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Current Osteoporosis Reports Aug 2023Osteoporosis ranks high among morbidities in the elderly as it is a natural process to lose bone, making them susceptible to fractures from minor falls. The cost of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Osteoporosis ranks high among morbidities in the elderly as it is a natural process to lose bone, making them susceptible to fractures from minor falls. The cost of managing these patients is staggering. The fractures can be prevented with better care of the elderly, and by treating the major predisposing factor, osteoporosis. Clinicians and scientists, in general, constantly look for early diagnostic and prognostic indicators for osteopenia and osteoporosis to proactively prevent fractures. Dental panoramic radiography (DPR) is a rotational pantomography used for identifying dental pathology in patients. Early signs of osteopenia and osteoporosis can be identified in DPR. The usefulness of notable jaw changes in DPR to predict osteopenia and osteoporosis is still evolving as more studies continue to delve into this concept. The purpose of this review is to present advances made in the practical application of DPR for predicting early onset of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
RECENT FINDINGS
Dental panoramic radiography, a form of tomography commonly used by dental practitioners, has been the standard of care for decades for detecting dento-alveolar pathology. Several technological advancements have taken place with respect to the use of DPR. These include conversion from plain film to digital radiography, advancements in the manufacture of flat panel detectors, and accurate imaging of the layers of mandible and maxilla that has become possible with appropriate patient positioning within the focal trough of the machine. Improvements in the software infrastructure make it easier to view, enhance, and save the radiographic images. The radiographic appearance of the trabecular bone within the mandible and indices measured from the dental panoramic radiographs focusing on the inferior cortex of the mandible are considered useful tools for identifying asymptomatic individuals with osteoporosis or at risk for developing osteoporosis. These indices apparently correlate with risks of fragility fractures of osteoporosis in other parts of the body. Dental panoramic radiography (DPR) is a commonly used radiographic procedure in dentistry for evaluation of teeth and associated maxillofacial structures. The evaluation of the inferior border of the mandible for reduction or loss of cortical thickness and evaluation of the trabecular bone within the mandible are helpful markers for early signs of osteopenia to identify patients at risk for osteoporosis. This review focused on research advancements on practical application of DPR in early identification of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Bone Density; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Dentists; Fractures, Bone; Osteoporosis; Professional Role; Radiography, Panoramic
PubMed: 37382808
DOI: 10.1007/s11914-023-00807-5 -
Journal of Endodontics Feb 2024The aim of this study was to ascertain the current trends in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) among clinicians, including case selection criteria and clinical...
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to ascertain the current trends in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) among clinicians, including case selection criteria and clinical protocols.
METHODS
An online questionnaire consisting of provider demographics, case selection criteria for REPs, and clinical protocols was made available to members of the American Association of Endodontists and members of the Endolit website. Data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test.
RESULTS
Two hundred seventy-two responses were analyzed (64.6% were men and 34.7% were women). Of those, 44.5% of respondents practiced in the United States, and 55.5% practiced outside of the Unites States. Most respondents (85.4%) reported performing REPs in their practice, and 92.2% were using sodium hypochlorite as one of their disinfecting irrigants. Calcium hydroxide was the most commonly used intracanal medicament (68.4%), and the majority of respondents use a blood clot alone as the scaffold (73.5%). Most (93%) of the providers reported using a bioceramic material for coronal capping. Practitioners outside the United States were found to be more likely to use adjunctive irrigation activation (P = .003). Younger practitioners preferred REPs over apexification (P = .01). Practitioners outside the United States were more likely to perform an REP in 1 visit (P = .006). Men were found to be more likely to always instrument the canal walls (P = .031). Women were found to be more likely to use manual irrigant activation, whereas men were more likely to use sonic activation (P = .043).
CONCLUSIONS
There is significant heterogeneity within REPs regarding case selection and clinical protocol. Notable differences were observed from the reported findings of REPs from 5 years ago.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Regenerative Endodontics; Endodontists; Sodium Hypochlorite; Surveys and Questionnaires; Internet; Dental Pulp Necrosis; Endodontics
PubMed: 38013150
DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.11.013 -
Community Dentistry and Oral... Dec 2023This study aimed to understand the perspectives of dentists towards the Montreal-Toulouse model, an innovative approach that encompasses person-centredness and social...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to understand the perspectives of dentists towards the Montreal-Toulouse model, an innovative approach that encompasses person-centredness and social dentistry. This model invites dentists to take three types of actions (understanding, decision-making, intervening) on three overlapping levels (individual, community, societal). This study aimed to understand (a) How dentists perceived the Montreal-Toulouse model as a framework for the practice of dentistry and (b) What parts of this model they were ready to adopt in their own practice.
METHODS
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted based on semi-structured interviews with a sample of dentists in the Province of Quebec, Canada. A combination of maximum variation and snowball sampling strategies was employed and 14 information-rich participants were recruited. The interviews were conducted and audio-recorded through Zoom and lasted approximately 1 h and a half. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed through a combination of inductive and deductive coding.
RESULTS
The participants explained they valued person-centred care and tried to put the individual level of the Montreal-Toulouse model into practice. However, they expressed little interest in the social dentistry aspects of the model. They acknowledged not knowing how to organize and conduct upstream interventions and were not comfortable with social and political activism. According to them, advocating for better health-related policies, while a noble act, 'was not their job'. They also highlighted the structural challenges that dentists face in fostering biopsychosocial approaches such as the Montreal-Toulouse model.
CONCLUSIONS
To promote the Montreal-Toulouse model and empower dentists to address social determinants of health, an educational and organizational 'paradigm shift' towards social accountability might be necessary. Such a shift requires curricular modifications and reconsidering traditional teaching approaches in dental schools. Moreover, dentistry's professional organization could facilitate dentists' upstream actions through proper resource allocation and openness to collaboration with them.
Topics: Humans; Dentists; Quebec; Canada; Qualitative Research; Dentistry; Attitude of Health Personnel
PubMed: 37042424
DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12859 -
American Journal of Orthodontics and... Sep 2023Transverse occlusal plane (TOP) should be parallel to the true horizontal lines of the face (ie, the interpupillary line [IP] and commissural line [CL]). This study...
INTRODUCTION
Transverse occlusal plane (TOP) should be parallel to the true horizontal lines of the face (ie, the interpupillary line [IP] and commissural line [CL]). This study aimed to investigate the opinions of laypersons, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons about the impact of imbalanced IP and CL on facial attractiveness.
METHODS
We used a symmetrical face image as the reference. Then, using Photoshop software, we constructed the following 6 photographs: TOP roll relative to CL and IP (3° and 6°) with parallelism of CL and IP, CL roll relative to TOP and IP (3° and 6°) with parallelism of TOP and IP, TOP and CL roll relative to IP (3° and 6°). Consequently, the participants rated the photographs on the basis of their attractiveness. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the ratings.
RESULTS
One hundred thirty-one laypersons, 22 orthodontists, and 20 surgeons participated in this study. It was found that 51.1% of laypersons, 86.4% of orthodontists, and 70% of surgeons selected the reference photograph as the most beautiful, followed by the photograph with a 3° roll of CL relative to TOP, with parallelism of TOP and IP (29% of laypersons, 31.8% of orthodontists, and 35% of surgeons).
CONCLUSIONS
Most participants selected the reference photograph as the most beautiful and realized a roll in the horizontal planes up to 3°. The parallelism of the esthetic line of dentition relative to interpupillary is preferred over its parallelism relative to CL.
Topics: Humans; Dental Occlusion; Orthodontists; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; Attitude of Health Personnel; Esthetics, Dental; Perception; Smiling
PubMed: 36967313
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2023.02.011 -
International Journal of Paediatric... Apr 2024Clinical photographs are now considered an essential element for accurate and objective dental records. Very little information exists on dental photography in children...
BACKGROUND
Clinical photographs are now considered an essential element for accurate and objective dental records. Very little information exists on dental photography in children and the factors that can influence the dentist's decision to take dental photographs.
AIM
This study aimed to assess the current use, attitude and confidence of paediatric dentists using clinical dental photography of children worldwide.
DESIGN
This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study distributed online to paediatric dentists around the globe.
RESULTS
The survey was completed by 390 dentists. The majority of participants (82.3%, n = 321) took dental photographs of their patients, and over 74% of the participants were confident in taking dental photographs. Sixty-nine dentists (17.7%) did not take photographs. Seventy-four per cent (n = 240) of those who take dental photographs and 47.8% (n = 33) of those who do not take dental photographs reported an effect on the child's behaviour. The majority of participants expressed interest in receiving further training.
CONCLUSION
Most paediatric dentists take dental photographs of their patients and value their role in the behavioural management of the child patient. Paediatric dentists need further training in children's dental photography, including guidance on proper image recording, storage and transfer.
PubMed: 38561904
DOI: 10.1111/ipd.13180 -
Journal of the World Federation of... Apr 2024This study aimed to examine how well patients can differentiate between orthodontists and dentists.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to examine how well patients can differentiate between orthodontists and dentists.
METHODS
Four hundred patients who applied to the Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology between March and November of 2022 were queried regarding the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist via a face-to-face survey. The respondents were separated into the following two study groups: patients who had previously undergone orthodontic treatment and those who had not. Demographic data of the patients, such as age, sex, educational status, and monthly income, were also collected, and the effects of these factors on their doctor preferences were analyzed.
RESULTS
The vast majority of respondents (>85%) thought that a dentist should be an orthodontic specialist to provide orthodontic treatment. Seven percent of patients chose to receive orthodontic treatment from a dentist. Patients who chose an orthodontist for their treatment were predominantly female and had a high income and a higher level of education. Patients who had a history of orthodontic treatment were better aware of the profession of orthodontics than those who did not.
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated that the respondents did not fully understand the clear distinction between an orthodontist and a dentist. This outcome suggests that education concerning this issue is required.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Orthodontics; Orthodontists; Dental Care; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38378393
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejwf.2023.12.009 -
BMC Oral Health Dec 2023Digital dentistry has revolutionized the way dental treatment is offered to patients. It became essential for dental practitioners to be well-informed about this...
BACKGROUND
Digital dentistry has revolutionized the way dental treatment is offered to patients. It became essential for dental practitioners to be well-informed about this technology to improve the quality of care offered and increase patient satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, awareness, and perception of Egyptian dentists toward digital dentistry.
METHODS
An online-based cross-sectional study was conducted using social media platforms from November 2022 to March 2023. Our study sample included dentists with different levels of experience, specialties, and working in different health sectors in Egypt. A questionnaire arranged in 4 sections and 23 questions was used as the study data collection tool. The data were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS software.
RESULTS
A total of 402 participants filled out this questionnaire. 50.7% of which were females, 42.8% were between 20-29 years old and 42.3% were general practitioners. Furthermore, the main practice of 27.6% was in governmental dental clinics. Moreover, 47.3% and 64.2% of participants had Moderate knowledge and awareness respectively. While 75.9% of them had a high perception of practicing digital dentistry. Females and practitioners in governmental clinics had significantly lower awareness scores, while faculty teaching staff had significantly higher scores (P ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, practicing in the Great Cairo region and urban areas was associated with significantly higher knowledge scores (P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, Prosthodontists, periodontists, and restorative dentists had significantly higher scores when compared with general dentists (P ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
About half of the study participants had Moderate knowledge and awareness levels, while about three-quarters of them had a high level of perception toward practicing digital dentistry. Therefore, more attention should be given to providing dental education programs in this important field at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels by policymakers.
Topics: Female; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Male; Dentists; Cross-Sectional Studies; Egypt; Professional Role; Surveys and Questionnaires; Dentistry; Perception
PubMed: 38049790
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03698-1 -
Journal of Dental Sciences Oct 2023Online courses have been widely used in all levels of education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the effectiveness of a dentist continuing education...
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Online courses have been widely used in all levels of education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the effectiveness of a dentist continuing education (DCE) course through the online devices in Taiwan.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The practicing dentists who participated in the online course of dental radiation technology for DCE offered by the Taiwan Dental Association (TWDA) in October 2022 and in March 2023 were enrolled in this study. The composition of participating dentists was confirmed by the public inquiry system and their learning effectiveness was evaluated by a questionnaire-based survey after the online DCE class.
RESULTS
All participating dentists (132 in October 2022 and 117 in March 2023) obtained consistent good learning outcomes in this online DCE course. Of these 249 dentists, there were 170 (68.27%) males and 79 (31.73%) females, 127 (51.00%) dental specialists and 122 (49.00%) general dentists, as well as 50 (20.08%) hospital dentists and 199 (79.92%) clinic dentists. The participation rates for this course of practicing dentists in non-municipalities (4.70%), counties (3.88%), eastern region (8.08%), and outlying islands (3.60%) were much higher than those in municipalities (0.79%), cities (1.16%), and the western region including the northern region (0.88%), central region (1.96%), and southern region (1.94%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
The participating dentists express positive feedback on the online DCE courses, and the online DCE courses can reduce the urban-rural gap in dental education resources. The use of online DCE courses in dental education will be a future trend.
PubMed: 37795131
DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.06.020 -
BMC Oral Health Nov 2023To assess the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in its outbreak stage (Spring Festival in 2020) on oral emergency services.
BACKGROUND
To assess the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in its outbreak stage (Spring Festival in 2020) on oral emergency services.
METHODS
Oral emergency cases in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, during the Spring Festival after the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020 were collected and compared with those in 2018 and 2019. Electronic medical records including the visited department, age, sex, time, date, region, and diagnosis were collected and analyzed. The results were statistically analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
RESULTS
Compared with that in 2018 and 2019, the total number of patients decreased during the Spring Festival in 2020 (p < 0.001), but the proportions of patients visiting Oral Surgery and Oral, Head, and Neck Oncology Emergency departments increased. The average age of patients increased, and the number of night visits decreased. Toothache diseases involving endodontic and periodontal diseases increased, while the proportion of maxillofacial trauma decreased. The wasn't a linear association between diagnosis or genders (P > 0.001) across years. However, a linear-by-linear association between age groups and years, visited departments and years were observed (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
The study revealed that the transmission of COVID-19 affected the patient population and structure of disease types and oral services in 2020 during the Spring Festival, compared with those in the previous two years. The visits to oral emergency departments and the proportions of patients who were children and adolescents reduced; meanwhile, the percentage of the elderly people increased during the outbreak of COVID-19. The clear trend of age groups and visiting divisions could be used as a marker to reflect the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results may serve as a reference for dental practitioners involved in oral emergency services and to allocate the limited emergency health resources.
Topics: Child; Adolescent; Humans; Male; Female; Aged; COVID-19; Retrospective Studies; Pandemics; Dentists; China; Professional Role
PubMed: 37932699
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03563-1 -
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Sep 2023A healthy and balanced diet should be promoted already in childhood, a crucial period for the psychophysical development of the individual. In particular, the...
A healthy and balanced diet should be promoted already in childhood, a crucial period for the psychophysical development of the individual. In particular, the consumption of free sugars and soft drinks in children and adolescents should not exceed the current WHO recommendations. This trend is very difficult to counter as the preference for sweet flavours is innate and often further reinforced by pre- and post-natal exposure and aggressive marketing. Unfortunately, sugar consumption continues to grow alarmingly due in part to the easy availability of foods and drinks rich in added sugars from vending machines, supermarkets and fast-food restaurants. Recently, the WHO (with the recommendations included in the QR Code below and in the following link: WHO recommends stronger policies to protect children from the harmful impact of food marketing) pointed out how exposure to food marketing affects children's health, eating behaviours and beliefs about food, thus becoming a real threat to public health. Among the proposals made, it is interesting to note the need for national governments to "curb the persuasive power of food marketing" by limiting the use of cartoons and other techniques that appeal to children, such as the inclusion of toys in packaging or advertisements with songs and celebrity endorsements. It is already evident in the literature that an excessive intake of sugar predisposes children to a number of pathological conditions that in the long term may favour the onset not only of carious disease but also obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver disease, cardiovascular and dysmetabolic diseases. As paediatric dentists, sugar-related dietary excesses are already very obvious to us since it is mainly these that drive young patients to our clinics. In our privileged position, we should therefore increasingly promote knowledge on the possible correlations between excessive sugar consumption and the onset of these diseases, drawing the attention of parents of young patients to all foods that are harmful to their growing children. Therefore, let us welcome these new guidelines promoted by the WHO to protect children and adolescents from the harmful impact of food marketing; and may we not miss the opportunity to share and promote this important battle for future generations!
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dentists; Sugars; Dietary Sugars
PubMed: 37668464
DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2023.24.03.01