Enhancing elementary school teachers' knowledge in managing traumatic dental injuries: The effectiveness of educational sessions.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of educational intervention on elementary school teachers' knowledge of traumatic dental injuries (TDI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included all of the elementary schools (29) in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Of the initial 538 participants, 497 teachers completed the full-length study. The first assessment (T0) was performed prior to intervention using a four-part validated questionnaire that evaluated demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and self-assessment in relation to TDIs. The questionnaire was followed by a 30-min lecture presentation featuring various dental trauma scenarios. Each teacher's knowledge was reassessed immediately after the intervention (T1) and 3 months after the intervention (T2). The data were analyzed using the Cochran test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and chi-squared test. RESULTS: Half of the participants had witnessed dental trauma at least once; however, 96.6% of the participants had not attended any training related to dental trauma prior to the educational intervention. Knowledge regarding first aid management of broken teeth and avulsions was disappointing pre-intervention but was significantly higher post-intervention (p < .001). Following the workshop, participant self-assessments indicated improvement in the ability to appropriately respond to cases of dental trauma as necessary (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate knowledge of emergency management of TDI was demonstrated initially. There was a remarkable improvement in the overall knowledge of TDI after the educational sessions. Raising the awareness in dental trauma field by conducting educational sessions is crucial for achieving a better outcome.

Prevalence of postural musculoskeletal symptoms among dental students in United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of neck, shoulder, and low-back pain and to examine factors associated with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among dental students at Ajman University and Ras Al Khaimah College of Dental Sciences in United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students using an online questionnaire, which was a modified version of the Standardized Nordic questionnaire, focused on neck, shoulder and low-back pain in the past week and the past year. RESULTS: A total of two hundred and two dental students (out of 368) responded to the questionnaire. The majority were female 75.2%. The prevalence of MSP in at least one body site in the past week, and in the past year was 48.5 and 68.3% respectively. The factors significantly associated with MSP in at least one body site at any time were having history of trauma (P = 0.009), lack of exercise (P = 0.001), longer clinical sessions (P = 0.000), and higher BMI (P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the prevalence of MSP among dental students in the UAE is high. Careful attention from dental colleges is needed to increase students' awareness of this problem. This study contributed to better understanding of MSP among dental professionals.

Health of dentists in United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and nature of some health and lifestyle problems among dentists in United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHOD: A cross-sectional study with a one-stage complex sampling technique using a self-reported questionnaire distributed to all 844 dentists, working in three cities (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) in UAE. RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty-three (87%) dentists, aged 22-70 years, responded. More than half (n = 442, 61%) of dentists do not exercise regularly. Around one-seventh of the dentists are smokers. One hundred and eighteen dentists (16%) reported having some known systemic problem. The most common systemic health problems were cardiovascular diseases (n = 56, 8%). CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the prevalence of exercise among dentists in UAE is relatively low and some systemic health problems, especially cardiovascular diseases, are present among dentists practicing in UAE. Cigarette consumption is relatively high in this population of dentist. Further continuing education and investigation of the appropriate intervention to improve rates of exercise and reduce the level of smoking among dentists in UAE is needed, and this may help reduce the level of systemic disease.

Occupational health problems of dentists in the United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of some occupationally related health problems among dentists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHOD: A cross-sectional study using the one-stage complex sampling technique to evaluate the results of a self-reporting questionnaire distributed to 844 dentists working in three cities (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) in UAE. RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty-three (87%) dentists, aged 22-70 years, responded. The most common occupational health problems were musculoskeletal pain [497 (68%)] and percutaneous injury [306 (42%)]. Around one-fifth [135 (18%)] of dentists had a history of contact dermatitis, mostly caused by latex gloves, 53% had eye problems and 5% had hearing problems. CONCLUSIONS: As exposure to potential infectious agents is of concern, continuing education in the avoidance of percutaneous injuries would be beneficial. Further studies are needed to identify the causes of musculoskeletal pain and the appropriate interventions to reduce its prevalence; similar measures are required to reduce exposure to agents which may produce contact dermatitis. The awareness of occupational health problems should be highlighted at all clinical and research symposia.

Traumatic Dental Injuries among 12-Year-Old Schoolchildren in the United Arab Emirates.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the factors related to traumatic injuries to the permanent incisors of 12-year-old children in the Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates. METHODS: A sample of 1008 12-year-old children (510 boys and 498 girls) participated in this study. A multi-stage randomized sampling technique was used to select children from public schools for their inclusion in the sample population. An oral examination was completed by a calibrated examiner after receiving training for traumatic dental injury (TDI) to permanent incisor teeth utilizing a modified version of Ellis's classification. Data that were related to sociodemographic factors, TDI causes, and where the TDI took place were recorded using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Of all of the children that were examined, 9.8% of them had experienced dental trauma. The difference in TDI prevalence between boys (15.9%) and girls (3.9%) was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The children whose mothers had low levels of education experienced a higher prevalence of TDI (p = 0.001). The children with incisal overjets that were greater than 5 mm or with inadequate lip coverage tended to have experienced dental injuries (p < 0.01). The main causes of injury to permanent incisors were collision against an object or person (53.5%) and falling (42.4%). Most of the accidents happened at home (58.6%) and school (25.3%). The most prevalent injuries were enamel fractures (58.7%) and enamel-dentine fractures (34.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This research highlighted many predisposing factors for traumatic dental injuries among children. There is an urgent need to initiate detailed public health policies to decrease the prevalence of dental trauma cases, especially in the identified risk group.

Dentists' Attitude Towards Dental Treatment of Disabled Patients.

Background: Dental care is widely acknowledged as one of the most significant challenges facing individuals with disabilities. These patients cannot care for themselves and more attention should be paid to these individuals, particularly in oral health care. Aim of the Study: This research investigates the knowledge and expertise of the dentists at Ajman University regarding the treatment of individuals with disabilities and the factors influencing their ability to treat these patients in private practice. Materials and Methods: Methods included a descriptive cross-sectional survey employing 18 fixed-choice questions administered to a representative sample of 150 dentists working in the Ajman University area (Both Ajman and Fujairah campuses). Results: Most participants admitted to a lack of ideal expertise in working with individuals with disability. However, being in the minority, such individuals have acceptable experience to provide the first line treatment. Conclusion: The vast majority of participants expressed limitations with their training and limitations with an advanced level of care for this popular one. Other factors influencing the treatment of individuals with disabilities included the time it takes to treat the patients, inability to communicate with such patients, lack of patient collaboration, fear of causing harm to the patient and auxiliary staff and diminished patient compliance.

Emergency medical care in dentistry: A cross sectional analysis of competencies for undergraduate students.

BACKGROUND: The possibility of a medical crisis, albeit a relatively uncommon occurrence in a dental practice, is often overlooked and it is imperative that dental practitioners equip themselves with the knowledge and skills essential to manage potentially life-threatening situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and competency levels of dental undergraduate students training across universities in the UAE in basic life support (BLS) and medical emergencies in a dental setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted and 411 students undergoing clinical training (4th and 5th year of dental school) voluntarily participated in this study. The questionnaire comprised questions related to commonly occurring medical emergencies that they may have encountered in a dental setting. Data collected were then tabulated and subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. RESULTS: More than half of the respondents (55.2%) reported that they had lower confidence in handling medical emergencies, with 54.7% claiming that they had not received training on the subject during their undergraduate course. Majority of the respondents (216) reported that they would only choose to record vital signs if the medical history of the patient was indicative of an underlying condition. DISCUSSION: Findings from the present study strongly mandate the inclusion of training for BLS and medical emergencies in the existing dental curriculum to equip graduate dental practitioners to handle a medical crisis in their dental practice.

Child physical abuse: knowledge of dental students in Hamburg, Germany.

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at evaluating the levels of knowledge of child abuse among students attending the School of Dental and Oral Medicine at the University of Hamburg- Eppendorf, Germany. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered and structured questionnaire, consisting of 23 multiple-choice questions; the questionnaire focused on rating the students' knowledge of and ability to diagnose child abuse. Each question was analysed with simple descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The students (181) were aware of their legal and ethical responsibilities towards the children and their parents. More than two-thirds (69.6%) responded positively when asked whether a dentist should be legally responsible to report cases of child abuse brought to their attention. The majority of the students (96.1%) agreed that dentists had an ethical duty to report such cases. However, the students were unable to define or describe the signs, symptoms, and social indicators of child abuse. Approximately 93.4% of the students lacked basic training related to child abuse, while 95.7% of them indicated that there was insufficient training in issues related to child abuse. CONCLUSIONS: There is a general lack of information regarding child abuse among dentistry students. The majority of the students showed interest in the topic of child abuse and neglect, but were unable to clearly identify the signs and symptoms. More lectures and workshops relating to child abuse should be available to all dentists to reinforce their knowledge as well as to strengthen their confidence when confronted with suspected cases of child abuse.

The Influence of Dental Trauma Education on Undergraduate Students at Ajman University, United Arab Emirates: An Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of a lecture on dental trauma on the knowledge of undergraduate dental students at Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: Fourth-year dental students were asked to attend a lecture on dental trauma and then respond to an online questionnaire containing 10 close-ended questions related to their approach to managing dental trauma cases and tooth avulsion before (T0) and directly after (T1) the lecture. They were given 5 min for filling the questionnaire either time. McNemars test was used to compare the accuracy of their answers based on the correct or incorrect response for each question. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The questionnaire was sent to 164 students, out of which 157 responded, giving a response rate of 95.7%. After receiving the educational intervention, the students showed a significant improvement in their knowledge on managing permanent tooth avulsion, especially regarding the handling of an avulsed tooth before replantation, extra-alveolar time, and media used for the storage and transportation of avulsed teeth (< 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study reveals that the lecture on dental trauma had an excellent outcome on the knowledge of the students. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize the importance of this information among undergraduate dental students in order to save teeth exposed to trauma and to reduce the social burden of such cases. This study contributes to better understanding of the effect of dental trauma education on undergraduate dental students' knowledge of the subject.

Diet and caries experience among preschool children in Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

The study investigated the association between food and drink consumption and the caries experience among young children in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. A one-stage cluster sample was used to select children who were 5 or 6 yr of age. Clinical examinations for caries were conducted. Parents completed questionnaires seeking information on dietary habits. Principal components analysis was used to derive a summary score for the dietary variables (designated 'snack consumption level') and thus overcome the multicollinearity problems associated with using multiple dietary variables. Dental examination and questionnaire data were obtained for 1,036 children (79.9% participation rate). The overall mean number of decayed, missing or filled teeth (dmft) was 4.5. Snacking three or more times per day was associated with a dmft score that was almost one-third higher than the dmft score for children who snacked only once daily. One-third of children had a low overall snack consumption level (41% moderate and 25% high). There was a consistent dmft gradient across those categories. The severity of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in young Ajman children is high, with dietary habits being important determinants. Cariogenic snack consumption can be represented using a summary exposure variable that appears to be valid. Young children in Ajman would benefit from health-promotion strategies directed towards appropriate dietary practices.

Prevalence of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation in an Emerging Community, and a Possible Correlation with Caries, Fluorosis and Socioeconomic Status.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) in 7- to 9-year-old (±1 year) schoolchildren living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and to find a possible association with caries, fluorosis and socioeconomic status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a representative sample of 779 children with an age of 7 to 9 years ±1 year in primary schools in Dubai were randomly selected and examined by one investigator who had previously been trained and calibrated with the diagnostic criteria of European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) for MIH, caries diagnostic criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Dean's criteria for fluorosis. RESULTS: The prevalence of MIH in Dubai was 7.57% and was almost identical for both genders (female 7.57% and male 7.58%). The caries index was high (2.41±1.7). Children with MIH in Dubai exhibited statistically significantly higher DMFT values than did children without MIH (mean 3.5 ± 1.7 vs 2.3 ± 1.7; p < 0.001). The prevalence of fluorosis was 10.9% with no statistically significant age or gender differences. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MIH in Dubai is low. However, the caries and fluorosis values are much higher, which calls for strengthening caries-preventive efforts.

Early Detection of Oral Cancer- Dentists' Knowledge and Practices in the United Arab Emirates

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, opinions and practices of dentists regarding early detection of oral cancer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a simple random sampling technique with a self-reported questionnaire applied to 298 dentists, working in private and public sectors in three cities (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) in the UAE. Dentists' knowledge about risk factors and diagnostic concepts of oral cancer, current practices and opinions as well as interest in continuing education programs were assessed. Results: The dentists, aged 23-65 years, were generally aware of the major risk factors most likely associated with oral cancer. Thirty percent of the participants identified the tongue as the most common site on which oral cancer develops. The best known clinical presentation of oral cancer identified by the respondents was a persistent ulcer (87.6 %). Only thirty dentists (9.9%) were comfortable in performing a biopsy in their clinic. Less than half (48.0%) had attended a continuing education course on oral cancer within the past 5 years. The majority of the participants (84.9%) felt that they needed further training on oral cancer detection. Conclusion: The findings of the present study identified several deficiencies in the knowledge of dentists working in the UAE with regard to early detection of oral cancer. Some changes to dental educational and training could be made to improve the confidence and ability of dentists in this regard.

Gynecologists' knowledge and attitudes regarding oral health and periodontal disease leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge and practiced behaviors of gynecologists regarding oral health care during pregnancy and the association of periodontal disease with adverse pregnancy outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 16 questions was designed and pilot tested. One hundred and fifty gynecologists practicing in the private sector of United Arab Emirates (UAE) were approached to voluntarily participate and fill up the questionnaire during February-March 2014. Data retrieved were entered into Excel database and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 150 gynecologists approached, 108 filled the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 72%. The majority (95.4%) acknowledged a connection between oral health and pregnancy and 75.9% agreed that periodontal disease can affect the outcome of pregnancy. Moreover, most of the gynecologists (85.2%) advised their pregnant patients to visit the dentist during pregnancy. Almost three-quarter of the participants (73%) regarded dental radiographs to be unsafe during pregnancy and more than half (59.3%) considered administration of local anesthesia to be unsafe during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that gynecologists have a relatively high degree of knowledge with respect to the relationship of periodontal disease to pregnancy outcome. However, there clearly exist misconceptions regarding the provision of dental treatment during pregnancy. To provide better oral health care, more knowledge needs to be made available to the pregnant women and the medical community, and misconceptions regarding the types of dental treatments during pregnancy should be clarified.