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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]

Objectives: The primary aim of the investigation was to survey clear aligner therapy (CAT) use among general dentists in Australia. A secondary aim was to evaluate the factors that influenced general dentists in Australia not to provide CAT. Material and Methods: General dentists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency were invited to participate in a structured cross‐sectional electronic survey. The survey covered demographics, preferred CAT systems and practices, relevant treatment planning and retention protocols, patient‐reported CAT issues, pertinent respondent opinions, and reasons for not providing CAT. Descriptive statistics were computed via GraphPad Prism v10 (GraphPad Software Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). Results: Most of the 264 (n = 172; 65.2%) respondents indicated that they provided CAT. The majority (n = 82; 58.6%) reported that they treated between 1 and 20 patients with CAT annually. Invisalign was the most used system (n = 83; 61.2%), with 55 (41.7%), indicating that they used more than one system. Most (n = 124; 98.4%) were comfortable using CAT for mild crowding, whereas 73.4% (n = 94) were not comfortable in treating severe crowding with CAT. The median (IQR) number of patients per respondent treated with extraction of a permanent incisor or premolar was 0 (0). Issues regarding tooth positions were reportedly always or mostly in need of change in the initial treatment plan by 68.7%. Problems regarding patient compliance with CAT wear protocols (n = 67; 45.6%) and the predictability of treatment outcomes (n = 31; 21.1%) were the most identified themes of the free‐text comments. Over 80% of those who did not provide CAT indicated that they preferred to refer to an orthodontist for management. Conclusion: Almost two‐thirds of the respondents provided CAT. Invisalign was the most used system. The majority use CAT combined with nonextraction treatment. Most of those who did not provide CAT preferred to refer to an orthodontist for patient management. Summary: The use of CAT is increasing globally.The present survey is among the first to explore CAT practices of general dentists. As such, it provides novel baseline information related to a wide range of factors related to CAT practices and protocols.In the absence of robust evidence regarding CAT, it informs clinicians about colleagues' use, experiences, and problems with, and opinions of, CAT.The study will enable clinicians to provide insight regarding their own utility of CAT by comparing their own practices to the study's findings. [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]

ChatGPT is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) language model that can provide health information to patients. This study examined the usefulness and readability of ChatGPT in answering questions about oral health in autism. The results showed that ChatGPT provided comprehensive and useful information, but the readability of the responses was beyond the level of a lay person. While ChatGPT has potential benefits in healthcare, it also has limitations such as ethical/legal issues and the risk of false or misleading information. Oral healthcare professionals should use AI tools sensibly and cross-reference information with reliable sources. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the challenges faced by frail older adults in accessing oral health care and the importance of collaboration between dentists, healthcare professionals, and caregivers. It provides a case history of a frail older adult who received dental treatment but faced difficulties with oral hygiene and denture maintenance. The article raises questions about the effectiveness of the treatment and suggests alternative options that may have been more beneficial. It emphasizes the need for simplified and comprehensive dental care for frail older adults, taking into account their medical conditions and medications. [Extracted from the article]

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]

This article explores the potential benefits of value-based payment (VBP) in improving the Canadian dental care system. It acknowledges the challenges with the current fee-for-service (FFS) model and its impact on clinical decisions. The article emphasizes the need for a more sustainable remuneration system but recognizes obstacles such as the lack of evidence in dentistry and the need for collaboration among stakeholders. It also discusses the importance of clinical practice guidelines and the role of large group practices in implementing VBP. The article highlights the potential impact of different payment methods on dentists' behavior and suggests that collaboration with providers can increase acceptance of VBP. It also emphasizes the need for a flexible remuneration scheme and a robust evidence base for performance measurements. The lack of a unified third-party payer system in dentistry is identified as a structural barrier to implementing VBP. [Extracted from the article]

Background: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and the attitude in oral health (OH) of nurses (NUR) and auxiliary health technicians (AHT) belonging to the Long‐term Care Units (LTC). Methods: Observational cross‐sectional study. A survey was applied in five MLTC in Porto (Portugal) to 145 healthcare works (HCW). Data were collected using structured questionnaires with questions about knowledge and attitude regarding oral care. Data analysis comparison was performed using non‐parametric tests (α = 0.05). Results: Out of a total of 259 HCW, 145 responses were obtained (55.98% response rate). The median number of correct answers was significantly different for NUR and AHT without oral health training (OHT) (p =.035).AHT with OHT had a significantly lower number of correct answers compared to NUR with OHT (7 vs. 9, p <.001). There was no significant difference in the number of correct answers in NUR with or without OHT (p =.391) and that the AHT without OHT have a median of correct answers significantly higher than those who they have OHT (8 vs. 7, p =.020) Conclusions: Despite the positive attitude of the HCW, the knowledge is scarce. HCW recognized the urgence to update the protocols. Practical Implications: Integrating dentists in the LTC team, implementation of OH protocols and providing OH training should be considered to bridge existing gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It is traditionally considered that breaking bad news to patients does not represent a cause for concern for dental professionals. However, there are situations where they will be confronted with this task, as in the case of rare dental diseases. Little information is available regarding the feelings of healthcare professionals on this subject. There are no qualitative studies that explore how a diagnosis of oligodontia is announced to patients by dentists and orthodontists. The aim of our study is to explore the difficulties and ethical issues experienced by dental health professionals when they have to announce a diagnosis of oligodontia to a patient and their family. Methods: This study relied on a qualitative research method using focus groups of dentists and orthodontists and a thematic analysis procedure. Results: The difficulties experienced could be summarised within five topics: organisational difficulties, difficulties with the management of dental treatment and with the administrative management associated with this anomaly, difficulties with the content of the announcement, and relational difficulties. These could be grouped in two categories: practical difficulties and ethical difficulties. Conclusion: This survey allowed us to understand the difficulties encountered by dentists and orthodontists when announcing oligodontia. The participants felt uncomfortable with this task and were under stress. They reported difficulties in delivering the medical information and in adapting to the message. It is essential that dental professionals develop skills in medical communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There is a lack of data regarding the hygiene practices and sources of care among individuals in Yemen who wear removable complete and partial dentures. The purpose of this study was to explore the behaviors, hygiene habits, and sources of care information among patients who utilize complete and partial dentures in Yemen. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross‐sectional research design was utilized, and a sample of 217 consecutive participants who wore removable complete and/or partial dentures were enlisted. A questionnaire was employed to collect data on demographic information, educational attainment, denture habits, denture cleaning practices, and encountered difficulties. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, and significance was determined using chi‐square tests, with a significance level of.05. Results: The data analysis revealed that a majority of the participants were male (72.4%) and had an average age of 65.14 years. Fifty‐three percent of the participants wore partial dentures, while 34.6% wore complete dentures. Only 6.5% of the participants wore both complete and partial dentures, and 6% wore overdentures. The majority of participants (88.47%) had dentures made of acrylic material. Additionally, 43% of participants wore dentures while sleeping, and 61.3% stored their dentures in dry places without a water‐filled container when not in use. The most commonly reported cleaning methods were water only (24.4%), followed by water and soap (19.4%). Furthermore, a large portion of the participants (59.4%) received denture care information from dentists. However, the majority (59%) did not visit a dentist for regular denture maintenance or any denture‐related issues. The data analysis did not reveal any significant association between age or education level and denture cleaning methods. Conclusion: This cross‐sectional survey provides insight into the hygiene knowledge and practices of removable denture wearers in Yemen. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced oral hygiene education and awareness within this population. The study offers valuable insights for oral health professionals to design targeted interventions and educational initiatives aimed at promoting proper denture care and maintenance. These efforts have the potential to enhance the oral health and overall well‐being of removable denture wearers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Onco dentist" refers to a dentist who specializes in providing dental care to patients with cancer. This specialization involves understanding the unique oral health challenges that cancer patients may face due to the disease itself or its treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Onco dentists work closely with oncologists and other healthcare professionals to manage and prevent oral complications associated with cancer and its therapies, including mucositis, xerostomia (dry mouth), dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral infections. They play a crucial role in maintaining the oral health and quality of life of cancer patients throughout their treatment journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on enhancing oral healthcare services through a reoriented Public Dental Service (PDS). Topics include expanding targeted, free dental care for children from birth to primary school, improving services for special care adults and marginalized groups with a clear referral system, and the need for proper planning and inclusion of the IDA in service improvements to boost community oral health outcomes.

The article offers a perspective on the movement away from behavior guidance technique in pediatric dentistry. It cautions about the impact of cultural changes on the new child psyche and parental behavior, the threat to procedural sedation, the unequal and reduced access of the poor and minority populations to the operating room, the end of passive stabilization, and risks of minimally invasive care. It suggests interventions to preserve behavior guidance as a necessity in pediatric dentistry.

Background: The field of bioethics examines the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise in the biological sciences, healthcare, and medical practices. There has been a rise in medical negligence cases, complaints against healthcare workers, and public dissatisfaction with healthcare professionals, according to reports from the Indian Medical Council and other healthcare associations. We intend to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of bioethics among the registered healthcare professionals (HCPs) of Maharashtra, India. Methods: A State-level online survey was conducted among the registered HCPs (n = 2143) casing all five regions of the Maharashtra state using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The responses were expressed as mean, and proportions with their standard deviation and 95% CI respectively. Binary logistic regression and a multivariate logistic model were used to determine factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice of bioethics. Results: Of the 2143 registered HCPs in Maharashtra included in this study, most of them (65.2%) had adequate knowledge of bioethics. Adequate knowledge was associated with lower age, profession (nurses and dentists), employment in the private sector, HCPS at Marathwada and Pune, and higher educational attainment. About 3 in 5 HCPs (59.4%) had a favorable attitude towards the ethical practice of bioethics, and was associated with profession, place of work, region of practice, and work experience. The distribution of unethical bioethics practices among 10 items was proportionally high, and only 34.4% reported good/fair practice. The common unethical practices in the state were allowing patients to be examined by interns, and not informing them about professional misconduct to the regulatory bodies. Conclusion: Most HCPs had adequate knowledge of bioethics, which is encouraging and would favor the laying foundation for forming a good bioethics framework. Only 3/5 HCPs demonstrated a favorable attitude, and the observed unethical practice is alarmingly common. A serious consideration to evaluate the compliance level of bioethics practice periodically and measures to educate, sensitize, and train bioethics among HCPs in Maharashtra is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSbP) is a form of abuse in which a caregiver with Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FDIA) fabricates or induces signs or symptoms in a person under their care to satisfy a self‐serving psychological need. Unnecessary clinical evaluations, procedures, and treatments that are initiated based on falsification by the abuser inadvertently add to the trauma experienced by the victim. It is a form of abuse and the impact on victims can be severe, sometimes fatal, and far‐reaching such as prolonged neglect and extension to affected siblings. The long‐term exposure to MSbP may predispose the victim to eventually developing factitious disorder imposed on self (FDIS). While MSbP often involves child victims, elderly, adults, and pets have also been reported as victims. MSbP can be a diagnostic challenge, and the important keys to timely identification of MSbP include the ability to detect deception by caregivers through awareness, clinical suspicion, and careful review of available health records; it also involves collecting collaborative information from other relevant healthcare providers including dentists, schoolteachers, and social workers. To date, there are limited published cases of MSbP with oral findings. This paper provides a narrative review of the current understanding of MSbP with a section on cases with oral findings. This paper aims to increase awareness about the clinical presentations and management considerations for MSbP among dentists and other healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect continues to be a challenge in the healthcare setting. All healthcare providers, including dentists, should be aware of the high prevalence of orofacial injuries and conditions that are concerning for abuse and neglect. Sentinel injuries may appear trivial and do not require medical attention, but are unlikely caused by accidental mechanisms and, if not properly identified, often precede more severe abusive injuries. Concerning orofacial findings can manifest as bruising, eye injuries, intraoral injuries, pharyngeal perforations, facial bone fractures, and sexually transmitted infections. Abusive caregivers are likely to give inadequate explanations or no history at all to explain concerning findings. Medical providers' failure to make mandated reports about their concerns to the appropriate agencies can have significant long‐term impacts on the physical and psychological well‐being of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the concept of e-professionalism in healthcare, focusing on the use of social media by healthcare professionals and its impact on professionalism. It discusses a research project conducted in Croatia that analyzed social media use among healthcare professionals, examined the effects of social media content on professionalism, and sought to improve safety and professionalism in daily tasks. The study found that while e-professionalism is widely understood, there are differences in social media use and perceptions of professionalism among medical and dental professionals. The article also discusses the effectiveness of published guidelines in promoting e-professionalism and suggests future research initiatives to further explore the topic. The study findings have been shared with the scientific community through reputable journals. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses various updates and initiatives from the College of General Dentistry in the UK. It highlights the new functionality of the online Member Register, which allows members to display their qualifications. The article also mentions upcoming elections for leadership positions and the recruitment process for the College's second President. It discusses the UK government's plan to recover and reform NHS dentistry services, emphasizing the need for additional funding and access to dental care. The text also addresses concerns about private-only practices and the shortage of dental professionals in the UK. The article concludes by discussing the CGDent NextGen Leadership Workshop, student and associate memberships, changes to the Trustee Board, and a research study on preventative oral care advice. The study reveals that preventative care is not consistently offered to patients in the UK, with regional discrepancies in awareness and importance. [Extracted from the article]

Transposition of teeth may present to the general dental practitioner and in some circumstances transposed teeth may present with other dental anomalies. Although dental transpositions are rare anomalies, management of transposed teeth can often be complex, requiring multidisciplinary management. It is therefore important for dentists to be familiar with the clinical and radiographic presentation of transpositions and understand the aetiology to aid early diagnosis and appropriate management. Clinical relevance: Dentists are best placed to detect transposed teeth and should be familiar with the clinical and radiographic presentation, aetiology, and classification of transpositions in order to aid early diagnosis and their subsequent management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ingestion or aspiration of dental implant screwdrivers or implant components is potentially life-threatening. There are no reports on the frequency at which dentists drop these devices within the mouth or which components are most problematic. There are few reports on what protective measures clinicians take, where risks exist, and how this problem is managed. A 9-part questionnaire was provided to dentists. Data collected included clinicians' roles, implant surgeons, restorative clinicians, or both—the frequency of dropping implant screwdrivers or components, items considered most problematic. Patient protection and management were also requested. Finally, questions related to how much of a problem clinicians considered this to be and if further solutions and a standardized management protocol should be developed. One hundred twelve dentists voluntarily completed the survey. Of the dentists, 54% restored, 37% restored and surgically placed, and 9% solely placed implants. Twenty-nine percent claimed never to drop components, with 56% dropping an instrument less than 10% of the time. Less than half would suggest patients seek medical advice if a screwdriver or component was accidentally dropped intraorally and was not recovered. Thirty percent never tied floss tethers to screwdrivers, and a similar percentage reported they only sometimes did so. Throat pack protection was reported 51% of the time. Ninety percent considered dropping components an issue, with screwdrivers most problematic. Aspiration or ingestion of implant screwdrivers and components is problematic, with dentists varying their use of protection devices. There is a need to standardize and implement patient protection procedures and management and develop methods to reduce the risk of these potentially life-threatening issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The most effective means for reducing oral cancer (OC) mortality is by preventing late‐stage disease. Early diagnosis can be improved by increasing awareness among healthcare providers, specifically general dental practitioners (GDP). Therefore, our study aimed to assess GDPs' knowledge of OC risk factors and perceived competence in performing conventional oral examination (COE) in routine dental practice. Material and Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in five provinces of Indonesia, namely: Aceh, Banda Aceh (BA); Bandung, West Java (WJ); special district Jakarta (JKT), JKT; Pontianak, West Kalimantan (WK); and Sorong, West Papua (WP). The local Dental Association or Faculty of Dentistry invited the GDPs to attend an education program and complete the survey. Results: One hundred seventy‐seven GDPs completed the survey (WJ, n = 63; BA, n = 44, JKT, n = 27; WP, n = 23; and WP, n = 20). A large proportion (164 out of 177, 92.66%) of GDPs felt they had received insufficient training to equip them to diagnose OC and as many as 22.6% (n = 40) did not refer to specialists when they found suspicious mucosal lesions. Notwithstanding the significant regional variations, the majority of Indonesian GDPs self‐reported inadequate knowledge and awareness of OC and scarce confidence in performing COE. Conclusion: GDP knowledge of OC risk factors and COE is key to improving early diagnosis of OC at a community level. Therefore, it is suggested that the lack of knowledge and confidence of GDPs reported here should be addressed through the national dental curriculum in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent earthquake in Syria has caused widespread devastation, leading to extensive damage and loss of life. Considering the diverse range of disasters and conflicts that have affected Syrian society, health workers must possess essential competencies to effectively manage various types of disasters, including earthquakes. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify the specific competencies required by Syrian health workers to respond efficiently and effectively to earthquakes. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted at the Medical Education Program MEP of the Syrian Virtual University SVU. Nine members of the research team of the MEP, who represent various health specializations in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy, accepted to take part in this study. Among these, three members have been actively involved in providing health care in hospitals and the field during the Syrian earthquake on 6 February 2023. The Delphi process was adopted to identify competencies. Health workers involved in earthquake response were categorized into nine groups including medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, psychological support professionals, medical students, allied healthcare professionals, on-site disaster teams, and managers. The final list was accepted if it achieved more than 80% agreement among the participants in the first, second, and final rounds. Results: The study identified 74 competencies (12 knowledge items, 35 skills, and 27 attitudes) essential for health workers to respond effectively to earthquakes. They are categorized into five domains: "Preparing the team for the rescue process during and, after earthquakes, Implementation of the rescue process, Education and psychological support, Research, and development". Conclusion: A list of earthquake competencies was identified for health workers. It is hoped that this list will enhance a country's resilience and will enable decision–makers to support health workers in acquiring these competencies within a very strained health system in Syria and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic engendered numerous societal and economic challenges in addition to health-related concerns. Maintenance of healthcare utilization assumed immense significance during this period. However, few studies have examined the association between loneliness and cancelled medical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine whether medical appointments are less likely to be cancelled with increased loneliness during a pandemic. We analyzed the association between loneliness and both patient- and provider-initiated appointment cancellations. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) were collected during April 2020–November 2021. The analytical sample included 1,840 participants with an average age of 55.1 years (standard deviation: 6.5, range 45–76 years). Medical appointments cancelled by individuals—medical appointments in general, and GP, specialist, and dentist appointments—and appointments cancelled by healthcare providers served as outcome measures. Loneliness was quantified using a single item ranging from 0 to 10. Accordingly, we created empirical loneliness tertiles. Covariates were selected based on the Andersen model. Several penalized maximum likelihood logistic regressions were utilized to examine the association between loneliness and cancellation of medical appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The penalized maximum likelihood logistic regressions showed that, compared to individuals in the lowest loneliness tertiles, individuals in the other two tertiles reported a higher chance of medical appointments cancellation by individuals, particularly driven by cancelled GP appointments. Except for age and sex, none of the covariates were comparably associated with the outcomes. When appointments cancelled by healthcare providers served as outcomes, only a higher number of chronic conditions was significantly positively associated with it. Conclusions: Individuals scoring higher in loneliness had a greater chance of cancelling medical (particularly GP) appointments. This may contribute to a potential cascade of loneliness and skipped medical appointments in the future, resulting in adverse health outcomes over the medium-to-long term. Future research should examine whether lonely people are more likely to lack the social motivation to visit the doctor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Global pandemic COVID-19 has been rapidly spreading and affecting all aspects of one's existence. Due to their frequent interaction with infected patients, health-care professionals, particularly dentists, are at a greater risk of contracting an infection. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, fear, anxiety, and modification in the work environment among dental practitioners during the outbreak of COVID-19. Study Settings and Design: The study was conducted in Mysuru, Karnataka and the study design is cross-sectional questionnaire study. Subjects and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted using an online survey from April 22, 2021, to September 11, 2021. A well-constructed questionnaire was developed and validated. The Google Forms with the information sheet and consent form was sent to dental practitioners of the Mysuru district. A total of 216 participants from the Mysore district responded. After a detailed assessment, duly filled questionnaires (n = 204) were included in the study. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics with necessary parametric tests such as one-way ANOVA and independent sample t-test are used. Statistical significance was kept at ≤0.05. IBM SPSS version 24.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 204 respondents, 128 participants were male and 76 were female. Comparison of mean knowledge (P = 0.002) and practice modification (P = 0.00) scores about qualifying degrees presented a statistically significant difference, but not in terms of fear and anxiety. Conclusions: The results have shown that dental practitioners had fear and anxiety about getting infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The knowledge and work modifications certainly benefited dental practitioners in their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Maxillary osteonecrosis, particularly medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), necessitates prompt identification and a comprehensive approach for effective management. Early diagnosis and proactive dental care are crucial in mitigating the complications associated with this condition. Aims. This study aims to outline the importance of early detection, multidisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and proactive dental care in the management of maxillary osteonecrosis. Methods. The study emphasizes the utilization of standardized medical letters to facilitate communication between prescribing physicians and dentists, while ensuring the timely exchange of essential patient information. Additionally, patient education plays a pivotal role, with the distribution of informative leaflets at the initiation of Bone Modifying Agents (BMA) treatment, emphasizing the risks associated with MRONJ and the significance of maintaining oral health and making appropriate lifestyle choices. Results. Dentists are key stakeholders in the prophylaxis of MRONJ, undertaking primary and secondary prevention measures. Primary prophylaxis encompasses various dental procedures aimed at reducing bacterial load and mucosal irritation. Secondary prophylaxis involves educating patients on maintaining optimal oral health and adopting lifestyle modifications. Furthermore, an Android application assists dentists in assessing MRONJ risk factors and making informed treatment decisions based on factors such as BMA type, dose, duration of administration, and the presence of dental and general risk factors. Conclusions. In conclusion, a proactive approach to managing Maxillary Osteonecrosis involves early detection, multidisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and proactive dental care. By integrating standardized communication tools, patient education materials, and risk assessment technology, healthcare providers can optimize patient outcomes and minimize the incidence and severity of MRONJ complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite tlie attention it has garnered in recent years, the opioid epidemic in the United States has remained a challenge to healthcare professionals, prescribers. families, and patients alike. A recent publication in the dental literature urged oral healthcare practitioners (OHCPs) to take a leadership role in the face of this epidemic ariel consider carrying naloxone, a drug designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose, in the dental o mee as the eighth essential medication in the minimal dental emergency kit. In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration deregulated naloxone 4-mg nasal spray to nonprescription status to increase its availability and access. Given the anticipated expanded availability of naloxone, it is important for OHCPs to be knowledgeable about this potentially lifesaving therapy. This article - is intended to serve as a primer for dentists on the history, pharmacology, appropriate appropriate use, and administration of this critical niedication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are prevalent in the head-and-neck region, with global rates decreasing. However, in India, they are rising due to a lack of knowledge about risk factors and symptoms. The Indian government launched the National Health Mission to provide accessible, affordable, and reliable primary health care. Accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers can link health services to rural people. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness level among these workers about potentially malignant oral disorders and oral cancer (OC). Materials and Methods: A predesigned semi-structured questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 voluntary ASHA workers from randomly selected blocks of Thrissur district, Kerala, to collect the data. Results: Our study showed that the majority of ASHA workers (82.3%) were aware of the role of tobacco in OC. A substantial portion of workers (88.4%) expressed that early detection of OC is possible at its initial stage. Less than 10% (7.5%) of all the ASHA workers were educated by dentists, whereas almost three-quarters (75.5%) of ASHAs preferred primary health center health practitioners as primary representatives for early OC detection, despite their being poorly trained in the early diagnosis and detection of OC. Conclusion: India has made progress in controlling malignancies but still lags in reducing OC mortality rates. Spreading knowledge of contributory agents and early detection methods through ASHA workers could reduce the incidence and mortality of OC. Including more dentists in the public health system and training ASHA workers on early OC detection can play a major role in reducing its incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood caries is a major public health issue in India. The primary reason for poor oral health in children is a lack of awareness about the role of primary teeth and the importance of an early dental visit for infants and toddlers. The primary objectives of an early dental visit are to analyze the child's risk level, provide guidance to parents regarding proper oral hygiene measures, review dietary and eating habits, provide information regarding the infectivity of dental caries, review the risks of traumatic injuries and discuss factors which affect the development of occlusion. Through this paper, we are proposing an "Age One" policy that recognizes dentists, physicians, allied health professionals, community health-care workers, and nongovernmental organizations to work toward a child's overall health as partners to achieve this goal. The expectation is that this policy will provide guidance to childcare centers, pediatric dentists, other health-care professionals, and legislators regarding oral health activities and the promotion of oral health in infants. The purpose of the policy is to lay the foundation for a lifetime of preventive education and dental care, to help ensure optimal oral health beginning in childhood and continuing through the life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the concerns raised by the Irish Dental Association (IDA) at the Oireachtas Health Committee, emphasizing issues with dental care provision in Ireland, including challenges related to access, patient safety, and workforce shortages. Topics discussed include the IDA's advocacy for reforms aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) oral health goals and proposals for improving the medical card scheme to support lower-income groups.

The article discusses the practice of third-party organizations in Ontario that refer patients to dentists for a fee. These organizations operate differently but typically require dentists to pay a fee per referred patient. While this may seem beneficial for dental clinics, dentists need to be aware of their professional obligations before entering into such arrangements. There are professional obligations outlined in the Dentistry Act and the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario's Guidelines on Conflict of Interest that impact a dentist's ability to pay for patient referrals. Dentists should seek legal advice if they have already signed an agreement with a third-party referral company. The article emphasizes the importance of dentists understanding their professional obligations and not assuming that these arrangements are acceptable just because other dentists are engaging in them. [Extracted from the article]

This opinion paper addresses the challenges and future directions for preventing aspiration pneumonia in Japan's rapidly aging population. It highlights the increasing proportion of elderly individuals and the associated rise in health issues like decreased swallowing function, a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia. The paper emphasizes the effectiveness of dentist-provided oral care in preventing this condition but notes the lack of collaboration between dentists and physicians in Japan's clinical practice. Key challenges identified include the scarcity of full-time hospital dentists, insufficient communication between physicians and dentists, limited patient understanding and motivation regarding oral care, and a lack of training in geriatric dentistry. The paper advocates for enhanced awareness among healthcare professionals and patients, increased hospital dentists, and improved collaboration mechanisms, particularly in light of recent positive changes in insurance reimbursement policies for elderly oral care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition and dietetic care span various life stages, addressing nutritional needs and exploring factors that shape dietary habits. Globally, an alarming disproportion in food resource distribution, coupled with substandard nutritional intake, underscores profound implications for oral health. This is evident in the facilitation of dental caries development and its repercussions on oral soft tissue integrity. While modern markets offer advanced edible products, their effects on oral health, especially in relation to dental caries, remain uncharted. This narrative literature review pursues a four-fold objective: (a) scrutinizing the repercussions of inadequate nutrition on dental caries, (b) exploring psychological determinants influencing dietary habits contributing to caries development, (c) investigating potential implications of newly devised food products on caries formation, and (d) elucidating the role of dentists as facilitators in promoting oral health practices. A comprehensive search spanning PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library yielded 46 cohort, cross-sectional research articles and systematic reviews adhering to standardized diagnostic criteria for dental caries evaluation. The results highlight contemporary lifestyles as potent contributors to heightened risk of caries due to suboptimal nutritional quality and nutrient insufficiency. Additionally, concerns have arisen with the advent of synthetically engineered food products, warranting exploration of potential implications for future caries development and global oral health status. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of dietitians–nutritionists and dental professionals in advocating sound nutritional practices specifically geared towards preventing dental caries. Ultimately, this review contributes to the understanding of the intricate interplay between nutrition, oral health, and the imperative role of healthcare professionals in fostering preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQI) holds significant implications for clinical practice in dentistry and oral health research. This study aimed to compare the knowledge of OHRQI between dental and other healthcare providers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 356 participants comprising dental health care professionals and medical healthcare professionals from Margalla Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS) and Rawal Dental Hospital (RDH) in Islamabad. Data collection employed a validated, pretested, and reliable OHRQI tool. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for analysis using SPSS version 21. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), HSA Islamabad, Pakistan. Results: Findings indicated that approximately 50% of dental health care professionals visited dentists twice a year, whereas about 30% of medical healthcare professionals had biannual routine check-ups. Among the 14 factors related to OHRQI, trouble in pronouncing words (p=0.031) and irritability (p=0.046) emerged as significant factors in both groups. The DMFT score was found to be significant (p=0.000), with a mean score for dentists being 0.8989 ± 1.67767, whereas for other healthcare professionals, it was 2.4157 ± 2.44399. Conclusion: Oral health-related quality of life among dental health care professionals was observed to be better compared to medical healthcare professionals working in private hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dearth of empirical research on transformative health professions education informed this study to examine the factors that influence the perspectives of the cohort of health professionals in the WiSDOM study on the learning environment, transformation, and social accountability at a South African university. Methods: WiSDOM, a prospective longitudinal cohort study, consists of eight health professional groups: clinical associates, dentists, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, oral hygienists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists. At study inception in 2017, participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that included four domains of selection criteria (6 items); the learning environment (5 items); redress and transformation (8 items); and social accountability (5 items). In the analysis, we, rescaled the original Likert scoring of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) to a new scale ranging from 0-10. We calculated the mean scores for each item and across items for the four domains, with low scores (0.00-1.99) classified as poor and high scores (8.00-10.00) as excellent. We used multiple linear regression analysis to compare the mean scores, while adjusting for different socio-demographiccharacteristics. Results: The mean age of the 501 eligible participants was 24.1 years; the majority female (72.9%), 45.3% self-identified as Black African; and 12.2% were born in a rural area. The domains of selection criteria and redress and transformation obtained mean scores of 5.4 and 5.3 out of 10 respectively, while social accountability and the learning environment obtained mean scores of 6.1 and 7.4 out of 10 respectively. Self-identified race influenced the overall mean scores of selection criteria, redress and transformation, and social accountability (p < 0.001). Rural birth influenced the perceptions on selection criteria, redress and transformation (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results suggest the need to create inclusive learning environments that foreground redress, transformation, and social accountability, while advancing the discourse on decolonised health sciences education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effect of COVID-19 on the mental health of healthcare professionals from district central, Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2021 to June 2022. The study population consisted of dentists, doctors, and dental/medical students of clinical years. Data collection from healthcare professionals was performed using an online questionnaire through different social networking sites such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 21 whereas binary logistic regression was applied for inferential analysis. Results: The study participants were 31.54 ± 8.64 years old on average, 121 (59.0%) of them were aged up to 30 years, 110 (53.7%) of them were females, 99 (48.3%) of them were dentist whereas 57 (27.8%) were doctors by profession. Moreover, 100 (48.8%) participants were found to have an effect of COVID-19 on their mental health. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that both dentists and doctors had significantly lower odds of having an effect of COVID-19 on their mental health than dental/medical students of clinical years (AOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.06-0.42, p<0.001 and AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06-0.52, p=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Almost half of the healthcare professionals included in the study had an effect of COVID- 19 on their mental health. Moreover, healthcare students had significantly higher odds of having such an effect than healthcare practitioners. Authors recommend provision of psychological counseling, implementation of safety measures and the availability of related protective equipment for the healthcare workers, particularly for dental and medical students, to enable them to deal with their patients in a minimal risk environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral cancer (OC) is a disease with a high mortality rate due to its late recognition. Since the oral cavity is easily accessible for visual inspection, enabling early diagnosis, the education of healthcare workers about preventive oral examinations is critical. This research aimed to assess the level of participants' OC knowledge, as well as to raise awareness about this diagnosis. Materials and methods: The research was conducted as an online survey among students of dental medicine, students of medicine, doctors of dental medicine and doctors of medicine. The questionnaire was designed solely for the purpose of this study and consisted of 29 questions. The first part of the questionnaire consisted of general questions about the participants, whereas the questions in the second part addressed their knowledge and attitudes towards OC. Results: The surveyed population comprised of 140 dental students, 105 medical students, 159 doctors of dental medicine and 100 medical doctors. The level of knowledge about OC among the participants is not yet satisfactory. The group of dental medicine students scored highest, while medical doctors showed the weakest knowledge. Conclusion: Additional education about OC for doctors of dental medicine and medical doctors is needed. This step will improve prevention and increase chances for early detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, Sri Lanka achieved excellent scores in health indicators relative to the national expenditure on health. However, due to several challenging situations such as the 2019 Easter bombings, COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, there was a depletion of the GDP as well as rising inflation. This created a humanitarian crisis for all socioeconomic groups. Among them, the health sector was widely affected, including healthcare providers and healthcare recipients. The objective of this study was to elaborate on the challenges faced in dental care delivery by private general dental practitioners and the impact on dental education for undergraduate and postgraduate dental students during the economic crisis. A descriptive cross-sectional survey-based questionnaire (n = 28) was conducted and assessed among the dental surgeons of various districts in Sri Lanka. An interviewer-based questionnaire was carried out via telephone conversation by the principal investigator of dental surgeons for those who managed and owned the respective dental clinic. Data from the computed questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS Statistical Software Package (SPSS, Version 21). Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequency distributions and percentages. Based on the results, a significant decrease was observed in the number of patients requesting restorative dental procedures including implant crowns (36.29%), implant over dentures (35.63%), crowns (39.03%), bridges (49.12%), amalgam restorations (47.38%), composite restorations (42.11%) and dentures (49.69%). In surgical dental treatment, the extractions and surgical removal of teeth were reduced by 2.11% and 43.71%, respectively. The availability of dental materials such as light care composite (LCC) bonding, silver amalgam, impression materials and surgical consumables was reduced in the post-economic crisis situation compared to the pre-economic crisis status. Furthermore, dental laboratory charges per item, fees per procedure, salaries to support staff, utility bills including electricity and water, payments to government bodies, travelling costs to the clinic (for the doctor) and other expenses have increased in the post-economic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: The study aimed to analyse the usefulness of signalling waiting times to citizens on the websites of public primary oral healthcare providers in Finland. Finnish laws require this signalling. Material and methods: We gathered data with two cross-sectional surveys in 2021. One electronic questionnaire was for Finnish-speaking citizens in Southwest Finland. The other was for public primary oral healthcare managers (n = 159). We also gathered data on 15 public primary oral healthcare providers' websites. For the theoretical framework, we combined the agency and signalling theories. Results: Of the citizen respondents (n = 411), 57% knew about the waiting time signalling on the websites. The respondents considered waiting time a high-priority criterion in choosing a dentist, but they rarely searched for information anywhere on the choice of a dentist, wanting to visit the dentist they had earlier visited. The quality of signalled waiting times was low. One out of five managers (response rate 62%) answered that signalled waiting times were based on speculation. Conclusions: Waiting times were signalled to comply with the legislation rather than to inform citizens and to reduce information asymmetry. Further research is needed to acquire information on rethinking waiting time signalling and its desired goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Periodic examination of the head and neck includes screening for oral cancer, which is largely performed in dental offices by vigilant oral healthcare providers. The aim of this study was to assess practice patterns among Virginia dentists in performing head and neck exams and the referral rates of biopsies after completion of head and neck exams. We hypothesized that not all dentists perform head and neck exams and there is a difference between dentists who refer patients for a biopsy and those that perform biopsies. Methods: General dentists and dental specialists who are members of the Virginia Dental Association were invited to participate in a cross‐sectional survey study through REDCap to self‐report their head and neck exam protocols. Results: A total of 224 providers completed the survey. The majority of respondents were general dentists with more than 20 years in practice, who practice in a private setting, and see more than 10 patients in a day. All respondents stated they perform intraoral examinations, but 10 respondents stated they do not perform extraoral examinations. Nearly a third of respondents reported doing their own biopsies. Conclusions: Although only 8.5% of oral healthcare providers in Virginia responded to our survey, respondents are following the 2017 ADA good practice statement by providing their patients with head and neck exams to screen for oral cancer. Additional education pertaining to extraoral anatomy, malignant transformation of oral potentially malignant disorders, and pathology procedures may be helpful to clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the relationship between oral health and chronic disease among adults aged 45 years and older in Rhode Island, U.S. It highlighting the prevalence of chronic conditions and oral health issues in this population; discusses the impact of tooth loss on individuals' functioning and psychosocial well-being; and suggests integrating oral health risk assessments into chronic disease management plans to improve overall patient care and quality of life.

The SAAD Digest provides abstracts of speakers at the annual symposium. The topics covered include incorporating remimazolam into dental care, the impact of childhood sexual abuse on dental care, the use of conscious sedation for dental procedures, the effects of illicit drugs on sedation, and the new NHS England Clinical Guide for Dental Anxiety Management. The abstracts provide insights into these topics from various perspectives, including dental professionals, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and medical experts. The symposium aims to enhance support for patients and increase awareness of their individual needs. [Extracted from the article]