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ABSTRACT Background/Aim Participants and Methods Results Conclusion This study explored perceived challenges in the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) among general dentists in the public dental service (PDS) of Vestland County in Western Norway and their needs for improving treatment care for TDI patients.This qualitative study conducted three focus group discussions. We recruited a purposive sample of seven general dentists employed in the PDS in Vestland County in Western Norway. The three focus groups consisted of two, two, and three participants, respectively. The focus group discussion took place via the Microsoft electronic platform Teams, and it was visual, and audio recorded. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation.The general dentists in this study experienced the management of TDI as a set of complex procedures that require good theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, skills, and teamwork. We were able to group these challenges into three results categories: (1) proficiency challenges, (2) the challenge of stress and discomfort during dental procedures, and (3) the challenge of the organization of the PDS. The participants also expressed the need for practical courses, calibration, and refresher courses in dental traumatology. Their needs fell into two categories: (1) regular, clinically relevant continuing professional development and (2) collective efforts in TDI management.Increasing awareness of the challenges in TDI management and addressing the need for improved dental treatment for TDI patients may lead to targeted programs to enhance dentists' knowledge and skills. There is considerable potential for training dentists in dental traumatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This commentary introduces the new Graduating European Dentist Curriculum Domain V—‘Research’, and outlines the international multi‐stakeholder development and consultation process that was undertaken in order to develop the new Domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During World War II, millions of people were mistreated and imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps. Due to the antisemitic pressure applied by the Nazi regime, many scientists had to leave Germany, and they immigrated to the United States, Switzerland, Turkey or South America. Alfred Kantorowicz was among those highly educated people who were forced out of their professional career. For a certain period, he had to stay away from the world of research and academia, which were his favorite occupations. However, these unexpected difficulties did not prevent him to pursue his success story with many awards, books, and scientific studies. Professor Kantorowicz was saved from a concentration camp upon the efforts of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to modernize the university education system in Turkey. Prof. Kantorowicz worked from 1933 until his retirement in 1948 and acted as the "father of dentistry" in Turkey. His vision of preventive dentistry and his entrepreneurial approach should set an example for today's young dentists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the impact of dental tourism on UK dentistry and the National Health Service (NHS). It acknowledges concerns about foreign nationals accessing free NHS care and British residents seeking medical treatment abroad. The article highlights the lack of data on the scale and cost of health tourism to the NHS and emphasizes the potential risks to patients and the healthcare system due to lower standards of care overseas. It also discusses the challenges faced by regulators in monitoring and enforcing standards for dental providers operating outside the UK. The article calls for better legislation, enforcement, and research to address the vulnerability of UK dentistry to dental tourists. [Extracted from the article]

Why you should read this article: • To identify the importance of prioritising oral and dental health education for children, starting from birth, to prevent tooth decay and promote overall well-being • To be aware of advice that can be shared with parents to improve their child’s oral and dental health • To recognise the crucial role of nurses, midwives and community practitioners in promoting oral health in early childhood, particularly as children’s exposure to dentists is usually delayed. Tooth decay remains one of the most common preventable oral health concerns in children. After birth, advice to caregivers predominantly focuses on medical health with little attention paid to dental health. Before discharge from the maternity unit and during future hospital and community appointments, opportunistic dental advice should be provided by midwives, nurses and health visitors where possible, with the aim of preventing early onset dental disease. Registering with a dentist at birth is crucial due to long NHS dental waiting lists. Simple advice on toothbrushing should be offered, including brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush using an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste. Mothers should be provided with information on the benefits of breastfeeding for oral health alongside tailored preventive care. Appropriate advice on bottle-feeding and weaning is required, including minimising the use of added sugar, drinking from free-flow cups after six months of age, and discouraging the use of milk bottles at bedtime and in general after one year of age. Written visual summaries can be shared with parents to consolidate verbal advice on oral and dental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate what happens to cross‐sectionally identified root‐filled teeth over a 6‐year period, regardless of the time that elapsed since primary root canal treatment, in a cohort of adult patients regularly attending a Public Dental Service. A secondary aim was to investigate how the cumulative events affecting root‐filled teeth over the same time were associated with variables obtained from a baseline examination. Methodology: Adult patients with ≥1 previously root‐filled tooth and regularly attending the Public Dental Service in Örebro County were enrolled for study participation in 2015. General dental practitioners examined all identified root‐filled teeth in this cohort at baseline using a standardized protocol and were also responsible for further decision‐making and treatments. After six years, information on events of the root‐filled teeth was collected from dental records. The highest rating (most invasive treatment) on a 5‐point ordinal scale was used in the analyses. Regression analyses with stepwise selection were performed for associations between patient‐ and tooth‐related factors and events. Results: A total of 445 patients with 1007 root‐filled teeth were followed the entire observation time. Twenty (2.0%) of the root‐filled teeth had endodontic retreatment and 150 (14.9%) were extracted over six years. Among teeth with periapical radiolucency or pain, the majority did not undergo retreatment or extraction; however, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that retreatment or extraction was associated with baseline recordings of teeth with periapical radiolucency (p <.0001), tenderness to percussion (p <.0001), and poor coronal restoration (p <.0001). Conclusions: This study corroborates the notion that in general dentistry, root‐filled teeth with radiological signs of apical disease often remain untreated over time. Furthermore, it also reveals that root‐filled teeth presenting with mild pain do not necessarily receive any intervention. However, teeth with baseline signs of apical periodontitis, pain, or inadequate coronal restoration were more likely to have received intervention during the six‐year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Information from published studies describing dental treatment of nonmilitary personnel in a military theater of operations is sparse. The primary objective of this study is to determine the number of dental emergencies (DEs) and the types of dental treatment rendered on non-U.S. military (civilian) personnel treated by Navy dentists in 2007-2008 in Iraq and 2009 in Afghanistan. The second objective is to compare the type of DE treatment procedures provided to civilian personnel to the type of DE treatment procedures performed on U.S. military personnel. Materials and Methods Navy Dental Officers documented the diagnoses of unscheduled DEs. All treatment provided was described at the time of treatment using the Current Dental Terminology codes of the American Dental Association. Current Dental Terminology Code A0145 (2007 and earlier) and A0199 (2008 onward) in the patient encounter indicated a DE. This study is limited to DE occurring in (1) patient categories: U.S. civilian employees, other beneficiaries of the U.S. Government, foreign national civilian/dependents, and civilian, no government connection and (2) U.S. military service members. Chi-square analysis was performed to compare the proportion of dental treatment category procedures on civilian patients compared to those on U.S. military patients. Results During the reporting period, 308 patients were treated for DE in Afghanistan. Civilians treated accounted for 18.5% (n  = 57) of all DEs. Nearly 93.0% of civilians who were treated were U.S. (DoD) civilian employees. Of the 57 civilian patients treated for DE, 61.4% of patients (n  = 35) received oral surgery. There were 251 U.S. military patient encounters (81.5% of all DEs). Restorative dentistry was the most common dental procedure for military personnel DE. When comparing civilian and military patients, civilian patients are statistically more likely than military patients to receive oral surgery treatment for DE (P  < .00001). In Iraq, 3,198 patients were treated for DE during the reporting period. Civilians treated accounted for 18.8% (n  = 601) of all DEs. About 56.9% (n  = 342) of civilians who were treated were U.S. contract employees. Of the 601 civilian patients treated for DE, 37.1% (n  = 223) received oral surgery. There were 2,597 U.S. military patient DE encounters, and restorative dentistry was the most common dental procedure. When comparing civilian and U.S. military patients in Iraq, civilians are statistically less likely to have their DE treated by restorative dentistry (P  < .00001) and are more likely have it treated by oral surgery/extractions (P  < .00001). It is significantly more likely for civilians to have multiple categories of DE that must be treated (P < .00001). Conclusions The primary group of civilians treated for DE in Afghanistan was U.S. civilian employees. The primary group of civilians treated for DE in Iraq were contract employees of the U.S. Government. The primary dental treatment of civilian beneficiaries in both the theaters of operation was oral surgery. This brings into question what dental fitness standards are there for primarily U.S. civilian and contract employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep disturbances have been shown to result in considerable morbidity and mortality. It is important for dental clinicians to understand the neuroscience behind sleep disorders. The authors conducted a search of the literature published from January 1990 through March 2024 of sleep medicine–related articles, with a focus on neuroscience. The authors prioritized articles about the science of sleep as related to dental medicine. The authors found a proliferation of articles related to sleep neuroscience along with its implications in dental medicine. The authors also found that the intricate neuroscientific principles of sleep medicine are being investigated robustly. The salient features of, and the differences between, central and obstructive sleep apneas have been elucidated. Sleep genes, such as CRY, PER1, PER2, and CLOCK, and their relationship to cancer and neurodegeneration are also additions to this rapidly developing science. The dental clinician has the potential to be the first to screen patients for possible sleep disorders and make prompt referrals to the appropriate medical professionals. This can be lifesaving as well as minimize potential future morbidity for the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of patients seeking medical care is increasing, necessitating more access to primary healthcare services. As several of these patients usually present with complex medical conditions, the need for interprofessional collaboration (IPC) among health professionals in primary care is necessary. IPC is essential for facing the increasing and challenging healthcare demands. Therefore, the facilitators of and the barriers to IPC should be studied in the hope that the results will be used to promote such endeavors. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of different health professionals regarding the facilitators of and the barriers to IPC in the primary healthcare settings in Qatar. Methods: A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted within the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) in Qatar. Several health professionals were invited to participate in the focus groups. The focus groups were uniprofessional for general practitioners (GPs), nurses, and dentists, while they were interprofessional for the other health professionals. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and validated by the research team. The data were analyzed by deductive thematic analysis using the "Gears" Conceptual Model as a coding framework. Results: Fourteen focus groups were conducted involving 58 participants (including 17 GPs, 12 nurses, 15 pharmacists, 3 dentists, and 11 allied health professionals) working in PHCC in Qatar. The findings revealed a spectrum of factors influencing IPC, categorized into four main domains: Macro, Meso, Micro, and individual levels, with each accompanied by relevant barriers and facilitators. Key challenges identified included a lack of communication skills, insufficient professional competencies, and power imbalances, among others. To address these challenges, recommendations were made to implement dedicated training sessions on IPC, reduce hierarchical barriers among different health professionals, and enhance the effectiveness of existing systems. Conversely, it was emphasized that projects and campaigns focused on IPC, alongside the development of enhanced communication skills and the presence of supportive leadership, as essential for facilitating effective IPC in PHCCs. Conclusion: The interplay between the meso, macro, micro, and individual levels highlight the significance of a multifaceted approach to interventions, aiming to enhance the successes of IPC. While initiatives like interprofessional education training are underway, numerous challenges persist before achieving improved collaboration and more efficient integration of IPC in the PHCC setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children presents multifaceted challenges, impacting various aspects of health, including oral health. This narrative review provides a comprehensive synthesis of literature focusing on the oral health status of pediatric CKD patients, encompassing oral manifestations, dental considerations, and management challenges associated with hemodialysis and kidney transplantation. A comprehensive search strategy was employed, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, to identify relevant literature on oral manifestations in children with CKD, including those undergoing hemodialysis or renal transplantation. Search terms were carefully selected to capture studies examining enamel hypoplasia, dental caries, delayed tooth eruption, gingival diseases, periodontal diseases, radiographic alterations, craniofacial development, dry mouth, and changes in the oral mucosa. Our narrative review meticulously selected articles through a systematic process. Ultimately, 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Relevant data from each included study were independently extracted and synthesized, focusing on oral manifestations and their implications in pediatric CKD patients. The synthesized findings were organized and presented in a structured manner within the review article, considering their clinical implications and informing recommendations for dental management of children with CKD. This article highlights the importance of a coordinated effort between nephrologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals in providing holistic care for pediatric CKD patients. A comprehensive understanding of the oral health status of these children, along with proactive dental management strategies, contributes to improved overall health outcomes and a better quality of life. This review aims to serve as a valuable resource for the oral healthcare providers involved in the care of pediatric CKD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare staff uniforms are a subject of debate in the UK, and this is particularly true in the case of less understood roles such as advanced nurse practitioners. Aim: This review explores what is known about people's perceptions of health professionals' uniforms. Method: A mixed methods scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Five databases (CINAHL, ASSIA, PsycINFO, and EMBASE) and several search engines were searched. Eligible reports were peer-reviewed English-language studies using any methodology to explore people's perceptions of different uniforms for health professionals. Findings: Forty-six studies (mainly from North America) were included, presenting a variety of perspectives on the uniforms worn by doctors, nurses and other health professionals. Conclusion: Culture and context likely influence how uniforms are understood. Practitioners should consider how this may affect communication with both patients and colleagues. What health professionals wear matters, particularly in relation to less well understood roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of smoking, including heated tobacco products (HTPs), among Japanese dentists was reported to be 16.5%, significantly higher than that among Japanese physicians and United States dentists. However, large-scale studies on smoking cessation implementation based on dentists' smoking status and perceptions since the introduction of HTPs are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and assess dentists' attitudes toward smoking, including HTP use and smoking cessation, according to smoking status. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire comprising six major items was mailed to 3883 dentists who were members of the Aichi Dental Association in August 2019. The primary outcome was smoking cessation status. The secondary outcome was the impact of smoking on intervention for smoking cessation. This study was reported using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Results: Among the 1317 (42%) dentists analyzed, men were more positive toward smoking than women. Current and former smokers were more positive about smoking than never smokers/users, regardless of the tobacco product type. Additionally, the current smoker group using conventional cigarettes was less likely to ask for their patients' smoking status than the never smoker group. Furthermore, the current smoker (OR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.3–3.1 vs never smoker) and HTP user (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.1 vs never user) groups were less likely to engage in smoking cessation than the never smoker/user groups, regardless of the tobacco product type. Conclusions: Since the smoking status of dentists affects the implementation of smoking cessation interventions, it is crucial to encourage them to quit using all tobacco products to promote smoking cessation interventions in dental practice. Additionally, providing proper smoking prevention education to dentists is an important task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective • This study aims to investigate the impact of educational background on the occurrence of untreated dental caries and gingival bleeding, shedding light on the potential implications for public health policy and dental care. Methods • The study was conducted among 160 80 Shenggong Technology Company employees. An online questionnaire survey was administered to collect relevant data, focusing on the participants’ educational backgrounds, income levels, and oral hygiene practices. Educational achievements were categorized into two groups: MSDB: middle school degree or below, and CDA: college degree or above. A team of three experienced dentists conducted comprehensive oral health assessments, evaluating untreated dental caries and the presence of gingival bleeding. Dental caries results were categorized as follows: less than 2 untreated dental caries, 2-4 untreated dental caries, or more than 4 untreated dental caries. Gingival bleeding results were classified as 0, slight, or severe. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), employing Fisher’s exact test to compare untreated dental caries and gingival bleeding prevalence between the two educational background groups. Significance was determined at P < .05. Results • The analysis included 40 participants with an MSDB and 40 with a CDA. The findings revealed no significant differences in age or gender distribution between these groups. However, participants with an MSDB exhibited a significantly higher incidence of untreated dental caries (P = .0008) and were more likely to experience gingival bleeding (P = .0397) compared to their counterparts with a college degree or above. Conclusions • This study underscores that individuals with an educational background of a middle school degree or below are more prone to both untreated dental caries and gingival bleeding compared to those with a higher educational background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous Canadian reviews of physician, pharmacist, and dentist disciplinary action have noted differences in discipline outcomes across professions and provinces. The objective of this study was to compare the disciplinary action process across provinces and professions, and to describe the perspectives of health professional regulatory bodies on the disciplinary action process. Methods: Participation from medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry registrars or complaints directors from 10 Canadian provinces was sought. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted by telephone or video call. Results: Nineteen interviews with regulators were conducted--8 pharmacy, 5 nursing, 5 medicine, and 1 dentistry. Complaints and discipline processes followed a similar overall pathway with some differences. Differences in process were largely due to differences in health regulation legislation and were noted across professions, across provinces, and within a province. Participants tended to be more aligned with regulators within their province rather than regulators of the same profession across the country. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this paper is the first to describe Canadian health professional regulatory body perspectives on the complaints and discipline process. More research is needed to better understand the factors that affect discipline outcomes and to ultimately improve complaints and discipline processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During child dental treatment, different behavior management techniques (BMTs) are applied and it is important to understand the possible discomfort in the operator. Objective: The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the acceptability of dental students and professionals concerning BMTs applied with paediatric dentistry patients. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted, following the PEOS strategy: Population (P) – dental students/professionals (S); Exposure (E) – BMTs preconized by the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, Outcome (O) – proportion of BMT acceptance; and Study design (S) – observational studies based on data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS (Lilacs/BBO), Cochrane, and Open Grey databases up to September 2021. The eligible studies were submitted to data extraction and to the evaluation of methodological quality, using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. The certainty of evidence was evaluated by GRADE. Results: The search retrieved 710 articles; a total of 21 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were used for qualitative analysis. Among the undergraduate students and dentists, the most accepted techniques were tell‐show‐do and positive reinforcement, while paediatric dentists preferred the tell‐show‐do technique and dental professionals with graduate degrees preferred sedation using nitrous oxide and positive reinforcement. The least accepted technique was protective stabilization. Seven students presented a low risk for bias, while 14 presented a high risk. The certainty of evidence was classified as very low. Conclusion: Although the basis of available certainty of evidence is scarce and with a considerable risk for bias, it is still possible to conclude that the more accepted techniques were based on communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dental regulatory bodies aim to ensure the health and safety of dentists, dental staff patients and the public. An important responsibility during a pandemic is to communicate risk and guidelines for patient care. Limited data exist on the perceptions and experiences of dentists navigating new guidelines for mitigating risk in dental care during the pandemic. The objective of this study was to use a qualitative approach to explore how dentists in Canada experienced and perceived their regulatory bodies' communication about COVID‐19 risks and guidelines during the pandemic. Methods: Participants were Canadian dentists (N = 644) recruited through the email roster of nine provincial dental associations or regulatory bodies. This qualitative analysis was nested within a prospective longitudinal cohort study in which data were collected using online questionnaires at regular intervals from August 2020 to November 2021. To address the objective reported in this paper, a conventional qualitative content analysis method was applied to responses to three open‐ended questions included in the final questionnaire. Results: Participants encountered challenges and frustrations amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, grappling with diverse regulations and communications from dental bodies. While some bodies offered helpful guidance, many participants felt the need for improved communication on guidelines. Dentists urged for expedited, clearer and more frequent updates, expressing difficulty in navigating overwhelming information. Negative views emerged on the vague and unclear communication of COVID‐19 guidelines, contributing to confusion and frustration among participants. Conclusion: As COVID‐19 persists and in planning for future pandemics, these experiential findings will help guide regulatory bodies in providing clear, timely and practical guidelines to protect the health and safety of dentists, dental staff, patients and the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Most children and adolescents in Norway attend the Public Dental Service (PDS) where they are treated free‐of‐charge until the age of 19 years. Thus, general dentists employed in the PDS are the primary care providers for traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in young patients. This cross‐sectional study assessed the knowledge of PDS general dentists on the acute management and follow‐up of TDI and its socio‐demographic and attitudinal covariates. Materials and Methods: All general dentists employed in the Vestland County PDS, Western Norway, (N = 170) received an online questionnaire. Socio‐demographic and professional profiles of respondents as well as attitudinal indicators were queried. Clinical case scenarios on emergency treatment and further follow‐ups of TDI were used to calculate a dental trauma knowledge score (DTKS; range: 0–21). Mann–Whitney U tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests determined differences between the demographic subgroups. Logistic regressions determined the potential of single factors in explaining the variability in dental trauma knowledge. Results: The response rate was 46%. Most participants (60.5%) had not participated in a TDI course after graduation but would like such a course (84.2%). Mean DTKS was 13.82 (±2.6). Knowledge scores differed significantly between age groups (p =.014) and years since graduation (p =.0018). Younger dentists and recently graduated dentists scored highest. Dentists under the age of 30 years scored higher than 30–39‐ and 40–49‐year‐old dentists in these areas: emergency treatment of crown fractures with pulp exposure, identification of complications after avulsion, and management of severe intrusive luxation injury. Conclusion: Younger dentists had a higher theoretical knowledge of TDI. Continuing professional development among dentists in the Norwegian PDS is needed for emergency treatment and complication management after TDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the frequency and types of prescription errors, assess adherence to WHO prescribing indicators, and highlight the gaps in current prescribing practices of Junior dental practitioners in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2021. The study included the prescriptions by house surgeons and junior postgraduate medical trainees for walk-in patients visiting the dental outpatient department. A total of 466 prescriptions were evaluated for WHO core drug prescribing indicators. The prescription error parameters were prepared by studying the WHO practical manual on guide to good prescribing and previous studies. Prescription errors, including errors of omission related to the physician and the patients, along with errors of omission related to the drug, were also noted. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 25. Descriptive analysis was performed for qualitative variables in the study. Results: The average number of drugs per encounter was found to be 3.378 drugs per prescription. The percentage of encounters with antibiotics was 96.99%. Strikingly, only 16.95% of the drugs were prescribed by generic names and 23.55% of drugs belonged to the essential drug list. The majority lacked valuable information related to the prescriber, patient, and drugs. Such as contact details 419 (89.9%), date 261 (56%), medical license number 466 (100%), diagnosis 409 (87.8%), age and address of patient 453 (97.2%), form and route of drug 14 (3%), missing drug strength 69 (14.8%), missing frequency 126 (27%) and duration of treatment 72 (15.4%). Moreover, the wrong drug dosage was prescribed by 89 (19%) prescribers followed by the wrong drug in 52 (11.1%), wrong strength in 43 (9.2%) and wrong form in 9 (1.9%). Out of 1575 medicines prescribed in 466 prescriptions, 426 (27.04%) drug interactions were found and 299 (64%) had illegible handwriting. Conclusion: The study revealed that the prescription writing practices among junior dental practitioners are below optimum standards. The average number of drugs per encounter was high, with a significant percentage of encounters involving antibiotics. However, a low percentage of drugs were prescribed by generic name and from the essential drug list. Numerous prescription errors, both omissions and commissions, were identified, highlighting the need for improved training and adherence to WHO guidelines on good prescribing practices. Implementing targeted educational programs and stricter regulatory measures could enhance the quality of prescriptions and overall patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Methods Results Conclusions Studies documenting the treatments used by dentists in the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have been undertaken in some countries; however, no such research has been conducted in Australia. No similar studies have been documented for physiotherapists.The aim of the study was to determine the treatment options and referral patterns used by Australian dentists and physiotherapists in managing people with TMDs.Prospective nationwide online questionnaires targeting Australian dentists and physiotherapists were created for Australian dentists and physiotherapists.Seventy‐eight respondents (27 dentists; 51 physiotherapists) completed all questions in the questionnaires. Sixty respondents reported actively treating people with TMDs. The treatment options used most frequently by dentists included advice and education, oral appliances, physical agents such as moist heat and medications. The treatment options most frequently used by physiotherapists included manual therapy, exercises, electrophysical agents and advice and education. Referrals were most frequently made to dentists and physiotherapists with experience and/or expertise in managing people with TMDs and to general dentists.Commonly used treatment options were mostly conservative, reversible and evidence‐based. More responses are required to draw conclusions representative of Australian dentists and physiotherapists in the management of people with TMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Materials and Methods Results Conclusions The increase in the migration of dentists educated outside the EU/EEA calls for the sharing of information and evaluation of recognition processes within countries in the EU. In 2017, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare implemented the Proficiency test, a recognition process for dentists who have completed an education programme outside the EU/EEA. The Proficiency test consists of a theoretical and an integrated clinical skills examination, followed by a 6‐month clinical practice. The clinical skills examination is a two‐part examination that includes an OSCE and an operative test on a dental manikin. This paper presents data from proficiency tests between 2018 and 2022, and explores factors related to grade fail, that is, demographics, theoretical exam scores and language comprehension.In a cohort study, demographics and factors associated with grade fail were explored using test results from theoretical and clinical skills examinations (n = 181) from 2018 to 2022. Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis were used for studying correlations and associations between exam results. Univariable linear and logistic regression models were used for background variable associations with clinical skills exam outcomes.Higher age was a significant risk factor for failing the clinical skills examination and the OSCE. Higher scores in the theoretical exam reduced the odds of failing the OSCE but were not associated with results in the operative test or the overall results of the clinical skills examination. Regarding the OSCE there was a statistically significant difference within all professional qualifications explored between participants who passed and participants who failed the OSCE.Four years of data collection reveal that age and previous theoretical exam results influence the odds of failing the clinical examination. The study results also highlight the necessity of multiple assessment formats to assess clinical and communication skills of foreign‐trained dentists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor oral and dental health due to oral dysbiosis during pregnancy increases the risk for negative pregnancy outcomes. Communicating the importance of oral health is therefore essential in reducing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Professional guidance could substantially support women's positive perception of their own competence. Information on oral health should be provided by healthcare professionals such as midwives, obstetricians and dentists. The aim of this study was to assess the needs, wishes and preferences of pregnant women in Germany, regarding interprofessional collaboration and guidance on oral health during pregnancy. Methods: Sources of information, preferences regarding information supply as well as the need for interprofessional collaboration of involved healthcare professions were investigated in six online focus groups with pregnant women. In addition, three expert interviews with a midwife, an obstetrician and a dentist were conducted. The focus groups and interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz. Results: 25 pregnant women participated in focus groups. Pregnant women in all trimesters, aged 23 to 38 years, were included. Many women did not receive any or received insufficient information on oral health during pregnancy and wished for more consistent and written information from all involved healthcare providers. The extent of oral health counselling women received, heavily relied on their personal initiative and many would have appreciated learning about the scientific connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes. An overall uncertainty about the timing and safety of a dental visit during pregnancy was identified. Interviews with experts provided additional insights into the working conditions of the involved healthcare professionals in counselling and emphasised the need for improved training on oral health during pregnancy in their respective professional education as well as thematic billing options in relation to this topic. Conclusion: Guidance of women on oral health during pregnancy appears to be insufficient. Providing information adapted to the needs, wishes and preferences of women during pregnancy as well as the implementation of this topic in the education of involved healthcare professionals could contribute to an improved prenatal care for pregnant women and subsequently a reduced risk of negative pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between self-reported preventive and curative orientations of general dental practitioners (GDPs) and the oral healthcare services (OHS) they provided to patients under 18-years-old. And in addition, to determine which patient, GDP, and dental practice characteristics predicted the provision of preventive and curative care. GDPs in the Netherlands using dental software program Exquise (>2,000) were invited to participate in this study voluntarily. Participants completed a web-based questionnaire on characteristics of themselves, their dental practices, and on 20 hypothetical clinical situations concerning caries management. Based on their responses GDPS were classified for their preventive orientation, and their curative orientation. Data on the OHS provided to their young patients over the period 2013–2017 were automatically extracted from the patient files. Based on the annual frequency of provided care to regular patients over a period of 4 or 5 years, this was converted into 3 longitudinal care patterns regarding prevention and 3 longitudinal care patterns regarding curative care. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted with a multilevel approach to correct for dental practices. The 37 participating GDPs provided data for 16,229 young patients. There was not a significant relationship between self-reported preventive orientations and preventive care patterns. The self-reported middle curative orientation was a predictor of the care pattern 'curative treatment(s) in 1 year' (OR 1.23 compared to nu curative treatments; 95% CI 1.02–1.48). The self-reported high curative orientation was a predictor of 'curative treatments in several years' (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.27–2.85). Common characteristics predicting (p<0.05) both regular preventive care and curative treatments in several years were patient related: age 4–9 and 10–12, low-income neighborhood, 5 years included in study. GDP and dental practice related predictors were: the GDP could fulfill the care demand by working overtime, small dental practice (≤2,000 patients), and practice policy on the provision of care to young patients. This showed that the variation in provided care was partly supplier-driven instead of patient-centered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many new technologies are being used in dentistry, enhancing and accelerating dental procedures. However, there is still a lack of a comprehensive and coherent understanding of the extent of technology use and the factors influencing its adoption in any specific society. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of digital technology use among dentists in Zahedan, Iran, in 2023. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, ninety-three dentists working in Zahedan city were investigated. Simple random sampling was used to select participants, and a questionnaire was administered that included sections on demographic information (gender, experience, workplace, level of degree, level of education), administrative and communicative aspects (4 questions), clinical and diagnostic aspects (9 questions), and reasons for not using certain technologies. The validity of the questionnaire was 100%, and the reliability was 0.8. Data analysis was performed using frequency analysis and comparisons between groups, which were conducted using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A P-value of less than 0.05 (P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. Results: The usage rate of digital technologies among dentists in Zahedan was 60.2% low, 35.5% moderate, and 4.3% high. There was a significant relationship between the use of digital technologies and factors such as gender (P < 0.001), workplace (P < 0.001), experience (P < 0.006), and level of education (P < 0.002). However, no significant relationship was found between digital technology use and the level of degree. Digital radiography was the most commonly used technology, with a usage rate of 74.3%. The most frequently used administrative and communicative technology was the "use of communication program or software with other centers," at 49.9%. The majority of digital technologies began to be adopted from 2019 onwards. The main reason for not using administrative and communicative technologies was "inaccessibility," while the primary reason for not using clinical and diagnostic technologies was deemed "unnecessary use." Conclusions: The use of digital technologies by dentists in Zahedan was found to be low. Given the limited adoption of digital technologies in dentistry, it is essential to provide more training for dentists and to facilitate better access to these technologies in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current review focuses on the factors influencing parental acceptance and the dentists' role in facilitating dental treatment acceptance under general anaesthesia (GA). Materials and methods: The search was conducted on several databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar search engine, and Cochrane Library on articles published from June 1993 to June 2023. A mixed research method was adopted for the current review, which implies that studies with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were included. Results: The findings revealed several factors influencing parental acceptance towards dental treatment under GA. One of these factors was parental beliefs and attitudes that have been linked to a higher possibility of acceptance. Moreover, the income and education levels of parents revealed that parents with a higher education level were more likely to accept the adoption of GA for their children's dental treatment. Dentists' roles in promoting parental acceptance towards dental treatment under GA is important in ensuring that the parent received accurate information concerning the dental treatment procedure, its benefits, and related risks. Providing parents with this information will help them make well-informed decisions on the treatment procedure. Conclusion: Dentists should include parents in the decision-making process, explain key details concerning the treatment procedure and allow them to contribute to selecting the best dental treatment option for their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is an alarming global public health concern, threatening the effective treatment of common infections. This phenomenon is driven by the improper prescription of antibiotics. This study aimed to elucidate the patterns of antibiotic prescription in implant dentistry among European dentists and their awareness of antibiotic resistance. Materials and Methods: An anonymous online validated questionnaire was distributed via e‐mail to 6431 recipients through the European Association for Osseointegration. It comprised of 17 structured questions investigating demographic variables, working environment, clinical experience, attitude towards antibiotic prescription in particular in relation to implant dentistry and COVID‐19 pandemic, and awareness of antibiotic resistance. Data were collected from April to May 2023. Results: 281 dentists from 33 European countries completed the survey. Almost 80% affirmed to routinely prescribe antibiotics as prophylaxis as well as after dental implant placement, especially in medically compromised patients or in cases of bone grafting. Amoxicillin, alone (61%) or in combination with clavulanic acid (56%), was the most common antibiotic of choice. Awareness of penicillin resistance among respondents was high. For peri‐implantitis treatment, more than half reported the use of systemic antibiotics. The large majority (95%) did not prescribe more antibiotics since the beginning of COVID‐19 pandemic. Less than 40% declared to follow national guidelines for antibiotic prescription. Conclusion: This survey revealed a high prescription rate of antibiotics in implant dentistry, despite the awareness about antibiotic resistance among the respondents. The development and adherence to European guidelines has been identified as a potential strategy for improving antimicrobial stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the lightness difference perceptibility and acceptability thresholds, for a single maxillary central incisor, and to investigate possible differences in these thresholds regarding the direction (+ΔL* vs. −ΔL*), the observer group (dentists vs. laypersons), and the gender and age of the observers. Materials and Methods: A series of images with varying lightness (L*), were created by altering the right maxillary central incisor of a male Caucasian, on a frontal view full‐portrait image. Digital modification of one central incisor by 1 ΔL* unit resulted in 15 different images: one control, seven with increased and seven with decreased lightness. The images were presented in random order, on a digitally calibrated monitor, to 158 observers, grouped into 79 dentists, and 79 laypersons, who were asked to evaluate every image and answer whether they perceive a difference and if yes, whether they accept this difference. A multifactorial analysis of covariance was performed to analyze the perception and acceptance of any difference in the central incisors and to estimate the thresholds. The statistical significance level was α = 0.05. Results: Overall, the magnitude of ΔL*, direction of ΔL*, observer group and age were each significant (p < 0.001), as was gender (p = 0.03). The effect of the magnitude of ΔL* interacted with its direction and the observer group (p = 0.045), and the effect of age interacted with the direction of ΔL*, and the gender and the group of the observers. Estimated 50%:50% perceptibility thresholds ranged from 0.1 to 2.7, and 50%:50% acceptability thresholds ranged from 2.3 to 4.5. Overall, dentists perceived lightness differences at lower magnitudes than laypersons; difference in lightness was perceived and accepted at lower magnitudes when the tooth become lighter instead of darker; and female observers perceived and accepted lightness differences at lower magnitudes compared to males. As age increased overall, differences of lightness were perceived and accepted at higher magnitudes. Conclusions: Perceptibility and acceptability of lightness differences of a single maxillary central incisor are affected by the magnitude and the direction of lightness change, as well as the gender, the age, and the type of the observers. Clinical Significance: Even small changes in lightness are perceivable; however, thresholds of perception and acceptance are dependent on the magnitude and the direction of change and are also dependent on the observer, with women, dentists and younger people perceiving and accepting changes at lower magnitudes of ΔL*. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Proper identification of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) provides an opportunity for oral cancer prevention. This study aims to assess the competency of dental health professionals in identifying OPMDs and, in turn, reducing the incidence of oral malignancy by early detection. Methods: A 26‐case online questionnaire of oral mucosal lesions was distributed to cohorts of 363 dental health professionals and dental students in Australia. The participants were asked to provide their provisional diagnosis for each case based on the available information. Results: The overall accuracy in identifying oral mucosal lesions was 65.9%. There were no significant differences in the overall diagnostic accuracies between dental specialists, general dental practitioners and final‐year dental students (p > 0.05). The lowest diagnostic accuracies were associated with normal mucosal variations and OPMDs. The predoctoral dental curriculum showed statistically significant values in terms of improving skills in diagnosing oral mucosal lesions. Conclusions: Lack of adequate knowledge in identifying OPMDs was evident among the participants, highlighting a non‐promising figure in reducing the incidence of oral cancers in Australia. Comprehensive modifications of the current continuing professional development system are required to ensure adequate knowledge among dental health providers in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of free‐to‐access videos on oral biopsy procedures on the YouTube platform. Materials and Methods: We conducted a search on YouTube using the term "oral biopsy" and selected the first 100 videos in order of relevance. The following exclusion criteria were applied: language other than English, videos that did not cover oral biopsy techniques, videos on nonhuman specimens, postoperative instructions, personal experiences, exfoliative cytology, or "brush biopsy." Forty‐seven selected videos were classified based on their duration, country of origin, date of upload to the system, author, information source and number of views, and likes and dislikes. Video quality was analyzed using DISCERN, the Global Quality Scale (GQS), and the Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI). Results: The majority (78.7%) of analyzed videos were uploaded by dentists, originating from India (48.9%), with a mean duration of 11.8 min (SD, 20.4), with 104.5 likes (SD, 186.4) and 7.1 dislikes (SD, 10.55). The mean values for DISCERN, GQS, and VIQI were 1.3 (SD, 0.52), 2.1 (SD, 1.04), and 9.62 (SD, 1.69), respectively. Conclusion: The majority of videos on oral biopsy published on YouTube are of low quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Clinical Considerations Conclusions Clinical Significance The aim of the present study was to provide recommendations in order to facilitate communication between dental professionals and surgeons who are collaborating in the field of dentofacial esthetics.Smile esthetics are beyond the scope, both of the surgeons who are collaborating with facial esthetics and of the dentists, as a wide range of treatment options from both sides is available. It can be difficult for the surgeon or the dentist that first comes in contact with the patient to conduct an individualized global treatment plan, in order to find out how the various phases of the treatment can be sequenced, as a workflow for an efficient interaction between facial surgery and dentistry still does not exist in the scientific literature.Facial cosmetic procedures and dental treatment have to be planned as individual elements of the whole dentofacial esthetic rehabilitation. The treatment has to be initiated with the design of the smile and the intraoral mock‐up, followed by the required surgical interventions, and to be finished with the delivery of the definitive dental restoration.Dentofacial esthetics require comprehensive communication between surgeons and dentists. Following the proposed recommendations, an individualized interdisciplinary treatment plan can be conducted, defining the role of each specialty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Evidence on smokeless tobacco (ST) cessation interventions is scarce. The South Asian (SA) region that shares more than 90% of the burden of ST use is grossly underrepresented in research on ST cessation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering and investigating a behavioral support intervention for ST cessation in dental settings in Pakistan. Methods A multicenter, pilot, two-armed parallel-group, individually randomized control trial, with a 1:1 allocation ratio, was conducted at two dental hospitals. Eligibility criteria included being an ST user seeking dental treatment and not currently accessing cessation support. All participants were provided written self-help ST cessation material. The intervention group also received a dentist-delivered, bespoke behavioral support intervention for ST cessation developed for users of SA origin. Participants were followed up telephonically at 3 and 6 months. Self-reported 6-month abstinence was verified by salivary cotinine. Analysis was descriptive, with 95% confidence intervals presented where appropriate. Results One hundred participants were successfully recruited from the selected hospitals. Of these, 78% continued to engage throughout the study duration and provided primary outcome data, whereas 63% completed all hospital visits. The outcome measures were successfully collected. Biochemically verified 6-month abstinence in the intervention and control groups was 10% and 4%. Conclusions It was feasible to deliver and evaluate a dentist-delivered behavioral support intervention for ST cessation in Pakistan. The data suggested that the intervention may improve ST quit rates. The findings of this study will be useful in informing the design of future definitive studies. Implications To our knowledge, this is the first pragmatic pilot trial on ST cessation in dental settings in Pakistan and the first trial on dentist-delivered structured behavioral support intervention for ST cessation. It adds to the scarce, trial evidence based on ST cessation interventions. The findings suggest behavioral support intervention for ST cessation may improve quit rates. The trial was conducted in a country with poor ST control measures, where ST products are not taxed, the products are sold openly to and by minors, and the users are offered negligible cessation support. The findings may, therefore, be generalizable to low–middle-income countries, particularly SA countries, with similar policy backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to catalyze a transformative shift across diverse dental disciplines including endodontics, oral radiology, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontology, prosthodontics, and restorative dentistry. This narrative review delineates the burgeoning role of AI in enhancing diagnostic precision, streamlining treatment planning, and potentially unveiling innovative therapeutic modalities, thereby elevating patient care standards. Recent analyses corroborate the superiority of AI-assisted methodologies over conventional techniques, affirming their capacity for personalization, accuracy, and efficiency in dental care. Central to these AI applications are convolutional neural networks and deep learning models, which have demonstrated efficacy in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic decision making, in some instances surpassing traditional methods in complex cases. Despite these advancements, the integration of AI into clinical practice is accompanied by challenges, such as data security concerns, the demand for transparency in AI-generated outcomes, and the imperative for ongoing validation to establish the reliability and applicability of AI tools. This review underscores the prospective benefits of AI in dental practice, envisioning AI not as a replacement for dental professionals but as an adjunctive tool that fortifies the dental profession. While AI heralds improvements in diagnostics, treatment planning, and personalized care, ethical and practical considerations must be meticulously navigated to ensure responsible development of AI in dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because people living with environmental sensitivities are poorly acknowledged in our society, we still know very little about their experiences navigating in the health care system, especially with respect to dental services. Our objective, therefore, was to describe their dental care pathway and better understand their experiences accessing oral health services. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in partnership with organizations supporting people with environmental sensitivities. Through a criterion sampling technique, 12 people living with environmental sensitivities in Quebec (Canada) were invited to participate in individual semi-structured interviews. These interviews lasted around 90 min and were transcribed to be thematically analysed. Participants faced major barriers accessing dental services and thus lived for long periods of time with unmet dental needs. Their dental care pathways were often delayed or even interrupted for several reasons. First because they were exposed to pollutants upon leaving their house, which rendered their trip to the dentist perilous. Second because dentists lacked knowledge about environmental sensitivities and seemed reluctant to accommodate them. We invite governments, dental professionals, and researchers to develop policies and clinical approaches for improving people living with environmental sensitivities' quality of life and access to dental services. Although environmental sensitivities are recognized as disability in several countries such as Sweden and Germany, people with these conditions face major barriers to access healthcare services. Dental professionals, for instance, are reluctant to acknowledge environmental sensitivities as a disability and seldom accommodate sufferers' special needs. We invite dentists to foster holistic and person-centered approaches and be receptive to the health conditions and needs of people with environmental sensitivities. Dentists could address oral health needs of people with environmental sensitivities by doing home-visits with portable dental equipment as this removes barriers related to their exposure to pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic many dentists state that they are more stressed and that there is an increase in muscle pain, especially in the neck and back. Materials and methods: Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and musculoskeletal pain using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Correlation test using the Spearman test. Results: 46.3% respondents experienced low-stress levels, 52.4% moderate stress levels, and 1.3 % severe stress levels. A total of 80.7% respondents experienced musculoskeletal pain with low complaints, 15.8% had moderate complaints and 3.5% had high complaints. Some parts of the body that most often experience pain range from slightly painful to very painful, namely: the upper neck (60.1%); lower neck (57.9%); upper buttocks (50.8%); waist (48.6%); right shoulder (45.7%); back (45.3%) and left shoulder (40.5%). The results of the Spearman correlation test were p: 0.222 with an rs value: 0.069 (no correlation). Conclusion: Dentists who were respondents to this study continued to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, using complete PPE in a sitting position. Statistically, there is no relationship between the level of stress and the level of musculoskeletal pain. Still, respondents stated they were more stressed and experienced musculoskeletal pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, back, and upper buttocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The resource needs of health services are served by the recognition of qualifications across borders which allows professionals to migrate between countries. The movement of dentists across the European Union (EU), especially into the United Kingdom (UK), has provided a valuable boost to workforce supply. Recent changes to policy recognising overseas qualifications have brought attention to the equivalence of qualifications awarded in EU countries. Professional regulators need to be confident that dentists who qualified elsewhere have the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to practise safely and effectively. The aim of this study was to compare UK and EU dental curricula, identify any differences, and compare the extent of pre-qualification clinical experience. Methods: This was a mixed methods study comprising a questionnaire and website searches to identify information about curricula, competences, and quality assurance arrangements in each country. The questionnaire was sent to organisations responsible for regulating dental education or dental practice in EU member states. This was supplemented with information obtained from website searches of stakeholder organisations for each country including regulators, professional associations, ministries, and providers of dental education. A map of dental training across the EU was created. Results: National learning outcomes for dental education were identified for seven countries. No national outcomes were identified 13 countries; therefore, learning outcomes were mapped at institution level only. No information about learning outcomes was available for six countries. In one country, there is no basic dental training. Clinical skills and communication were generally well represented. Management and leadership were less represented. Only eight countries referenced a need for graduates to be aware of their own limitations. In most countries, quality assurance of dental education is not undertaken by dental organisations, but by national quality assurance agencies for higher education. In many cases, it was not possible to ascertain the extent of graduates' direct clinical experience with patients. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate considerable variation in learning outcomes for dental education between countries and institutions in Europe. This presents a challenge to decision-makers responsible for national recognition and accreditation of diverse qualifications across Europe to maintain a safe, capable, international workforce; but one that this comparison of programmes helps to address. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare radiographic periapical healing and tooth survival outcomes of root canal (re)treatment performed within two care pathways (Routine Dental Care and Referred Treatment Pathway), in the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF), and determine the effects of endodontic complexity on outcomes. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study included 1466 teeth in 1252 personnel who received root canal (re)treatment between 2015 and 2020. General Dental Practitioners treated 661 teeth (573 patients) (Routine cohort), whilst Dentists with a Special Interest treated 805 teeth (678 patients) (Referred cohort). The latter group were graduates of an MSc programme in Endodontics with 4–8 years of postgraduation experience. Case complexity was retrospectively determined for each tooth using the endodontic component of Restorative Index of Treatment Need (RIOTN) guidelines. Periapical healing was determined using loose radiographic criteria. The data were analysed using chi‐square tests, univariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: A significantly (p < 0.0001) larger proportion of cases of low complexity had undergone root canal treatment within the Routine versus Referred cohort. The odds of periapical healing was significantly higher within the Referred versus Routine cohort, regardless of analyses using pooled (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.22) or moderate complexity (OR = 4.71; 95% CI: 2.73, 8.11) data. Within the Routine cohort, anterior teeth had higher odds of periapical healing than posterior teeth (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.22). The 60‐month cumulative tooth survival was lower (p = 0.03) in the Routine (90.5%) than the Referred (96.0%) cohort. Within the Routine cohort, the hazard of tooth loss was higher amongst posterior teeth (HR = 4.03; 95% CI: 1.92, 8.45) but lower if posterior teeth had cast restorations (HR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.70). For the Referred cohort, posterior teeth restored with cast restoration (vs not) had significantly lower risk of tooth loss (HR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.55). Conclusions: For UKAF patients, root canal (re)treatment provided within the Referred pathway was significantly more likely to achieve periapical healing and better tooth survival than those provided within the Routine pathway. Posterior teeth restored with an indirect restoration had a higher proportion of tooth survival. This study supported the utility of the endodontic component of RIOTN for assessing case complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental public health (DPH) comprehends the spreading and factors of oral diseases and edifies, encourages, and endorses oral health in miscellaneous populations. Oral health education and even emergency medical specialties aren't on the priority list once they involve health care in our country. A study was conducted in the month of November 2021 to know the exact mindset of people in our city about dentists and all dental treatments. A questionnaire was designed which consisted of 2 parts. The first part included the demographic information i.e. age, profession, past medical history (if any), and area. The second part consisted of 22 questions in all. It included questions each on gender preference, procedural preference, dental service preference, and preference for a second opinion. Participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling method. The results showed a positive response from the study population towards the dentists and very easily highlighted the stance of dentists in Faridabad city. While there is still scope for spreading awareness among people regarding dentistry, the media would play a major role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to high-quality, preventive oral health care is fundamental for an individual to achieve positive health outcomes. Recognizing that health is influenced by where a person lives, it is important to consider how systems of care must adapt to meet the changing needs of a community over time. Medical-dental integration is a critical component designed to enhance and broaden the oral health care delivery model. MORE Care® is a framework for communities to leverage their resources and relationships by providing tools and resources to integrate preventive oral health services into primary care settings. This report will show how local stakeholders advocated for an innovative approach to improve oral health gaps for children in Ohio. The MORE Care Ohio pilot is expanding access to preventive oral health services by featuring medical-dental integration to close patient care gaps and build an integrated oral health network. Providing a framework for medical and dental teams to collaborate, seven clinical practices (three medical and four dental) agreed to participate in a 9-month learning collaborative and 16-months of performance monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MS) disorders in practicing German dentists and identify risk factors for pain chronification. This was a cross-sectional, quantitative, questionnaire-based study in which the validated German version of the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire was sent out to practicing German dentists. Of the 8,072 questionnaires sent out, 576 dentists responded (60.2% men, 39.8% women; mean [SD] age, 50 [10.1] years; response rate, 7.1%). Overall, 344 dentists had current pain at 719 pain sites (point prevalence, 59.7%). The risk of chronic pain in dentists with current MS pain was high in 28.5% (n = 98), moderate in 30.5% (n = 105), and low in 41% (n = 141). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that specialization in restorative dentistry was associated with a significantly higher risk of experiencing pain chronification (odds ratio [OR], 3.94; P =.008), followed by specialization in pediatric dentistry (OR, 0.35; P =.048). A history of current pain, particularly current leg pain, was predictive of higher chronification risk (OR, 22.0; P <.001) and neck pain (OR, 4.51; P =.001). Almost two-thirds of practicing German dentists have MS pain, and one-third of these have a moderate through high risk of developing pain chronification. These health problems have an adverse impact on their ability to successfully perform dental services, with the potential for prolonged sick leave, disability, and early retirement. Accordingly, these problems deserve greater attention from the scientific community (identification of risk factors), universities (sensitization and education), and policy makers (development and implementation of appropriate countermeasures for MS disorders in the dental profession). Knowing the risk factors associated with acute and chronic MS pain may help dentists take preventive measures and thereby improve their physical well-being and work-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, new guidelines for dental practice were published. This research aims to examine the knowledge of dental students and their attitudes towards current guidelines. Materials and methods: The study involved 76 fourth‐year dental medicine students from three public universities in Croatia. A survey questionnaire was developed based on in‐depth interviews and a pilot pretesting. The online questionnaire consisting of 36 questions was published using Google Forms. The survey data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and presented with descriptive statistics. Results: Survey data showed the dental students' knowledge of the guidelines for dental practices is at an insufficient level (average score of 67% correct answers). Students who have come across the guidelines outside the faculty environment through assistantships have demonstrated lesser knowledge (65%) of the guidelines than the ones who do not (68%). A similar trend is observed with dental students who grew up in a family of doctors of dental medicine (61%) and ones who did not (68%). Students also independently assessed their knowledge of the guidelines as moderate (3.15 out of 5), while evaluating the application of current guidelines as very important (4.38 out of 5). Conclusion: Awareness of dental students should be improved by adapting the curriculum of dental studies and increasing the availability of information on current guidelines. Dental students need to be motivated to independently inform themselves about the current guidelines for dental practices, thus improving their clinical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge of senior dental students and newly graduated dentists about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral manifestations of syphilis. Materials and Methods: A 32‐question questionnaire was designed with three domains: (I) demographic, academic and professional data of the participants, (II) attitudes, practices and self‐perception regarding training about syphilis and (III) knowledge about syphilis. All knowledge responses were classified as correct or incorrect. Scores ranging from 1 to 14 were calculated, and grades were assigned to each participant according to their level of knowledge. Results: The sample comprised 408 dental students and 339 newly graduated dentists. The mean score was 7.70 ± 3.35 for undergraduates and 9.09 ± 3265 for dentists. The highest frequency of correct answers (>70%) was attributed to questions about the aetiology, transmission and treatment of syphilis. The questions with the lowest frequency of correct answers (<50%) were about the identification of oral manifestations and stages of syphilis. Conclusions: The knowledge of dental practitioners and academics about the oral manifestations of syphilis was unsatisfactory. The lack of understanding of these aspects can delay the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this disease, which is concerning given the steady increase in cases in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Indonesia faces high burden on health and socio-economic from smoking. Besides conventional cigarettes, there is an increasing use of electronic cigarettes. This study aims to explore primary health professionals’ belief and attitude toward electronic cigarettes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Bali, Indonesia between October, and November 2021. A 185 sample of general practitioners (GP) and dentists working at primary health care were invited through consecutive and snowballing technique. Variables collected during the study were sociodemographic and clinical practice characteristics, smoking status, intention to quit smoking and, their belief and attitude toward electronic cigarettes. Data was analyzed descriptively. Results: The average age of the primary health care providers involved in the study was 37.65 years, 60% of them were female and a GP with median length of professional works 10 years. Only 3 (1.62%) were current smokers and 6 (3.24%) were ex-smokers, while 0.54% reported using electronic cigarettes. The majority of respondents agreed in the negative impacts of electronic cigarettes, however, 11.9% of them agree that electronic cigarettes are less dangerous than conventional cigarettes, 13.4% agree it can be used as smoking cessation and 9.2% agree that it should be recommended as a substitute of smoking. Conclusion: Primary health care professionals viewed electronic cigarettes as potential risk for health but some of them have neutral and less positive attitude, therefore, it is necessary to provide adequate information based on the growing evidence of negative impacts of electronic cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior teeth restoration represents a challenge for dentists, who often rely on the dental technician's wax-up. The proposed Stratified Stamp Technique (SST) allows for clinically reproducing the wax-up in a quick and easy way. A patient with fractures and discoloration on the upper central incisors was treated with resin-based composite direct restorations. Using SST, a 1 mm thick thermoformed polyethylene-terephthalate-glycol (PETG) template, based on the technician's wax-up, was produced. Enamel Selective Area Reduction (SAR) was performed to guarantee adequate space for the restorations, and the fracture margins were rounded and finished. Traditional layering procedures according to the five color dimensions of teeth were performed, except for the final labial layer, which was realized with warm composite loaded inside the template and polymerized through it, in order to ensure accurate tooth morphology reproduction. SST offers a reliable method for transferring technician's wax-up morphology to direct composite restorations in anterior teeth. Compared with other methods, SST allows for better isolation with a rubber dam and permits traditional layering with multiple composite shades, thus leading to satisfactory esthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a worldwide infection characterized by various symptoms. Few studies have examined its oral manifestations. However, there is insufficient information on the oral manifestations of patients with COVID-19 who use tobacco products. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated oral symptoms of tobacco-using patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. METHODS This study used a convenience sample of non-hospitalized patients (aged ≥18 years) with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 diagnosed by polymerized chain reaction (PCR). This study excluded pregnant or lactating women or patients with serious COVID-19 complications, including those who required hospitalization or were on specific medications (antiviral, corticosteroid, antimicrobial, or immunosuppressive). Oral examinations were performed, including labial, buccal, and gingival mucosa, tongue, floor of the mouth, and palate, for any newly developed lesions associated with the onset of COVID-19. The salivary flow was determined using the passive drool collection technique. RESULTS Lip dryness, gingivitis, tongue lesions, and taste loss were the most commonly reported oral symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The most common general symptoms were tiredness and headache (63.9%), followed by dry cough, myalgia, sore throat, and fever. This study found 139 occurrences of oral symptoms, of which 52 were dry lips (27 tobacco non-users, and 25 tobacco users), and 11 were gingivitis (five non-users, and six tobacco users), and 12 tongue changes (eight non-users, and four tobacco users). Ageusia, or loss of taste sensation, was most commonly reported with or without other oral COVID-19 symptoms (55 occurrences: 36 non-users and 19 tobacco users). No significant differences were found in oral symptoms between tobacco non-users and tobacco users. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to expand the routine examination protocol for patients during future respiratory pandemics, as monitoring oral health allows dentists to improve the management of oral sequelae during a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One important part in the implementation of providing health services to patients in hospitals is medical records. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between dentist behavior and odontogram completeness, to analyze odontogram filling behavior from the aspect of the relationship between performance expectations, business expectations, social influence, and facilitating conditions, to improve dentist behavior towards filling odontogram completeness, and analyzed the relationship between intervention and completeness of odontogram filling.The type of research used is a qualitative research method. In order to improve the completeness of filling out the odontogram in Electronic Medical Record, it is necessary to consider the various factors that have been identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic ability in detecting oral lesions among dentists, dental hygienists, dentistry students, oral hygiene students, and non‐healthcare subjects. Materials and Methods: Participants were invited to classify 30 images of oral lesions in "benign" or "suspected malignant" only based on the visual appearance of the lesion. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by calculating sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals and stratified by population group and image features (color, shape, and size of the lesions). Results: A total of 16,590 examinations by 553 subjects were analyzed. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 57% (95% confidence interval 56%–58%) and 64% (95% confidence interval 63%–65%). Diagnostic accuracy varied among population groups, with experienced dentists showing the lowest sensitivity (52%) and the highest specificity (71%). Red lesions, flat lesions, and large lesions had the lowest sensitivity (42%, 36%, 57%) but the highest specificity (70%, 75%, 76%). Conclusions: We found worrying low ability to detect suspected malignant oral lesions by both healthcare workers and non‐healthcare subjects. Lesion‐specific characteristics may lead to differences in recognition. Specific courses and more adequate teaching methods should be proposed to increase identification of oral lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental appointments offer an opportunity to evaluate a documented penicillin (PCN) allergy and determine whether the patient might be a candidate for medical reassessment of their allergy. The authors gathered feedback on the Penicillin Allergy Reassessment for Treatment Improvement (PARTI) tool, designed to enhance dentist-patient communications regarding PCN allergies. From January 2022 through May 2023, the authors conducted a mixed-methods study, collecting focus group data from patients with PCN allergies and surveying health care workers (HCWs) regarding the PARTI tool. Feedback focused on reassessment procedures, patient-centered allergy information, and medical records updates. Thematic analysis was used for focus group data. The study included 15 patients in focus groups and 50 HCW survey respondents representing diverse US regions. Patient demographic characteristics included varied races, the mean age was 52 years, and most of the patients were female (53.3%). Most patients had health care interactions within the preceding year, at which 86.6% of patients were asked about drug allergies. HCW respondents primarily consisted of pharmacists (30%) and dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants (28%). Feedback on the PARTI tool was constructive, with both patients and HCWs recognizing its potential benefits and providing insights for improvement. Many HCWs (68%) highlighted the importance of step 3 of the PARTI tool, that is, the section on PCN allergy testing. Feedback from participants was incorporated into the final PARTI tool. Patient and HCW feedback on the PARTI tool was used to finalize a tool for the dental office to provide to patients who are candidates for PCN allergy reassessment. The feedback will also be used to inform an upcoming pilot study in US dental offices, focused on the process for PCN allergy reassessment and health record documentation. Deploying the PARTI tool in dental offices is pivotal, as mislabeling patients with PCN allergies could have severe consequences, such as hindering the prescription of lifesaving antibiotics for conditions like endocarditis, in the future. This implementation not only enhances communication between dentists and patients, but it is also crucial for ensuring improved patient safety and maintaining accurate medical records among health care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to measure the perceived healthcare priorities, barriers, and preferences when selecting private or governmental healthcare services among a sample of university affiliates from Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design to reach targeted adults on the Jazan University campus. Data were collected during personal interviews. The questionnaires measured participant demographics, perceived healthcare priorities, barriers, and preferences when selecting private or governmental healthcare services. A chi-squared test was used to detect statistically significant differences between demographic and clinical characteristics according to preferences in their healthcare-seeking behavior. Results: A total of 3083 university affiliates participated in this investigation. The mean age of the participants was 28 years, 49.6% of whom were males. Among the sample, 63% were students, and the remaining were university staff. The health condition perceived as most important was diabetes, and most of the sample viewed primary healthcare as the most vital service. The healthcare-seeking behavior of the sample indicated a higher preference for using governmental healthcare services. However, notable barriers related to the availability of appointments, long waiting times when visiting a healthcare facility, and healthcare costs were identified. Preference for private healthcare services was higher among females, expatriates, non-Arabic speaking affiliates, those with higher socioeconomic status, and health insurance owners (p-values < 0.05). Additionally, higher utilization of private healthcare services was noted among participants who frequently visit dentists and physicians and those performing consistent, routine medical checkups (p-values < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate the importance of strengthening the role of primary healthcare to address the health needs required for preventing and managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes. Additionally, enhancing access to and effectiveness of primary healthcare may reduce the impact of healthcare barriers associated with limited appointments and prolonged waiting times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like other health care practices, the increasing complexity in dentistry signals the need for a reconceptualisation of dentist professional learning. Professional dental bodies, at large, still privilege formal continuing professional development (CPD) provisions focusing on off-the-job activities despite growing evidence that much invaluable learning occurs through and at work. In exploring the two common dentist CPD approaches, this article critiques the narrow conceptions of learning inscribed in these frameworks, which are individualistic and acquisition oriented. Drawing on a vignette of dentists' professional practice at work, this paper argues for a shift in discussion from an emphasis on which CPD models work best to what counts as professional learning for dentists. To flesh out these arguments, the paper proposes using an innovative conceptual approach through the lens of 'complexity thinking' and the concept of 'co-present group'. Through this lens, the reframing of thinking brings out two key features of learning: Emergent learning cannot be specified in advance and much significant learning is typically beyond an individual's learning. Given the learning potentials of group practice and group learning, the paper concludes with suggestions to support dentists' lifelong learning at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to longitudinally evaluate follow-up treatment on primary teeth initially treated with silver diammine fluoride (SDF). Methods: This retrospective cohort evaluated private insurance (not Medicaid) claims data from 2018 to 2019 for children no older than 12 years with at least one primary tooth initially treated with SDF. Additional treatment per tooth was recorded over a follow-up of at least 24 months. Results: The mean and standard deviation (±SD) age of 46,884 patients was 5.7±2.3 and for SDF-treated teeth per patient was 2.6±2.1. Forty percent (95 percent confidence interval [95% CI] equals 39 to 40.7 percent) of teeth initially treated with SDF received additional treatment. The odds of SDF-treated teeth receiving future treatment significantly decreased with patient age by 22 percent per year (odds ratio equals 0.78; 95% CI equals 0.077 to 0.79; P<0.001). Pediatric dentists had only slightly lower odds than general dentists for providing additional treatment (0.91, P<0.001). Posterior teeth and teeth expected to exfoliate in two or more years had significantly higher odds of receiving additional treatment (2.47 and 1.27, respectively, P<0.001). Conclusions: Beginning at age four, patient age at placement of silver diammine fluoride was inversely proportional to future treatment provided. Posterior teeth and teeth expected to exfoliate in two or more years were more likely to receive additional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine whether visiting only a pediatric dentist (as opposed to visiting only a general dentist) was associated with the provision of preventive dental services for a U.S.-based pediatric population (those 18 years and younger). Methods: This study analyzed pooled Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2018 and 2019 to compare the use of certain preventive dental services (i.e., examination, radiographs, prophylaxis, dental sealant, and fluoride treatment) among those who reported visiting a pediatric dentist versus those who visited a general dentist. Survey procedures were used in Stata 14.0 to perform multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Controlling for demographic and insurance variables, children who visited only pediatric dentists had statistically significantly greater odds of receiving radiographs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] equals 1.22; 95 percent confidence interval [95% CI] equals 1.01 to 1.48; P=0.04), fluoride treatment (AOR equals 1.57; 95% CI equals 1.30 to 1.90; P≤0.001), and sealants (AOR equals 1.63; 95% CI equals 1.24 to 2.16; P=0.001) compared to children who visited only general dentists. There was no statistically significant difference in the provision of periodic examinations and prophylaxis services. Conclusion: Based on the nationally representative data evaluated, pediatric dentists are more likely to provide more optimal preventive services than general dentists (i.e., radiographs, fluoride treatments, and sealants) to children in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]