Avaliação dos impactos financeiros gerados pela pandemia da Covid-19 aos técnicos de prótese dentária no Brasil / Assessing the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on denture technicians in Brazil

Resumo Introdução a pandemia da Covid-19 e medidas de controle da sua expansão impactaram diferentes segmentos da economia, dentre eles os profissionais da Odontologia. Objetivo este trabalho analisou o impacto financeiro gerado pela pandemia da Covid-19 aos técnicos de prótese dentária (TPDs) no Brasil. Material e método por meio de um estudo transversal descritivo, aplicou-se aos TPDs do Brasil um questionário relacionado ao perfil sociodemográfico e profissional, impacto financeiro e medidas adotadas para minimizar seus efeitos. O questionário foi aplicado de forma on-line em redes sociais entre 27 de janeiro e 15 de fevereiro de 2021. Resultado demonstrou-se que 59,8% dos participantes eram do sexo masculino; 47,5% até 30 anos de idade e 57,3% com menos de 10 anos de prática. As medidas para contenção da propagação do coronavírus impactaram financeiramente 89,6% dos participantes; 72,0% interromperam totalmente seus trabalhos; 97,7% tiveram redução no faturamento; 98,2% tiveram mudança na rotina de trabalho; 94,8% tiveram aumento das despesas do laboratório no período; houve queda do faturamento para 41,2% entre 0% e 25,0% e para 36,3% entre 25,0% e 50,0%; 66,6% continuaram trabalhando durante a pandemia devido à sua situação financeira. Não pensaram em fechar seu laboratório de forma definitiva 71,8% dos participantes; 92,2% seguiram rotineiramente os cuidados de higienização e 21,6% fizeram uso das reservas financeiras. Conclusão os TPDs tiveram impacto financeiro durante o período da pandemia da Covid-19 causado principalmente pela diminuição da carga horária de trabalho, redução do faturamento e aumento do custo operacional devido à mudança na rotina de biossegurança.

Abstract Introduction the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to control its expansion impacted different segments of the economy, including dentistry professionals. Objective this study analyzed the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental technicians in Brazil. Material and method this is a descriptive cross-sectional study with the application of a questionnaire of sociodemographic and professional profile, financial impact, and effect containment measures to dental technicians in Brazil. The questionnaire was applied online on social networks between January 27 and February 15, 2021. Result 59.8% of the participants were male, with 47.5% aged up to 30 years, and 57.3% with less than 10 years of practice. The measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus had a financial impact on 89.6% of the participants: 72.0% had their work completely interrupted, 97.7% had their billing reduced, 98.2% changed their work routine, and 94.8% had higher laboratory expenses in the period. Revenue decreased between 0% and 25.0% for 41.2% and between 25.0% and 50.0% for 36.3%. In addition, 66.6% continued working during the pandemic due to their financial situation. 71.8% of the participants did not consider closing their laboratory permanently, whereas 92.2% followed hygiene protocols routinely and 21.6% made use of their financial reserves. Conclusion dental technicians were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly caused by fewer working hours, revenue reduction, and higher operating costs due to the change in the biosafety routine.

Evaluating usability of and satisfaction with two types of dental CAD software

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the usability of and satisfaction with two types of computer-aided design (CAD) software among users who had experience with dental implant CAD software and those who did not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental technicians (n = 20) who had previous experience with dental implant CAD Software and students from the College of Dentistry (n = 12) who had never designed implant custom abutments were asked to evaluate two types of CAD Software, Exocad and Deltanine. In addition, the participants were asked to fill out a structured questionnaire (Section 1: Entering basic information and retrieving files; Section 2: Setting conditions before abutment design; Section 3: Setting abutment design; and Section 4: Overall satisfaction). For the statistical analysis of the collected data, Mann-Whitney U test was used (α = .05). RESULTS: The ease of design and satisfaction with the implant CAD Software, evaluated with respect to 21 statements divided into four Stages, were significantly higher for Exocad in both groups for Secion 1. For Sections 2 and 3, participants with experience evaluated Deltanine to be significantly better. For Section 4, both groups evaluated Exocad Software to be better. CONCLUSION: Overall, the Exocad Software was evaluated as having better usability and offering greater satisfaction. However, in terms of performance in the core of the design process, i.e. Sections 2 and 3, Deltanine was rated higher by the experienced users. Thus, if the user interface design parts are supplemented, Deltanine CAD Software could be put to a wider use in clinics.

Survey study on the Preference of Dental Medical Personnel for Dental CAD/CAM Milling Machines / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: Recently, according to the development of digital technology, computer aided design/computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) system is widely used for fabrication of various dental prostheses in the field of dentistry. This study aims to survey the present state and awareness of CAD/CAM system on domestic dental field, and to supply the advice for the application of the new system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this questionnaire survey was conducted for a total of 298 dentists, dental hygienist and dental technicians of the whole country including the dental hospital of Seoul National University for two months from November to December, 2016 through mail. RESULTS: The most important purpose to consider when purchasing a dental CAD/CAM milling machine were the performance of the milling machine (64.43%) and the use of milling machine was the highest with 49.33% of manufacturing for dental prosthesis and customized implant abutment. In addition, more than 60% of respondents answered positively about the purchase of new milling machine if the CAD/CAM milling machine was improved to satisfactory performance. CONCLUSION: This survey results show that the improved CAD/CAM milling machine would be play an important role in the dental industry in preparation for digitization and the 4th industrial revolution.

La désinfection des empreintes dentaires au laboratoire de prothèse : évaluation de la pratique des prothésistes dentaires ivoiriens

Le prothésiste dentaire est exposé à un risque élevé de transmission infectieuse par la manipulation des empreintes dentaires souillées par la salive et le sang. En effet, lors d'une prise d'empreinte au cabinet dentaire, le matériau entre en contact direct avec les mucosités et sérosités de la cavité buccale, abritant de nombreux germes. Ainsi la décontamination des empreintes, pour prévenir la contamination croisée. Cette étude a eu pour objectif d'évaluer les attitudes et pratiques des prothésistes dentaires dans la ville d'Abidjan, en matière de décontamination des empreintes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale descriptive qui s'est déroulée sur une période de trois (03) mois. Elle a concerné 35 prothésistes dentaires exerçant tant dans les secteurs privés et publics. Plus de 97% des prothésistes dentaires interrogés, sont conscients de l'existence du risque infectieux liés aux empreintes dentaires. Aucune des empreintes reçues par les prothésistes, n'était accompagnée de fiche mentionnant son état de décontamination. 85,71% des prothésistes, affirment rincer systématiquement toutes les empreintes dès leur réception et près de 32% ne les décontaminent pas

Desafios para a oferta de prótese dentária na rede de saúde pública / Challenges related to dental prosthesis offer in the public health system

Objetivo: Conhecer os desafios enfrentados pelos municípios na implantação e manutenção dos Laboratórios Regionais de Próteses Dentárias (LRPD), além de identificar o perfil dos municípios com LRPD implantados. Método: Estudo exploratório, transversal, baseado em um questionário aplicado a 317 gestores municipais de saúde, no ano de 2014-2015, e em informações extraídas dos bancos oficiais. Para análise dos dados secundários, foi realizado o teste do Qui-quadrado, tendo como variável dependente a presença do LRPD credenciado e, como covariáveis, a Cobertura de Equipe de Saúde Bucal (ESB), o Contingente populacional, o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH), o Fator de Alocação (FA) e os dados relativos aos Gestores Municipais de Saúde. Resultado: A baixa oferta do Técnico de Prótese Dentária (TPD) foi o maior desafio para a implantação dos LRPD e, para a manutenção dos LRPD, o baixo financiamento foi o fator limitante. Os municípios com população maior que dez mil habitantes tiveram mais chance de possuir um LRPD credenciado (RP = 2,42). Conclusão: Os desafios enfrentados pelos municípios para a oferta de prótese dentária na rede de saúde pública demandam ações que extrapolam a esfera municipal, sendo necessário o envolvimento das instituições de ensino, a fim de garantir a capacitação dos recursos humanos e dos demais entes da federação na criação de estratégias de regionalização que minimizem os custos e ampliem o acesso dos municípios de menor porte populacional aos LRPD.

Objective: To describe the challenges faced by local health managers during the implementation and maintenance of Regional Laboratories Dental Prosthetics (RLDP), and identify the profile of the cities with RLDP. Method: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that was replied by 317 local health managers between 2014 and 2015 and information extracted from official database. A chi-square test was used to analyze secondary data, with the existence of credentialed RLDP as a dependent variable and the coverage of Dental Health Team (DHT), local population, Human Development Indices (HDI), Allocation Factor (AF) and data about local health managers being the co-variables. Result: The low number of dental prosthetic technician was the main challenge regarding the implementation of the RLDP and low funding was the main one related to maintenance. Cities a population of less than 10,000 inhabitants were more likely to have a credentialed RLDP (rate = 2.42). Conclusion: To meet the challenges faced by cities in offering dental prosthesis in the public health, the system demands actions that go beyond the local public sphere. The educational institutions' involvement is needed in order to meet human-resources training requirements and state and federal levels involvement is required to promote strategies that reduce costs and increase access to RLDP by small cities.

Avaliação do planejamento em modelos para próteses parciais removíveis recebidos por laboratórios de Teresina, Piauí / Assessment of Removable Partial Denture Planning in Dental Cast Models received from Prosthodontic Laboratories of the City of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

Introdução: a Prótese Parcial Removível (PPR) é por vezes negligenciada por profissionais quanto a sua confecção clínica e laboratorial e transferência de responsabilidades do cirurgião-dentista ao técnico de prótese dentária. Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de planejamentos e preparos em modelos de trabalho enviados, por acadêmicos e Cirurgiões-Dentistas, à laboratórios de prótese dentária para confecção de PPRs. Método: a pesquisa foi realizada em 8 laboratórios de prótese dentária cadastrados no Conselho Regional de Odontologia do Piauí (CRO-PI), onde foram aplicados formulários com 10 questões fechadas. A amostra foi composta por 60 modelos para confecção de PPR, 30 encaminhados por dentistas e 30 por estudantes. Resultados: os resultados de mostraram que 21 (35%) dentistas utilizaram o gesso pedra para vazar os moldes e 21 (35%) estudantes, o gesso especial; 27 (45%) acadêmicos realizaram os preparos nos modelos, e 24 (40%) dentistas não prepararam os modelos; 2 (3,3%) técnicos receberam desenhos de dentistas e 26 (43,3%) estudantes enviaram os desenhos; 20 (33,3%) modelos de estudantes chegaram delineados e 29 (48,3%) modelos de dentistas foram delineados pelos técnicos; 26 (43,3%) técnicos não tiveram dúvidas nos planejamentos enviados por estudantes e 15 (25%) técnicos tiveram dúvidas nos trabalhos encaminhados por dentistas e 100% comunicou-se para esclarecimentos. Conclusão: concluiu-se que uma parcela considerável de Cirurgiões-Dentistas negligenciam as etapas de preparos de boca e planejamento das PPRs, delegando ao técnico em prótese dentária a maior responsabilidade no planejamento e execução das próteses.

Introduction: the Removable Partial Denture (RPD) is often neglected by professionals regarding their clinical and laboratory preparation and the transference of the responsibility from the dentist to the dental technician. Objective: this study aimed to assess the quality of planning and preparation in removable partial denture casts performed by dental students and dentists sent to the dental laboratories. Methods: the survey was conducted in eight registered dental laboratories in the Regional Council of Dentistry of Piaui (CRO-PI), where the forms was applied, with 10 closed questions. The sample consisted of 60 models for making RPD, 30 referred by dentists and 30 students. Results: the results showed that 21 (35%) dentists used plaster stone for casting and 21 (35%) students were leaked with special plaster; 27 (45%) of the dental students performed preparation in the dental models, and 24 (40%) dentists not prepared models; 2 (3.3%) of the dental technicians received technical designs of dentists and 26 (43.3%) of students; 20 (33.3%) students models arrived designed and 29 (48.3%) of dentists were done by technicians; 26 (43.3%) technicians had no doubt on the planning submitted by students and 15 (25%) had technical issues on the work referred by dentists and 100% communicated for clarification. Conclusion: in conclusion, a considerable number of dentists neglect the steps of mouth preparations and planning of RPDs, delegating to the dental technician the major responsibility in designing and executing removable partial denture.

Comparison of crown designs of different dental occupational groups, using CAD-CAM / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: Increasing use of computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) system and number of design software made design of restoration easy and quick. Outcome of restoration has been dependent on dental technician's wax up proficiency, dentists can design restoration for themselves now. This study aims to investigate the outcome of restoration designs, according to handling skill of CAD-CAM design tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient's mandibular right 1st molar was prepared. After taking impression, stone model was made, scanned the stone model with 3 shape intra-oral scanner, stereolithography (STL) file was extracted. With 3shape dental designer, one dental technician with more than 5 years work experience (designer 0) and three dental technicians with less than 2years work experience (designer 1, 2, 3-group DT) and 4 1st year residents (designer 4, 5, 6, 7-group RT) designed gold crown on the same STL file. Designed crown's MD (mesio-distal) and BL (bucco-lingual) diameter, height of crown, inter-cuspal distance, number of occlusal contact points were compared. Statistical analysis was carried out, test of normality within each group, using independent t-test. Number of contact points were compared, using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between group DT and group RT. Number of contact points also resulted in no significant difference. CONCLUSION: The outcome of each designed crowns showed no statistical differences, in values which can be expressed as numbers. Subjective factors were different. With increasing proficiency in handling designing software, fabrication of restorations according to each designer's occlusal concept can be made easy.

Bridging the gap. quality of communication between prosthodontists and lab technicians

This descriptive study was carried out at dental out-patient department of Liaquat medical University Hospital Hyderabad from January 2013 to December 2013. Thirty-five patients wearing auto polymerized [self-cured] fixed partial dentures provided by unqualified and qualified dental practitioners were assessed. Condition of oral health was evaluated on the basis of proper history and clinical examination. Prosthesis condition was also assessed. Oral health of underlying soft and hard tissues was carefully evaluated after removing the prosthesis with the help of slow speed hand piece without jeopardizing oral tissues. It was evident in this study that fixed partial dentures made from auto polymerized [self cure] acrylic resins had adversely affected the oral tissues compelling the patients to visit the qualified dentist for proper treatment of their problems

Pulmonary Foreign Body Granulomatosis in Dental Technician / 결핵및호흡기질환

Occupational lung diseases are caused by several toxic substances including heavy metals; however, the exact pathologic mechanisms remain unknown. In the workplace, dental technicians are often exposed to heavy metals such as cobalt, nickel, or beryllium and occasionally develop occupational lung diseases. We described a case of occupational lung disease in a patient who was employed as a dental technician for over a decade. A 31-year-old, non-smoking woman presented with productive cough and shortness of breath of several weeks duration. Chest computed tomography revealed a large number of scattered, bilateral small pulmonary nodules throughout the lung field, and multiple mediastinal lymph nodes enlargement. Percutaneous needle biopsy showed multifocal small granulomas with foreign body type giant cells suggestive of heavy metals inhalation. The patient's condition improved on simple avoidance strategy for several months. This case highlighted the importance of proper workplace safety.

Esthetic restoration using Digital Smile Design: a case report / 대한치과보철학회지

To achieve an esthetic restoration, visualized information considering the facial aspect of patient is required. As for the reasons of esthetic failure, it could be explained by lack of communication and information such as horizontal, vertical and esthetic line. Therefore, it is important to deliver that the visualized information to dental technicians or other dentists for the success of esthetic treatment. This case report presents the process of visualizing esthetic information and designing the restoration using a digital diagnostic tool; Digital Smile Design.

Evaluation of fitness in implant screw as tightening torque in dental laboratory

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the tightening torque for dental implant in dental laboratory and to analyze of the effects of different tightening torque. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tightening torque for dental implant in dental laboratory were measured by digital torque gauge. The length of abutment and analog were measured as tightening torque of manufacturer's instructions and the measured value. And the data were statically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean tightening torque of implant screw in dental laboratory was 1.563 +/- 0.332 Ncm. The external type implant system of total length were showing no significant differences but the internal type implant system had difference significant (P < 0.05) when compared with tightening torque. CONCLUSION: The implant prosthesis should be made under manufacturer's instructions especially as tightening torque of screw. For the fidelity of implant prosthesis, dental technician should learn how to use the torque gauge.

The study of awareness and practice of infection control on dental practitioners during the prosthodontic treatment / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the degree of awareness and actual practice of dental practitioners regarding infection control during prosthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study participants were composed of dentists, dental hygienists, dental technicians working at dental university hospital, general hospital, dental hospital and dental clinics in Daejeon, Korea (n=126). The questionnaires included the data on general characteristics, education, awareness and practice of infection control procedures during prosthodontic treatment through personal self-administration survey. Awareness and practice were measured by Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. Statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA. Influence of awareness on practice was estimated by regression analysis. RESULTS: 27.7% of the respondents answered that the infection control education regarding prosthodontic treatment is insufficient. The mean value of awareness and practice of infection control during the prosthodontic treatment were 2.72 +/- 0.80, 1.58 +/- 0.88, respectively. The mean value of practice who answered that had education curriculum at college was 1.62 +/- 0.9, and 1.31 +/- 0.49 who did not. The mean value of awareness who equipped guideline was 3.01 +/- 0.9, and 2.56 +/- 0.70 who did not. CONCLUSION: 1. The respondents who received the infection control education by college curriculum showed higher degree of practice than the respondents who did not. 2. The respondents who have appropriate infection control guidebook in their workplace showed higher degree of awareness than the respondents who did not. 3. There was a correlation between the awareness and practice of infection control during prosthodontic treatment; the degree of awareness becomes higher, so does the degree of practice. 4. During the prosthodontic treatment, the degree of practice was lower than the degree of awareness on infection control.

Cost Analysis for Dentures Performed at Dental Clinics in Korea / 보건행정학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to analyze the cost for the denture treatment in accordance with the government's plan to expand the National Health Insurance coverage for dental prothesis from July 1, 2012. METHODS: We developed the draft of classification of the treatment activities based on the existing researches and expert's review and finalized the standard procedures through confirming by Korean Dental Association. We also made the list of input at each stage of treatments. We conducted survey of 100 dental clinics via post from April 4 to May 20 in 2011 and 37 clinics took part in the survey. The unit of cost calculation is the process from the first visit for denture treatment to setting of denture and adjustment. The manufacturing process performed by dental technician was not included in the cost analysis. RESULTS: The process for the complete denture treatment was classified with 10 stages. The partial denture treatment was classified with 8 stages. The treatment time per each denture is about 5.6 hours for complete dentures and about 6.6 hours for partial dentures. The treatment cost were from 591,108 won to 643,913 won for complete denture and from 670,219 won to 738,840 won for partial denture in 2011, depending on the location, type of the clinics and the types of physician's income. CONCLUSION: This study shows the example of cost analysis for the treatment to set the fee schedule. Measures to get representative and accurate information need to be made.

Medidas de Segurança Adotadas por Técnicos de Prótese Dentária da Paraíba durante a Manipulação da Resina Acrílica / Safety Measures Adopted by Prosthetic Technicians in the State of Paraiba, Brazil, During the use of Acrylic Resin

O metacrilato de metila, material largamente utilizado naconfecção de próteses dentárias, apresenta níveis de toxicidadecomprovados. Por essa razão, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar,em técnicos de prótese dentária de 4 cidades do Estado da Paraíba,os sinais e sintomas que ocorrem após a exposição às resinas acrílicase as medidas de segurança adotadas durante o seu processamento.Material e Métodos: Usou-se um questionário direcionado ao tipo deserviço prestado, tempo de trabalho com a resina, sinais e sintomasdecorrentes da exposição e medidas de segurança adotadas durantea manipulação. A amostra foi constituída por 50 profissionais atuantesnas cidades de João Pessoa (44%), Campina Grande (24%), Sousa(18%) e Cajazeiras (14%). Resultados: Verificou-se que 72% dostécnicos trabalham por mais de 10 anos com a resina acrílica. Apósa manipulação, em curto prazo, 26% dos profissionais relataram irritaçãonos olhos, 18% dor de cabeça e 14% irritação nas narinas. Em longoprazo, 10% dos profissionais informaram sobre irritação nas narinas,8% irritação na pele e 6% dificuldade para respirar. Oitenta e quatropor cento (84%) dos profissionais informaram não conhecer técnicosde prótese que tenham desenvolvido problemas de saúde atribuídosao uso da resina. Oito por cento (8%) dos entrevistados jáapresentavam alguma alteração de saúde decorrente da profissão.Durante o processamento da resina os cuidados mais frequentesforam manter a circulação do ar (82%), uso de máscaras cirúrgicas(76%) e uso de óculos de proteção (28%). Conclusões: Concluiu-seque os técnicos de prótese dentária das cidades envolvidas estãosujeitos a uma série de doenças profissionais por desconhecerem atoxicidade das resinas acrílicas e não empregarem métodos desegurança eficazes...

Methyl methacrylate is a material widely used inprosthodontics which has been found to cause toxic effects. Therefore,this study aims to evaluate the signs and symptoms that occur afterexposure to acrylic resins and the safety measures taken during theiruse by prosthetic technicians from four cities in the state of Paraiba,Brazil. Material and Methods: We applied a questionnaire addressingthe topics: type of service performed, time of working with the resin,signs and symptoms resulting from their exposure and safetymeasures taken during material handling. The sample consisted of 50professionals working in the cities of João Pessoa (44%), CampinaGrande (24%), Sousa (18%) and Cajazeiras (14%). Results: It wasfound that 72% of technicians had been working with acrylic resin forover 10 years. After short-term manipulation, 26% of professionalsreported having had eye irritation, 18% headache and 14% itchynose. In long-term exposures, 10% of professionals reported havinghad itchy nose, 8% skin irritation and 6% difficulty to breath. Eightyfourpercent (84%) of practitioners reported not knowing any prosthetictechnician who had experienced health issues attributed to the use ofresin. Eight percent (8%) of respondents had already had occupationalhealth issues. During the processing of resin, the most frequentlymeasures taken were: keep the air circulation (82%), use of surgicalmasks (76%) and use of goggles (28%). Conclusion: Based on theseresults, we concluded that the prosthetic technicians of the earlymentioned cities are susceptible to several occupational diseasesdue to be unaware of the toxicity of acrylic resins and not to employeffective safety methods...

A Case of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis with Giant Cells in a Female Dental Technician

OBJECTIVES: Dental technicians are exposed to methyl methacrylate(MMA) and hard metal dusts while working, and several cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by the exposure have been reported. The authors experienced a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a female dental technician who had 10 years' work experience and report the case with clinical evidence. METHOD: The patient's work, personal, social, and past and present medical histories were investigated based on patient questioning and medical records. Furthermore, the workplace conditions and tools and materials the patient worked with were also evaluated. Next, the pathophysiology and risk factors of pneumonitis were studied, and studies on the relationship between hypersensitivity pneumonitis and a dental technician's exposure to dust were reviewed. Any changes in the clinical course of her disease were noted for evaluation of the work-relatedness of the disease. RESULTS: The patient complained of cough and sputum for 1 year. In addition, while walking up the stairs, the patient was not able to ascend without resting due to dyspnea. She visited our emergency department due to epistaxis, and secondary hypertension was incidentally suspected. Laboratory tests including serologic, electrolyte, and endocrinologic tests and a simple chest radiograph showed no specific findings, but chest computed tomography revealed a centrilobular ground-glass pattern in both lung fields. A transbronchial biopsy was performed, and bronchoalveolar washing fluid was obtained. Among the findings of the laboratory tests, microcalcification, noncaseating granuloma containing foreign body-type giant cells, and metal particles within macrophages were identified histologically. Based on these results, hypersensitivity pneumonitis was diagnosed. The patient stopped working due to admission, and she completely quit her job within 2 months of restarting work due to reappearance of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: In this study, the patient did not have typical radiologic findings, but pathological evaluation of the lung biopsy from the bronchoscope led to the suspicion of pneumonitis. Under the microscope, the sample contained fibrotic changes in the lung, multinucleated giant cells, and particles in macrophages and was diagnosed as dental technician pneumoconiosis by the pathology. Working as a dental technician had directly exposed her to light metal dust and MMA, and her clinical symptoms and radiologic findings subsided after withdrawal from exposure to the workplace. These outcomes led to the diagnosis of hypersensitity pneumonitis due to MMA exposure and strong work-relatedness.

Ethics in the provision of removable partial dentures

Aim: To investigate the construction of cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures by commercialprivate dental laboratories. Methods: Ninety master casts for fabrication of cobalt-chromiumremovable partial dentures were obtained from three commercial laboratories randomly selected.Casts were assessed for dental arch treated, Kennedy classification, cast surveying, denturedesign information provided by the dentist, and mouth preparation (rest seat, guiding plane andretentive area). Dental technicians answered a questionnaire regarding qualification of assisteddentists, monthly number of framework castings, and use of dental surveyor. Mouth preparationwas compared among laboratories using Kruskal-Wallis test (α=0.05). Results: The percentageof Kennedy class I was 16%, class II 19%, class III 56%, and class IV 9%. The majority ofmaster cats (51%) examined was sent to dental laboratories without any design information anddid not comply with ethical guidelines in the provision of RPD. Approximately half of the castswere considered “inappropriate” for guiding planes and retentive areas. One of the laboratoriespresented all casts “inappropriate” for rest seat distribution (p<0.001). Conclusions: Mouthpreparation frequently failed for guiding planes, retentive areas and distribution of rest seats. It isnecessary to provide students with adequate clinical experience at the dental school environment,which will actually be carried into the practice of dentistry.

Perfil dos alunos dos cursos de técnico em prótese dentária do estado da Paraíba / Profile of students of the dental technician courses in the state of Paraíba

Objetivo: caracterizar o perfil dos alunos dos cursos técnicos em prótese dentária do Estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Metodologia: realizou-se um estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo. O universoda pesquisa compreendeu todos os estudantes de 18 a 61 anos de idade regularmente matriculados nos cursos de formação de Técnicos em Prótese Dentária(TPD) do estado da Paraíba. A amostra do tipo não probabilística foi composta por114 alunos, em ambos os sexos. A coleta de dados foi realizada por um examinador nas 4 escolas existentes no estado, mediante aplicação de questionário específico. Os dados foram organizados com o software Excel®. Resultados: a maioria dos alunos é do sexo masculino (59,6%), têm entre 30 e 39anos (41,2%), possuem renda familiar de até 2 salários mínimos (46,5%), são casados(56,1%) e oriundos do estado da Paraíba (46,4%). Mais de um terço dos alunos(38,6%) possuem parentes atuando como TPD. O principal motivo para escolha do curso foi a pessoal (37,9%). Verificou-se que 39,5% participaram de congressos e33,3% pretendem trabalhar na área de prótese total. Conclusão: a maioria dos alunos do curso técnico em prótese dentária é do sexo masculino, de baixa renda familiar e casado. Muitos possuem familiares atuando na profissão, sendo a escolha pessoal o fator determinante para o ingresso na profissão. A maioria pretende atuar nas áreas de prótese total e prótese fixa.

Aim: to characterize the profile of students of technical dental courses in the state of Paraiba, Brazil. Methodology: an observational cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out. The research sample comprised all students aged 18 to 61 years of age enrolled in courses for Dental Technicians (TPD) in Paraíba state. The non-probability sample consisted of 114 students of both genders. Data collection was carried out by an examiner in four schools in the state, and a specific questionnaire was applied. Data were organized in an Excel spreadsheet. Results: most students are male (59.6%), are aged between 30 and 39 (41.2%), have family income of up to two minimum wages (46.5%), are married (56.1%) and from the state of Paraíba (46.4%). More than a third of students (38.6%) have relatives working as DPT. The majority (37.9%) of the sample chose this course for personal reasons. It was found that 39.5% had participated in congresses and 33.3% intend to work in the field of complete dentures. Conclusion: the majority of the students of dental technician courses are male, of lower income and married. Many have relatives working in the profession, the personal choice was the determining factor for entry into the profession and they intend to work in the fields of dentures and fixed prostheses.

The Assessment of Pulmonary Function in Dental Technicians / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Dental technicians are exposed to various toxic materials in the workplace. The objectives of this study were to assess the pulmonary function of dental technicians and to evaluate the association between work-related factors and pulmonary function of dental technicians. METHODS: Study subjects were 209 dental technicians in the Korean Dental Technologist Association. A self-report questionnaire including general characteristics, respiratory symptoms, and work-related characteristics was conducted on study subjects, and a pulmonary function test (PFT) was done. Study subjects were classified into two groups(normal and abnormal pulmonary function) based on the pulmonary function test (PFT). RESULTS: 43 subjects (20.6%) among 209 subjects had abnormal pulmonary function. After adjusting for general characteristics such as age, sex, past medical history, familial history, and smoking status, the odds ratio for work duration (per year) was 1.42(95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14~1.83). After adjusting for general and work-related characteristics, the odds ratio for work duration (per year) was 1.48(95% CI 1.18~1.92). CONCLUSIONS: Dental technicians are exposed to hazardous materials, which might lead to abnormal pulmonary function. A long work duration could increase exposure time, thereby increasing the chance for abnormal pulmonary function. Therefore, pulmonary function tests should be carried out periodically in dental technicians to ensure their pulmonary health.