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BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Disturbances in the oral mucosa is a major concern among patients undergoing chemotherapy. One of the most significant barriers in the implementation of oral care is the...
OBJECTIVE
Disturbances in the oral mucosa is a major concern among patients undergoing chemotherapy. One of the most significant barriers in the implementation of oral care is the lack of knowledge. The aim of the study was to assess gingival and periodontal health status of chemotherapy patients before and after the provision of oral hygiene instructions.
METHODS
A single group, pre-post test was conducted to assess oral health status of patients at the daycare chemotherapy, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Oral hygiene instructions were given with study models and leaflets. Patients were followed for 6-weeks. Oral health was assessed by using Simplified-Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Differences in indices were analyzed in STATA version-15.0 using Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) and Wilcoxon Signed-rank test.
RESULTS
Out of 74, 53 (72%) patients completed study follow-up. Improvement in the OHI-S was found in 14 (26%) patients (p-value < 0.001). GEE showed that age [adjusted OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03-1.11], current chemotherapy cycle [adjusted OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.98-1.46], highest education level [Adjusted OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.08-12.7] and cancer therapy [Adjusted OR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.24-0.55] were significantly associated with the change in OHI-S. Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed positive changes in the CPI (p-value < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Basic oral hygiene instructional intervention can be effective in improving the oral hygiene of chemotherapy patients. Nurses should also play a key role in providing psychological and nutritional support to patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Adult; Middle Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Periodontal Index; Tertiary Care Centers; Patient Education as Topic; Oral Hygiene Index; Age Factors; Follow-Up Studies; Pakistan; Young Adult; Neoplasms; Aged
PubMed: 38835001
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04093-0 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Jun 2024Clinical trials testing new devices require prior training on dummies to minimize the "learning curve" for patients. Dentists were trained using a novel water jet device...
OBJECTIVES
Clinical trials testing new devices require prior training on dummies to minimize the "learning curve" for patients. Dentists were trained using a novel water jet device for mechanical cleaning of dental implants and with a novel cold plasma device for surface functionalisation during a simulated open flap peri-implantitis therapy. The hypothesis was that there would be a learning curve for both devices.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
11 dentists instrumented 44 implants in a dummy-fixed jaw model. The effect of the water jet treatment was assessed as stain removal and the effect of cold plasma treatment as surface wettability. Both results were analysed using photographs. To improve treatment skills, each dentist treated four implants and checked the results immediately after the treatment as feedback.
RESULTS
Water jet treatment significantly improved from the first to the second implant from 62.7% to 75.3% stain removal, with no further improvement up to the fourth implant. The wettability with cold plasma application reached immediately a high level at the first implant and was unchanged to the 4th implant (mean scores 2.7 out of 3).
CONCLUSION
A moderate learning curve was found for handling of the water jet but none for handling of the cold plasma.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Scientific rational for study: Two new devices were developed for peri-implantitis treatment (Dental water jet, cold plasma). Dentists were trained in the use of these devices prior to the trial to minimize learning effects.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Experienced dentists learn the handling of the water jet very rapidly and for cold plasma they do not need much training.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
A clinical study is in process. When the planned clinical study will be finished, we will find out, if this dummy head exercise really minimised the learning curve for these devices.
Topics: Humans; Dental Implants; Plasma Gases; Decontamination; Water; Peri-Implantitis; Surface Properties; Wettability
PubMed: 38833072
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05749-5 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024During the pandemic, many police dentists had the crucial responsibility of ensuring law and order while providing dental care by taking government-approved health...
Fear of COVID-19 associated with burnout syndrome in dentists of the Health Directorate of the National Police of Peru: a cross-sectional study at national level under multivariable regression model.
BACKGROUND
During the pandemic, many police dentists had the crucial responsibility of ensuring law and order while providing dental care by taking government-approved health measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the fear of COVID-19 and Burnout syndrome in Peruvian dentists belonging to the Health Department of the National Police of Peru (PNP), taking into account possible confounding variables.
METHODS
This cross-sectional and analytical study included 182 PNP dentists. The Fear COVID-19 Scale assessed fear of COVID-19 and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Test assessed burnout syndrome. The association between the fear of COVID-19 and Burnout syndrome (self-fulfilment) was analyzed using Spearman's Rho. A multivariable Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimation method was employed to evaluate the impact of fear of COVID-19 on the various dimensions of Burnout syndrome, considering possible confounding variables. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS
Under bivariate analysis, fear of COVID-19 was significantly linked with low direct intensity toward emotional exhaustion (Rho = 0.325, p < 0.001), very low direct intensity toward depersonalization (Rho = 0.180, p = 0.015), and very low inverse intensity toward self-fulfilment (Rho =-0.186, p = 0.012). Under multivariable analysis, it was observed that dentists who exhibited fear of COVID-19 were 3.4 and 3.7 times more likely to experience emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, respectively (APR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.74-6.63 and APR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.31-10.37), as compared to those who did not display fear of COVID-19. Moreover, none of the potential confounding factors were found to have a significant impact on emotional exhaustion (p > 0.05), depersonalization (p > 0.05), and self-fulfilment (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Fear of COVID-19 was significantly associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and inversely associated with self-fulfilment. PNP dentists who exhibited fear of COVID-19 were at greater risk for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. In developing Burnout syndrome, no significant impact was observed from factors such as age, gender, marital status, children, hierarchy, years of service, work area, private practice, work over 40 h per week, type of service, work performed, sport practice and daily exercise time.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; COVID-19; Burnout, Professional; Male; Female; Dentists; Adult; Peru; Police; Fear; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38831272
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18979-9 -
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Jun 2024This study aimed to assess the engagement of Instagram users with Brazilian Portuguese posts related to amber necklaces for teething symptoms relief, identifying...
AIM
This study aimed to assess the engagement of Instagram users with Brazilian Portuguese posts related to amber necklaces for teething symptoms relief, identifying predictive factors that can increase users' engagement with information and misinformation.
METHODS
This digital study analysed Brazilian Portuguese amber necklace-related posts on Instagram. The posts were collected using specific search strategies on CrowdTangleTM. Subsequently, two independent investigators were trained and calibrated to categorise the posts concerning the proposed outcomes. The posts were categorised according to their facticity (information or misinformation), type of media (album/photo or video/Instagram TV), sentiment (positive, neutral, or negative), author's occupation (dentist or non-dentist), and type of profile (commercial or personal). Additionally, investigators compiled information about the time of publication (days) and interaction metrics (total interaction and overperforming score). The statistical analysis assessed the inter-examiner reliability, group comparisons, and the factors associated with interaction and misinformation. P values <0.05 were considered significant.
CONCLUSION
Videos and personal profiles were predictive factors for higher user engagement with amber necklace posts on teething symptoms relief on Instagram, even with the warnings of health organisations and the lack of scientific evidence to confirm its efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Social Media; Brazil; Consumer Behavior
PubMed: 38828987
DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2024.1984 -
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Jun 2024It has become clear that pregnant women have a high risk of developing oral diseases, both in the supporting tissues and in the teeth. This is precisely why the first...
It has become clear that pregnant women have a high risk of developing oral diseases, both in the supporting tissues and in the teeth. This is precisely why the first meeting between the dentist and the mother-to-be should take place as early as possible, either while she is still planning her pregnancy or as soon as she becomes pregnant. During this appointment it is appropriate to examine the presence of any risk factors for the future mother's oral health such as medication intake, presence of chronic pathologies or bad habits (smoking). The woman must be informed of all the changes that may occur during this period and that may negatively affect the pregnancy itself and the health (not only oral) of the foetus. At the same time, all the most important indications regarding correct oral hygiene, dietary and fluoroprophylaxis practices that all pregnant women should follow to ensure optimal oral health for themselves and their newborn child should be provided. In addition to this counselling phase, it is strictly the dentist's responsibility to proceed with the diagnostic phase, thanks to which he or she will be able to assess the woman's oral condition and, in the presence of pathological pictures, plan all the therapeutic interventions necessary to achieve a healthy condition before the beginning of such a delicate period. And why not, to lay the foundations for a life-long oral health!
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Pregnancy Complications; Oral Hygiene; Oral Health; Smiling; Risk Factors; Mouth Diseases
PubMed: 38828768
DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2024.25.02.01 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Dentists utilize various techniques and materials for post and core restoration of endodontically treated teeth, which remains a noteworthy health concern and can be...
BACKGROUND
Dentists utilize various techniques and materials for post and core restoration of endodontically treated teeth, which remains a noteworthy health concern and can be addressed through interdisciplinary strategies to enhance outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the technical quality of the residual gutta-percha (GP) and posts by analysing the periapical radiographs of endodontically restored teeth.
METHODS
A total of 594 periapical digital radiographs were evaluated for tooth type, post material, post shape, design, diameter, length, residual GP, GP length, GP tapering, GP homogeneity, and final restoration. Frequency distribution and cross-tabulation of the variables were performed.
RESULTS
Maxillary molars had the highest frequency of restorations, including posts, accounting for 27.4 %, followed by maxillary premolars (25.4 %) and maxillary anterior teeth (19.2 %). The prefabricated metallic posts were most commonly used (81.0 %), among these, 50.4 % were screwed posts. Tapered posts were the most commonly used (65.6 %). The percentage of posts with an acceptable length was 58.2 %. The most commonly used posts exhibited a width of one-third of the root diameter, accounting for 87.0 %. Suitable GP lengths were observed in 61.1 % of the restorations, and 62.8 % demonstrated adequate GP homogeneity. The findings of this study revealed that crown restoration accounted for 42.6 % of the studied sample.
CONCLUSIONS
The technical quality of the remaining GP after restoration was comparable to that of previous epidemiological investigations. However, the technical quality of the post was deemed suboptimal.
PubMed: 38828307
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31637 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Apr 2024Oral health is an integral part of general health. Providing oral health care facilities and creating awareness about the oral health problem in under-served children...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Oral health is an integral part of general health. Providing oral health care facilities and creating awareness about the oral health problem in under-served children and communities may lead to a better oral-health-related quality of life of the individual. The present study aims to assess and compare the oral health status and treatment needs of 12- and 15-year-old children residing in tribal welfare hostels and other private hostels of Bhopal district, Madhya Pradesh.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of a total sample size of 800 children, 400 in each group (tribal welfare hostel and private hostel groups). Oral health status and treatment needs were assessed using World Health Organization proforma 1997. Oral health behavior including health of teeth and gums, oral hygiene aids, brushing frequency, consumption of sweets in between meals, and present general and oral health was assessed. Utilization of dental services was also assessed using a pre-designed questionnaire, which was completed by the study participants.
RESULTS
Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test. Significant differences were noted between the groups in regarding oral health behaviors and visit to a dentist during the past 12 months ( = 0.002*), which were lower in tribal children. Tribal children were having higher dental fluorosis as compared to the private hostel children ( = 0.043*). Decay in permanent teeth ( = 0.006*) and missing of permanent teeth ( = 0.05*) were higher among tribal children.
CONCLUSION
The present study revealed a poor oral health status and treatment needs of tribal children. Tribal children were having higher dental fluorosis as compared to the private hostel children. Decay in permanent teeth and missing of permanent teeth were higher among tribal children. Oral health behaviors and utilization of dental services were lower in tribal children. Good oral health has a definitive influence on general health and thus contributes to self-image and social interaction.
PubMed: 38827660
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1283_23 -
Journal of International Society of... 2024The success of composite restorations relies on material selection and practitioner-related factors that shape the overall outcome. This study explores the practices of...
AIM
The success of composite restorations relies on material selection and practitioner-related factors that shape the overall outcome. This study explores the practices of Palestinian general dental practitioners in placing posterior composites, examining the impact of work sector, experience, and gender on their choices.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted as an online cross-sectional questionnaire and involved 351 participants, with a response rate of 69.8%. The survey comprised 18 closed-ended questions covering demographics, material selection, and composite placement in special cases, techniques, and factors influencing the choices. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Fisher's exact tests.
RESULTS
Composite was the predominant choice for small-size (83.7%) and large-size posterior cavities (60.4%). Practitioners commonly opted for composite restorations in cases involving occlusal parafunctional activity (60%), poor oral hygiene (78%), and subgingival cavities (72.2%). Only 19.6% and 5.3% reported occlusal and gingival beveling, respectively. Rubber dams for isolation stood at 30%, one-step self-etch adhesives at 44.9%, and the oblique layering technique at 51%. Light-emitting diode curing units were popular (97.55%), but monitoring output with a radiometer was infrequent (93.5%). Tofflemire metal matrix usage was 46.1%, whereas a sectional matrix system was employed by 29.8%. A 2 mm layer exposure to light curing for 20 s was reported by 62%, and 27.75% utilized additional light-curing postmatrix band removal.
CONCLUSION
The study highlights the need for Palestinian dental professionals to update their clinical approaches in placing composite restorations in posterior teeth. Gender, work sector, and experience influence practitioners' choices, emphasizing the importance of tailored continuing education programs for improving clinical practices.
PubMed: 38827352
DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_157_23 -
Journal of Migration and Health 2024The Global Strategy for Human Resources for Health 2030, requires member states to half their dependency on an international workforce by 2030. In order to design...
INTRODUCTION
The Global Strategy for Human Resources for Health 2030, requires member states to half their dependency on an international workforce by 2030. In order to design policies towards that goal, country-specific research on migration motivations of the health workforce is required. The United Kingdom (UK) is a net importer of health professionals and whilst there is a body of research on doctors' and nurses' migration, there is no research on the migration motivations of migrant dentists in the UK. This research explored the migration motivations of internationally qualified dentists (IQDs) in the UK and presents a typology to understand the global migration of dentists in the context of oral health workforce.
METHODS
The paper presents qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted between August 2014 and October 2017, of IQDs working in the United Kingdom. The topic guide for interviews was informed by the literature, with new themes added inductively. A phenomenological approach involving an epistemological stance of interpretivism, was used with framework analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 38 internationally qualified dentists ( = 18, = 20), migrating from the five World Health Organization regions, and working in general practice, NHS hospitals and in community dental services across the four nations of the UK were interviewed. Seven types of internationally qualified dentists were identified working in the UK. They were , and . The categories were based on their migration motivations, which were complex, multifactorial, and included personal, professional, national, and international drivers. The typology, based on their migration motivations, offered a structured, comprehensive understanding of the migrant dental workforce. This typology involving dentists provides additional dimensions to and migrants described in the context of other health professionals. The is a new category proposed as an extension to existing typology in health professional migration.
CONCLUSIONS
The typology of internationally qualified dentists has congruency with other health professionals' typology in categories previously described and demonstrates that each of these categories are complex, fluid and change in response to policy changes. The new category of along with oral health dimensions of and adds to the existing typology in health professional migration.
PubMed: 38826513
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100232 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2024Pregnant women witness many changes in the body as well as in the oral cavity with many factors influencing these changes. This study evaluated the relationship between...
PURPOSE
Pregnant women witness many changes in the body as well as in the oral cavity with many factors influencing these changes. This study evaluated the relationship between oral health status, perceptions, and pregnancy outcomes.
METHODS
A cross sectional study design was implemented to recruit a convenience sample of women attending Obstetrics and gynecology department in public hospitals in East and capital city of Saudi Arabia. To collect data, a validated self-administered questionnaire in English and Arabic was used. The questionnaire covered background information, perceived oral health status, and dental visits.
RESULTS
About 64.4% of the 481 women recruited had dental problems, 49.7% reported deterioration in their oral health during pregnancy, and 17.5% reported adverse pregnancy outcomes. Only 40.7% of pregnant women rated their oral health as good, and only 22% visited a dentist during their pregnancy. Dentists were the most common source of oral health information (44.1%), followed by social media (38.9%). Dental problems during pregnancy were significantly associated with adverse outcomes (P=0.007). Oral health perceptions of pregnant women, not visiting the dentist during pregnancy, and gingival problems were also significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (P=0.001). Those with fair to poor oral health were twice as likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcome. Those who intended to visit the dentist during their pregnancy but did not do so, as well as those who did not visit the dentist at all were 12 and 9 times more likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcomes respectively.
CONCLUSION
Dental complaints during pregnancy, oral health perceptions, and a lack of dental visits were all linked to increased likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is a need for interprofessional collaboration to dispel myths and encourage oral health care and regular dental visits during pregnancy.
PubMed: 38826504
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S456721