Decision-making for dental pulp exposure: a survey in graduate programs at Brazilian universities

Abstract Clinical decision-making tends to be based on what clinicians have been taught during undergraduate and graduate programs. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical approach and to identify the factors that influence the decision-making for dental pulp exposure among graduate students and coordinating professors in endodontics programs offered at Brazilian universities. The study used a mail-out survey developed in the Qualtrics platform, based on seven clinical reports in which dental pulp exposure was evidenced. Descriptive statistics showing vital pulp therapy (VPT) and root canal treatment (RCT) were calculated for each clinical report. Data on the participants' (n = 113) profile and variables related to clinical and radiographic characteristics of the cases were evaluated as to their potential to affect decision-making and analyzed by logistic regression (p < 0.05). VPT was likely to be indicated in cases of patients with immature teeth (OR = 0.017; 95%CI = 0.004 -0.073). RCT indications were related to the presence of symptoms (OR = 5.326; 95%CI = 1.429-19.852) and old age (OR = 21.057; 95%CI=6.809-65.120). In pulp exposure secondary to trauma, time of pulp exposure was significantly associated with RCT indication (OR=3.267; 95%CI=1.332-8.012). The present study demonstrated that patient age, root development, and symptom features were the main factors affecting participants' decision-making.

Medidas empleadas por odontólogos paraguayos para disminuir el riesgo biológico en la práctica odontológica durante la pandemia de Covid-19 / Infection control procedures used by Paraguayan dentists to reduce biological risk in dental practice during the Covid-19 pandemic

Resumen Introducción: los profesionales en odontología han sido identificados como de muy alto riesgo de exposición al coronavirus, específicamente cuando llevan a cabo procedimientos de generación de aerosoles en pacientes infecciosos. El objetivo fue conocer los mecanismos mecánicos y químicos usados por los odontólogos paraguayos para evitar la propagación del COVID-19. Evaluar el porcentaje de odontólogos que hayan atendido pacientes COVID positivo y que posteriormente hayan desarrollado la enfermedad. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Participaron del estudio odontólogos paraguayos con acceso a internet. La difusión del enlace de acceso se realizó por redes sociales. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos y medidas de protección utilizadas en el consultorio a fin de disminuir el riesgo biológico. Resultados: participaron 428 odontólogos, 84,11 % fueron mujeres, 38,32 % tenía de 30-39 años. Las medidas de desinfección y cuidados más utilizadas fueron la desinfección del sillón dental (96,7 %), lavado de manos del profesional (93,46 %) y desinfección de superficies con alcohol 70 (88,08 %). El 59,1% utilizaba el peróxido de hidrógeno al 1% como enjuague bucal preoperatorio. La mayoría utilizaba tapabocas KN95 (48,83%), bata de tela tejida (78,04 %), bata desechable (72,20%); uso de gorrito (89,49%) y/o cubre calzado (76,40 %) por parte del paciente, y esterilizan en autoclave sus instrumentales (82,48%). Un profesional relató haberse contagiado en el consultorio odontológico. Conclusión: La mayoría de los odontólogos paraguayos encuestados cumple con los protocolos establecidos por el Ministerio de Salud y organismos internacionales, los cuales aparentan ser efectivos como mecanismos de protección contra el COVID-19 en el ambiente clínico.

Abstract Introduction: dental professionals have been identified as having a very high risk of exposure to coronavirus, specifically when they carry out procedures to generate aerosols in infectious patients. The objective was identifying the mechanical and chemical mechanisms used by Paraguayan dentists to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Evaluate the percentage of dentists who have treated positive COVID patients and who have subsequently developed the disease. Methods: it was a cross-sectional descriptive observational study. Paraguayan dentists with internet access participated. The questions were about sociodemographic data and protection measures used in the office to reduce biological risk. The access link was disseminated through social networks. Results: 428 dentists participated in the study, 84.11 % were women, 38.32 % were 30-39 years old. The most used disinfection and care measures were dental chair disinfection (96.7 %), hand washing (93.46 %) and surface disinfection with alcohol 70 (88.08 %). 59.1% used 1% hydrogen peroxide as a preoperative mouthwash. The majority wore KN95 masks (48.83 %), woven cloth robe (78.04 %), disposable robe (72.20 %); The patient is fitted with a disposable surgeon's cap (89.49 %) and/or shoe covers (76.40 %), and their instruments are sterilized in an autoclave (82.48%). One professional reported having been infected in the dental office. Conclusion: most of the Paraguayan dentists surveyed comply with the protocols established by the Ministry of Health and international organizations, which appear to be effective as protection mechanisms against COVID-19 in the clinical environment.