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Community Dental Health Aug 2021The number of persons with disabilities has increased and aged. Although it is important to maintain good oral health to extend healthy life expectancy, it is difficult...
OBJECTIVE
The number of persons with disabilities has increased and aged. Although it is important to maintain good oral health to extend healthy life expectancy, it is difficult for such people. This study aimed to analyze regional disparities in dental care provision systems for disabled people and to propose measures for the establishment of an appropriate system.
BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN
To examine regional disparities in dental care provision systems for persons with disabilities, the number of practicing dentists and dental clinics per 100,000 population, dentists certified by the Japanese Society for Disability and Oral Health, and institutions with certified dentists per 100,000 disabled persons for each prefecture were calculated. The Gini coefficient of each was also calculated to visualize and analyze regional disparities.
RESULT
The Gini coefficients were 0.09 and 0.07 for practicing dentists and dental clinics and 0.32 and 0.28 for the certified dentists and institutions with the certified dentists, respectively. Dental institutions for the disabled abounded in the three metropolitan areas: Tokyo, Aichi, and Osaka, and their density tended to be lower in northern and southern Japan. In prefectures with few such institutions, there was no correlation between the number of institutions and prefectural residents' income, and some prefectures had similar incomes but had many institutions.
CONCLUSION
The distribution of dental care to the disabled is highly uneven in Japan, therefore, a system needs to be established to address this issue.
Topics: Aged; Dental Care; Dentists; Disabled Persons; Humans; Japan; Oral Health
PubMed: 34223715
DOI: 10.1922/CDH_00004Oozawa05 -
Community Dental Health Feb 2020To overview current developments in e-health and digitalisation in dentistry and identify gaps in the dental literature on this topic; Basic research design: a critical... (Review)
Review
To overview current developments in e-health and digitalisation in dentistry and identify gaps in the dental literature on this topic; Basic research design: a critical narrative review of published articles and relevant online materials; Results: Four themes are identified as characterising the current dental literature on e-health and digitalisation: 1) the impact of digitalisation on dental surgeries, 2) digital technology and practice management, 3) digitalisation beyond the dental surgery and in dentist-patient communication, and 4) digital technology and education. However, gaps remain in our understanding of the impact of digital technology on dental practice, particularly in relation to its ethical considerations. Following the example of the wider medical literature, the review introduces the field of critical digital health studies and identifies areas for future investigation and exploration based on its four characteristics: devices and software, data materialisation, data practices and data mobilities; Conclusion and Clinical significance: Digital technology is changing clinical practice and patient care. Dentistry needs to expand its understanding of how dental apps, digital workflow models and digital health information are transforming and disrupting dental practice in order to anticipate how this digital shift will impact on dentistry. The emerging field of critical digital health studies can signpost ways to improve research and practice on the topic in the future.
Topics: Dentistry; Dentists; Humans; Telemedicine
PubMed: 32031341
DOI: 10.1922/CDH_4664Neville08 -
International Dental Journal Oct 2022Teledentistry is the use of information and communication technology to provide dental services from distant locations. The use of teledentistry is highly beneficial in...
INTRODUCTION
Teledentistry is the use of information and communication technology to provide dental services from distant locations. The use of teledentistry is highly beneficial in the COVID-19 pandemic era.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore Indonesian dentists' perceptions of the use of teledentistry in their daily practice and the benefits for patients.
METHODS
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study comprising an electronic survey of Indonesian dentists. We used a cross-cultural, adapted questionnaire that consisted of 26 items and 5-point Likert scale questions that evaluated dentist perception in the following 4 domains: usefulness of teledentistry for dental practice, usefulness of teledentistry to improve practices, usefulness of teledentistry for patients, and dentists who had concerns about the use of teledentistry.
RESULTS
A total of 652 dentists from 34 provinces in Indonesia participated in this study. The majority of respondents agreed about the usefulness of teledentistry in dental practice, especially for saving time, compared to referral letters (87%). Most respondents recognised the utility of teledentistry for improving dental practice and its benefits for patients. Nevertheless, most of the dentists had concerns about teledentistry in terms of digital forgery concern (74.2%) and technical incompatibility (71.8%).
CONCLUSIONS
Indonesian dentists reported their positive perception of the usefulness of teledentistry for improving dental practice and benefits for patients, although some concerns were still present. Further studies on the application of teledentistry in Indonesia are still needed.
Topics: COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dentists; Humans; Indonesia; Pandemics; Perception; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35568528
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2022.04.001 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Jun 2021The study utilized a cross-sectional survey to determine the short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care practices. The authors hypothesized that the...
OBJECTIVES
The study utilized a cross-sectional survey to determine the short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care practices. The authors hypothesized that the effects of the pandemic would indicate differences based on the ethnicity of the participating dentist.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The survey was available online between June 1, 2020 and July 10, 2020, a period when many dental offices remained closed, and for the most part, unable to provide non-emergency dental care. The link to the survey was made available to dentists through outreach to several national dental organizations. Descriptive statistics summarized the characteristics of the entire sample and Fisher's exact test was used to examine respondents' answers stratified by ethnicity using frequencies and percentages.
RESULTS
All ethnic groups reported decreased revenue and African American dentists were the least likely to report a decrease in revenue compared to White and Other ethnic groups (84.2%, 87.2% and 92.9%). African American dentists were the most likely to report willingness to contribute to a task force to address the new challenges resulting from COVID-19 when compared to White and Other ethnic groups (46.4%, 18.8%, and 29.6%, respectively). African American dentists were more likely to indicate a need for a stronger connection to academic programs as compared to White or Other dentists in order to address current and future challenges (12.3%, 0.0%, and 9.1%).
CONCLUSION
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected dental practices differently, highlighting racial disparities, and strategies that factor in the race or ethnicity of the dentist and the communities in which they practice need to be considered to ensure that underserved communities receive needed resources.
Topics: COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Delivery of Health Care; Dental Care; Dentists; Ethnicity; Female; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States
PubMed: 33496042
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.398 -
Pain Research & Management 2023It is necessary for dental students and dentists to apply their temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)-related knowledge to clinical practice. The current study aimed to... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Temporomandibular Disorders among Postgraduate Dental Students and Practicing Dentists in Western China: A Questionnaire-Based Observational Investigation.
BACKGROUND
It is necessary for dental students and dentists to apply their temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)-related knowledge to clinical practice. The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of postgraduate dental students and practicing dentists regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of TMD in western China and thus provide suggestions on TMD curricula design to get postgraduate students and dentists better prepared for TMD diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
This observational and descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among postgraduate students and practicing dentists in western China. Twenty-five reorganized knowledge questions in four domains were selected from the published literature and were evaluated with answer options from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree," and "I don't know." "Consensus" is defined as more than 50% of respondents in a group agree or disagree with a statement. Chi-square tests were performed for comparisons between the two groups.
RESULTS
A total of 132 postgraduate dental students and 123 dentists completed the questionnaire. Around 75% of postgraduate students and 85% of dentists claimed that they have never participated in systematic training in TMD. Nine statements in etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of TMD had different consensus between the two groups. And the dentist group tended to agree more with 12 statements in the questionnaire.
CONCLUSIONS
The majority of Chinese dentists and dental students have not taken any TMD courses and possess limited knowledge of TMD. Curriculum reform for predoctoral education, postgraduate education, and continuing education is needed to augment knowledge and skills for TMD diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Students, Dental; Surveys and Questionnaires; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Dentists; Attitude; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 37496707
DOI: 10.1155/2023/7886248 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... Sep 2022Dental loupes are used by dental professionals to improve visual performance, reduce eye strain and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Data on their usage in pediatric...
BACKGROUND
Dental loupes are used by dental professionals to improve visual performance, reduce eye strain and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Data on their usage in pediatric dentistry are scarce.
STUDY DESIGN
We performed a cross-sectional survey to evaluate the approach, knowledge, and frequency of using loupes among 100 general and pediatric dentists.
RESULTS
showed that the use of loupes is significantly more prevalent among general dentists (64.3%) compared to pediatric specialists and residents (35.7%). Among dentists who reported that they do not use loupes, 63.6% were pediatric dentists and residents, and 82.5% were dentists working with children. A significantly higher percentage of dentists who self-reported as loupes users perceived that the loupes afford comfortable and stable posture, confidence while working, and contribute to the detection of tooth decay. A significantly higher percentage of dentists who self-reported as non-users of loupes (compared to loupes users), claimed that they weaken the eyes, require long adjustment, and cause discomfort.
CONCLUSION
Although the use of loupes in general dentistry is becoming more prevalent, there is still a need to raise awareness for this vision aid among pediatric dentists while promoting its advantages, to reap benefits associated with their usage.
Topics: Child; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Lenses; Dentists; Attitude; Posture
PubMed: 36624913
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2022.006 -
The American Journal on Addictions Jan 2020Forty-nine out of 50 states have implemented Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to monitor controlled substance (CS) prescribing. PDMPs change health care... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Forty-nine out of 50 states have implemented Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to monitor controlled substance (CS) prescribing. PDMPs change health care provider behavior, but few studies have examined changes in CS prescription by health care provider type.
METHODS
Aggregated yearly data, including number of CS prescriptions, doses, and doses per prescription by health care provider type (physician, advanced practice registered nurse [APRN], and dentist) for each year from 2011 to 2017 was provided by the state PDMP, Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System (KASPER). In aggregate, this data set included 64,578,307 total prescriptions and 3,982,130,994 total doses of Schedule II-V medications.
RESULTS
Physicians and dentists showed a trend of decreasing prescriptions and doses for Schedule II opioids from 2012 to 2017 (27-32% reduction in 2017 compared to 2011). APRNs showed a substantive increase in the number of doses and prescriptions (121-204% increase in 2017 compared to 2011), with increases remaining when controlling for number of providers. Physicians increased doses and prescriptions of Schedule II stimulants (37% increase for both doses and prescriptions), but by a smaller magnitude than APRN increases in stimulants (334-360% increase). Dentists showed decreases in Schedule II stimulants prescribed (69-80% reduction). Similar trends, but more modest in magnitude, were observed for Schedule III-IV.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Although monitoring and continuing education requirements are similar across all providers in Kentucky, differences in prescription trends for Schedule II opioids and stimulants were noted for physicians, APRNs, and dentists.
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE
Changes in prescribing following introduction of mandatory use of KASPER markedly differed based on provider type, with increases observed for APRNs compared with physicians and dentists. These findings advance prior research by providing a detailed examination of prescribing trends by provider type subsequent to a PDMPs mandatory use law. (Am J Addict 2019;00:00-00).
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Controlled Substances; Dentists; Humans; Kentucky; Nurses; Physicians; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
PubMed: 31600029
DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12962 -
International Dental Journal Jun 2022Dental patients may require invasive treatment, and awareness of their medical conditions is essential for optimal care. We assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and...
OBJECTIVES
Dental patients may require invasive treatment, and awareness of their medical conditions is essential for optimal care. We assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia (SA) and their associations with managing patients with common cardiac conditions.
METHODS
A national survey of knowledge and attitudes of practicing dentists towards patients with common cardiac conditions was conducted from May 2019 to July 2020 in SA. The survey comprised a newly developed, validated, electronic, self-administered English questionnaire.
RESULTS
Overall, 282 dentists completed the survey, of whom 45.5% perceived cardiac patients as difficult to manage, while 64.5% stated that they refer these patients to cardiologists before dental intervention. Regarding knowledge about cardiac conditions, 72% achieved an overall knowledge score <55%; however, their infective endocarditis scores were better. Consultants and specialists (P < .001), those with a PhD/board certification (P = .013), dentists with prior education on cardiac patient management (P = .002), and those working with a cardiologist (P = .016) scored higher on knowledge. Conversely, private dentists (P = .003) and those referring patients to cardiologists before treatment (P = .003) scored lower. Dentists' knowledge of cardiovascular diseases in women was low; only those who believed women experience a greater risk of cardiac complications achieved a higher score. Approximately 90.1% wished to receive education regarding cardiac patient management.
CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of cardiac patient management was suboptimal in this study. Dentists perceived cardiac patients as difficult to manage, but wished to learn more regarding optimal management. Thus, postgraduate education programmes that promote optimal dental management strategies for cardiac patients are necessary.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Dentists; Female; Humans; Practice Patterns, Dentists'; Saudi Arabia; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34256924
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2021.04.006 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Dec 2020The aim of the study is to discuss the legal framework for telemedicine services in Poland, and to present telemedicine solutions used in selected European countries.
Telemedicine services in the work of a doctor, dentist, nurse and midwife - analysis of legal regulations in Poland and the possibility of their implementation on the example of selected European countries.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to discuss the legal framework for telemedicine services in Poland, and to present telemedicine solutions used in selected European countries.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The analysis of legal cts was chosen as a research method in order to determine legal possibilities for medical professionals to use telemedicine services. A literature review was undertaken to demonstrate the possibilities of telemedicine as used in the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, The Netherlands and Sweden.
RESULTS
The Act on the professions of a doctor and a dentist states that the doctor and the dentist can perform their profession via ICT systems or communication systems. The doctor is obliged to practice in accordance with current medical knowledge and available methods. 'Available methods' include considering information and communication measures that may allow prevention, recognition or treatment. The Act on the profession of a nurse and a midwife states that the nurse and midwife perform the professions using current medical knowledge and the mediation of ICT systems or communication systems. Thus, the legislator has clearly authorized persons performing these professions to provide services in the field of telemedicine. However, despite the existence of a legal basis for using telemedicine, its development in Poland is not as high as in the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, The Netherlands or Sweden.
CONCLUSIONS
The legislator gradually introduces legal solutions necessary for the development of telemedicine services, although the pace of these changes, as well as building the technical infrastructure that is the basis for the proper provision of telemedicine services, are too slow.
Topics: Communication; Dentists; Midwifery; Nurses; Physicians; Poland; Telemedicine
PubMed: 33356078
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/116587 -
BMC Health Services Research May 2020In many low- and middle-income countries, insufficient human resources limit access to oral health services. Shifting clinical tasks to less specialized health... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
In many low- and middle-income countries, insufficient human resources limit access to oral health services. Shifting clinical tasks to less specialized health professionals, such as community health workers, has been used as a strategy to expand the health workforce, especially in remote or underserved locations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of periodontal examinations conducted by auxiliary nurse midwives in a rural home setting in Nepal.
METHODS
Twenty-one pregnant women < 26 weeks gestation from Sarlahi District, Nepal, underwent full mouth periodontal examinations measuring probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) on 6 sites per tooth by one of five auxiliary nurse midwives, who were trained for this study but had no previous training in dentistry. After a 15-min break, each participant was examined again by an experienced dentist. Measures of validity for PD and BOP were calculated comparing the pooled and individual auxiliary nurse midwives to the dentist. A multivariable GEE model estimated the effect of periodontal characteristics on agreement between the auxiliary nurse midwives and the dentist.
RESULTS
Participant mean age was 22 years (SD: ±3 years), mean PD was 1.4 mm (SD: 03 mm), and 86% of women had BOP (according to the dentist). Percent agreement, weighted kappa scores, and intraclass correlation coefficients for PD, with an allowance of ±1 mm, exceeded 99%, 0.7, and 0.9, respectively, indicating an acceptable level of agreement. Auxiliary nurse midwives tended to report higher PD scores relative to the dentist, although this over-estimation was small and unlikely to impact population-based estimates of important indicators of oral health status. GEE regression modeling indicated similar agreement for mandible vs. maxilla, left vs. right side, and PD (≤2 mm, > 2 mm), and lower agreement for posterior teeth and lingual and proximal sites.
CONCLUSION
Auxiliary nurse midwives were able to accurately conduct periodontal examinations in a rural home setting, suggesting the potential to shift tasks away from highly trained dentists and periodontal examiners in low-resource communities.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01177111 (Nepal Oil Massage Study); registered on August 6th, 2010.
Topics: Adult; Community Health Workers; Dentists; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Nepal; Nurse Midwives; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Rural Population; Young Adult
PubMed: 32393349
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05276-5