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International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2022The study aimed to assess the prevalence of tobacco use among dental professionals and their attitudes and behaviors about tobacco cessation counseling in Saudi Arabia....
The study aimed to assess the prevalence of tobacco use among dental professionals and their attitudes and behaviors about tobacco cessation counseling in Saudi Arabia. A total of 359 male and female dental professionals participated in this cross-sectional study. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was administered among study participants by visiting dental hospitals and clinics in Saudi Arabia. In the study, 15.9% of the participants were current tobacco users and 50.4% had a tobacco user at home or the workplace. Most participants reported that tobacco use is associated with bad breath (88.9%), oral cancer (88.3%), dryness of the mouth (80.8%), and bad taste (79.9%). Most participants asked patients about their tobacco habits (86.6%), mentioned tobacco habits in patient records (71.3%), and explained the benefits of quitting tobacco (79.9%). Less than half the sample (47.1%) referred patients to tobacco quitting services/programs. Male gender (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.50, 95% CI 2.48−12.23, p < 0.001), having a tobacco user at home/the workplace (AOR 3.18, 95% CI 1.57−6.45, p 0.001), and believing that tobacco cessation counseling was a waste of time (AOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.13−4.76, p 0.021) were associated with significantly increased odds of tobacco use among dental professionals. The study concluded that tobacco use was common among dental professionals despite their awareness of the adverse effects of tobacco. Reduction in tobacco use and promotion of counseling skills among dental professionals should be achieved through public health measures.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Smoking Cessation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Counseling; Tobacco Use; Nicotiana; Dentists; Saudi Arabia; Tobacco Use Cessation
PubMed: 36498379
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316306 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Jul 2022To gather practice-based information about instrumentation during the second stage of periodontal therapy among the members of the European Federation of Periodontology.
OBJECTIVES
To gather practice-based information about instrumentation during the second stage of periodontal therapy among the members of the European Federation of Periodontology.
METHODS
This survey was conducted to investigate periodontal instrumentation (e.g., frequency, instruments, their maintenance) during the second stage of periodontal therapy.
RESULTS
Questionnaires from 2008 responders actively involved in periodontal therapy (general dental practitioners, periodontists, and dental hygienists) were analyzed. The frequency of use of hand and mechanical instruments was similar during the second stage of periodontal therapy and 94.4% of the participants combined both. The most popular hand instruments were Gracey curettes, and the preferred mechanical devices were ultrasonic scalers. For the latter, mostly the combination of standard and micro/slim inserts was preferred (42.4%) over solely standard inserts (32.1%) or micro/slim inserts (25.5%). The wear of hand instruments was sytematically checked by 46.1% of the respondents and the wear of the inserts by 41.3%. The more experienced the dental professional, the more frequent the wear of the instruments and inserts was checked.
CONCLUSION
The most popular periodontal instrumentation technique in clinical practice during the second stage of periodontal therapy is a combination of hand and mechanical instruments.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Clinicians should check the wear of their instruments systematically to have the most performant instruments possible for periodontal instrumentation. Scientists should see the results of this questionnaire as an incentive to set up studies investigating whether the combination of hand and mechanical instruments, the preferred treatment method of clinicians, is better than either of these instruments alone.
Topics: Dental Scaling; Dentists; Humans; Professional Role; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultrasonic Therapy
PubMed: 35306609
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-022-04442-9 -
PloS One 2020Teledentistry is believed to improve dentalcare provided to patients and time management efficiency. In addition, teledentistry can be a useful tool for peer education,...
BACKGROUND
Teledentistry is believed to improve dentalcare provided to patients and time management efficiency. In addition, teledentistry can be a useful tool for peer education, consultations and ensures proper channeling for referrals.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore Saudi Arabian dental professionals' perceptions of teledentistry's benefits in improving dental practice and patient care.
METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study involving an electronic survey of a sample of Saudi Arabian dental professionals. A validated 26-item, 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire was used to assess perceptions of dental professionals in four domains: usefulness of teledentistry for patients, the usefulness of teledentistry for dental practice; the potential of teledentistry to improve practice; and existing concerns about the use of teledentistry. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis using SPSS software. Significant differences were considered at a p-value of 0.05.
RESULTS
With an overall response rate of 28.6%, 286 dental professionals participated in the study. More than 70% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that teledentistry would improve dental practice through enhancing communication with peers, guidance and referral of new patients. A substantial proportion of respondents (60-70%) expressed uncertainty with technical reliability, privacy and diagnostic accuracy. The participants' qualification was statistically significant with usefulness of teledentistry for patients (p = 0.027), while work experience in years was statistically significant with both usefulness of teledentistry for dental practice and patients (p = 0.046 and <0.0001 respectively).
CONCLUSION
Generally, the feedback gained by this study showed readiness of the dental professionals to be engaged in the teledentistry approach. Further investigation of the business model of teledentistry is needed to understand the readiness and challenges. Directed campaign to educate dentists and the public of the technology and it is potential is necessary.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Attitude of Health Personnel; Biometry; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dentistry; Dentists; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Referral and Consultation; Reproducibility of Results; Saudi Arabia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Telemedicine
PubMed: 33057381
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240825 -
Healthcare Policy = Politiques de Sante Feb 2023This study aims to determine the reasons for disciplinary action, the consequences and any associations with demographic factors for Canadian dentists.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to determine the reasons for disciplinary action, the consequences and any associations with demographic factors for Canadian dentists.
METHODS
Publicly available regulatory body disciplinary action cases from 10 Canadian provinces were coded. Demographic factors were also coded.
RESULTS
There were 344 dentist cases from five provinces between January 2010 and December 2020. The rate of disciplinary action was low (1.38 cases/1,000 practitioners/year). Clinical incompetence was the most common category of disciplinary action, followed by professional misconduct and dishonest business practices. Male dentists were overrepresented in the disciplinary action cases compared to the rest of the workforce.
CONCLUSION
This study is the first, to our knowledge, to describe the outcomes of regulatory body disciplinary action for Canadian dentists.
Topics: Humans; Male; Canada; Professional Misconduct; Dentists
PubMed: 36917455
DOI: 10.12927/hcpol.2023.27033 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jul 2021Toxicities of the oral soft and hard tissues due to the radiotherapy of the head and neck cancer can potentially lead to interruptions of cancer treatment and/or dose...
OBJECTIVES
Toxicities of the oral soft and hard tissues due to the radiotherapy of the head and neck cancer can potentially lead to interruptions of cancer treatment and/or dose reduction, resulting in poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia about oral and dental assessment for and complications of radiotherapy of head and neck cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An online, already validated, self-administered questionnaire was sent via an online link through WhatsApp groups and other Social Media platforms to reach out to the majority of targeted samples (dental practitioners working in Saudi Arabia). Responses were statistically described and analyzed based on the different grouping factors: gender, specialty, working sector, region of work and experience.
RESULTS
There were 370 respondents, 257 (69.5%) of them were males. Most of the respondents were general dental practitioners [144 (38.9%)], The percentages of the correct answers range from as low as 26.2 to as high as 97%. The per cent of correct answers by the respondents in 18 out of 31 questions was above 75%. Females, dental specialists (specifically prosthodontics), working in public sectors and in the central and western regions of Saudi Arabia were associated with higher levels of knowledge.
CONCLUSION
Our results show highly variable knowledge of dental practitioners on oral and dental assessment for, and complications and management of radiotherapy to the head and neck area; that knowledge seems to fluctuate considerably with gender, experience, work sector and specialty.
.Topics: Adult; Dentists; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Saudi Arabia; Stomatognathic Diseases; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34319024
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.7.2033 -
International Journal of Dental Hygiene Feb 2018The purpose was to explore self-reported psychosocial health and work environments among different dental occupations and workplaces from a salutogenic perspective. A...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to explore self-reported psychosocial health and work environments among different dental occupations and workplaces from a salutogenic perspective. A further purpose was to analyse possible associations between three salutogenic measurements: The Sense of Coherence questionnaire (SOC), the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS) and the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS).
METHODS
Employees in the Public Dental Service in a Swedish county council (n = 486) were invited to respond to a self-reported web survey including demographics, work-related factors, the SOC, the SHIS and the WEMS.
RESULTS
This study showed positive associations between employee characteristics and self-reported overall psychosocial health as well as experienced work environment. Autonomy was reported more among men than women (P < 0.000) and to a higher degree by dentists and dental hygienists than dental nurses (P < 0.000). Meaningfulness, happiness, job satisfaction, autonomy and positive to reorganization were reported by personnels aged less than 40 years (P ≤ 0.047). Clinical coordinators reported significant better health (SOC, SHIS) and experienced more autonomy, better management and more positive to reorganization than other dental professions. Dental hygienists and nurses experienced less time pressure than dentists (P ≤ 0.007). Better health and positive work experiences were also seen in smaller clinics (P ≤ 0.29).
CONCLUSION
Dental professionals reported a high degree of overall psychosocial health as well as a positive work experience. Some variations could be seen between employee characteristics such as gender, years in dental care, professionals, managing position and workplace size. Identify resources and processes at each workplace are important and should be included in the employee's/employers dialogue.
Topics: Adult; Dental Auxiliaries; Dentists; Female; Health Status; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Occupational Health; Professional Autonomy; Self Report; Sense of Coherence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sweden
PubMed: 27860378
DOI: 10.1111/idh.12257 -
PloS One 2018With the increasing awareness of the importance of oral health, patients have an increasing need for integrated care from dentists. In China, the dentistry examination...
OBJECTIVE
With the increasing awareness of the importance of oral health, patients have an increasing need for integrated care from dentists. In China, the dentistry examination consists of two parts: a practical skills examination and a comprehensive medical examination; to date, no assessment methods that are based on specialized dentistry competencies, unlike the United States, Canada, and other countries, have been established. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to construct a competency model for dentists in China in order to guide the development, admission, training and assessment of dentists.
METHODS
Using a literature review, focus group interviews and in-depth personal interviews, a dentist competency index was developed with an expert consultation questionnaire. A panel of 20 specialist experts was chosen from ten national medical universities to carry out two rounds of Delphi expert analysis, using the boundary value method to filter the indicators and the Analytic Hierarchy Process to calculate the weights of the primary indicators.
RESULTS
Two rounds of Delphi results showed that the expert authority, enthusiasm, and coordination coefficients were high. Constructs of the competency model that included seven primary indicators and 62 secondary indicators determined the weight of each index. The seven primary indicators included the following: clinical skills and medical services, disease prevention and health promotion, interpersonal communication skills, core values and professionalism, medical knowledge and lifelong learning ability, teamwork ability and scientific research ability.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the use of the Delphi method to construct an initial model of Chinese physician competency is scientific and feasible. The initial competency model conforms to the characteristics and quality requirements of dentists in China and has a strong scientific basis. The dentist competency model should be used in the National Dental Licensing Examination in China.
Topics: China; Clinical Competence; Competency-Based Education; Delphi Technique; Dental Care; Dentists; Education, Dental; Ethics, Dental; Focus Groups; Humans; Legislation, Dental; Licensure; Oral Health; Professionalism; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 29566048
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194411 -
Journal (Canadian Dental Association) Jan 2021Government-funded and pro bono dental care are important to populations with limited means. At the same time, dentistry is experiencing a gender shift in the practising...
BACKGROUND
Government-funded and pro bono dental care are important to populations with limited means. At the same time, dentistry is experiencing a gender shift in the practising profession. As a result, we aimed to determine the factors associated with the provision of government-funded and pro bono dental care and whether there are gender differences.
METHODS
We conducted a secondary data analysis of the results of a 2012 survey of a representative sample of Ontario dentists. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariable analyses were carried out.
RESULTS
The 867 survey respondents represented a 28.9% response rate. On average, Ontario dentists reported that 15.7% of their practice consisted of government-funded patients and they provided $2242 worth of pro bono care monthly. Male and female dentists reported similar levels of both (p > 0.05). Being a practice owner and having more pediatric patients influenced levels of government-funded patients. Being internationally trained, of European ethnicity, single, and income status affected levels of monthly pro bono care. Gender-stratified analysis revealed that, among female dentists, household responsibilities was a unique factor associated with the proportion of government-funded patients, as was international training, personal income and ethnic origin for levels of pro bono care.
CONCLUSION
Overall, male and female dentists are similar in the provision of government-funded and pro bono care, but various factors influence levels of each in both groups.
Topics: Child; Dentists; Dentists, Women; Female; Government; Humans; Male; Ontario; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34343072
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jun 2018Social media has begun to proliferate across medical areas and transformed how medical professionals serve and interact with their patients. It offers a new...
BACKGROUND
Social media has begun to proliferate across medical areas and transformed how medical professionals serve and interact with their patients. It offers a new communication avenue that has the potential to engage patients and, hence, may be used to create value for both medical professionals and patients. In dentistry, even though patients and dentists frequently use social media in their personal lives, little is known about their attitudes and expectations toward using social media for professional interactions.
OBJECTIVE
In this paper, we focus on the role of social media in dentistry. Specifically, we explore patients' and dentists' attitudes toward social media usage and their current online behaviors in this context. Furthermore, we examine potential challenges and opportunities regarding dentists' adoption of social media practices.
METHODS
This research employed a large-scale online survey of 588 patients and 532 dental professionals. We assessed the attitudes, expectations, and social media behaviors from both patients' and dentists' perspectives.
RESULTS
We found that more than 55% (290/532) of dentists in our sample have accounts for their dental practice on various social media platforms. Interestingly, while 73% (374/511) of patients did not expect their dental practice to have a social media presence, and 44% (207/468) thought that establishing a friendship with their dentists is not appropriate, the findings show that 36% (164/460) of patients had searched for their dentists, and 44% (207/470) of them were happy to establish contacts with dentists on social media. Furthermore, the findings highlight that patients were interested in exploring additional information such as online reviews and the qualifications of their dentists on Facebook pages. For dentists, more than half (375/432, 83%) of them in our sample thought that social media marketing is more efficient compared to traditional marketing.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings revealed some key challenges and opportunities to utilize social media in dentistry. For both patients and dentists, the role of social media in dental services remains vague, and both parties still share concerns about connecting with each other on social media platforms. However, there also exists a sizeable number of patients who are already comfortable to connect with their dentists on social media sites such as Facebook. The current findings show that there is an opportunity for dental practices to trade upon a more active social media presence for enhanced patient interaction and engagement.
Topics: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Communication; Dentistry; Dentists; Female; Humans; Male; Social Media; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 29959108
DOI: 10.2196/10109 -
Journal of Public Health Dentistry 2016The objectives of this paper are to describe sources of data on underrepresented minority (URM) dental providers and to perform a structured critique of primary survey...
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this paper are to describe sources of data on underrepresented minority (URM) dental providers and to perform a structured critique of primary survey research on African American (AA), Hispanic/Latino (HL), and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dentists.
METHODS
A national sample survey was conducted between October 2012 and March 2013, and secondary datasets were assessed for comparability. The survey used 21 sampling frames, with censuses of AI/AN and nonurban dentists, and assessed demographics, education, practice history, patient population, volunteerism, experiences with discrimination, and opinions on issues in dentistry. The survey was developed with constituent input, pilot-tested, and distributed online and through US mail with three reminder postcards, phone, and email follow-up. Continuing education credit and entry to a prize drawing were provided for participation.
RESULTS
Existing data sources cannot answer critical research questions about URM dentists. Using best practices, the survey received a 34 percent adjusted response rate. Selection likelihood and measurable response bias were adjusted for using base and poststratification weights.
CONCLUSIONS
The survey design was consistent with best practices, and our response analytics provide high confidence that the survey produced data representative of the URM dentist population. Enhanced study design, content, and response rates of existing survey efforts would be needed to provide a more robust body of knowledge on URM providers, perspectives, and practices.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Dentists; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States
PubMed: 26183241
DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12109