfermedad. Material y métodos: participaron 45 pacientes, sistémicamente saludables, con edades entre 35 y 65 años. El grado de periodontitis se definió según los criterios de Papapanou y colaboradores. Como grupo control, se incluyeron 20 sujetos de ambos sexos sin periodontitis y sin enfermedades sistémicas. Se tomaron muestras de fluido gingival en dos sitios más profundos. Porphyromonas gingivalis se detectó por PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa). Resultados: la frecuencia relativa de periodontitis fue de 13.3% grado I, 46.7% grado II y 40% grado III. El sexo masculino presentó periodontitis grado III 72.2% y grado II 52.3%. El grado I se registró con mayor frecuencia en el sexo femenino, 66.7%. La prevalencia de Porphyromonas gingivalis en la población con periodontitis fue de 44.4%. Se obtuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grados de severidad de periodontitis y la presencia de Porphyromonas gingivalis (p = 0.0002, α = 5%). Conclusión: la periodontitis predominó en el sexo masculino. La prevalencia de Porphyromonas gingivalis en la población con periodontitis crónica fue de 44.4% y su presencia está relacionada con la severidad (AU)

Introduction: periodontitis is a multifactorial infectious disease associated with a biofilm of pathogenic microorganisms. Objective: the objective of the work was to establish the prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in patients with periodontitis and relate it to the severity of the disease. Material and methods: 45 systemically healthy patients, aged between 35 and 65 years old, participated. The degree of periodontitis was defined according to the criteria of Papapanou et al. As a control group, 20 patients of both sexes without periodontitis and without systemic diseases were included. Gingival fluid samples were taken from two deeper sites. Porphyromonas gingivalis was detected by PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Results: the relative frequency of periodontitis was 13.3% grade I, 46.7% grade II and 40% grade III. The male sex presented periodontitis grade III 72.2% and grade II 52.3%. Grade I was recorded more frequently in the female sex, 66.7%. The prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the population with periodontitis was 44.4%. Statistically significant differences were obtained between the degrees of severity of periodontitis and the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (p = 0.0002, α = 5%). Conclusion: periodontitis predominated in males. The prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the population with chronic periodontitis was 44.4% and its presence is related to severity (AU)

Preventive program based on multiple intelligences to promote oral health in disabled children from Chiclayo, Peru / Programa preventivo basado en inteligencias múltiples para promover la salud bucal en niños discapacitados de Chiclayo, Perú

Introduction: Children with physical disabilities often present deficient oral hygiene and eating habits that threaten optimal oral health. Objective: To evaluate the result of a preventive program based on multiple intelligences to pro-mote oral health care in children with physical disabilities in Chiclayo - Peru. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental, quan-titative, prospective and longitudinal study was carried out from the year 2020, to test a preventive intervention based on multiple intelligences (MI), comparing it with an intervention with traditional methodology, whose purpose was in both cases promote preventive oral health care in 167 boys and girls with physical disabilities from four Special Basic Education Centers (CEBES) in Chiclayo. For the pre- and post-test evaluation using a dental record of oral hygiene practices, oral hygiene index and dietary exposure to sugary carbohydrates, the Mann Whitney U test was required, with a confidence level of 95%. Results: After not very encouraging findings in the pretest for both groups, significant changes were observed in the posttest in favor of the IM-based program, for which 58% of schoolchildren registered an adequate oral hygiene index, 69.2% brushed twice to three times a day and that only 35.8% present regular exposure to carbohydrates. Statistical significance was evidenced in favor of the MI-based intervention for the three indicated variables (p= 0.000). Conclusions: The application of the IM-based program achieved better results in the significant promotion of oral hygiene practices with a favorable record of the IHO and by reducing the exposure to carbohydrates in a vulnerable population.Keywords: Health promotion; Oral health; Preventive dentistry; Health education; Children with disabilities.

Efecto del tratamiento de la morfología oclusal con materiales para restauraciones preventivas / Effect of treating occlusal morphology with materials for preventive restorations

Introducción: las fosas y fisuras son áreas formadas por delgadas irregularidades de la capa del esmalte de la superficie oclusal. La compleja morfología en dientes posteriores es un determinante biológico asociado al desarrollo de caries. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de diversas formas de tratar la morfología oclusal en la adaptación y penetración de materiales utilizados en restauraciones preventivas. Material y métodos: diseño experimental e in vitro. Sesenta terceros molares fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en dos grupos: surco sin ameloplastia y con ameloplastia; además, contaban con acondicionamiento del esmalte que se subdividió en tres subgrupos: 1) sellador de fosas y fisuras, 2) adhesivo/sellador de fosas y fisuras y 3) adhesivo/ resina Flow. Resultados: los subgrupos adhesivo/sellador y adhesivo/ Flow alcanzaron mayores valores de adaptación íntima a las paredes del surco. Las diferencias fueron significativas entre los materiales (p = 0.0009). Las mayores zonas de desadaptación resultaron para el sellador sin y con ameloplastia. La penetración de los materiales fue mayor en los surcos con ameloplastia. En los surcos tratados con ameloplastia, el adhesivo/Flow reveló el mayor porcentaje de penetración y la mejor adaptación a las paredes del surco. Conclusiones: la penetración del material está positivamente correlacionada con la profundidad del surco. El sellador con y sin ameloplastia mostró pobre adaptación a las paredes del surco (AU)

Introduction: pits and fissures are areas formed by fine irregularities in the enamel layer of the occlusal surface. The complex morphology in posterior teeth are biological determinants associated with the development of caries. Objective: to evaluate the effect of various ways of treating occlusal morphology on the adaptation and penetration of materials used in preventive restorations. Material and methods: experimental design, in vitro. Sixty third molars were randomly distributed into two groups: groove without ameloplasty and with ameloplasty, with enamel conditioning with three subgroups: 1) pit and fissure sealer, 2) adhesive/pit and fissure sealer, 3) adhesive/resin flow. Results: the adhesive/sealant and adhesive/flow subgroups reached higher values of intimate adaptation to the furrow walls. The differences were significant between the materials (p = 0.0009). The largest areas of maladjustment were found for the sealant without and with ameloplasty. The penetration of the materials was greater in the grooves with ameloplasty. In the grooves treated with ameloplasty, the adhesive/flow revealed the highest percentage of penetration and the best adaptation to the walls of the groove. Conclusions: the penetration of the material is positively correlated with the depth of the furrow. The sealant with and without ameloplasty showed poor adaptation to the sulcus walls (AU)

Are adults with autism receiving regular preventive dental services?

PURPOSE/AIM: To investigate the frequency of preventive dental care among adults with autism and explore factors associated with receiving regular preventive care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: De-identified data was collected from electronic health records of 18-year-old or older patients with autism that had at least one preventive dental procedure recorded. The data was then analyzed to describe the frequency of preventive dental procedures provided for this population and investigate what variables are associated with regular care. RESULTS: Sample size was 119, 67% were males, average age was 30.8 years, and 58% had Medicaid. Average BMI was 42.8, the prevalence of diabetes and heart disease were 16% and 34%, respectively, and 86% reported mental health problems. Recreational drug use was 6.8%, alcohol use was 19%, and tobacco use 16%. Xerostomia was reported by 32%, and the average number of medications was 7.2 ± 5.5. The average number of preventive dental visits was 7.9 ± 10.6, and 35% of the patients had at least one preventive dental visit per year. Only number of medications had a statistically significant association with number of preventive dental visits. CONCLUSIONS: Only one in every three adults with autism had at least one preventive dental visit per year.

Bathroom Behaviors Regarding Oral Hygiene Items During COVID-19 Home Isolation: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe behaviors with oral hygiene items in single-bathroom households during the domiciliary isolation of individuals with positive 'Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction' (RTPCR+) in southern Brazil. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with Research and Monitoring Sector of COVID-19 data from Palhoça, Brazil, of individuals aged ≥18 years, living in a singlebathroom household, who had an RT-PCR positive. A link of Google Forms was used. Socio-demographic information, characteristics during the home isolation, oral hygiene, and behaviors with oral hygiene items in the bathroom were collected. Descriptive stratified analyses according to age were conducted (<40 and ≥40 years). Results: Among 524 individuals, 36% were aged ≥40 years. During isolation, according to the behaviors with oral hygiene items in the household single-bathroom, 70% (95%CI 64.9-75.5) of the youngest participants reported sharing toothbrushes in the same container and 30% (95%CI 24.4-35.1) of the oldest; use of the same toothpaste was reported by 67% (95%CI 62.8-71.7) of the youngest and 33% (95%CI 28.337.3) of the oldest participants. For the outcome of sharing the same toothpaste, the chances for the youngest and the oldest to share the same toothbrush container was 11 times and 6 times more, respectively. Conclusion: The individuals related good oral hygiene habits; however, behaviors with oral hygiene items in the bathroom were neglected, especially by the younger individuals.

Oral Condition of Adolescents who Participated in an Oral Health Program During the First Decade of Life

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the oral health of adolescents who participated in an oral health preventive program during the first decade of life. Material and Methods: For the evaluation of dental caries and gingival condition, DMFT and Community Periodontal Index were used, both recommended by the World Health Organization. To verify the occurrence of dental fluorosis, the Dean index was used. Results: Data collection was obtained from 252 patients aged 12 to 16 years. The average DMFT index was 1.14; in relation to the gingival condition, the index of healthy gingival tissue prevailed and the average of this value was 84%, with code 0 being more registered in tooth 11, code 1, more frequently in teeth 16/17 and 36/37 and for last, code 2, in tooth 31 most frequently. Dean's index showed a percentage of 89% of patients without clinical signs of dental fluorosis. Conclusion: Adolescents participating in an oral health preventive program in the first decade of life exhibited very satisfactory results regarding the prevention of caries disease, healthy periodontal condition and reduced prevalence of dental fluorosis.

Prevención cuaternaria desde la visión odontológica / Quaternary prevention from a dental point of view

Introducción: El personal de salud debe comprender que el paciente es la figura central en el proceso salud-enfermedad, por lo que, para pro- teger su salud y atender de manera eficaz la enfermedad, se debe partir desde los principios básicos de prevención. La frase «prevenir es mejor que curar¼ debe ser considerada una máxima en salud y una metodología para atender enfermedades desde factores de riesgo, hacer partícipe a los pacientes y a la población en general a llevar a cabo estilos de vida saludables, con actividades preventivas que incrementen su importancia en la atención médica. Conclusiones: La prevención cuaternaria es una forma nueva para llamar al viejo principio de la medicina «lo primero es no hacer daño¼, que da origen al principio bioético de la no male- ficencia, este concepto se refiere a todas aquellas valoraciones que se deben hacer ante cualquier tipo de intervención diagnóstica, terapéutica y preventiva. Esto tiene especial importancia en la población sana, en la cual la prevención será siempre la mejor herramienta, pero se debe siempre tener presente la prevención cuaternaria (AU)

Introduction: Health personnel should understand that the patient is the central figure in the health-disease process and that to protect their health and effectively treat the disease starting from the basic principle of prevention. The phrase «prevention is better than cure¼ from being considered a maxim in health and a methodology to address diseases from risk factors, involving patients and the general population to carry out healthy lifestyles, with preventive activities that increase its importance in medical care. Conclusions: Quaternary prevention is a new way to call the old principle of medicine «first do no harm¼, which gives rise to the bioethical principle of non-maleficence, this concept refers to all those assessments that should be made before any type of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive intervention. This is especially important in the healthy population, in which prevention will always be the best tool, but quaternary prevention should always be kept in mind (AU)

Discussing the environmental impact of dental-associated travel - how do we build from the current COVID-19 crisis towards a more sustainable future within dentistry?

Dentistry is a highly energy- and resource-intensive field and consequently has a significant environmental impact. In 2013-2014, total greenhouse gas emissions of NHS dental services in England measured 675 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, with 64.5% related to travel, 19% from procurement and 15.3% from energy use. There is currently an absence of comprehensive standards or guidelines for sustainable dentistry. Instead, sustainable initiatives have been at a small scale and are adopted voluntarily by groups or professionals as an ethical duty or practical requirement. However, a recent study showed that there seems to be increasing interest from dental teams in how to become more sustainable. This opinion article focuses on how the dental profession can ensure a sustainable recovery as England emerges from the COVID-19 crisis, with an emphasis on improving environmental sustainability related to travel within the dental healthcare system. Reducing dental-associated travel can include changing mode of transport, combining family appointments, appropriate scheduling of dental examinations, preventive dentistry and the use of information technology.

Examining the association between cancer history in early life and dental care utilization.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine associations between cancer history in early life (diagnosed at 20 years of age or younger) and utilization of dental care. METHODS: We analysed data of 10,185 participants, aged ≥20 years, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2015-2018. The main predictor was self-reported past history of any type of cancer diagnosed at 20 years of age or younger (yes/no). The outcome variables were having a dental visit within the past year, treatment or preventative visit, urgent need for care, and unmet dental need. Covariates included gender, age, race, marital status, education, and income. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were conducted, accounting for the complex sampling design. RESULTS: There was no difference between early life cancer survivors in regards to dental visit within the past year (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.3-1.6), visit for dental treatment (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3-1.6), urgent need for care (OR: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.3-2.0), or unmet dental need (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.2-1.6) compared to cancer-free participants. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer history in early life doesn't impact dental care visits, type of last dental visit, dental care recommendation, or unmet dental need. Future cohort studies are needed to confirm this association.

Comparación del desempeño técnico-asistencial en programas escolares con diferentes modalidades de implementación / Comparison of technical-assisstance performance in school programs with different implementation modalities

Se comparó el desempeño técnico-asistencial de 2 programas de atención odontológica con iguales protocolos de atención y diferente modalidad de implementación. Ambos programas se caracterizaron por un perfil preventivo-promocional; uso de protocolos validados según riesgo biológico, atención odontológica adaptada a sedes no convencionales, recursos asignados por método de necesidades; ejecución por recurso humano pre-profesional supervisado y modulación por altas. La modalidad de implementación difirió en la densidad/concentración de las actividades realizadas: en el Programa Extensivo (PE) las acciones se implementaron con frecuencia semanal; en el Programa Intensivo (PI) las acciones se concentraron en una semana en el año. Cobertura anual: PE = 120 escolares de 6 a 9 años de edad; PI = 180 escolares y preescolares de 3 a 12 años de edad. Se midió la cantidad de prestaciones, sesiones y tiempo -en minutos- hasta alcanzar el Alta Básica Operativa (ABO). Para comparar grupos (PI y PE) se utilizaron los tests: U de Mann Whitney, t de Student para mues-tras independientes, chi cuadrado y comparación de proporciones. La razón de prestaciones/sesión fue significativamente mayor (p=0,000) en el programa intensivo. El número de prestaciones hasta el alta (ABO) y la razón tiempo/sesión no mostraron diferencias entre programas (p=0,8 p=0,087), mientras que se evidenció una mayor razón tiempo/prestación y tiempo en alcanzar el alta (ABO) en la modalidad extensiva (p=0,000). La modalidad intensiva mostró mayor eficiencia en el desempeño técnico asistencial que la extensiva (AU)

Aim: To compare technical-care performance of 2 dental care programs with the same care protocols and different implementation modalities. Both programs shared the following features: preventive-promotional profile; use of validated clinical protocols according to biological risk, dental care adapted to non-conventional settings, allocation of resources by needs method; supervised pre-professional human resource and modulation by discharges. The implementation mode differed in the density/concentration of the activities: in the extensive program (EP) the actions were implemented on a weekly basis along the year; in the intensive program (IP) the actions were concentrated in one week in the year. Annual coverage of the programs: 180 schoolchildren and preschoolers (3 -12 years old); EP = 120 schoolchildren (6 - 9 years old). We measured the following variables: the number of dental services performed, the number of sessions and the time, in minutes, to reach the basic operating discharge (BOD). We used the following tests to compare groups (IP and EP): Mann Whitney U; Student's t for independent samples, chi square and comparison of proportions test. The action per session ratio was significantly higher (p=0.000) in the intensive program. The number of actions performed until discharge (BOD) and the time per session ratio did not show differences between programs (p=0.8 p=0.087). In the extensive mode, compared to intensive mode, it took longer to reach discharge (BOD) (p=0.000) The program implemented with intensive modality (PI) showed greater efficiency regarding technical-care performance when compared to the extensive mode (AU)

Victorian Era Preventive and Children's Dentistry, By George!

Dr. George C. Ainsworth and Dr. George F. Emerson were two Boston dentists from the late 19th century who were interested in preventive dentistry, "irregularities" in teeth arrangements, and generally, the oral health care of children. Leaflets from their practices reveal much about their services and concern for all their patients.

[Guideline on caries prevention and clinical practice for children under three years of age].

Caries of children under 3 years old has such characteristics as early onset, multiple tooth involvement and rapid development. It may affect the mastication and digestive functions of the children, as well as oral and systemic development, and may become a risk factor for systemic diseases. In order to standardize the prevention and treatment of the caries of the infants and toddlers, to fully utilize the existing medical resources to prevent caries, to reduce the incidence rate and to increase the treatment rate, and to improve the oral health statuses of the infants and toddlers in China, the Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the Society of Preventive Dentistry of the Chinese Stomatological Association convened experts of pediatric dentistry and preventive dentistry from 19 universities and hospitals to conduct profound discussions on this topic, and finally developed the present guideline on diagnosis, prevention, clinical practice and effect evaluation for caries of children under 3 years old suitable to China's conditions.

Comprehensive, School-Based Preventive Dentistry: Program Details and Students' Unmet Dental Needs.

BACKGROUND: In this paper, we describe the design, program details, and baseline demographics and oral health of participants in ForsythKids, a regional, comprehensive, school-based mobile caries prevention program. METHODS: We solicited all Massachusetts elementary schools with greater than 50% of students receiving free or reduced-price meals. Six schools initially elected to participate, ultimately followed by over 50 schools. Interventions were based on systematic reviews and randomized controlled caries prevention trials. Participating students received semiannual dental examinations, followed by comprehensive preventive care. Summary statistics regarding oral health indicators were derived from individual tooth- and surface-level data. RESULTS: Over a 6-year period, data were collected on 6927 children. The number of students per school ranged from 58 to 681. The overall participation rate was 15%, ranging from 10% to 29%. Overall, 57% of the children were younger than 8 years at baseline. Approximately, 54% of children experienced dental decay on any tooth at baseline; 32% had untreated decay on any tooth, 29% had untreated decay on primary teeth, and 10% untreated decay on permanent teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Untreated dental decay was double the national average, even in schools within several blocks of community dental clinics. These data demonstrate the need for caries prevention beyond the traditional dental practice.

Role of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry - Knowledge, Perception and Attitude of Dentists.

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of dentists (dental students, dental school graduates/interns, postgraduate dentists) of the role of robotics (R) and artificial intelligence (AI) in oral health and preventive dentistry. The null hypothesis was that dentists would not be aware of R and AI use in dentistry and would not be ready to accept them in oral health and preventive dentistry for dental care management and training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study in which data was collected from a representative population in Saudi Arabia. 570 participants answered 26 closed-ended questions. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were evaluated for vetting and remarks. The questionnaire collected demographic data of participants and their knowledge, perception and attitude about R and AI. Questions were to be answered with 'yes', 'no' and 'I don't know'. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the control chart technique and the chi-squared test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The majority of the participants (n = 313; 54.6%) were males. Dental students, dentist school graduates/interns, and postgraduate dentists comprised of 58.8%, 18.2%, and 23.0% respectively. Most of the respondents gave affirmative answers for knowledge, attitude and perception of R and AI (58.3%, 67.4%, and 60.3%, respectively). Participants agreed that R and AI is beneficial in dentistry and would provide better results. Most (83.3%) would be willing to be treated using R/AI and would recommend (84.5%) treatment with R/AI, as shown in the control chart by affirmative answers. These were significantly above the overall affirmative answers, as the corresponding point lies above 95% UCL (upper confidence limit). CONCLUSION: Most dentists were unacquainted with R and AI. Dentists had a positive attitude towards R/AI, but due to inadequate knowledge and understanding, its use and applications were very limited. There is significant need in the near future to increase awareness of this concept, as it may increase treatment efficiency and effectiveness.

[Collaboration of oral care and well-child care: for better preventive dentistry]. / Samenwerking mondzorg en jeugdgezondheidszorg; voor betere tandheelkundige preventie.

The new Dutch clinical practice guideline Oral Care for Children and Young People advises parents to visit the oral care professional before or from the eruption of the first tooth, because oral care starts with the first deciduous tooth. However, this is not yet standard for everyone. Still, almost all parents of newborns (> 95%) visit well-baby clinics with their newborn. This article describes how well-baby clinics and oral care can collaborate and how in the Netherlands, young children and their parents can be contacted earlier for (preventive) dental care. There are a few examples of projects in which well-child clinics and oral care collaborate, such as the Gezonde Peutermonden project (toddlers' healthy mouths project), the GigaGaaf project (giga whole project) and the case of a practice in Haarlem, in the Schalkwijk district. Because these projects are still in progress, it is not yet clear whether a collaboration between well-child clinics and oral care will also have an effect on the caries prevalence in children.