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Compiled from many of the surveys that the American Dental Education Association routinely publishes, along with data from surveys conducted by the American Dental Association and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, presents statistical tables and descriptive text on trends among dental patients, among dental practitioners, and in dental education. (EV)

To treat the elderly more competently and to provide clinical training to undergraduates simultaneously, a geriatric dental program was initiated in 1976 at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. The program's current status and operation are described. (Author/MLW)

The gender differences among recent dental graduates' professional commitment, choice of practice arrangements, and income were examined. Gender remained as a statistically significant predictor of income when controlling for practice ownership, hours per week worked, background, and family/social variables. (Author/MLW)

As part of creating a beautiful smile, aesthetic dental rehabilitation plays an important role. Regarding aesthetic analy-sis in the context of oral rehabilitation and treatment predictability, Digital Smile Design (DSD), mainly through plat-forms like SmileCloud®, provides invaluable resources. Our prospective study aimed to examine the relationship be-tween the clinical experience of dental practitioners and their proficiency in using DSD (SmileCloud). Additionally, the study assessed the association between previsualization scores and the category of respondents in terms of their connec-tion to the field of dentistry (laypeople, dental students, and dentists). The study included 11 subjects for whom three different dental practitioners (a 2nd and a 6th-year dental student and a 2nd-year resident doctor in Prosthodontics) created a DSD using SmileCloud. The DSDs were evaluated in an online survey regarding tooth colour, shape, and over-all smile appearance. A number of 220 responses have been collected from 48 dentists, 86 dental students and 86 lay-people. The DSD created by the 2nd year resident doctor in Prosthodontics has received significantly higher scores for tooth shape and overall smile appearance (p<0.05), as well as for the design (p<0.05) and design*respondent (p<0.05) variables. The practitioner's clinical experience considerably impacted aesthetic dental rehabilitation tools, which means there is always a learning curve involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Cross-sectional Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and awareness in dentists on the computer technology applications in surgical implant dentistry. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted after receiving clarifications regarding the objectives of the research and signing a statement of informed consent. The participants of the study comprised of total number of 300 dental surgeons (Male-186; Female-114) with age range from 20- to 55- years-old to understand the knowledge, attitude, and perception among dentists on the computer technology applications in surgical implant dentistry. The questionnaire was formulated and given and data was collected from dental surgeon. The data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 20). A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants, 198(66%) were said that they were aware of the use of digital technologies in your practice? (e.g.-RVG, CBCT, Intraoral Scanner). Majority of participants 267(89%) agreed that currently available digital technologies users friendly. Participants 155 (52%) stated that they will prefer OPG as imaging modality while planning implants. Majority of the dentists 219 (73%) agreed that their patients would prefer implant placement over conventional methods for replacing tooth. Conclusions: Study findings revealed that dental professionals possess a high level of knowledge and education towards dental implants with digital applications. However, further progress is needed on all educational levels, in addition to advanced level training of dental implant placement for the purpose of enabling dentists to carry out dental implant procedures with a higher level of confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study aimed to determine satisfaction level with the quality of education among dental students and dentists in Croatia based on the acquired knowledge and clinical and soft skills. Materials and Methods: An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 533 dentists and dental students. The questionnaire consisted of four sections with closed‐ended questions. The first section included personal and professional data, whereas the second to fourth sections assessed satisfaction with learned basic dental, professional technical or clinal and interpersonal social or soft skills on a 5‐point Likert scale. The data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test and linear regression analysis. The significance level was set at.05. Results: When comparing satisfaction scores between dentists and dental students in terms of basic dental knowledge and skills learned, students showed higher satisfaction scores for the categories of "Emergency Medical Situations" (p =.005) and "Ergonomic Principles of Work" (p =.004). Dentists, on the other hand, showed higher satisfaction for the categories "Selection and use of local anaesthetics and local antibiotics" (p =.005, p =.026; respectively). For the type of technical skills from the different areas of dentistry, dentists were most satisfied with "Oral Surgery" (4.26 ± 0.85), while students were most satisfied with "Oral Medicine" (4.29 ± 0.89). Finally, when comparing satisfaction scores with social skills, dentists had lower satisfaction scores in all categories studied (p ≤.05). Conclusion: Dental students showed higher overall satisfaction than dentists. The most significant satisfaction was expressed in technical skills learned, and the most considerable dissatisfaction was recorded in the unmeasurable skills category focused on "Career management". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and orofacial pain (OFP) patients frequently refer to dentists. It is often confused with odontogenic pain and dental procedures are performed. In this study, the authors aimed to reveal the knowledge and experience of dentists about TN. This is a cross-sectional study that includes dentists who participate in volunteering via an online questionnaire. The questionnaire form contains demographic data, TN treatment, and diagnosis consisting of 18 questions. The data of 229 dentists were examined. Almost 82% of the participants reportedly knew the diagnostic criteria of TN and 61.6% reported that they had previously referred patients with TN. The most frequently confused diagnosis was odontogenic pains (45.9%). TN diagnostic criteria should be included more often in the education of dentists. Thus, it is possible to prevent unnecessary dental procedures. There is a need to increase knowledge on this subject with further studies involving dental students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective There is growing evidence supporting the presence of oral manifestations associated with COVID-19. The study investigates the knowledge of dental undergraduates and recently graduated dentists concerning oral presentations related to COVID-19. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study in Saudi Arabia comprised 305 individuals, including undergraduate dental students, interns, and freshly graduated dentists. Data were collected using a questionnaire disseminated to approximately 500 subjects via WhatsApp groups and other applications. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study for validity, edited, and validated by 2 supervisors at the College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding sociodemographic attributes, the level of expertise of dental practitioners, and their knowledge and perspectives regarding COVID-19 and the implementation of oral lesions interrelated to it. The data was subjected to analysis through the utilization of descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, employing the statistical software SPSS (version 24). Results About 43.9% of subjects stated that COVID-19 causes oral symptoms. Respondents most frequently reported COVID-19-related dry mouth. Oral ulcers, Candida infection, Hyperpigmentation, tongue coating, atrophy, Petechiae, Herpes, white lesions, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis are further symptoms. COVID-19’s oral manifestation was unknown to 41.0% of subjects, and 37.7% of respondents lacked knowledge regarding the most impacted locations of oral manifestations. Oral signs and COVID-19 symptoms are debated and significantly associated with higher educational levels. Conclusion The dental students and freshly graduated dentists in this study have proper knowledge of COVID-19 and its symptoms. Also, most dental students and newly graduated dentists recognize the potential correlation between COVID-19 and oral manifestations with an average to excellent knowledge of the types and sites commonly affected. The level of awareness was associated with higher educational levels.

Study Design: Cross-sectional Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and awareness in dentists on the computer technology applications in surgical implant dentistry. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted after receiving clarifications regarding the objectives of the research and signing a statement of informed consent. The participants of the study comprised of total number of 300 dental surgeons (Male-186; Female-114) with age range from 20- to 55- years-old to understand the knowledge, attitude, and perception among dentists on the computer technology applications in surgical implant dentistry. The questionnaire was formulated and given and data was collected from dental surgeon. The data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 20). A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants, 198(66%) were said that they were aware of the use of digital technologies in your practice? (e.g.-RVG, CBCT, Intraoral Scanner). Majority of participants 267(89%) agreed that currently available digital technologies users friendly. Participants 155 (52%) stated that they will prefer OPG as imaging modality while planning implants. Majority of the dentists 219 (73%) agreed that their patients would prefer implant placement over conventional methods for replacing tooth. Conclusions: Study findings revealed that dental professionals possess a high level of knowledge and education towards dental implants with digital applications. However, further progress is needed on all educational levels, in addition to advanced level training of dental implant placement for the purpose of enabling dentists to carry out dental implant procedures with a higher level of confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A global survey among dentists was used to identify the various impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on this professional group. Special attention was given to perception and assessment of infection risk. From May to August 2020, the questionnaire was delivered in 36 countries by respective research groups and was completed by 52,491 dental professionals. The survey was designed as a cross-sectional survey based on a previously standardized questionnaire. This study focuses on the part of the questionnaire that deals with the perception of the infection risk of COVID-19 by dentists and their patients. A logistic regression model was used, which consisted of four Likert items as response options and the additional self-reported routine or emergency treatment as the dependent variable. Analysis by continent found that European and Asian dentists were particularly likely to be infected at work (OR = 1.45 95%CI = 1.02/1.84 and OR = 2.68, 95%CI = 1.45/3.22, respectively), while it was likely that Australian dentists did not feel particularly at risk due to low infection rates. Three quarters of Americans treated only emergencies during this survey period, while Europeans (64.71%) and Asians (66.67%) provided mostly routine care. This could affect the Europeans' confidence that they would not be able to protect themselves from infections in the long-term. The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on dental professionals' infection risk perception is determined by the geographical origin of dentists. This study shows that, especially in high-incidence countries, infection risk perception was higher when dentists tried to provide routine dental procedures to their patients. Dental professionals can offer themselves and their patients good protection by maintaining high standards of hygiene. However, their concerns should be taken seriously and the dental professionals' group that is of great importance for oral health care and prevention, should not be neglected in the future, even in the event of emerging pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education in Special Care Dentistry (SCD) at undergraduate and postgraduate levels is often limited when compared with other dental specialities, even though dental professionals encounter people with Special Healthcare Needs (SHCNs) on a very regular basis. This literature review examined whether education at undergraduate and postgraduate level increases dental students' and professionals' confidence in managing a patient with SHCN. It also appraised whether there was a correlation between increased practitioner confidence and increased quality of care for people with SHCN. This review also examined educational efforts worldwide, and whether there is an increased emphasis on providing education in SCD to dental students. It was found that those who received high‐quality practical and theoretical education on how to properly manage patients with SHCN reported having higher levels of confidence than those who did not. People also reported being far more likely to employ the proper behavior management techniques and were more likely to treat people with SHCN regularly. There has been an increased emphasis on providing education in SCD worldwide in recent years, but a number of barriers still exist to providing complete education in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infective endocarditis is an inflammatory disease that affects the endocardium and may originate in the oral cavity, which is considered the most frequent source of microorganisms associated with bacteremia. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices adopted by dentists for the prevention of infective endocarditis (IE). Observational studies performed with dentists assessing their knowledge and practices for preventing IE were included, based on the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Studies with dental students or other professionals, studies in which it was not possible to isolate AHA or dentist data, studies with non-infective endocarditis, all types of reviews, editorial letters, conference abstracts, pilot studies, case reports and case series, opinion articles, technical articles, and intervention studies, were excluded. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, CINAHL and gray literature. Two independent reviewers evaluated and participated in the selection and eligibility steps up to data extraction. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess methodological quality and risk of bias. Twentytwo of the 1085 studies identified, were included. Twelve studies approached knowledge of IE and practices adopted by professionals to prevent morbidity. Seven studies were considered to be at moderate risk of bias, and 15 at low risk. The results suggest that the knowledge and practices adopted by dentists for preventing IE are insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Dentistry is a blend of both surgery and medicine. Cavity preparation in dentistry is a routine procedure used to remove defects or dental caries, which is irreversible and requires advanced skills. Preclinical training is done on typhodont, which are replicas of teeth that exhibit tooth morphology, as part of the dental curriculum. The aim of this study was to assess the attitude of dental professionals toward the efficacy of typhodont exercise in clinical practice. Materials and Methods This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on dental professionals to understand the efficacy of typhodont exercise in clinical practice. The questionnaire consisted of 23 close-ended questions. The responses were coded as number/score (1–10). Responses were compiled on a MS Excel Worksheet and subjected to SPSS package. Chi-squared test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze data. Results A total of 250 responses were collected. About 72.8% participants stated that it helped them get oriented to the operating position. Regarding the preclinical exercises relevance to clinical exercise, a score of about 7 was obtained. However, the simulation of gingiva received a score of 5. Suggestions like integration of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), haptic technology along with extracted teeth as a conjunct to the typhodont exercise were received. Conclusion This study suggested that preclinical typhodont exercises help the students in preparing for the upcoming clinical postings. However, the augmentation of typhodont exercise with AR, VR, haptic technology, and use of extracted teeth can furbish the current state of preclinical curriculum for conservative dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental students' satisfaction with their own career can significantly improve the quality of care provided to patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the level of career satisfaction amongst Saudi dental students and dentists. Materials and methods: A cross‑sectional survey was conducted from October 2019 to January 2020 all over Saudi Arabia. A sample of 750 Saudi dental students and dentists were invited to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed of two sections of closed‐ended questions. The first section included personal, professional background factors and level of career satisfaction assessed. The second section included different reasons for choosing dentistry as a career. Multivariable linear regression was used at significance <0.05. Results: Only 674 responded to the questionnaire. About half of the included respondents were males. Most of the participants were undergraduate students attended Saudi dental schools. 72.3% chose dentistry for helping other people. Graduated dentists had significantly lower satisfaction score than dental students (p =.007). Dentists, who chose dentistry because it is a secured job with good income (p <.001), had significantly lower satisfaction score than those who did not, whilst those who chose it for the social status had significantly higher satisfaction score than those who did not (p =.04). Conclusion: Dental students and dentists were motivated to choose dentistry as it is an opportunity to help others and achieve good salary with appropriate social position in community. Dental students were more satisfied than dentists due to lack of financial responsibilities and absence of educational expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate and compare antibiotic prescriptions for endodontic infections of last-year undergraduate Dentistry students and dental surgeons from Brazil. Material and Methods: A questionnaire comprised of 15 questions was applied, including a series of hypothetical clinical cases through multiple choice questions. The survey respondents had the option to respond in favor or against the prescription of antimicrobials in each case. Afterwards, the commented answer keys of all topics contained in the survey form were released for educational purpose. Results: A total of 42 undergraduates and 115 dental surgeons answered the survey. Regarding the questions about antimicrobial prescriptions, 91.3% of the professional dentists and 69.8% of the dentistry students indicated that they prescribe antibiotics for a limited number of patients. However, when they responded about drug recommendations, most professionals (76.5%) and students (76.7%) chose to recommend antimicrobials without any clinical recommendation. Conclusion: In the groups herein evaluated, many antibiotic prescriptions could have been avoided. The rational use of these drugs is still a conduct that needs further disclosure and commitment among prescribers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Because of the situation regarding COVID-19, dentists are constantly exposed to being infected with the coronavirus, since they have direct contact with the patient. Therefore, agreeing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 seems to be a promising solution to reduce the risk of death in these professionals. Therefore, the present study aims to assess the perception of the vaccination process against COVID-19 in Peruvian dental professionals. Materials and Methods: An analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted in 360 Peruvian dentists between June and August 2021. An instrument that measured the perception of the COVID- 19 vaccination process was developed and validated. A crude and adjusted logit model was used to assess the association of the following variables: age (X1), gender (X2), marital status (X3), number of children (X4), place of origin (X5), occupation (X6), years of experience (X7), academic degree (X8), specialization (X9), vulnerability (X10), COVID-19 history (X11), origin of vaccine (X12), dose received (X13), and professional association location (X14), with the perception of dentists toward the COVID-19 vaccination process, considering a P value < 0. 05. Results: Of the 360 Peruvian dentists surveyed, the prevalence of poor perception was 53.61% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 48.45%–58.75%). Of the variables analyzed, the only one that proved to have a significant influence on the development of poor perception, according to the logistic regression analysis (logit model), was the location of the professional association, with an odds ratio (OR = 0.37, CI = 0.22–0.62), whereas Sinopharm vaccine (OR = 1.70, CI = 0.35–8.25) or Pfizer/ BioNTech (OR = 2.31, CI = 0.45–11.88) and the other variables were not considered as influential factors in the development of poor perception toward the COVID-19 vaccination process (P > 0.05). Conclusions: More than half of the Peruvian dentists surveyed had a poor perception of the COVID-19 vaccination process. However, those whose professional association was located in the capital city were 63% less likely to have a poor perception than those dentists from the provinces. In addition, the origin of the vaccine and other variables such as age, gender, marital status, number of children, origin, occupation, years of experience, academic degree, specialization, vulnerability, history of COVID-19 and dose received were not considered influential factors for developing poor perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral disease remains a significant health problem in the United States, and the burden of oral disease is greatest for the poor and those patients from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds. Tackling this problem in a comprehensive and enduring way requires a change in the way we train and support current and future dentists and staff. Lasting transformation also requires a systematic shift in the way we investigate and address minority health care gaps in practice. This article describes ways in which dental education can play an integral role in shaping a better oral health tomorrow for individuals, families and communities from underrepresented minority backgrounds who continue to bear a disproportionate burden of oral disease. Types of studies reviewed: A summary of the literature related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) curricula in dental education is presented along with illustrative examples from California dental schools. Results: Systematic infrastructure changes in dental education to include DEI development further support a workforce capable of understanding economic and social factors and delivering patient, personcentered care. Practical implications: DEI development goes beyond dental education; oral health providers from both private and public sectors who understand the dynamic changes in the growing, diverse population are imperative to attaining "optimal oral health for all." DEI principles learned in a didactic setting can synergize with clinical training approaches to foster real and lasting change in dental medicine learners and the patients they serve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socio-economic-cultural issues are related to the learning process, which makes knowledge of the students' profile at higher education institutions (HEIs) essential to understand the future direction of the profession. The purpose of this research is describe demographic profile of undergraduate dentistry students from a HEIs, in the city of Salvador. After approval by the research ethics committee, a form containing 16 questions related to socio-economic-demographic factors and academic performance were applied to students who attended between the 2nd and 10th semester of the course. Data analysis obtained was described through measures of central tendency, percentage, and dispersion. A total of 154 students were included. Students were mostly young, single, female, childless, born in cities other than the capital of Bahia. They entered the institution through the entrance exam, and they kept their enrollment through the support of the Student Financing Fund. Regarding academic performance, it was observed that most participants had already needed to take a final exam and had already failed in at least one subject. It is noted that there is greater similarity than divergence in the profile of the Dentistry student at this private institution in Salvador, compared to other national works consulted in this research. However, in contrast to the literature, it was observed that in this particular HEI, there was a higher percentage of students coming from public schools. It is noteworthy that more demographic studies throughout national territory are important to better understand the perspectives of the Brazilian educational system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Dental Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Stomatologica Croatica is the property of Acta Stomatologica Croatica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To assess the awareness level and need perception of soft skills among general dental practitioners (GDPs), dental residents and specialists. Study Design: Mixed method study Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID), Rawalpindi and 28 Military Dental Centre (28 MDC), Lahore Pakistan, from Mar to Sep 2020. Methodology: A mixed method study research design with descriptive and explorative strategies was used to formulate a survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews for participants aged 24-60, medically fit, with a minimum of one year of practical experience, and willing to participate. Results: 136(74.37%) knew the basic concept of soft skills being non-technical skills, as they classified their awareness of soft skills as 'Partially Aware'. Only 9(4.91%) responded as being 'Expert' in this topic. 38(20.76%) were totally 'Unaware'. Regarding the need for teaching soft skills to dental students, 171(93.44%) participants wanted soft skills teaching to begin in the undergraduate years. Conclusion: Participating dental professionals understood the basic concept of soft skills but needed a formal knowledge of what it entails. There is a dire need for the dental professional to have a satisfactory knowledge of soft skills to improve their overall job performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess undergraduate, postgraduate dental students' and dental practitioners' knowledge of management of dental and biomedical waste and to focus on critical issues such as environment-friendly waste management. METHODOLOGY: A total of 273 participants were recruited from January to June 2019 through convenience sampling in this cross-sectional study; undergraduate, postgraduate dental students, and general dental practitioners from private and public sector dental colleges of Karachi. The respondents answered different categories of waste management, including biomedical waste rules, waste disposal measures, dental waste types, common dangers of improper waste management, and some particular equipment problems, data analyzed on SPSS version 17.00. RESULTS: From 273 (92.8%) completed questionnaires, 217(79.4%) were females. Undergraduate students were 61.9%, (n=169). Almost 64.4 % (n=176) of respondents didn't know about dental waste management rules. Among 75 % (n=205) of respondents, there was a consensus that qualified professionals should treat hospital disposal. Only 67.7% (n= 185) of individuals surveyed stated that they were familiar with the categories formed by dental waste. Approximately 95.5% (n=260) of respondents recommend workshops and Continues medical education seminars for waste management. Compared to undergraduate students, postgraduate students had a significantly higher mean score, decreasing the "know-do gap" (p=0.069). CONCLUSION: Among undergraduate dental students and dental practitioners, postgraduates were found to have a greater understanding of the correct methods for disposing of healthcare waste. However, the overall knowledge level of environment friendly waste management was insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric patients have high unmet treatment needs in Pakistan. There are only a handful of pediatric dentists in Pakistan. Thus, the dental services to child patients have to be dependent on general dentists and other dental specialists. The aim of this study was to assess the attitude and practice of the dentists towards clinical pediatric dentistry in Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among the dentists in Pakistan. RESULTS: A total of 372 dentists participated in the study. These included 122 (32.8%) males and 250 (67.2%) females. The majority of the participants (n = 272, 73.1%) were between the ages of 25 to 35 years. As compared to other dentists, a significantly greater number of general dentists (p < 0.008) had received any training in the behavioral management of children. Operative dentists reported practicing more of the various procedures in child patients (pit and fissure sealants, stainless steel crowns, pulpectomies, fluoride varnishes, pulpotomies and restorations), as compared to the other dentists. Even though the operative dentists performed more of these procedures, more than 50% of them still did not frequently perform any of the procedures. A total of 244 (65.6%) dentists wanted to attend pediatric dentistry courses, if available. CONCLUSION: There is a major gap in the needs and availability of pediatric dentistry services. More training needs to be conducted at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in pediatric dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral compression neuropathy which accounts for 90% of all entrapment neuropathies. Dentists typically have a higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders including CTS. Currently there is a lack of literature on CTS prevalence and risk factors among dentistry in Saudi Arabia. Our study was the first to examine the prevalence and the associated demographic and occupational factors of CTS among dental students. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted in the School of Dentistry at King Abdulaziz University. Total of 120 dental students in their final year were included. We used a validated selfadministered questionnaire included demographic data, work, medical history, and modified Katz hand diagram to assess the symptoms and occupational exposures. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied using SPSS software version 16. Result: Prevalence of CTS among dental students was 13.3%. It was higher in female 10% compared to male 3.3%. There was a significant relationship between the body mass index (P= 0.03) with underweight category by having higher prevalence of CTS. The use of finger pinch grip showed inverse association with CTS (P=0.04). Other risk factors were not significantly associated with CTS. Conclusion: Prevalence of CTS among dental students was higher than general population. However, many previously identified risk factors showed no significant association with CTS adding to the controversy of the contributing risk factors of this disease among dentistry. Finger pinch grip showed inverse association which is contrary to published literatures. Future study may include exposure time for each occupational risk factor preferably in prospective cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dental care workers are considered a susceptible group for Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2). Although efficacious vaccines are now available for the prevention of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), their knowledge and attitude towards these vaccines are not clear. Aim To assess the knowledge, perception, and attitudes of Indian dental professionals towards COVID-19 vaccines. Methods An anonymous web-based survey of Indian dental practitioners and clinical dental students was conducted using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire, to elicit data on the COVID-19 vaccine uptake, attitudes to the vaccine, and the general knowledge related to vaccination. Results A total of 350 dental practitioners and clinical dental students/undergraduates participated in the study. The vast majority (90%) of the respondents' perceived that they have adequate knowledge of the vaccine. There is a statistically significant association in the probability of uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine related to the level of knowledge on COVID-19 vaccine perceived by the dental practitioners in India. Conclusions In general, the knowledge, perception and attitudes of Indian dental professionals on COVID-19 vaccines appear satisfactory, but there dental students appear to be hesitant in taking the vaccine. Data on the efficacy and the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines should be continuously promoted by the dental professional bodies to protect their fraternity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The current study is conducted to assess the knowledge and behavior of dentists in Pakistan and various practice modifications adopted in response to current outbreak of COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: Well-constructed online questionnaires were distributed among 300 subjects including dental students (3rd year and 4th year), house surgeons, and dental surgeons of two public hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan. RESULTS: 90% of dentists are afraid of getting the infection and reluctant to continue their dental practice. Most of the dentists 95% are aware of the mode of transmission of disease and follow WHO guidelines but still a large number of dentists are in fear and anxious to perform only emergency dental procedures. CONCLUSION: Most dentists resume their dental practice by following WHO new guidelines related to practice in COVID-19 outbreak but still a significant number of dentists close their dental practice for an indefinite period due to anxiety and fear of being ill or got infected by COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For over the last 20 years, approximately 70% of working dentists in Finland have been women. However, there is internal division of the profession along gender lines. Female dentists work more often in the public sector and male dentists in the private sector. The aim of this study was to investigate the gender differences in young dentists' early career choices, specialization plans, values and perceptions of professional identity. Materials and methods: The data were taken from a national e‐mail questionnaire study called "Young Dentist," which was sent to 458 dentists who had received their licence to practise dentistry in 2014‐2016 from all four universities with dental curricula in Finland. A total of 52% young dentists (n = 238) answered the questionnaire. Results and discussion: The results indicated that whereas female dentists were more likely to perceive themselves as comforters, social workers and health promoters, male dentists tended to perceive themselves as technicians. These professional identities were interrelated with early‐stage career choices in which female dentists worked more often in the public than in the private sector when compared to male dentists. There were also clear gender differences in the importance of values and the specialization plans of the young dentists. Conclusion: Young dentists in Finland make career choices and develop professional identity in accordance with the attributes traditionally associated with cultural ideals related to femininity and masculinity. [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]

Introduction: Gender-based preferences are common in dental practice and maybe even more prevalent in academic dentistry. A large number of females have been entering the practice of general dentistry for the past two decades. The present study was done to assess dental students' perception of gender preferences in dentistry using a questionnaire in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted using a pretested questionnaire among dental interns pursuing their internship at different dental schools in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaires were distributed to 482 interns who were willing to participate in the survey. All the responses were collected, tabulated, and analyzed accordingly using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Four hundred and eighty-two dental interns (180 males and 302 females) responded to the survey. Most female interns (68%) prefer female patients for their treatments to the opposite gender. Seventy-five percent of the male interns felt more capable than females to handle stress and workload associated with branches such as prosthodontics, surgery, and implantology. 52.1% felt that female students fared well in academics. Conclusion: The present study shows that more females are taking up this profession in the current situation. It also shows that females are as competitive as males in dentistry and that most of the dental interns want to take up postgraduation after completion of the course. Both males and females are given equal working space and respect in this field of dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: dental procedures produce bioaerosols that can carry the highly contagious COVID-19 virus. Hence, the entire dental care team has to follow the current COVID-19 related infection control protocols. The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with infection control methods during dental procedures among dental practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Methods: the online questionnaire consisted of four sections namely, demographic details, eight questions on knowledge, four questions on attitude and eight questions on the practice of dentists during COVID- 19 pandemic. One point was attributed for a correct response and zero point for an incorrect response. The study used descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models in Jamovi 1.8.1 to establish relationships between knowledge, attitude, and practices among dental professionals and their demographic characteristics. Results: among 384 dentists, 294 (76.6%) were aware of the hand hygiene methods, 372 dentists (96.9%) were aware of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 343 dentists (89.3%) recorded the body temperature of the patients. One hundred and thirty eight (138) dentists (35.9%) did not use rubber dam and 158 dentists (41.1%) were not aware of the four-handed dentistry. Among the study participants, 57.8% displayed adequate knowledge, 63.8% possessed good attitude and 93.5% followed good practices on COVID-19 appropriate infection control measures during dental procedures. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were found to be 6.61, 2.04, and 3.38 respectively. Based on multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, it is observed that males (aOR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.87; p=0.011) have a lower likelihood of having a good knowledge when compared with females after adjusting for the other independent variables in the model. Also, individuals with higher qualifications (aOR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.36-0.92; p=0.022) appear to have lower likelihood of having good knowledge on COVID-19 infection control methods during dental procedure. Conclusion: the study concludes that participants possess sound knowledge, attitude and practice on hand hygiene, PPE, patient triage and waiting area modifications at the workplace. However, poor response was noted on the use of rubber dam, remote telephonic screening and four-handed dentistry practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Medical & Pharmaceutical Sciences is the property of Arab Journal of Sciences & Research Publishing (AJSRP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; dental; dentistry; dental education; medical education; knowledge; vaccines; COVID-19; vaccine acceptance; vaccine hesitancy; COVID-19 vaccine; pandemic; prevention; transmission; immunity; dental clinics; dental anxiety; dental professionals; impact on practice; disease transmission EN SARS-CoV-2 dental dentistry dental education medical education knowledge vaccines COVID-19 vaccine acceptance vaccine hesitancy COVID-19 vaccine pandemic prevention transmission immunity dental clinics dental anxiety dental professionals impact on practice disease transmission 1158 2 08/03/23 20230701 NES 230701 The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every part of human life, including healthcare systems, and presented societies with hitherto unheard-of concerns. The dental care community must be knowledgeable, proactive, and aware of new information regarding COVID-19, infections, immunity, and vaccines as we manage this problem [[1]]. Dental workers must keep abreast of the most recent advancements in COVID-19 research, infection control techniques, and vaccine tactics in order to practice dentistry effectively. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on governing bodies and the dental profession. Topics include responding to the changing demands of oral health care delivery and societal needs constituting the prime directives; rescuing professionalism from the slippery slope of commercialism; and dentists adopting and complying with a code of ethics, self-regulating, and addressing society's changing oral health needs.

The article presents the discussion on racial, ethnic, and cultural oral healthcare disparities continuing to plague the patient population. Topics include dental practice owners, dental school administrators, and organizing dentistry policymakers focusing on diversity away from superficial differences; and investing in the resources, developmental tools, and best practices facilitating growth and position participants for succeeding.

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]

Copyright of Acta Odontológica Colombiana is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)