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American Journal of Orthodontics and... Aug 2020Patients may express views about their orthodontic care by posting publicly available reviews on the Internet. This study analyzed online reviews of orthodontists with... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Patients may express views about their orthodontic care by posting publicly available reviews on the Internet. This study analyzed online reviews of orthodontists with an emphasis on the types and frequency of complaints expressed in negative reviews.
METHODS
A random sample of 10.6% of the American Association of Orthodontists membership was evaluated to identify members practicing in a North American office that is limited to orthodontics and has an online presence. Information regarding those orthodontists and their offices was collected. For offices with Google and/or Yelp reviews, all negative (1- or 2-star) reviews were saved for content analysis. If an office posted a response to a negative review, those responses were also collected for analysis.
RESULTS
Of the 807 eligible orthodontists, 92.4% had reviews on Google and/or Yelp. Average ratings of orthodontists were very positive (ie, 4- and 5-star reviews constituted >97% of Google reviews and >88% of Yelp reviews), yielding an average orthodontist rating of 4.72 on Google and 4.42 on Yelp. However, approximately half of those orthodontists (50.9%) also had at least 1 negative review. The 3 most frequently mentioned categories of complaints were regarding quality of care and/or service, interpersonal interactions, and money and/or financial issues. An analysis of the specific kinds of complaints is described. Orthodontists posting responses to negative reviews had significantly better average ratings than those who did not, but this association does not demonstrate a causal relationship.
CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the complaints orthodontic patients express in online reviews may suggest strategies to improve patient satisfaction and an orthodontist's online reputation.
Topics: Humans; Orthodontics; Orthodontists; Patient Satisfaction
PubMed: 32746975
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.02.005 -
Journal of Orthodontic Science 2023To understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontic clinical services in Jordan.
OBJECTIVES
To understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontic clinical services in Jordan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Google Forms electronic questionnaires were distributed between March and June 2021 using the WhatsApp platform of the Jordanian Orthodontic Society and via direct WhatsApp messages. The survey was identical and contemporaneous to that used in the United Kingdom.
RESULTS
The survey yielded 127 unique responses, giving a response rate of 53.1%. The factors that had the greatest impact on service delivery were government guidance (78%), patients' fear of attending (70.1%), and increased cross-infection measures (65.4%). The survey revealed that there had been a perceived deterioration in oral hygiene (60.3%) and levels of compliance (61.9%) in patients in active treatment even though patients in treatment were prioritized during the pandemic. Also, 56.8% of respondents felt clinical staff should be vaccinated and undergo regular testing for COVID-19. Orthodontists within Jordan were optimistic regarding the speed at which clinical services would return to pre-pandemic levels of activity with 32.5% anticipating this would take less than 6 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients in active orthodontic treatment, during COVID-19, have been prioritized but at the expense of new and review patients. Respondents in Jordan felt COVID-19 would have ongoing effects on clinical care, professional practice, and society. Most respondents supported the vaccination of orthodontic staff and were optimistic about the effect of a vaccination program on restoring clinical services.
PubMed: 37351412
DOI: 10.4103/jos.jos_48_22 -
American Journal of Orthodontics and... Jan 2021Orthodontic patients worldwide missed appointments during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A significant problem with this virus is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Orthodontic patients worldwide missed appointments during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A significant problem with this virus is its high transmission power. Asymptomatic patients can transmit the virus. The aim of this review is to examine orthodontic emergencies and the necessary strategies and measures for emergency and nonemergency treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.
METHODS
The following databases were comprehensively searched: PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Up-to-date data released by major health organizations such as the World Health Organization and major orthodontic associations involved in the pandemic were also evaluated.
RESULTS
Few studies were conducted on managing orthodontic offices or clinics during the pandemic, and most are not of high quality. Appropriate communication is the most important issue in managing orthodontic patients, particularly virtual counseling. Many orthodontic emergencies can be managed in this way by patients themselves. Most studies recommend using the filtering facepiece 2 masks, equivalent to N95 masks for non-COVID-19 patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures and all suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients in orthodontic visits.
CONCLUSIONS
At this time, there are no definitive clinical protocols supported by robust evidence for orthodontic practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Orthodontists should not rush to return to routine orthodontic work and should follow state guidelines. Nonemergency orthodontic visits should be suspended during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic in high-risk areas. Resuming orthodontic procedures during the pandemic requires paying special attention to screening, performing maximum efforts to reduce aerosol generation, using appropriate personal protective equipment, having proper ventilation, and fully adhering to sterilization and disinfection principles.
Topics: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Humans; Orthodontists; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33223376
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.09.009 -
Acta Stomatologica Croatica Jun 2018Caries represents a significant public health problem. Caries free dentition and good oral hygiene are prerequisites for inclusion into orthodontic treatment. The...
OBJECTIVE OF WORK
Caries represents a significant public health problem. Caries free dentition and good oral hygiene are prerequisites for inclusion into orthodontic treatment. The objective of this research was to assess oral health of the patients referred for an orthodontic assessment.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
In this cross sectional study, dental records of 351 patients aged 6-23 years (55% females), were referred to an orthodontist by a general dentist during 2014 and 2015 in Rijeka, and the records were subsequently analyzed. Prevalence of caries, caries experience and active caries related to gender and dentition type were analyzed.
RESULTS
In subjects with the mixed dentition, who were referred to an orthodontist, caries prevalence was 68% in deciduous teeth, caries experience was 3.6, and active caries was present in 2.4 teeth; in permanent teeth in mixed dentition the values were 21%, 1.3 and 0.4., respectively. Regarding the mixed dentition, the values in subjects' permanent dentition were as follows: 28%, 5.5, and 1.5. Caries was more frequent in deciduous teeth, and there were more fillings in permanent teeth compared to deciduous teeth. There were no gender related differences.
CONCLUSIONS
Oral health of children and adolescents referred to an orthodontic consultation is not satisfactory. General dentists frequently refer patients with caries to an orthodontic consultation. However, the presence of caries postpones inclusion into orthodontic treatment. It is important to begin raising general dentists' awareness of the need to refer to an orthodontist only those patients who have healthy dentition and good oral hygiene.
PubMed: 30034011
DOI: 10.15644/asc52/2/5 -
Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics 2021This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and aspects of the clinical practice of orthodontists and periodontists, regarding lower fixed orthodontic retainers. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and aspects of the clinical practice of orthodontists and periodontists, regarding lower fixed orthodontic retainers.
METHODS
The orthodontists (n=502) and periodontists (n=269) who participated in this cross-sectional observational study received, via e-mail, questions related to the type of lower fixed retainer, dental biofilm accumulation, oral hygiene, and potential periodontal changes. The data were subjected to chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, at 5% significance level.
RESULTS
Both orthodontists (72.3%) and periodontists (58.7%) reported that hygienic retainers accumulate more dental biofilm (p< 0.05), and 64.1% of orthodontists and 58.7% of periodontists considered that modified retainers may lead to periodontal changes (p< 0.05). There was no significant difference between the dental specialties, regarding the type of lower fixed retainer considered the easiest for the patient to perform hygiene (p> 0.05), whereas 48.6% of professionals chose the modified type.
CONCLUSION
The modified retainer accumulates a greater amount of dental biofilm and, in the perception of orthodontists and periodontists, it may cause periodontal changes.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Orthodontic Appliance Design; Orthodontic Retainers; Orthodontists
PubMed: 34468561
DOI: 10.1590/2177-6709.26.4.e2119276.oar -
Journal of Orthodontics Mar 2023Among non-gender conforming populations, there is a subgroup of individuals who experience significant distress associated with their gender incongruity, commonly...
Among non-gender conforming populations, there is a subgroup of individuals who experience significant distress associated with their gender incongruity, commonly referred to as gender dysphoria (GD). In the UK, there is a recognised pathway for individuals experiencing GD. This has traditionally been initiated by a referral to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) for children and adolescents or to a Gender Identity Clinic (GIC) for adults. This pathway can potentially involve several specialties and treatment modalities, including the prescription of various hormones. It is important for orthodontists to have an understanding of this field, as well as the potential treatment modalities, so that they can support this often marginalised patient group. Inherent differences between male and female facial features may also lead patients with GD to present to orthodontists, wishing to change their facial appearance. This article highlights the current national pathway for GD and the orthodontic considerations for these individuals.
Topics: Child; Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Male; Female; Gender Identity; Gender Dysphoria; Orthodontists
PubMed: 36217902
DOI: 10.1177/14653125221131062 -
The Angle Orthodontist Jan 2022To evaluate and compare the perception of different dental professionals and laypersons toward altered gingival characteristics (microesthetics) and to identify those...
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate and compare the perception of different dental professionals and laypersons toward altered gingival characteristics (microesthetics) and to identify those characteristics that are most negatively and positively rated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A smiling photograph of a female dental student was selected and digitally manipulated to create changes in different microesthetic parameters. These altered images were rated by the following five groups: 120 orthodontists, 45 periodontists, 49 prosthodontists, 130 general dentists, and 172 laypersons. Smile esthetics scores were calculated, and comparisons between groups were performed using the univariate general linear model.
RESULTS
The presence of black triangles between the upper incisors was the most negatively rated, and the ideal smile was the most positively rated. Significant differences were detected in the rating scores among the different study groups (P < .05). Orthodontists, prosthodontists, and general dentists scored the presence of a black triangle in the smile as the least attractive, whereas periodontists and laypersons perceived the inflamed gingiva and pigmented gingiva as the least attractive, respectively. Dental specialists tended to give the altered smile images lower scores than the laypersons.
CONCLUSIONS
The ideal smile and that with black triangles between the upper incisors were rated as the most and the least attractive smiles, respectively. Orthodontists, prosthodontists, and general dentists scored the presence of black triangles in the smile as the least attractive, whereas periodontists and laypersons perceived the inflamed gingiva and pigmented gingiva as the least attractive smiles, respectively. Dental specialists tended to give the altered smile images lower scores than the laypersons.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Attitude to Health; Dentists; Esthetics, Dental; Female; Gingiva; Humans; Smiling
PubMed: 34520516
DOI: 10.2319/020521-108.1 -
Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics 2018This cross-sectional observational study was designed to assess the biosafety conducts adopted by orthodontists, and possible differences regarding training time. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
This cross-sectional observational study was designed to assess the biosafety conducts adopted by orthodontists, and possible differences regarding training time.
METHODS
Both the application of methods for sterilization/disinfection of instruments and materials, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were collected through questionnaires via e-mail.
RESULTS
The questionnaires were answered by 90 orthodontists with a mean age of 37.19 ± 9.08 years and mean training time of 13.52 ± 6.84 years. Regarding orthodontic pliers, 63.23% use an autoclave, except 1 who does not perform any procedure. All participants use autoclave to sterilize instruments, and 95.6% of respondents perform cleaning with chemicals prior to sterilization. Most of them (65.56%) use an autoclave to sterilize orthodontic bands, with some still associating disinfection methods, while few (18.89%) do nothing at all. There was a high incidence of the answer "nothing" for the methods used for elastic, accessories, bandages, metal springs, and arches. All respondents use mask and gloves in attendance, 78.92% use aprons, 58.92% use protective goggles, and 50.01% use cap. Training time significantly influenced (p = 0.003) only the use of glutaraldehyde for sterilization/disinfection of pliers.
CONCLUSIONS
The sterilization and cleaning of pliers, instruments, and bands, besides the use of PPE, received more uniform and positive responses, while other items suggest disagreements and possible failures. Only orthodontists trained for more than 13 years choose using glutaraldehyde for pliers sterilization/disinfection, the only adopted method with a significant difference in relation to training time.
Topics: Adult; Containment of Biohazards; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Instruments; Dental Materials; Disinfection; Humans; Orthodontists; Practice Patterns, Dentists'; Protective Clothing; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 30088568
DOI: 10.1590/2177-6709.23.3.073-079.oar -
British Dental Journal Jan 2023The Dental gold guide was originally developed in 2009 by the UK Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors as a reference document for those undertaking... (Review)
Review
The Dental gold guide was originally developed in 2009 by the UK Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors as a reference document for those undertaking specialist training within the UK. A similar document was later produced for dental core training in 2013, called the Silver guide. The documents act as a framework for training and outline the regulations and assessment processes. The latest edition of the Dental gold guide, published in September 2021, combines the original gold and silver guide documents, making it applicable to both speciality trainees and dental core trainees.This review article summarises this most recent version of the guide, covering all areas of speciality and dental core training, including the responsibilities of those involved in training and recruitment and arrangements for less than full-time training, as well as a summary of the review of competency progression process. It is hoped to provide a user-friendly reference for both trainees and trainers within the UK.
Topics: Clinical Competence; Curriculum; Specialization; United Kingdom
PubMed: 36639484
DOI: 10.1038/s41415-022-5397-x -
Journal of the American Dental... Aug 2020The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) orthodontics has caused significant controversy among dentists and orthodontists. However, little is known about the actual harms or...
BACKGROUND
The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) orthodontics has caused significant controversy among dentists and orthodontists. However, little is known about the actual harms or benefits experienced by users of at-home teeth aligners.
METHODS
The authors designed a 24-item online survey to assess users' experiences with at-home aligners. The authors recruited users for 6 months (March-August 2019) on social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter) and online forums related to DTC orthodontics. A total of 470 responses were analyzed.
RESULTS
The typical respondent was a white, female millennial (23-38 years old in 2019) who purchased aligners to correct crowding. More than one-half of respondents consulted with a dentist before purchasing aligners. In those interactions, the dentist most often recommended an in-office treatment. Although most respondents (87.5%) were satisfied with DTC treatment, 6.6% had to visit their dentist due to the severity of adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Although many respondents would have preferred traditional treatment from a dentist or orthodontist, they opted for DTC aligners because of cost and convenience.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Rather than warning patients wholesale against at-home aligners, it might be more productive for dentists to have frank discussions with them about the risks and benefits. In parallel to pushing for increased accountability, it might be prudent to consider new ways of coexisting in this altered landscape, such as offering professional oversight of DTC treatments.
Topics: Adult; Dental Care; Female; Humans; Malocclusion; Orthodontics; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 32718492
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.02.025