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.

A escola como espaço promotor de saúde bucal: cuidando de escolares por meio de ações coletivas / The school space as promoter of oral health: caring for childrenthrough collective programs

Como alternativas ao controle da cárie dentária em serviços públicos, o Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático (ART), bem como o selamento de cicatrículas e fissuras, têm sido realizados de forma a minimizar o número de extrações dentárias realizadas nos países subdesenvolvidos. Este trabalho objetivou relatar os resultados de uma ação coletiva realizada porestudantes de Odontologia da UFRN. O público alvo incluiu 120 alunos de uma Escola Municipal na cidade de Jardim de Piranhas (RN), Brasil. Foram feitas orientações quanto à saúde bucal, por meio de palestras educativas e teatro de fantoches, extensivas aos pais/responsáveis. Após exame clínico e medição do CPO-D ceo-d, todos os escolares receberam orientação de higiene bucal e aplicação tópica de flúor. Crianças de 4 a 12 anos de idade receberam restaurações atraumáticas (ART) e selamentos da superfície oclusal com cimento de ionômero de vidro. O Índice de PlacaVisível (IPV) médio e o Índice de Sangramento Gengival (ISG) médio foram 31porcento e 15 porcento,respectivamente. Foram executados 34 ARTs e 39 selamentos. Após seis meses, a média do IPV reduziu para 15 porcento (p signal minus 0.001) e a do ISG para 6 porcento (psinal de maior que 0.001). Notou-se que 40 porcento das ART?s permaneceram íntegras e 60 porcento haviam sido perdidas. Quanto aos selantes, 21,9 porcento estiveram íntegros, 25 porcento,com perda parcial e 53,1 porcento, perderam-se totalmente. Não houve incidência de cárie neste período. Percebeu-se que o programa foi efetivo na promoção e manutenção de saúde oral dos escolares envolvidos.

This work aims at reporting results of a collective program carried out by UFRN Dentistry undergraduate students. The population included 120 students of a Municipal School in Jardim de Piranhas RN, Brazil. Guidelines on oral health were presented through educative lectures and Puppets Theater, which covered also parents/guardians. Oral clinical examination, DMFT dmft Indices recording, guidelines of oral care and application of topical fluoride were performed in all schoolchildren. Atraumatic Restorative Treatments (ART) and glass ionomer pit and fissure sealants were carried out in children from 4 to 12 years old. Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) means were 31 porcent and 15 porcent, respectively. Thirty four ART's and 39 sealments were performed. After six month, the PVI reduced to 15 porcent (p signal minus 0.001) and the GBI to 6 porcent (p 0.001). It was observed that 40 porcent of the ART?s remained intact and 60 porcent had been lost. As for sealing, 21.9 porcent were intact, 25 porcent with partial loss whereas 53.1 porcent were totally lost. Decay?s incidence was none. One can suggest the program was effective in promoting and maintaining oral health among these schoolchildren.