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@#Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the World Health Organization issued provisional guidelines to address considerations for essential oral health services in the pandemic situation. Compliance with the guidelines is essential to curb the potential spread of infection within a dental practice. This study aimed to assess the perception of Malaysian dental practitioners towards exercising the provisional COVID-19 dental practice guideline during the early phase of the pandemic. A self-administered questionnaire of a structured type consisting of demographic information and dentist perceptions of the provisional guidelines of dental care during the COVID-19 outbreak was distributed online from May 2021 until August 2021 through various social networking platforms among dental practitioners working at different healthcare sectors in all states in Malaysia. A total of 468 dental practitioners responded to this study. More than threequarters of the respondents were working in public dental care facilities (76.3%, n=357). The majority of respondents adhered to the provisional guidelines issued during the pandemic outbreak and exhibited a change in standard clinical practice (p<0.001). Dental practitioners working in public sectors perceive that swab tests prior to dental appointments should be mandatory, the reopening of dental clinics increases the risk of spread and the provisional guidelines of COVID-19 in dental practice will be changed in the future compared to private dental practitioners (p<0.001). The majority of dental practitioners in Malaysia have complied with the provisional guidelines imposed by the health bodies. As the COVID-19 virus will persist and become endemic in our communities, it is important to balance the safety issue and patient oral health needs.
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@#Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a progressive entrapment neuropathy that is commonly associated with dentists. If left untreated, permanent nerve and muscle damage may occur. The purpose of this study is to determine prevalence of CTS among private dentists in Klang Valley, Malaysia and to further identify the associated risk factors for CTS symptoms. In-person interviews of 78 subjects obtained using the convenience sampling method were carried out. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and clinical tests of Phalen and Tinel were used to examine signs and functional impact of CTS. The overall prevalence of CTS-related symptoms is 37.2%. Using BCTQ alone, 6.4% showed mild CTS symptoms through the level of functional state scoring (FSS) while 10.3% showed mild to moderate symptoms in the scale of the severity of symptoms (SSS). There is a significant correlation between the age of dentists and CTS symptoms (p = 0.007). The prevalence of CTS was more common in older dentists. Increasing age and working hours per week further enhance the risk of CTS. Findings from this study will serve as a useful baseline to establish further study in Klang Valley. Future work should examine the accounts underlying these risk factors for preventive measures.
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Objective: To evaluate the level of awareness and attitude among dental practitioners regarding the use of stem cells in dentistry and to determine their knowledge of ethical concerns related to the recent therapy. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted at Taibah University Dental College and Hospital. Medina and at governmental and private dental clinics at the western region of Saudi Arabia. Responses of dental practitioners who completed the survey were recorded between March 2019 and July 2019 without containing any personal identifiers. Level of awareness and attitude and knowledge about ethical issues in relation to stem cell therapy was established. Results: A total of 214 male and female dental practitioners participated in this study and the majority were registered at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialists 128 (59.8%). Dental consultants reported the highest percentage of awareness about dental stem cells (96%, p= 0.005), whereas general dental practitioners (56.2%, p= 0.005) and specialists (52%, p= 0.005), respectively had a lower percentage. When ethical concerns were determined, dental consultants had the highest percentage of knowledge (56%, p= 0.005), whereas dental practitioners (71.2%, p= 0.005) with < 5 years of experience (69.1, p= 0.002) lacked information about related ethical issues. Conclusion: Ways to increase stem cell awareness among dental practitioners in this study recommended including stem cell topics in the dental curriculum and organizing frequent seminars and conferences on this subject. (AU)
Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de consciência e a atitude dos dentistas em relação ao uso de células-tronco na odontologia, e determinar o conhecimento desses profissionais sobre as questões éticas relacionadas à terapia recente. Material e Métodos: Um estudo transversal baseado em pesquisa foi conduzido na Faculdade e Hospital de Odontologia da Universidade Taibah de Medina e em clínicas odontológicas governamentais e privadas na região oeste da Arábia Saudita. As respostas dos dentistas que responderam à pesquisa foram registradas entre março de 2019 e julho de 2019, sem conter nenhum identificador pessoal. Foi estabelecido o nível de consciência, atitude e conhecimento sobre questões éticas em relação à terapia com células-tronco. Resultados: Um total de 214 dentistas do sexo masculino e feminino participaram deste estudo, sendo 128 (59,8%) desses cadastrada na Comissão Saudita de Especialistas em Saúde. Os consultores em odontologia relataram o maior percentual de conhecimento sobre as células-tronco dentárias (96%, p = 0,005), enquanto os dentistas gerais (56,2%, p = 0,005) e especialistas (52%, p = 0,005) tiveram um percentual menor. Quando as questões éticas foram determinadas, os consultores em odontologia tiveram o maior percentual de conhecimento (56%, p = 0,005), enquanto os dentistas (71,2%, p = 0,005) com menos de 5 anos de experiência (69,1%, p = 0,002) tinham menos informações sobre questões éticas relacionadas. Conclusão: Formas de aumentar a conscientização sobre as células-tronco entre os dentistas deste estudo incluem tópicos sobre células-tronco no currículo de odontologia, além de frequentemente organizar seminários e conferências sobre o assunto. (AU)
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Humans , Male , Female , Knowledge , Dentists , Ethics , Adult Stem CellsABSTRACT
Objectives: To evaluate the type of "periodontal treatment" performed by general dental practitioners and the referral patterns of periodontists in Iraq. Material and methods: A total of 201 general dentists were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire consisting of nine questions regarding periodontal treatment and the referral patterns of periodontists. Results: The study showed that 91.1% of general dental practitioners (GDPs) performed "phase-I therapy", and most of them done "scaling". Regarding surgical periodontal therapy, only 12.9% of them performed surgical periodontal therapy, half of the GDPs did gingivectomy, and less than 30% performed crown lengthening. When evaluating maintenance therapy after periodontal treatment, it was found that 77.9% of the GDPs scheduled appointments for patients in the maintenance phase, 49.4% of them after one month, 24.7% after three months, and 15.6% after six months. Using TRUF analysis, most general dentists believed that the patient and periodontal factors were responsible for the recurrence of periodontal disease. Conclusions: There is still a lack of awareness of periodontal surgical procedures among the "general dental practitioners". Thus, it is essential to increase the comprehension of periodontal treatment among general dentists. (AU)
Objetivo: Avaliar o tipo de "tratamento periodontal" realizado por dentistas generalistas e os padrões de encaminhamento aos periodontistas, no Iraque. Material e métodos: Um total de 201 dentistas generalistas preencheram um questionário autoaplicável que consistiu em nove perguntas sobre o tratamento periodontal e os padrões de encaminhamento para periodontistas. Resultados: O estudo mostrou que 91,1% dos dentistas gerais (DG) realizavam "terapia fase I" e a maioria realizava "raspagem". Em relação à terapia periodontal cirúrgica, apenas 12,9% deles realizavam, sendo que metade dos DG realizavam gengivectomia e menos de 30% realizavam aumento de coroa clínica. Ao avaliar a terapia de manutenção após o tratamento periodontal, constatou-se que 77,9% dos DGs agendaram consultas para pacientes em fase de manutenção, sendo 49,4% após um mês, 24,7% após três meses e 15,6% após seis meses. Usando a análise TRUF, a maioria dos dentistas gerais acredita que o paciente e os fatores periodontais são responsáveis pela recorrência da doença periodontal. Conclusões: Ainda existe um desconhecimento dos procedimentos cirúrgicos periodontais entre os "dentistas generalistas". Assim, é essencial aumentar a compreensão do tratamento periodontal entre os cirurgiões-dentistas gerais (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Periodontics , Dental Scaling , Dentists , GingivectomyABSTRACT
@#The significance of continuing professional development (CPD) among dental practitioners (DPs) is well-recognised by the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC). CPD has become mandatory to all DPs prior to renewal of annual practising certificate (APC) following the enforcement of Dental Act 2018. This study aimed to determine the personal experience of Malaysian DPs in CPD programmes and to identify the barriers to attend CPD activities. This was a cross-sectional study of which a paperbased, self‐administered questionnaire (pre-test, content validated) was administered to all participants (n = 229, response rate = 49.7%) who participated in CPD programmes organised by the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) from April 2017 until November 2017. Almost all respondents (92.1%) acknowledged the importance of undertaking CPD. Some of them (68.9%) agreed that the employer provides adequate support to carry out the CPD activities. Majority of the respondents (62.3%) participated in 1–4 hours of CPD on average per month and most of them (42.1%) attended 5–10 days CPD course in the year 2017. Barriers to CPD participation were current workload, lack of time and lack of financial support. Malaysian DPs are currently engaging in CPD programmes and considered the compulsory CPD to be beneficial to them as professionals even before the compulsory implementation in 2018. This study provides valuable information to assist Malaysian CPD providers in formulating appropriate approaches while planning the CPD courses and as well as to identify the potential barriers in attending the CPD programmes.
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Context: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) leading to dental avulsion occur very frequently in society. Management of avulsion is critical for the dentist, as it requires appropriate knowledge. Aim: The study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of the general dental practitioners (GDPs) regarding the emergency management of TDI leading to avulsion in children. Setting and Design: Questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey design was utilized to assess the knowledge. Subjects and Methods: Data for this cross-sectional survey were collected through questionnaires from July to September 2014. A total of 278 GDP were contacted and requested to fill a pretested questionnaire to assess the knowledge regarding tooth avulsion. The GDPs were grouped on the basis of their educational qualification and years of clinical experience. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used for intra- and inter-group comparison. Results: A total of 224 (80.57%) GDPs consented to participate in the survey. Markedly low knowledge levels were noted in the sample irrespective of educational qualification and years of experience with respect to replantation of the avulsed primary tooth, holding the root instead of the crown, choice of appropriate storage medium for transportation of avulsed teeth, use of medications, and splinting type and time. Clinical experience and higher educational qualification of GDPs revealed statistical significant difference in the methods of management for TDI leading to avulsion. Conclusion: Higher professional education and added clinical experience were associated with better knowledge in the management of TDI leading to avulsion. The finding warrants the need for informative educational programs to update and boost the knowledge of practicing dentists regarding emergency management of avulsed teeth.
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Prior to the advent of efficacious antimicrobial agents, the mortality rate from cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) was effectively 100%. There have been very few reports of CST associated with tooth extraction. A 40-year-old female presented to the emergency room with swelling over the right side of the face and history of extraction in the upper right region by an unregistered dental practitioner. The patient presented with diplopia, periorbital ecchymosis, and chemosis of the right eye. A computed tomography scan revealed venous dilatation of the right superior ophthalmic vein. The patient was immediately treated with incision and drainage, intravenous antibiotics, and heparin (low molecular weight). Unfortunately, the patient died two days after surgery due to complications from the disease. CST is a rare disease with a high mortality rate. Therefore, dental health education in rural areas, legal action against unregistered dental practitioners, early diagnosis, and aggressive antibiotic treatment can prevent future mortality resulting from CST.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Anti-Infective Agents , Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis , Cavernous Sinus , Dilatation , Diplopia , Drainage , Early Diagnosis , Ecchymosis , Emergency Service, Hospital , Health Education, Dental , Heparin , Mortality , Rare Diseases , Tooth Extraction , VeinsABSTRACT
Prior to the advent of efficacious antimicrobial agents, the mortality rate from cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) was effectively 100%. There have been very few reports of CST associated with tooth extraction. A 40-year-old female presented to the emergency room with swelling over the right side of the face and history of extraction in the upper right region by an unregistered dental practitioner. The patient presented with diplopia, periorbital ecchymosis, and chemosis of the right eye. A computed tomography scan revealed venous dilatation of the right superior ophthalmic vein. The patient was immediately treated with incision and drainage, intravenous antibiotics, and heparin (low molecular weight). Unfortunately, the patient died two days after surgery due to complications from the disease. CST is a rare disease with a high mortality rate. Therefore, dental health education in rural areas, legal action against unregistered dental practitioners, early diagnosis, and aggressive antibiotic treatment can prevent future mortality resulting from CST.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Anti-Infective Agents , Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis , Cavernous Sinus , Dilatation , Diplopia , Drainage , Early Diagnosis , Ecchymosis , Emergency Service, Hospital , Health Education, Dental , Heparin , Mortality , Rare Diseases , Tooth Extraction , VeinsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and social psychological factors among dental practitioners. METHODS: A total of 497 dental practitioners who worked in 20 dental clinics and hospitals between June 9 and June 30, 2011 were enrolled in this study. The participants' stress level was measured using the PWI-SF (Psychosoical Well-Being Index-Short Form), a psychosocial health measurement tool, and their musculoskeletal pain was measured using a table that was revised and supplemented by the Korea Occupational Safety Health Agency. Statistical analysis was carried out through frequency analysis, chi-square test, and correlation analysis, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 18.0. RESULTS: Analyzing the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and social-psychological factors of dental practitioners revealed satisfaction has a significant effect on the level of musculoskeletal pain experienced (P<0.05). Notably, salary satisfaction showed a significant influence on the degree of leg musculoskeletal pain (r=−0.140) and lower back pain (r=−0.204; P<0.05) experienced. Satisfaction in their own welfare (r=−0.157) and amount of time spent working (r=−0.135) showed a significant influence on the degree of leg musculoskeletal pain experienced (P<0.05). The level of pain experienced was higher as the level of stress risk increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The level of musculoskeletal pain experienced by dental practitioners was highly related to social-psychological factors. In order to reduce the human and economic losses due to musculoskeletal diseases, continuous preventive care must be provided. Social psychological factors, such as details of job satisfaction and stress, should be taken into account along with physical management of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Humans , Dental Clinics , Job Satisfaction , Korea , Leg , Low Back Pain , Musculoskeletal Diseases , Musculoskeletal Pain , Occupational Health , Psychology , Salaries and Fringe Benefits , Social SciencesABSTRACT
Aim: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain information on the use of rotary nickel titanium endodontic instruments was conducted among General Dental Practioner A two sectioned questionnaire was mailed to 200 randomly general practioners to obtain information on usage of Nickel Titanium endodontic instrument and data was collected. Results: Forty-six percent of the general practioners had used rotary NiTi instruments. 76% dentists use NiTi files for five or more times a week. Most of the dentist used NiTi file coronally &apically. General dentists experienced more file fracture at size 20 and 25 with 0.02 and 0.04 taper. Conclusions: Dentists are familiar with limitations of NiTi instruments and techniques. Current study showed the awareness of dentists about benefits of NiTi rotary instruments application comparing to traditional techniques and also the high percent usage of these instruments among general dentists.
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Background: Like in any profession, dentistry is also plagued by many occupational health hazards. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and mental health related issues are very common among dental practitioners. Objectives: A survey was conducted to find the prevalence of these two occupational health hazards among dental practitioners in Bengaluru city. Materials and methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out among 150 randomly chosen dental practitioners in Bengaluru. Questions included their identification details and information about symptoms of MSD and mental health related issues experienced by them in the last 6 months. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out in the present study. Chi-square and Fisher test were used to find the significance of the study parameters on categorical scale. Results: MSD and mental health related issues were found to have a prevalence of 82% and 75.3% in our study. Conclusion: The implementation of preventive measures is necessary, in view of the high incidence of these disorders in the fraternity of dental practitioners.
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A survey was conducted to gather information on methods, materials and attitudes employed in root canal treatment by Dentists and in order to evaluate and improve the quality of current practice. Questionnaire comprising of 35 questions on Endodontic practice and root canal treatment i.e. case selection for treatment, planning, equipment & materials used was mailed to 230 randomly selected General Dental Practitioners. Reply rate was 67%. Result demonstrated that few dentists used rubber dam. Variety of instruments were used for root canal preparation; stainless-steel hand files being the most popular (56%) and technique of choice was step back (59.66%). Sodium hypochlorite irrigation and calcium hydroxide dressing was used by 52% and 23% respectively. Most practitioners (91%) obturated root canals with lateral compaction of gutta-percha. Only 14% of respondents used apex locators for determining the working length, whilst 19% did not take any pre-operative radiograph. Practicing dentists do not comply with international quality standards and do not use recently introduced techniques.
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The aim of this study was to describe the attitude and subjective norm of dental practitioners towards practicing the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in Tanzania. A pre-tested questionnaire on attitudes and subjective norms to practice ART was mailed to all 147 dental practitioners working in the regional and district government clinics. The independent variables were: gender, working experience, qualification and ever heard of ART. The dependent variables were: attitude, subjective norm and intention to practice ART. Chi-square tests and multiple regression analysis were used to test for effects between independent and dependent variables. Significance level was set at 5 percent. A total of 138 practitioners returned completed questionnaires. More experienced dental practitioners encountered moderate social pressure than less experienced dental practitioners, who met strong social pressure (p=0.045). A total of 73.2 percent of dental practitioners felt that ART was worth introducing in Tanzania, 92.8 percent recommended ART training for all dental practitioners and 97.8 percent recommended inclusion of ART in dental curricula. Positive attitude, strong subjective norm and high intention to practice ART were recorded in 76.3 percent, 28.1 percent and 90.6 percent of the practitioners, respectively. Only subjective norm had a statistically significant influence on the intention to practice ART (p<0.0001). The results indicated that dental practitioners were willing to have ART introduced in Tanzania and had positive attitudes towards practicing this technique. Nevertheless, their intention to perform ART was strongly influenced by social pressures. Therefore, in order to have a successful introduction of ART in Tanzania, people who matter in the daily practice of dental practitioners need to accept and appraise the ART approach positively.