O perfil acadêmico dos coordenadores dos cursos de Odontologia brasileiros: uma interface com a Bioética / El perfil académico de los coordinadores de cursos de Odontología brasileños: una interfaz con la Bioética / The academic profile of BrazilianDentistry course coordinators: an interface with Bioethics

As Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para o Curso de Graduação em Odontologia orientam para uma formação humanista, crítica, reflexiva, e pautada em princípios éticos/bioéticos. Considerando que os coordenadores dos cursos de graduação são fundamentais no processo de formação, foi realizada uma pesquisa nacional, objetivando analisar o perfil acadêmico desses atores. Trata-se de pesquisa transversal, documental, exploratória e analítica. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre junho e julho de 2020, a partir da consulta aos currículos na Plataforma Lattes. Realizaram-se análises descritivas e univariada. Foram analisados os currículos dos coordenadores dos 446 cursos de Odontologia em atividade no Brasil. Destes, 53,0% eram do sexo masculino; 94,2% formados em Odontologia; 81,2% possuíam pelo menos uma especialização, 89,5% mestrado e 52,0% doutorado; 0,4% possuíam especialização em bioética e 0,7% em odontologia legal; 0,7% possuíam mestrado em odontologia legal; 11,7% já haviam lecionado disciplinas nas áreas de ética (deontológica e bioética); 3,8% participavam de projetos de pesquisa e 2,0% de projetos de extensão relacionados à ética; e 6,1% tinham publicações relacionadas à deontologia, ética e/ou bioética. Conclui-se que a maioria dos coordenadores possui cursos de especialização e mestrado, e pouco mais da metade possui doutorado. No entanto, poucos têm alguma formação nas áreas de ética e/ou bioética, ou apresentam projetos de extensão e pesquisa nesses campos do conhecimento (AU).

Las Directrices Curriculares Nacionales para los Cursos de Pregrado en Odontología prevén una formación humanística, crítica, y reflexiva basada en principios éticos/bioéticos. Considerando que los coordinadores de los cursos de pregrado son fundamentales en el proceso de formación, se realizó una pesquisa nacional para analizar el perfil académico de esos profesionales. Se trata de una investigación transversal, documental, exploratoria, y analítica. La colecta de datos se realizó entre junio y julio de 2020, a partir de la consulta de planes de estudio en la Plataforma Lattes. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y univariados. Fueron analizados los currículos de los coordinadores de los 446 cursos de Odontología activos en Brasil. De los mismos, 53,0% eranhombres; 94,2% eran graduados en Odontología; 81,2% tenían por lo menos una especialización, 89,5% maestría y 52,0% doctorado; 0,4% tenían especialización en Bioética, y 0,7% en Odontología Legal; 11,7% ya había impartido asignaturas en las áreas de ética(deontológica y bioética); 3,8% participaba en proyectos de investigación, y 2,0% en proyectos de extensión relacionados con la ética; 6,1% tenía publicaciones relacionadas con la deontología, la ética y/o la bioética. Se concluye que la mayoría de los coordinadores tienen títulos de especialización y maestría, y poco más de la mitad tienen un doctorado. No obstante, pocos tienen formación en las áreas de ética y/o bioética, o presentan proyectos de extensión e investigación en estos campos del conocimiento (AU).

The National Curriculum Guidelines for the Undergraduate Course in Dentistry guide towards for humanistic, critical, and reflective education, with activities based on ethical/bioethical principles. Considering that undergraduate course coordinators are essential in conducting the education process, a nationwide study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the academic profile of these actors. This is a cross-sectional, documentary, exploratory, and analytical study. The data collection was carried out between June and July 2020, from the consultation of curricula on the Lattes Platform. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed. The curricula of the coordinators from 446 Dentistry courses in activity in Brazil were analyzed. Of these, 53.0% were male; 94.2% graduated in Dentistry; 81.2% had at least one specialization, 89.5% had a master's degree, and 52.0% had a doctorate; 0.4% had a specialization in bioethics and 0.7% in legal dentistry; 11.7% had already lectured subjects in ethics (deontology and bioethics); 3.8% had participated in research projects, and 2.0% in extension projects related to ethics; while 6.1% had publications related to deontology, ethics, and/or bioethics. It is concluded that most coordinators have specialization and master's degrees, and just over half have a doctorate. However, few have some training in the areas of ethics and/or bioethics, or have extension and research projects in these fields of knowledge (AU).

Exploring the impact of household, personal, and employment characteristics on dentistry's income gap between men and women.

BACKGROUND: This study provides an update on the income gap between men and women in dentistry, evaluating the impact of dentists' household, personal, and employment characteristics on income differences. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the US Census Bureau's 5-year American Community Survey (2014-2018). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis (ordinary least squares regressions, Oaxaca-Blinder regression decomposition on logged personal income). RESULTS: Female dentists were less likely to be White and born in the United States and more likely to be bilingual than male dentists. Adjusted estimates indicated that male dentists earned 22% more than female dentists (risk ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.29). Black dentists earned 24% less (risk ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.85) and other race non-Hispanic dentists earned 17% less (risk ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.97) than non-Hispanic White dentists, after adjustment for covariates. Dentists with a nondentist partner or spouse earned more than those without a partner or spouse, and dentists with 3 or more children earned 19% more than those who were childless (P < .001; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.31). The income gap between sexes was $51,784 (in 2018 dollars); 27.2% of this gap was explained by observable personal (that is, race and ethnicity, bilingualism), employment (for example, hours worked and employee or ownership status), and household (for example, partner or spouse occupation and education) characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The dental workforce is diversifying, but sex and racial disparities in income persist. The income gap between sexes, although reduced over time, is now less explainable than in the past. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The diversification of the dental workforce is a promising sign for an increasingly diverse population's present and future oral health, but it is important that existing income gaps between men and women are addressed.

Niveles de ruido generados en procedimientos realizados en una facultad de odontología / Noise levels of dental equipment used in a dental school

Introducción: Los profesionales del área de odontología se ven expuestos a diferentes tipos de ruidos generados en el ambiente laboral producidos durante el ejercicio de su práctica clínica, originados, entre otros, por el instrumental y los aparatos rotatorios de uso diario. Estos niveles de ruido pueden variar de acuerdo a la especialidad clínica. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de ruido producido durante los procedimientos odontológicos en las clínicas de una facultad de odontología. Material y Métodos: A partir de un estudio de corte transversal analítico y mediante muestreo no probabilístico a conveniencia se realizó el reconocimiento de las unidades en las especialidades odontológicas a evaluar. Se usó un sonómetro digital BENETECH GM1352, nivel de frecuencia A, rango 30-130 dB, exactitud más o menos 1,5 dB. Se utilizaron las pruebas U de Mann Whitney y Kruskal Wallis para determinar diferencias en los niveles de ruido entre las especialidades odontológicas. Resultados: La mediana del nivel de ruido medido en general fue de 75,94 dB (RIC 74,12 ­ 77,51), la especialidad clínica en la que mayor ruido se identificó fue la operatoria dental (mediana 77,34 y RIC 76,44 ­79,4 dB). Conclusiones: las áreas clínicas operatoria dental, rehabilitación, endodoncia y odontopediatría corresponden a las especialidades donde los niveles de ruido determinados se ajustan a los límites permitidos por la normatividad vigente en Colombia para el ruido medido en ambiente laboral.

Introduction: Dental professionals are exposed to different noise levels in their work environment during their clinical practice, mainly caused by dental instruments and rotary instruments used on a daily basis. Noise levels may vary according to the type of clinical specialty. Objective: To determine noise levels during dental procedures in dental school clinics. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by means of non-probability convenience sampling to determine dental specialties to be evaluated. BENETECH GM1352 30-130dB Digital Sound Level Meter with accuracy +/- 1.5 dB and A weighting was used for measurements. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to identify differences in noise levels among dental specialties. Results: Measured median noise level was 75.94 dB (RCI 74.21 -77.51), dental surgery was identified to have the highest noise among clinical specialties (median 77.34 and RCI 76.44 -79.4 dB). Conclusions: Dental surgery, oral rehabilitation, endodontics and pediatric dentistry were found to be the clinical specialties where noise exposure is within the limits established by Colombian regulations for noise in the workplace.

Introdução: Os profissionais da área da odontologia estão expostos a diferentes tipos de ruído gerado no ambiente de trabalho produzido durante o exercício da sua prática clínica, proveniente, entre outros, de instrumentos e aparelhos rotativos em uso diário. Estes níveis de ruído podem variar de acordo com a especialidade clínica. Objetivo: Determinar o nível de ruído produzido durante procedimentos odontológicos nas clínicas de uma escola de odontologia. Material e Métodos: Com base em um estudo analítico transversal e por meio de amostragem por conveniência não probabilística, foram levantadas as unidades das especialidades odontológicas a serem avaliadas. Foi utilizado um sonómetro digital BENETECH GM1352, nível de frequência A, faixa de medição 30-130 dB, precisão mais ou menos 1,5 dB. Os testes U de Mann Whitney e Kruskal Wallis foram usados para determinar as diferenças nos níveis de ruído entre as especialidades odontológicas. Resultados: O nível de ruído médio medido globalmente foi de 75,94 dB (RIC 74,12 - 77,51), sendo que a especialidade clínica em que foi identificado o maior ruído foi a cirurgia dentária (média 77,34 e RIC 76,44 -79,4 dB). Conclusões: as áreas clínicas de cirurgia dentária, reabilitação, endodontia e odontologia pediátrica correspondem às especialidades onde os níveis de ruído determinados estão de acordo com os limites permitidos pela regulamentação em vigor na Colômbia para o ruído medido no ambiente de trabalho.

Asociación de conocimientos y actitudes sobre accidentes ocupacionales en prácticas clínicas de alumnos de odontología / Association between Knowledge and Attitude Toward Occupational Accidents in the Clinical Practice of Dental Students / Associação de conhecimentos e atitudes sobre acidentes de trabalho na prática clínica de estudantes de odontologia

el uso constante de material punzocortante e instrumental rotatorio y la flora bacteriana de la cavidad oral del paciente representan un peligro latente de contagio en los estudiantes de odonto-logía. El objetivo del estudio fuedeterminar la asociación entre los conocimientos y las actitudes sobre accidentes ocupacionales en prácticas clínicas de alumnos de odontología de una clínica universitaria de Lima (Perú). Materiales y métodos:estudio observacional, analítico de asociación y transversal. El universo incluyó 156 alumnos. Los conocimientos y las actitudes se evaluaron mediante una encuesta adaptada de 24 preguntas, previa validación interna por juicio de expertos. Se calcularon proporcio-nes para las variables cualitativas y medidas de tendencia central (mediana) para la variable edad. De la misma manera, se usaron la prueba de chi-cuadrado para comparar las variables cualitativas y la prueba U de Mann-Whitney para comparar las variables cualitativas con la variable cuantitativa edad. Se aceptó una significancia de 0.05. Resultados: el 78.2 % de los participantes tuvo un conocimiento alto frente al manejo de accidentes ocupacionales; de la misma manera, el 72.4 % manifestó una actitud posi-tiva. No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa (p > 0.05) entre las variables conocimien-tos y actitud. Por otro lado, el 69.1 % de los estudiantes sufrió al menos un accidente ocupacional durante sus prácticas clínicas, en su mayoría causado por el explorador (65.1 %). Conclusiones:no se encontró asociación significativa entre las variables conocimiento y actitud; sin embargo, una gran cantidad de estudiantes sufrieron al menos un accidente ocupacional.

The constant use of sharp materials and rotating instruments and the bacterial flora pres-ent in the oral cavity of patients represent a persistent risk of infection among dental students. This study was designed to determine the association between the level of knowledge and attitude toward postex-posure management of occupational accidents in the clinical practice of dental students at a university clinic in Lima, Peru.Materials and Methods:This was an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 156 dentistry students. The students' level of knowledge and atti-tude was evaluated using an adapted survey consisting of 24 questions, after the internal validation by expert judgment. Proportions were calculated for qualitative variables and central tendency measures (median) for the age variable. In the same way, the chi-square test and Mann­Whitney U test were used to determine variable associations. Significance was set at 0.05.Results: Of the study participants, 78.2% had high knowledge of occupational accident management; moreover, 72.4% demonstrated a positive attitude. No statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was found between the knowledge and attitude variables. Furthermore, 69.1% of the students had at least one occupational accident during their clin-ical practice, prevailing the explorer with 65.1%. Conclusions: No association was found between the knowledge and attitude variables; however, several students had at least one occupational accident.

a rotina de uso constante de material perfurocortante, instrumentos rotativos e a flora bacte-riana contida na cavidade oral do paciente representam um perigo latente de contágio em estudantes de odontologia. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a associação entre o nível de conhecimento e atitudes sobre acidentes de trabalho em práticas clínicas de estudantes de odontologia de uma clínica universi-tária em Lima (Peru). Materiaisemétodos: estudo observacional, analítico de associação e transversal. O universo amostral incluiu 156 estudantes do curso de odontologia. O nível de conhecimento e atitudes foram avaliados por meio de um questionário adaptado de 24 questões, após validação interna por espe-cialistas. Foram calculadas proporções para as variáveis qualitativas, e medidas de tendência central (mediana) para a variável idade. Da mesma forma, foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado para a comparação das variáveis qualitativas e o teste U de Mann-Whitney para a comparação das variáveis qualitativas com a variável quantitativa idade. Foi aceito um nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: 78,2% dos parti-cipantes apresentaram alto conhecimento sobre o gerenciamento de acidentes de trabalho; da mesma forma, 72,4% expressaram uma atitude positiva. Não foi encontrada associação estatisticamente signi-ficativa (p > 0,05) entre as variáveis conhecimento e atitude. Por outro lado, 69,1% dos alunos sofreram pelo menos um acidente de trabalho durante suas práticas clínicas, em sua maioria causado pelo explora-dor, com 65,1%. Conclusões: não foi encontrada associação significativa entre as variáveis conhecimento e atitude, no entanto, grande parte dos estudantes sofreu pelo menos um acidente de trabalho.

Characterization of allergic manifestations in dental professionals / Caracterización de manifestaciones alérgicas de profesionales en Odontología

Abstract The aim was to determine the prevalence and types of the allergies present among dental professionals in Costa Rica. We performed a cross-sectional study on 664 dentists who completed a self-reported questionnaire. A descriptive cross-sectional study with inferential analysis was carried out. Dentists reported allergies prior to studying dentistry in 39% of cases, 36% reported chronic illnesses, and 61% of the dentists reported first-degree relatives with some type of allergic reaction. Different allergies had a similar prevalence among the dental professionals (ranging between 19%-26%), all allergic manifestations occurred within the first 120 minutes after exposure. The average time of exposure to dentistry-related environments was 16 years (95% CI) among all the dentists surveyed. There is a positive correlation between the presence of a chronic illness and the predisposition to develop allergic reactions among dentists. In addition, there is a directly proportional relationship between age, time of exposure to dental environments, and the risk of developing allergic conditions to dental materials. The main adverse reactions reported due to exposure to dental materials, medicines and/or food were gastrointestinal, skin, and respiratory problems.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia y tipo de alergias presentes entre los odontólogos en Costa Rica. Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo en 664 dentistas que completaron un cuestionario, utilizando análisis inferencial para el procesamiento de los resultados. Los odontólogos reportaron alergias previo a estudiar odontología en un 39% de los casos, el 36% informó enfermedades crónicas y el 61% de los dentistas mencionó tener familiares en primer grado que habían presentado algún tipo de reacción alérgica. Diferentes tipos de alergias tuvieron una prevalencia similar entre los odontólogos (oscilando entre el 19% y el 26%), todas las manifestaciones alérgicas ocurrieron dentro de los primeros 120 minutos después de la exposición al alergeno. El tiempo medio de exposición a entornos relacionados con la odontología fue de 16 años (IC del 95%) entre todos los dentistas encuestados. Existe una correlación positiva entre la presencia de una enfermedad crónica y la predisposición a desarrollar reacciones alérgicas entre los dentistas. Además, existe una relación directamente proporcional entre edad, tiempo de exposición a entornos dentales, y el riesgo de desarrollar reacciones alérgicas a los materiales dentales. Las principales reacciones adversas notificadas posterior a la exposición a materiales dentales, medicamentos y/o alimentos fueron problemas gastrointestinales, cutáneos y respiratorios.

Potential airborne asbestos exposures in dentistry: a comprehensive review and risk assessment.

Chrysotile was formerly used in the manufacture of casting ring liner (CRL) and periodontal dressing powder (PDP). The purpose of this study was to describe the potential for airborne asbestos exposure among dental professionals who may have used these products and to assess their risk of asbestos-related disease (ARD). Task-specific exposure data associated with CRL and PDP were identified and compared to regulatory standards for asbestos and health-based benchmarks. Personal airborne fiber concentrations ranged from 0.008-3.5 f/cc by PCM (duration: 3-420 minutes) for CRL (tearing, placement), and from <0.0044-<0.297 f/cc by PCM (duration: 5-28 minutes) for PDP (mixing). Eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposures were calculated using the reported task-based airborne fiber concentrations and associated sampling durations. For CRL tasks, the upper-bound calculated 8-hour TWA of 0.022 f/cc (tearing, placement) did not exceed regulatory standards for asbestos (≥0.1 f/cc). All samples collected during the mixing of PDP resulted in non-measurable fiber concentrations. The greatest estimated cumulative asbestos exposure for dental professionals using CRL (tearing, placement) of 0.33 f/cc-years is well below "best estimate", published chrysotile no-observed-adverse-effect-levels (NOAEL) for ARD (lung cancer = 89-168 f/cc-years; pleural mesothelioma = 208-415 f/cc-years). As such, the use of asbestos-containing CRL and/or PDP is not expected to pose an increased risk of ARD among dental professionals. This conclusion is consistent with the lack of an increased risk of ARD reported in epidemiological studies of these occupations.

Report of a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator and Its Use in the Dental Setting.

BACKGROUND: Respirators have received much attention since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to a substantial shortage of the most commonly used respirator, the N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirator (N95), as well as the desire to have added protection while performing aerosol generating procedures (AGPs), dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) have considered alternative respirator options. It is well documented in the medical literature that the Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) provides better protection against respiratory pathogens; however, there are no reported cases that describe the use of PAPRs in the dental setting. This survey report evaluates the use of a loose-fitting full facepiece PAPR by different dental providers. OBJECTIVE: To determine if a PAPR can be used in the dental setting and identify any potential barriers to use. METHODS: Eleven DHCP representing general dentistry, dental hygiene, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery and maxillofacial prosthodontics at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and Naval Postgraduate Dental School (NPDS) were asked to wear the MAXAIR PAPR while performing an AGP. They then completed a 14-question survey. RESULTS: There was a 100% response rate. All DHCP with the exception of the endodontist were able to successfully wear the MAXAIR PAPR for the duration of their procedure. All DHCP reported that the PAPR was more comfortable than expected. There were no reports of fogging or hindrance to visibility, breathing was unaffected or enhanced, and the noise level was tolerable. Average time to don and doff the PAPR was 5 minutes. All DHCP were able to wear loupes; some were not able to wear a headlight. Two DHCP reported a history of mild claustrophobia, and both were able to tolerate the PAPR without any issue. 44% preferred the PAPR over the N95. CONCLUSION: This preliminary survey of a loose-fitting PAPR in the dental setting suggests there is a place for PAPRs in the dental community.

Oral Health and Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Unique Collaboration between Dentistry and Occupational Therapy.

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at risk for oral health disparities. With the dramatic rise in ASD prevalence to 1 in 54 children, it is likely that an increasing number of dental practitioners will encounter or be asked to treat children with ASD. This paper reviews explanations related to the increasing prevalence of ASD, provides reasons why children with ASD are at increased risk for poor oral health, and discusses unique interprofessional collaborations between dental practitioners and occupational therapists. Occupational therapists and dentists can work together to plan modifications to the dental environment or adapt dental protocols to reduce some of the barriers encountered by those with ASD, provide desensitization strategies before the clinic visit, or help a child with emotional regulation during clinical treatments.

Concerns, perceived impact, and preparedness of oral healthcare workers in their working environment during COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the oral healthcare workers' concerns, perceived impact, and preparedness in COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at 10 different dental hospitals in Pakistan from March to June 2020. A 35 items valid and reliable questionnaire was used to assess the concerns, perceived impact, and preparedness of oral healthcare workers (OHCW) in COVID-19 pandemic. Chi-squared test and logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 583 OHCW participated in this study. The odds of having the awareness about the risk of exposure and fear of getting infected, were greater in the clinical than non-clinical OHCW (OR: 52.6; OR: 15.9). For social network concerns, the clinical OHCW were more likely to be concerned about their colleagues (OR: 6.0). The clinical OHCW have greater odds of worrying about telling the family/friends about the risk exposed to (OR: 2.55), being avoided because of the job (OR: 3.20) and more likely to be feeling stressed (OR: 4.31). Less than 50% of the participants felt that their institutions are well prepared and only 12.6% had attended an infection control training session. Most participants practiced self-preparation such as buying masks and disinfection (94.3%, 98.3%). CONCLUSION: The majority of OHCW felt concerned about their risk of exposure to infection and falling ill from exposure and infecting friends/family. There is a need for training of infection control and PPE and minimizing fear and psychological impact on OHCW should be the priority in any preparedness and planning for combating COVID-19.

Actualización acerca del riesgo de pérdida auditiva inducida por ruido en el personal odontológico / Upgrade about the risk of hearing loss in the dental personal

La relación entre la exposición a los ruidos y la pérdida auditiva se considera desde hace muchos años. La comunidad odontológica no está exenta de este problema, ya que los profesionales trabajan a diario, y durante tiempos prolongados, con instrumentos ruidosos. Esta revisión bibliográfica tiene como propósito realizar una actualización acerca del riesgo de pérdida auditiva inducida por ruido en el personal que trabaja en la clínica odontológica. En la actualidad, se afirma que los odontólogos y el personal en la clínica dental corren el riesgo de contraer diversas patologías auditivas ­como es el caso de la hipoacusia­ debido al ruido que producen los equipos de alta velocidad. Las enfermedades profesionales del tipo auditivas que se abordan en este trabajo constituyen factores que comprometen no solo el buen estado de salud de los odontólogos y demás profesionales, sino su calidad de vida (AU)

The relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss has been known for many years. The dental community is not exempt from this problem, because they work every day and for long periods of time with noisy instruments. This literature review aims to update the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in personnel working in the dental clinic. The risk to which dentists and staff in the dental clinic are subjected to the high-speed and other noisy equipment is well known, and that can cause various auditory problems such as hearing loss. The occupational diseases of the auditory type that were addressed in this article constitute factors that compromise not only the good state of health of dentists and other professionals who work in similar conditions, but also in their quality of life (AU)

COVID-19 and Dentistry: Prevention in Dental Practice, a Literature Review.

SARS-CoV-2 is a member of the family of coronaviruses. The first cases were recorded in Wuhan, China, between December 2019 and January 2020. Italy is one of the most affected countries in Europe. COVID-19 is a new challenge in modern dentistry. New guidelines are required in dental clinics to avoid contagion caused by cross-infections. A narrative review was performed using both primary sources, such as scientific articles and secondary ones, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases. The main search engines were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Twelve articles were selected to develop the bibliographic review by applying pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Precautionary measures should be applied to control COVID-19 in clinical practice. Several authors have highlighted the importance of telephone triage and/or clinic questionnaires, body temperature measurement, usage of personal protective equipment, surface disinfection with ethanol between 62% and 71%, high-speed instruments equipped with an anti-retraction system, four-handed work, and large-volume cannulas for aspiration. Clinically, the use of a rubber dam is essential. FFP2 (or N95) and FFP3 respirators, if compared to surgical masks, provide greater protection for health workers against viral respiratory infections. Further accurate studies are needed to confirm this.

Assessment of Risk Factors for Suicide Among US Health Care Professionals.

Importance: Burnout among health care professionals has been increasingly associated with suicide risk. An examination of possible risk factors may help in the prevention of suicide among health care professionals. Objective: To assess suicide risk factors for 3 categories of health care professionals (surgeons, nonsurgeon physicians, and dentists) compared with non-health care professionals. Design, Setting, and Participants: Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System were reviewed to identify all individuals who died by suicide in the United States between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2016. Individuals were divided into health care professionals and non-health care professionals (general population), with the health care professionals further categorized into surgeons, nonsurgeon physicians, and dentists. The covariates of suicide decedents included demographic characteristics (age, sex, race, and marital status), medical history (mental illness, substance use, and physical health), and documented factors associated with the suicide death (job, intimate partner, financial, legal, and other problems). Data were analyzed from October 2 to December 17, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures: In this analysis, the outcome variable was occupation, with health care professionals overall and by category compared with the general population. Multiple logistic regression analyses with backward stepwise selection were performed. Results: A total of 170 030 individuals who died by suicide between 2003 and 2016 were identified. Of those, 767 individuals (0.5%) were health care professionals (mean [SD] age, 59.6 [15.6] years; 675 men [88.0%]; 688 white [89.7%]), with the remainder of the sample (95.5%) comprising the general population (mean [SD] age, 46.8 [31.5] years; 77.7% men; 87.8% white). A total of 485 health care professionals (63.2%) were nonsurgeon physicians, 179 professionals (23.3%) were dentists, and 103 professionals (13.4%) were surgeons. Compared with the general population, risk factors for suicide among health care professionals included having Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry (odds ratio [OR], 2.80; 95% CI, 1.96-3.99; P < .001), job problems (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.49-2.17; P < .001), civil legal problems (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.15-2.26; P = .006), and physical health problems (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.19-1.64; P < .001) and currently receiving treatment for mental illness (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.24-1.69; P < .001). Compared with the general population, health care professionals had a lower risk of suicide if they had black ancestry (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36-0.84; P < .001) or were female (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35-0.55; P < .001) or unmarried (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.31-0.42; P < .001). Health care professionals who died by suicide were also less likely to have problems with intimate partners (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86; P < .001) or alcohol use (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.73; P < .001) compared with the general population. Surgeons had a higher risk of suicide compared with the general population if they were older, male, married, had Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry, were currently receiving treatment for mental illness, or had problems with their job or alcohol use. Compared with their nonsurgeon physician colleagues, surgeons had a higher risk of suicide if they were male, older, married, or currently receiving treatment for mental illness. Conclusions and Relevance: This study highlights risk factors for suicide among health care professionals, with additional analyses of surgeon-specific risk factors. The results may be useful in improving the detection of burnout and the development of suicide prevention interventions among health care professionals.

Terapia ocupacional para atendimento odontológico de pacientes especiais / Occupational therapy for dental care of special patients

A terapia ocupacional pode ser aplicada no setor odontológico, modificando o ambiente dos consultórios e ambulatórios no que tange à decoração, além de adotar a música no ambiente com o objetivo de minimizar a tensão dos indivíduos no transcorrer dos procedimentos. Com o recurso da terapia ocupacional pode-se ainda fazer emprego do mobiliário, objetivando melhorar a postura dos pacientes nas cadeiras odontológicas. Nesse contexto, torna-se extremamente importante tecer orientações e embasamento à respeito das medidas adotadas e de seus benefícios, orientando tanto o cirurgião dentista como a família dos pacientes. No âmbito odontológico, pacientes especiais podem ser inseridos em nove grupos, são eles: doenças sistêmicas crônicas; doenças infectocontagiosas; condições sistêmicas; anomalias congênitas; deficiência física; deficiência mental; transtornos psiquiátricos; distúrbios comportamentais e distúrbios sensoriais e de comunicação. O terapeuta ocupacional faz uso dos conhecimentos médicos e sociais para dar andamento aos recursos terapêuticos e para atuar na assistência odontológica aos pacientes especiais. Busca-se um melhor posicionamento desses pacientes na cadeira do equipo odontológico que se acha instalado para utilização nos atendimentos no decorrer dos procedimentos dentários a serem executados; inibição de movimentos involuntários e a humanização do ambiente, procurando adaptações que sejam condizentes com as necessidades presentes em particular. O objetivo do presente artigo foi verificar a possível inter-relação existente entre terapia ocupacional e a assistência à saúde prestada em odontologia voltada aos pacientes especiais. Realizou-se revisão narrativa de literatura com busca nas bases de dados: Google Acadêmico, PubMED envolvendo levantamento de estudos e artigos que versavam sobre a utilização da terapia ocupacional no atendimento odontológico aos pacientes especiais. No Google Acadêmico buscou-se dar ênfase às pesquisas realizadas entre 2014 e 2019. No PubMED considerou-se todo o acervo disponível na base de dados quando da realização da pesquisa, independentemente da data de publicação dos trabalhos. A utilização da terapia ocupacional a nível odontológico age favoravelmente nos indivíduos, podendo melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes especiais em tratamento.

Occupational therapy can be applied in the dental sector, modifying the environment of offices and outpatient clinics with regard to decoration, in addition to adopting music in the environment with the aim of minimizing the tension of individuals during the procedures. With the use of occupational therapy, it is also possible to use furniture, aiming to improve the patients' posture in dental chairs. In this context, it is extremely important to provide guidance and support regarding the measures adopted and their benefits, in addition to guiding both the dental surgeon and the patients' family. In the dental field, special patients can be placed in nine groups, they are: chronic systemic diseases; infectious diseases; systemic conditions; congenital anomalies; physical disability; mental disability; psychiatric disorders; behavioral disorders and sensory and communication disorders. The occupational therapist makes use of medical and social knowledge to develop therapeutic resources and to provide dental care to special patients. It is sought a better positioning of these patients in the chair of the dental equipment that is installed for use in the visits during the dental procedures to be performed; inhibition of involuntary movements and humanization of the environment, seeking adaptations that are consistent with the particular needs present. The aim of this article was to verify the possible interrelationship between occupational therapy and health care provided in dentistry for special patients. A narrative literature review was carried out with a search in the databases: Google Scholar, PubMED, involving a survey of studies and articles dealing with the use of occupational therapy in dental care for special patients. Google Scholar sought to emphasize the research carried out between 2014 and 2019. In PubMED, the entire collection available in the database was considered when the research was carried out, regardless of the date of publication of the works. The use of occupational therapy at the dental level acts favorably on individuals, and may improve the quality of life of special patients undergoing treatment.

Work-related skin symptoms among Bulgarian dentists.

BACKGROUND: Dentists are at high risk of developing skin symptoms due to occupational contact with irritants and/or allergens. OBJECTIVES: To assess the point prevalence of work-related skin symptoms and associated factors in Bulgarian dentists. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 4675 dentists filled the questionnaire (response 48.1%). The point prevalence of self-reported skin symptoms was 31.6%. According to logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with work-related skin symptoms included a personal history of atopic dermatitis (odds ratio [OR] 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.24-3.31), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma (OR 1.85, 95%CI: 1.56-2.19), work experience >30 years (OR 2.21, 95%CI: 1.78-2.74), personal history of contact allergy (OR 1.79, 95%CI: 1.48-2.17), female sex (OR 1.87, 95%CI: 1.59-2.19), hand washing >8 times a day (OR 1.32, 95%CI: 1.03-1.69), daily contact ≥4 hours with protective gloves (OR 2.09, 95%CI: 1.64-2.67), and use >10 pairs of gloves per day (OR 1.51, 95%CI: 1.11-2.04). CONCLUSION: Bulgarian dentists have a high prevalence of work-related skin symptoms. History of atopic dermatitis, prolonged work experience, and protective gloves use were the strongest risk factors.

Avaliação dos egressos do Programa de EducaçãoTutorial (PET) docurso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas / Evaluation of graduates of the Tutorial Education Program (PET) of the Dentistry Course at the Federal University of Pelotas

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o perfil profissional dos egressos da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas,participantes do Programa de Educação Tutorial (PET). Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, de natureza qualitativa e quantitativa, utilizando um questionário eletrônico estruturado eautoaplicável como instrumento de coleta e enviado, via correspondência eletrônica, à todos os egressos que participaram efetivamente do grupo PET e aceitaram participar desta pesquisa. Atividade profissional, níveis de formação e objetivos propostos pelo programa foram avaliados. O total de egressos foi de 89, desde a criação do grupo, em 1992, até o ano de 2019. Com as respostas obtidas (n=59), verificou-se que maior parte dos egressos que aderiram a pesquisa concluíram o curso entre os anos de 2004 até 2018 (59.3%), e apenas 24 (40.6%) em período anterior a 2004. Verificou-se que 25% atuam no serviço público, 44% no setor privado e 22% atuam em ambos. Em relaçãoàtitulação, apenas 4(6,8%)não possuem nenhuma pós-graduação, e 53 (89.8%) atuam na regiãoSul do país, 36 (61%) sãodo sexo feminino e 23 (39%) do masculino. Ao final do questionário, foi perguntado arespeito da influência da participação no Programasobre a trajetória profissional, com uma escala de intensidade progressiva de 1 a 5, gerando 19 respostas com nível 4 e 39respostas com nível 5. Os resultados evidenciaram uma influência muito positiva da participação no Programa na vida profissional de seus ex-participantes, tanto no mercado de trabalho, quanto na vivência de pós-graduação (AU).

This study evaluated the professional profile of graduates of the School of Dentistry at the Federal University of Pelotas, participants of the Tutorial Education Program (PET). A descriptive research was conducted, of qualitative and quantitative nature, using a structured and self-administered electronic questionnaire as collection instrument, sent by email to all graduates who effectively participated in the PET group and agreed to participate in this study. The study assessed the professional activity, traininglevels and objectives proposed by the program. The total number of graduates was 89, since the group was created in 1992 until 2019. The answers obtained (n=59) revealed that most graduates who joined the survey completed the course between the years 2004to 2018 (59.3%), and only 24 (40.6%) in the period before 2004. It was found that 25% work in public services, 44% in the private sector and 22% work in both. Concerning the degree, only 4 (6.8%) did not attend postgraduation education, and 53 (89.8%) work in the Southern region of the country, 36 (61%) are females and 23 (39%) are males. At completion of the questionnaire, the participants were asked about the influence of participation in the Program on their professional career, with a scale of progressive intensity from 1 to 5, retrieving 19 responses with score 4 and 39 responses with score 5. The results evidenced a positive influence from participation in the Program in the professional lives of former participants, both in the job market and in the postgraduation experience (AU).

Is less-than-full-time training in dentistry swimming against the tide?

With ongoing changes to the demography of the dental workforce coupled with the changing expectations of those participating in early career post-graduate training, dentistry is experiencing a shift in how it might manage trainees. Drawing on experience from medicine and the anticipated behavioural differences, it is worth considering a way in which training might be able to adapt to the requirements of newer graduates, to ensure that the profession does not lose out on preparing the best candidates possible for careers that improve the state of dentistry both as a vocation and for patient benefit.

Pulmonary Function Testing in Dentists Versus Controls: A Pilot Study Exploring the Potential Respiratory-Related Occupational Hazards of Dentistry.

OBJECTIVE: Minimal research exists evaluating respiratory-related occupational hazards associated with dentistry in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pulmonary function of dentists as compared with controls. METHODS: This is a case-control study evaluating pulmonary function in dentists versus controls. Outcomes included measurements of percent predicted FEV1 (FEV1%), percent of predicted FVC (FVC%), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC). RESULTS: Our findings indicate that dentists had a statistically significant lower percent predicted FEV1% (P < 0.05) and FVC% (P < 0.05) compared with controls. The prevalence of abnormal FVC% and FEV1% was greater among dentists, but only the increase in abnormal FEV1% approached significance. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists had lower percent predicted values for FVC% and FEV1% versus controls. More research is required to further investigate the association between the dental profession and pulmonary function in dentists.