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Flowable composite (FC) is a type of tooth-coloured restorative material with a lower viscosity compared to other types of resin composites. FC is considered as a versatile dental material, with a wide range of application. FCs have progressively gained importance in clinical dentistry. The increase in consumer demand has resulted in a gradual upsurge of dental professionals relying on composites in injectable form. Scientific and technological improvements in their properties and handling characteristics have not only seen FCs grow in popularity, but resulted in the development of different generations and types of dental FCs suitable for use in all cavity types, lining, core build-ups, and most recently, bulk-fill flowable composites. CPD/Clinical Relevance: To provide clinicians with an overview of the indications and clinical applications of the conventional FCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Oral cancer presents with high mortality rates, and the likelihood of survival is remarkably better when detected early. The present study aimed to assess the awareness of general dental practitioners (GDPs) about oral screening and biopsy procedures in Udaipur, India.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 83 GDPs were surveyed using a self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of several mandatory and optional questions. The data were analysed and frequency distribution was performed.Results: Most of the GDPs adequately performed complete oral cavity examinations and were aware of suspicious oral lesions, most common sites and risk factors for oral pre-cancer/cancer, but did not inquire about patients' tobacco/ alcohol consumption habits. Half of them referred lesions requiring biopsy to a specialist/higher centre rather than performing biopsies themselves, even after recognising the importance of biopsy as a diagnostic tool due to concerns of inadequate experience and instruments required. Varied results regarding selection of the appropriate site for biopsy and preservation of biopsied specimens were noted.Conclusion: Most of the GDPs were adequately aware of oral screening and biopsy procedures but felt reluctant to perform them, which suggests that dental education programmes are needed for GDPs in oral pre-cancer/cancer detection as well as screening and diagnostic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Special Care Dentistry (SCD) is a dentistry branch that advocates equal dental Patient with Special Care Needs (PSCN). In several countries, it is a separate specialty. In India, it is still in its infancy. Few studies have explored the dentists' perception regarding SCD. Aim: To determine the knowledge and attitude about SCD, also the practice measures followed by the dentists in Chennai colleges. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in three dental colleges in Chennai from September 2019 to October 2019. A total of 230 dentists were enrolled using random sampling. A set of 20 close ended multiple choice questions were formulated and administered to dentists {Undergraduates (UGs) and Postgraduates (PGs)}. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was performed using MATLAB software (Mathworks, 2015), with p<0.05. Results: A 78.8% of respondents got good scores of =7 in knowledge based questions, 25.6% of the participants showed overall positive attitude. Educational qualification did not affect respondents' knowledge and attitude about SCD (p>0.05). Only 21.95% of UGs and 22.31% of the PGs have good selfconfidence in treating patients with special needs. More than 80% have not administered Domiciliary Care (DC). A total of 65% of participants denied getting any training in their UGs/PGs curriculum. Conclusion: Dentists in the present study are aware about SCD. Clinical measures adopted by dentists and their confidence in treating these patients are suboptimal. Training in SCD should become integral part of future dental education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence-based practice (EBP) dates back to early 1900s, yet its implementation into clinical practice adoption remains ineffective even today. This study assesses knowledge, attitude, and barriers perceived by dental practitioners (non-academicians) regarding EBP. A cross-sectional semi-structured online questionnaire survey was deployed among 250 practicing dentists. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17 software program (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The chi-squared test was applied and all statistical tests were conducted at a 95% confidence interval; p-values of less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Most (80%) dentists were aware of EBP. When faced with uncertainty in clinical practice, 16.4% and 9.6% referred to colleagues and Internet, respectively. Only 6.4% reported having training in EBP, while 83.2% felt the need to be trained in EBP and 89.6% agreed that EBP should be an integral part of dental school curriculum. Despite most dentists were aware of EBP, it is still adopted in limited fashion, with most stating a lack of training as a barrier. Many dentists rely on their own judgment but do refer to colleagues for clinical queries. EBP in dentistry can be governed and implemented by national and international dental organizations with standard professional training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus infection that emerged in China in the last few months of 2019 has now spread globally. Italy registered its first case in the second half of February, and in a short time period, it became the top country in Europe in terms of the number of infected people and the first in the world in terms of deaths. The medical and scientific community has been called upon to manage the emergency and to take measures. Dentists also need to take new precautions during their clinical activity to protect themselves, coworkers and patients from the risks of contagion and to avoid further spread of infection. Methods: Following the data published in the international literature as well as the guidelines and directives constantly updated by the WHO and by the national health authorities, a questionnaire to be completed anonymously was submitted online to Italian dentists using social tools and online professional platforms. The collected data were processed statistically, providing descriptive data and analysis of correlations of the most significant parameters using the Pearson's χ2, the Likelihood-Ratio χ2, Cramér's V, Fisher's exact test, Goodman and Kruskal's γ, and Kendall's τb (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 535 dentists from Italy participated in the survey. A good level of scientific knowledge about coronavirus and the extra precautionary measures needed to limit the spread was related to the age of respondents and their sex. Coming from areas with higher concentrations of cases affected knowledge, level of attention and perception of risk related to dental activity. Conclusions: At the moment, there are no therapies or vaccines to contain the infection with the new coronavirus that is causing many infections, many of which are fatal, worldwide. Dentists are one of the categories at highest risk of encountering diseases and infections because they work in close proximity with patients, and in their procedures, there is always contact with aerosols with high bacterial and viral potential. Therefore, during this COVID-19 emergency, it is important that dentists are properly informed and take the appropriate precautionary measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of evidence for the effective management of carious lesions in children's primary teeth has caused uncertainty for the dental profession and patients. Possible approaches include conventional and biological management alongside best practice prevention, and best practice prevention alone. The FiCTION trial assessed the effectiveness of these options, and included a qualitative study exploring dental professionals' (DPs) experiences of delivering the different treatment arms. This paper reports on how DPs managed children with carious lesions within FiCTION and how this related to their everyday experiences of doing dentistry. Methods: Overall, 31 DPs from FiCTION-trained dental surgeries in four regions of the UK participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of the three treatment arms (conventional management of carious lesions and prevention (C + P), biological management of carious lesions and prevention (B + P) or prevention alone (PA)). A theoretical framework, drawing on social practice theory (SPT), was developed for analysis. Results: Participants discussed perceived effectiveness of, and familiarity with, the three techniques. The C + P arm was familiar, but some participants questioned the effectiveness of conventional restorations. Attitudes towards the B + P arm varied in terms of familiarity, but once DPs were introduced to the techniques, this was seen as effective. While prevention was familiar, PA was described as ineffective. DPs manage children with carious lesions day-to-day, drawing on previous experience and knowledge of the child to provide what they view as the most appropriate treatment in the best interests of each child. Randomisation undermined these normal choices. Several DPs reported deviating from the trial arms in order to treat a patient in a particular way. Participants valued evidence-based dentistry, and expect to use the results of FiCTION to inform future practice. They anticipate continuing to use the full range of treatment options, and to personally select appropriate strategies for individual children. Conclusions: RCTs take place in the context of day-to-day practices of doing dentistry. DPs employ experiential and interpersonal knowledge to act in the best interests of their patients. Randomisation within a clinical trial can present a source of tension for DPs, which has implications for assuring individual equipoise in future trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the experience and attitudes of dental professionals towards smoking cessation and, in particular, to explore perceived barriers limiting their involvement in this area of practice.Materials and Methods: A combined quantitative and qualitative methodology was employed in South Essex, an area in South East England. In the first phase a questionnaire survey was conducted with all general dental practitioners on the South Essex Health Authority dental list to assess their current involvement in smoking cessation and their general attitudes to this area of clinical care. In the second phase, ten focus group interviews were conducted with dental teams to uncover in greater depth views towards smoking cessation and, in particular, the barriers preventing progress.Results: A 60% response rate (n = 149) was achieved for the postal questionnaire and 52 dental team members participated in the focus groups. The questionnaire survey revealed that the majority of the sample reported asking their patients about smoking (90%) and recording this information in their clinical notes (75%). However, a relatively low number indicated active involvement in assisting smokers to stop (30%) or referring them for more detailed support (24%). The focus groups uncovered a range of fundamental barriers limiting greater involvement in smoking cessation. The key issues included a fatalistic and negative concept of prevention; perceived lack of relevance of smoking cessation to dentistry; patient hostility; and organizational factors within the practice setting.Conclusion: Future action to encourage the provision of smoking cessation in dental practices needs to address the range of barriers that currently limit involvement in this area of clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aims to gain knowledge about the dentist's use and choice of digital extraoral imaging methods, panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods: A questionnaire sent to 2481 dentists within the Swedish Dental Society contained questions about the panoramic technique and CBCT technique used, education, clinic size and type of service. The response rate was 53%.Results: The study showed that 61% of the Swedish dentists had access to panoramic techniques and that 84% used a direct digital sensor, while 6% used storage phosphor plate techniques. Around 8% of the Swedish dentists had access to CBCT. It was also observed that group practices had two times higher odds of having panoramic equipment compared with solo practices. Approximately 40% of the dentists had undergone postgraduate education in oral radiology during the last 5 years. Dental nurses and dental hygienists exposed 92% of the panoramic radiographs and 75% of the CBCTs. Thirty per cent of those clinics with access to a panoramic unit exposed >30 panoramic radiographs per month and 56% of the clinics having access to CBCT did more than 75 examinations per year.Conclusions: Today 61% of Swedish dentists have access to panoramic radiography and 8% have access to CBCT. There is a greater likelihood of having access if the dentist works in the public dental health service or in a group practice and if the dentist has undergone any postgraduate course in oral radiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of medical emergencies is widely considered a requisite skill for all dentists. Timely intervention of an emergency can significantly alter the outcome for a patient's morbidity and possible mortality. This scoping review examines the prevalence of medical emergencies in dental practice, as well as dentists' attitude, confidence, and competence, of medical emergency management within a dental setting. Key findings include a lack of preparedness towards medical emergencies, despite a universal recognition of the importance and desire to improve key medical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dentistry is represented to the US public in large part by the various professional associations, which speak for the interests of general and specialized dentists, mostly in private proprietary practice. Unfortunately, the interests of dental professional associations may often be in conflict with those of the public. To resolve this continued disparity, it behooves the dental leadership to become more involved with the overall health care system than continuing to enhance the economic interests of the profession without sufficient regard for the world-wide burden of unmet dental needs. An assessment of policy failures is provided with some recommendations for greater involvement of organized dentistry in the integration of oral and general health care. Dentistry must recommit itself to being a health profession rather focusing on the business aspects of health care. Another aspect to be considered is a reorganization of the American Dental Association to better represent the oral health care workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study to examine the level of access to dental care in Michigan for individuals with DD and explore the dentists' practices, attitudes, and perceived barriers to providing care to this vulnerable population.Methods and Results: A survey was mailed to a random sample of 1250 general dental practitioners with an active license in the State of Michigan. The survey included questions related to dentists' demographic information, opinion about willingness, barriers, and training needs associated with delivering care to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Descriptive statistics were computed and chi-squared tests and logistic regression models analyzed the association between predictor and key outcome variables. Results show that most dentists treated individuals with developmental disabilities (80.3%). Respondents who indicated that they currently do not treat these patients identified behavior management of patient (67.9%), inadequate training and experiences (52.4%) and severity of patient's condition (41.7%) as the most common reasons for not providing care to individuals with developmental disabilities.Conclusion: A majority of Michigan general dentists treat patients with developmental disabilities. Addressing barriers like training and improved reimbursements might help in increasing the number of dentists willing to treat patients with developmental disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aims to gain knowledge about the dentist's use and choice of digital intraoral imaging methods.Materials and Methods: A questionnaire sent to 2481 dentists within the Swedish Dental Society contained questions about the type of X-ray technique used, problems experienced with digital radiography, and reasons for choosing digital technology, and about indications, clinic size and type of service. Response rate was 53%.Results: Ninety-eight percent of the dentists had made the transition to digital radiography; only 2% used film technique, and solid-state detector (SSD) was the most used digital technique. More years in service decreases the likelihood of applying individual indications for performing a full mouth examination. More retakes were done with SSDs compared to storage phosphor plates. Reasons for choosing digital techniques were that work was easier and communication with the patients improved. However, dentists also experienced problems with digital techniques, such as exposure and projection errors and inadequate image quality. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority states that all radiological examinations should be justified, something not always followed.Conclusions: This study showed that 98% of the respondents, Swedish dentists within the Swedish Dental Society, used digital techniques, and the most used was the solid-state technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A trend towards the state governance of healthcare through quality indicators and national clinical guidelines has been observed, and it is argued that this trend can be a challenge to the autonomy of healthcare professionals. In Sweden, these regulatory tools have been implemented in combination with subsidies for adult dental care that are based on guideline recommendations which serve to ensure that dental care is evidence-based and cost-effective. This paper aims to analyse the implications of these changes regarding dentists' autonomy and whether the government's political intentions can be fulfilled.Material and Methods: The paper is based on documents from government authorities and professional theories.Results: The financial control over Swedish dental care has been strengthened, and it can be argued that this is a step in the right direction from a societal point of view, as public resources are limited. Dentists' professional autonomy with their patients is not affected, which is appropriate, as patients should be treated according to their individual needs and expectations.Conclusions: This article shows that the state's governance does not directly detail dentists' work, which indicates a balance between state governance and dentists' autonomy. However, further research is required to get knowledge on Swedish dentists' view of the governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dentists, like other health professionals, are uniquely positioned to be public health advocates. One venue where dental students can become skilled public health advocates is in dental education programs. However, debates about the need and importance of integrating advocacy training into dental curricula exist. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between pediatric dentists' interest in and willingness to participate in an advocacy-related activity and their prior training in advocacy during dental education. The advocacy activity used in the study related to community water fluoridation (CWF). A 22-item pilot-tested online survey was sent in February-May 2016 to 5,394 pediatric dentists who were members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The final response rate was 16% (n=830). Most (77%) of the respondents were willing to advocate for CWF initiatives at the community and/or state levels. Only 44% of the respondents reported receiving training in advocacy during their predoctoral dental and/or pediatric dental residency education. The pediatric dentists who were willing to advocate for CWF initiatives had 2.7 times (95% CI: 1.63-4.39, p<0.0001) the odds of having received advocacy training during their dental education compared to those who were unwilling. These results suggest a positive association between the pediatric dentists' willingness to advocate for CWF and their prior advocacy training during dental education. This finding provides support for the Commission on Dental Accreditation's requirement for pediatric dental residency programs to train residents in advocacy. Because dentists are respected leaders in their community, the study results also support the integration of advocacy training into predoctoral dental curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to adapt the Job Factors Questionnaire to the field of dentistry, evaluate its psychometric properties, evaluate dental students' perceptions of work/study risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders, and determine the influence of gender and academic level on those perceptions. All 580 students enrolled in two Brazilian dental schools in 2015 were invited to participate in the study. A three-factor structure (Repetitiveness, Work Posture, and External Factors) was tested through confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity was estimated using the average variance extracted (AVE), discriminant validity was based on the correlational analysis of the factors, and reliability was assessed. A causal model was created using structural equation modeling to evaluate the influence of gender and academic level on students' perceptions. A total of 480 students completed the questionnaire for an 83% response rate. The responding students' average age was 21.6 years (SD=2.98), and 74.8% were women. Higher scores were observed on the Work Posture factor items. The refined model presented proper fit to the studied sample. Convergent validity was compromised only for External Factors (AVE=0.47), and discriminant validity was compromised for Work Posture and External Factors (r2=0.69). Reliability was adequate. Academic level did not have a significant impact on the factors, but the women students exhibited greater perception. Overall, the adaptation resulted in a useful instrument for assessing perceptions of risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Gender was found to significantly influence all three factors, with women showing greater perception of the risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental institutions provide very good platform to educate budding dentists to inculcate the habit of tobacco cessation counseling, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).Aims: The aim of this study is to assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and practice of institutionally attached postgraduate students and faculty members of the dental profession toward NRT.Methods: For a cross-sectional survey among 201 participants from four dental colleges in Odisha, India, a 28-item questionnaire was developed, subdivided into four categories: demographic details, assessment of NRT knowledge (21-item), assessment of attitude (5-item), practice (1-item with 4 subgroup questions), and 1-item assessing barriers.Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression.Results: Only one-third of participants were aware of the dosage, mechanism of action, pharmacology, duration of the prescription, brand name, side effects, contraindications, and availability. Around two-third of participants who claimed to practice NRT, agreed to follow up the patients whom they prescribed NRT. Half of the study participants reported that they do not keep a record of these patients. Around 10% of respondents practicing NRT were confident enough to practice it without facing any problem. Major barriers for practicing NRT was found to be a lack of awareness (54.22%) followed by availability and bitter taste. The total knowledge score was found to be the strongest predictor of practicing NRT in multiple logistic regression.Conclusion: Lack of detailed knowledge regarding NRT reduces the chance of practicing inspite of having a positive attitude among institutionally attached dentists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Against the background of well-described associations between oral and general health, collaboration between dentists and general practitioners (GP) is crucial to provide therapeutic and preventive patient care. However, in the German health system, GPs and dentists are organizationally separated, implying that interprofessional collaboration can only occur informally and on a voluntary basis. Given the scarce evidence of interprofessional collaboration between dentists and GPs, an explorative study was conducted. This paper outlines the findings of this study with regard to GPs' and dentists' experiences and expectations of interprofessional collaboration.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs (n = 15) and dentists (n = 13) from three structurally different regions in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. The interview guide included questions on occasions, expectations and experiences of interprofessional collaboration. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.Results: Both GPs and dentists reported perceived knowledge deficits of the other profession with regard to medication, particularly anticoagulants and bisphosphonates, as well as systemic and general respectively dental diseases. Expectations regarding the scope of collaboration diverge: whereas dentists were interested in extending collaboration, most GPs saw no need for collaboration.Conclusions: The perceived medical knowledge deficits of the other profession as well as divergent expectations concerning the scope of collaboration hinder profound and regular interprofessional collaboration between GPs and dentists. These perceived knowledge deficits may be rooted in the separate education of dentists and GPs in Germany. Fostering interprofessional education is a promising way to improve cooperation between GPs and dentists in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The work of a health care leader is demanding; in order to cope, leaders need motivation and support. The occurrence of intrinsic factors called career anchors (combination of one’s competence, motives and values) could be a contributing factor in dentist leaders’ career decisions. The aim of our study was to identify dentist leaders’ career anchors and their association to dentist leaders’ retention or turnover of the leadership position. Material and methods:Materials were gathered in 2014 via an electronic questionnaire from 156 current (Leaders) or former (Leavers) Finnish dentist leaders. Career anchor evaluation was conducted by the questionnaire and scoring-table taken from Edgar Schein’s Career Anchors Self-Assessment. Both the most and the least important career anchors were detected by the highest and lowest scores and their occurrence reported as percentages. Associations between career anchor scores and tendency to stay were analyzed with logistic regression. Results:‘Technical/Functional Competence’ and ‘Lifestyle’ were most frequently reported as the most important and ‘Entrepreneurial Creativity’ and ‘General Managerial Competence’ as the least important career anchors. However, a higher level of ‘General Managerial Competence’ anchor was most significantly associated with staying in a leadership position. Instead, ‘Pure Challenge’ and ‘Lifestyle’ decreased the odds to stay. Conclusions:The knowledge of the important and essential career anchors of dentist leaders’ and individuals’ could perform crucial part in career choices and also in planning education, work opportunities and human resource policies promoting retention of dentist leaders and probably also other health care leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the self-perceived level of knowledge, attitudes and clinical experience in treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among general practising dentists (GPDs).Material and Methods: A web-based questionnaire was sent to all GPDs in the public dental health service in the County of Uppsala in 2010 (n = 128) and 2014 (n = 113). The GPDs were asked to answer questions in the following categories: Demographic information, Quality assurance, Clinical experience and treatment, Need for specialist resources in the field of TMD and Attitudes. Between the two questionnaires, the GPDs were offered TMD education and an examination template including three TMD questions was introduced in the computer case files. The results were also compared with a previous questionnaire from 2001.Results: The response rate was 71% (2010) and 73% (2014). The majority of the GPDs were women (70% in 2010 and 72% in 2014). The reported frequency of taking a case history of facial pain and headache increased between 2010 and 2014. In 2014, the GPDs were more secure and reported higher frequency of good clinical routines in treatment with jaw exercises and pharmacological intervention compared to 2001. Interocclusal appliance was the treatment with which most dentists felt confident and reported good clinical routines.Conclusions: The GPDs felt more insecure concerning TMD diagnostics, therapy decisions and treatment in children/adolescents compared to adults. There is a high need for orofacial pain/TMD specialists and a majority of the GPDs wants the specialists to offer continuing education in TMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many dentists work for their practices, experiencing frustration and lost enthusiasm. Their vision of the possibilities of their practices has been limited. They no longer see their practices as the result of choices they can make. Coaching can help overcome this narrow perspective. The commercial opportunities of Web marketing, new services such as implants and sedation dentistry, and large CE programs should be embraced by dentists to continue the recent trend of dentists earning more than physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factor analysis was used to define four independent dimensions of the larger construct; attitudes toward the utilization of expanded duty dental auxiliaries and scales were developed to measure each dimension. Examination of differences in attitudes between and within dental provider groups showed that with one exception there was no discernible pattern of differences between these groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work conducted in the mid-1980s suggested that dentists in the Republic of Ireland felt uncomfortable about treating patients who were HIV-seropositive. It seemed that with greater understanding of the behaviour of the virus, dentists' attitudes would be modified accordingly. The aim of this study was to assess the reactions of Irish dentists to the treatment of HIV-positive patients. All dentists currently on the register were sent a questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes and clinical behaviours. Over 60% of dentists responded. The study highlights dentists' responses to HIV infection suggesting that they are fearful of the virus. They perceive HIV as dangerous to themselves, their other patients and their practice. The findings indicate that attitudes relating to dangerousness remain a significant obstacle in the treatment of this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the pattern of use and re-use of matrix bands in general practice in Scotland, to demonstrate which type of matrix band is most commonly used and to examine infection control measures of relevance to the safe use and re-use of matrix bands.Materials and Methods: Subjects: 621 of Scotland's 1,849 general dental practitioners were randomly selected.Data Collection: A 19-item self-reported questionnaire was mailed in June 1999 with a follow-up mailing sent in August 1999.Analysis: Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. Where appropriate, differences between categories were tested for significance by a Chi-square test.Results: A total of 479 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 77%. Reported compliance with routine glove wearing was high (91%). Most dentists (92%) provided training on instrument cleaning and sterilisation for their dental nurses. Ultrasonic baths were used by 59% of practitioners; the remainder soaked or manually scrubbed instruments to remove debris before autoclaving. The Siqveland matrix was the matrix of choice for 96% of respondents. 7% provided a new matrix band for each patient. Most (64%) changed bands only when they were bent or damaged; 29% changed them daily or weekly. Deterrents to use of a new band for each patient were cost (39%) and time (52%). A total of 54% of respondents considered matrix band replacement unnecessary between patients.Conclusions: The Siqveland matrix band is the most popular among the study group of dental practitioners. Re-use of matrix bands is common. Guidelines for the safe re-use of matrix bands are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental nurses have reported dissatisfaction with their work which is associated with feelings of lack of control and being undervalued. This paper examines some of the possible reasons behind job dissatisfaction with illustrations from a pilot study conducted in general dental practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social media has begun to proliferate across medical areas and transformed how medical professionals serve and interact with their patients. It offers a new communication avenue that has the potential to engage patients and, hence, may be used to create value for both medical professionals and patients. In dentistry, even though patients and dentists frequently use social media in their personal lives, little is known about their attitudes and expectations toward using social media for professional interactions.Objective: In this paper, we focus on the role of social media in dentistry. Specifically, we explore patients' and dentists' attitudes toward social media usage and their current online behaviors in this context. Furthermore, we examine potential challenges and opportunities regarding dentists' adoption of social media practices.Methods: This research employed a large-scale online survey of 588 patients and 532 dental professionals. We assessed the attitudes, expectations, and social media behaviors from both patients' and dentists' perspectives.Results: We found that more than 55% (290/532) of dentists in our sample have accounts for their dental practice on various social media platforms. Interestingly, while 73% (374/511) of patients did not expect their dental practice to have a social media presence, and 44% (207/468) thought that establishing a friendship with their dentists is not appropriate, the findings show that 36% (164/460) of patients had searched for their dentists, and 44% (207/470) of them were happy to establish contacts with dentists on social media. Furthermore, the findings highlight that patients were interested in exploring additional information such as online reviews and the qualifications of their dentists on Facebook pages. For dentists, more than half (375/432, 83%) of them in our sample thought that social media marketing is more efficient compared to traditional marketing.Conclusions: Our findings revealed some key challenges and opportunities to utilize social media in dentistry. For both patients and dentists, the role of social media in dental services remains vague, and both parties still share concerns about connecting with each other on social media platforms. However, there also exists a sizeable number of patients who are already comfortable to connect with their dentists on social media sites such as Facebook. The current findings show that there is an opportunity for dental practices to trade upon a more active social media presence for enhanced patient interaction and engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the summer, BDJ readers were surveyed about the BDJ as part of a series of BDJ surveys conducted since 1992. As well as assessing general views about the BDJ, the survey also aimed to discover how successful the 1998 BDJ redesign had been in incorporating reader's views from earlier surveys. The findings from the 1999 survey showed that the BDJ and BDA News continue to be the most read dental publications. Readers turn to the BDJ before any other UK dental journal for finding a job and reports on research. The full results of the survey are reported below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]