ABSTRACT
Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate how much pediatric dentists know about the noninvasive, micro, and minimally invasive strategies for managing caries lesions in deciduous teeth. An electronic questionnaire was sent to pediatric dentists enrolled in the Regional Board of Dentistry. Information was collected concerning: 1) characteristics of the participants; 2) level of updated knowledge of noninvasive, micro and minimally invasive procedures for caries management in children; 3) agreement to sentences on the indicated procedures. The data were analyzed descriptively and with bivariate tests. Seventy pediatric dentists participated. Results showed high frequency of agreement with sentences on strategies for lesion caries management: 92.8% with the sentence on selective removal of decayed tissue; 90.0% on fluoridated toothpaste (≥1,000 ppm); 84.3% on silver diamine fluoride (SDF); 80.0% on the Hall technique; and 76.9% on the sealing of small dentine lesions. Level of agreement with sentences was not significantly related to variables of time since graduation, degree of updatedness, area of employment, or higher education degree (p > 0.05). A higher score on agreement toward SDF use was accompanied by a greater degree of self-declared updatedness on noninvasive, micro and minimally invasive procedures for caries management in children (rho 0.259; p = 0.031). Pediatric dentists consider themselves updated and agree with the sentences on recommended use of fluoridated toothpaste as of eruption of the first tooth, and on the selective removal of decayed tissue. Disagreement still continues regarding application of SDF to arrest lesion progression, sealing of small dentin lesions, and the Hall technique.
ABSTRACT
Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate factors associated with dental anxiety in children treated under moderate sedation. Prior to treatment, each child's dental anxiety was evaluated using the modified Venham Picture Test (VPT). Interviews were also conducted with parents/guardians to gather information on the child's dental anxiety (Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale [DAS]), age and sex, shyness or anxiety in the presence of strangers, and dental history, as well as socioeconomic factors. All the children were sedated, and had at least one tooth restored using the atraumatic restorative treatment technique. Child behavior was assessed using the Frankl scale. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and bivariate tests. The median VPT score was 2.0 (range: 0 to 8). Children who were shy in the presence of strangers (yes: median 2.0 [0-8]; no: 0.5 [0-4]; p = 0.018), and those with negative behavior during dental care (negative: 3.0 [0-8]; positive: 1.0 [0-8]; p = 0.014) had greater anxiety. The child's dental anxiety was associated with the mother's education level (≤ 8 years: 4 [2-7]; > 8 years: 1 [0-8]; p = 0.016). The dental anxiety of children treated under sedation is associated with negative behavior, shyness, and the mother's education level.