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Australian Dental Journal Jun 2018Smoking has detrimental oral effects. The aim of this study was to review the literature related to the impact of smoking cessation on periodontal health, periodontal... (Review)
Review
Smoking has detrimental oral effects. The aim of this study was to review the literature related to the impact of smoking cessation on periodontal health, periodontal disease and periodontal treatment outcome as well as to review the smoking cessation strategies and the dentist's role in the smoking cessation effort. Smoking cessation seems to have a positive effect on the periodontium, to decrease the risk for incidence and progression of periodontitis and to lead to a non-significant trend for greater mean probing depth reductions after non-surgical treatment over a 12-month period. Smoking cessation effect on the periodontium should be further investigated. Dentists should inform their patients on the harmful effect of smoking and the beneficial effect of smoking cessation on oral health. They should advise, motivate and support their patients to quit smoking. Smoking-control strategies should be incorporated in dental practise. The dentist's role in the smoking cessation effort is important. Guidelines on smoking-control strategies applied in the dental office are required.
Topics: Counseling; Dental Care; Dentists; Humans; Motivation; Oral Health; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis; Smoking; Smoking Cessation
PubMed: 28921548
DOI: 10.1111/adj.12568 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... Sep 2023Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are the preferred restoration of pediatric dentists for children requiring a pediatric dental rehabilitation due to their low cost and...
Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) are the preferred restoration of pediatric dentists for children requiring a pediatric dental rehabilitation due to their low cost and durability. Despite low technique sensitivity SSC placement can be challenging in some clinical situations including when placed on primary canines. Primary canines restored with SSCs often result in premature contacts and posterior open bite making acquiring an "as the patient presented" (ATPP) occlusion difficult when providing a pediatric dental rehabilitation. Opening of the posterior occlusion due to premature canine contact in a dental rehabilitation is often viewed as unavoidable. This technique article describes a simple method to address this clinical situation and reviews basic principles and techniques for placing SSCs.
Topics: Child; Humans; Dentists; Open Bite
PubMed: 37732429
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2023.047 -
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica :... Apr 2021
Topics: Dentists; Head; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Neck; Surgeons
PubMed: 34060528
DOI: 10.14639/0392-100X-suppl.1-41-2021-13 -
Primary Dental Journal Mar 2020As part of the holistic approach to their patients, General Dental Practitioners are well placed to identify common skin lesions. Awareness and recognition of worrying... (Review)
Review
As part of the holistic approach to their patients, General Dental Practitioners are well placed to identify common skin lesions. Awareness and recognition of worrying lesions allow timely and appropriate referrals for further investigation and treatment. In this paper, we review benign, premalignant and malignant skin lesions, as well as genetic skin conditions. Past medical, family and social history (including sun exposure and previous cutaneous malignancy) is important. Examination includes the lesion, the skin type and the regional lymph nodes. The different common lesions are described, and the epidemiology, clinical features and treatment are discussed. Screening for skin lesions on the head and neck may be undertaken as part of overall dental care as part of the holistic examination of patients. Particularly with precancerous lesions and skin cancer, an early detection and referral from a dentist can expedite treatment and improve prognosis.
Topics: Dentists; Dermatology; Humans; Precancerous Conditions; Professional Role; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 32519610
DOI: 10.1177/2050168420911028 -
International Dental Journal Oct 2021Because of the heterogeneous nature of the evidence regarding dentists' job satisfaction, an overview was necessary to examine dentists' level of job satisfaction and to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Because of the heterogeneous nature of the evidence regarding dentists' job satisfaction, an overview was necessary to examine dentists' level of job satisfaction and to determine related work environmental factors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A literature search was conducted using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic database searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were performed until March 1, 2020. Two independent authors collected data and assessed the methodological quality of primary studies using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included from the 1987 initially retrieved. Among the included studies, 5 exhibited a neutral level of satisfaction and originated from China, South Korea, Egypt, and the United States, and 3 studies from Canada, Lithuania, and the United States showed a high level of satisfaction. Only 1 study did not report the mean job satisfaction score. According to bias evaluation, 9 studies were considered low risk.
CONCLUSION
The findings showed that dentists were satisfied with their jobs at a moderate to high level, and specialists were more satisfied than general dentists. Regarding work environmental factors, the 6 most satisfied factors were patient relationships, respect, delivery of care, staff, professional relationship, and professional environment. Five of the least satisfied factors were personal time, stress, income, practice management, and professional time. However, longitudinal studies would be required to identify changes in these factors. Further studies should be performed in middle- and low-income countries using the Dentist Satisfaction Survey, including stress evaluation.
Topics: Dentists; Humans; Income; Job Satisfaction; Republic of Korea; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 33612262
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2020.12.018 -
British Dental Journal May 2022Background Fictional portrayals of dentists in feature films have remained largely unexamined to date. The aim of this review is consequently to catalogue and analyse... (Review)
Review
Background Fictional portrayals of dentists in feature films have remained largely unexamined to date. The aim of this review is consequently to catalogue and analyse available films produced by US entertainment industry that present 'dentists in action'.Methods Relevant motion pictures were identified by means of keyword-based inquiries in search engines, online databases, websites and by handsearch.Results Between 1913-2013, almost 60 American films with dental treatment as a motif were released. Dentists on-screen appeared mainly in comedies and mostly as supporting actors. Surgical treatments dominated in earlier films and tooth-preserving therapy in later films; other fields of dentistry were marginalised. The time lag between a dental innovation and its screen debut varied between 50 years (x-rays) and 10 years (turbine). For a long time, filmmakers refused to allow female dentists to appear on screen. Although there is no consistent stereotype of a dentist, the figure of 'Dr Awkward' can be attributed to the silent film era, 'Dr Prosperous' to the 1960s/1970s and 'Dr Evil' to the 1980s/1990s.Discussion Popular media does not only reflect aspects of reality; they also create reality and establish a professional image. Thus, filmic representations of dentists have an immediate effect on an audience of millions of movie-goers and television viewers. Greater attention should be devoted to the interplay of cinematic and dental art by both dental professionals and film historians.
Topics: Dentists, Women; Female; Humans; Motion Pictures; Stereotyping; Television; United States
PubMed: 35624265
DOI: 10.1038/s41415-022-4145-6 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2021The use of dental hand pieces endanger dentists to vibration exposure as they are subjected to very high amplitude and vibration frequency. This paper has envisaged a...
The use of dental hand pieces endanger dentists to vibration exposure as they are subjected to very high amplitude and vibration frequency. This paper has envisaged a comparative analysis of vibration amplitudes and transmissibility during idling and drilling with micro motor (MM) and air-turbine (AT) hand pieces. The study aims to identify the mean difference in vibration amplitudes during idling, explore different grasp forces while drilling with irrigant injection by the dentist, and various vibration transmission of these hand pieces. The study utilized 22 separate frequency resonances on two new and eight used MMs and two new and eight used ATs of different brands by observing the investigator at 16 different dentist clinics. The study adopted a descriptive research design with non-probability sampling techniques for selecting dentists and hand pieces. Statistical methods like Levene Test of Homogeneity, Welch ANOVA, independent t-test, and Games-Howell test were utilized with SPSS version 22 and MS-Excel. The results reveal that vibration amplitudes and vibration transmissibility when measured at position 2 are higher than in another position 1. Vibrations during idling for used MMs are more than AT hand pieces, and the used MM (MUD) and used AT (AUA) hand pieces differ due to their obsolescence and over-usage. Vibration amplitudes increase every time with the tightening of grasping of the hand piece. Vibration amplitudes for each grasping style of MM hand piece differ from all other grasping styles of AT hand pieces. Routine exposure to consistent vibrations has ill physical, mental, and psychological effects on dentists. The used hand pieces more hazardous as compared to newer ones. The study suggests that these hand pieces must be replaced periodically, sufficient to break between two operations, especially after every hand piece usage. Hence, the present research work can be further extended by creating some control groups among dentists and then studying the vibration amplitude exposure of various dental hand pieces and subsequent transmissibility to their body parts.
Topics: Dentists; Hand Strength; Humans; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rotation; Vibration
PubMed: 33924408
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084084 -
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Apr 2022Regular dental attendance is important in order to receive preventive care, maintain good oral health and identify oral and dental disease at an early stage; however,...
BACKGROUND
Regular dental attendance is important in order to receive preventive care, maintain good oral health and identify oral and dental disease at an early stage; however, many people do not visit their dentist regularly. Barriers to regular attendance have been studied in small patient groups but not in the wider general population.
OBJECTIVE
To outline concerns about visiting the dentist and suggestions about how dentists could help using a general population sample.
METHOD
A survey was constructed using Qualtrics XM software and circulated. Respondents completed questionnaires about dental anxiety and about their concerns and suggestions around dental appointments including the option for free-text answers.
RESULTS
One hundred and fifty-four people completed the survey. Common concerns were the unknown element (62.58%) and worries about 'bad teeth' (60.54%). The most popular request for change was for dentists to inform patients of the condition of all their teeth including those in good health (86.30%). A thematic analysis of qualitative responses identified themes of control, shame, discomfort, long-term impact and cost. Several concerns and suggestions for improvement were expressed.
CONCLUSION
Although the pain associated with dental treatment was identified as important, concerns about the unknown and feeling vulnerable were seen as a higher priority. People in the general population want dentists to help them to feel informed and in control at dental appointments and to be involved in discussions about how they are feeling and what is important to them.
Topics: Dental Care; Dentists; Humans; Oral Health; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 35032077
DOI: 10.1111/joor.13305 -
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica :... Apr 2021
Topics: Dentists; Humans; Maxillary Sinus; Sinusitis
PubMed: 34060527
DOI: 10.14639/0392-100X-suppl.1-41-2021-12 -
Journal of Dentistry Oct 2023Dentists in Australia are the second largest prescriber group, and are generally not formally taught how to prescribe. The objective of this review is to describe the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Dentists in Australia are the second largest prescriber group, and are generally not formally taught how to prescribe. The objective of this review is to describe the Prescribing Competencies Framework and its relevance to dentistry.
DATA
The four-model stage of prescribing by Coombes and colleagues, and the seven competencies within the Prescribing Competencies Framework devised by the Australian National Prescribing Service MedicineWise, are discussed and applied to dentistry.
SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION
Each of the seven competencies are analysed and detailed in the context of clinical dental practice. Competencies 1-5 describe the skillset and tasks required by dentists to safely prescribe, whereas Competencies 6 and 7 describe the clinical environment and recommended resources to support dentists to prescribe safely and effectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The Prescribing Competencies Framework provides an overview of safe and effective prescribing. Prescribing is a process, and a separate skillset to clinical dentistry. The process involves information gathering, clinical assessment, effective communication and review of the patient. Access to timely and appropriate resources and relevant electronic sources of health information for clinicians are important to provide the support required for better informed prescribing decisions. The framework describes a patient-centered prescribing process, and ultimately prescribing should be a shared decision between the dentist and the patient.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Safe and effective prescribing is an integral part of dentistry and dentists are the second largest prescriber group. However, dentists display high rates of inappropriate and unnecessary prescribing, and to minimise errors, the Prescribing Competencies Framework has been established. This article details how the Framework applies to clinical practice dentistry.
Topics: Humans; Australia; Dentistry; Dentists
PubMed: 37574106
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104654