Undergraduate dental students and dentists' acceptability and knowledge about selective caries tissue removal / Aceitabilidade e conhecimento sobre remoção seletiva de tecido cariado de graduandos em odontologia e cirurgiões-dentistas

Objetivo: Avaliar a aceitabilidade e o conhecimento de estudantes de graduação em Odontologia e cirurgiões-dentistas sobre a remoção seletiva de tecido cariado (RSTC). Materiais e Métodos: Participaram do estudo graduandos do terceiro e quarto ano de Odontologia (Grupo 1) e egressos de um Centro Hospitalar de Odontologia (Grupo 2). Os participantes responderam de forma anônima e confidencial um questionário validado contendo onze questões sobre diagnóstico e manejo de lesões cariosas profundas. Teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e regressão logística multivariada foram aplicados (p<0.05). Resultados: A amostra total foi composta por 146 participantes. Destes, 81.5% eram do sexo feminino; 52.05% eram graduados e a faixa etária mais prevalente foi de 18 a 29 anos (85.62%). Sessenta e nove participantes escolheram o tratamento expectante (p=0.027). A análise de regressão logística mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Os participantes que consideraram a parede pulpar úmida têm aproximadamente oito vezes mais chances de escolha pelo tratamento invasivo (p=0.028). Aqueles que escolheram o tratamento endodôntico como opção de sobrevida em dois anos têm três vezes mais chances de optar pelo tratamento invasivo (p=0.032). Aqueles que afirmaram que a dentina cariada próxima à polpa não deveria ser removida tiveram quase três vezes mais chances de optar por tratamentos minimamente invasivos (p=0.031). Discussão: Estudos com questionários podem ser ferramentas úteis para detectar se estudantes e cirurgiões-dentistas estão seguindo as evidências mais atuais para o tratamento de lesões cariosas profundas. Conclusão: Os participantes tinham certo nível de conhecimento sobre RSTC, mas a aceitabilidade da técnica carecia de consenso.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and knowledge of undergraduate dental students and dentists on selective caries tissue removal (SCTR). Materials and Methods: Third- and fourth-year Dentistry undergraduates (Group 1) and graduates working in a Hospital Dentistry Center (Group 2) were included in the study. Participants anonymously and confidentially answered a validated questionnaire containing eleven questions on the diagnosis and management of deep caries lesions. Pearson's Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression compared the answers (p<0.05). Results: Total sample comprised 146 participants. Of these, 81.5% were female; 52.05% were graduates and the most prevalent age group was 18-29 years old (85.62%). Sixty-nine participants chose stepwise caries removal (p=0.027). The logistic regression analysis showed statistically significant differences. The participants who considered pulp wall moist have approximately eight times more likelihood to choose an invasive treatment (p=0.028). Those who chose endodontic treatment as an option for two-year survival have three times more likelihood to choose an invasive treatment (p=0.032). Those who affirmed that the carious dentin close to the pulp should not be removed had almost three times more likelihood to choose minimally invasive treatments (p=0.031). Discussion: Studies with questionnaires can be useful tools to detect whether the students and dentists are following the most current evidences to treat deep carious lesions. Conclusion: The participants had certain level of knowledge on SCTR, but the technique acceptability lacked consensus.

COVID-19 and changes in dental practices in the Brazilian Public Health System: perception of the oral health team

Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the perception of the oral health team regarding work safety and aspects related to changes in dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive, exploratory, quantitative, and qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire sent via email to health professionals (n = 197) affiliated with the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS), from December 2020 to September 2021, in a municipality located in the northeast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The variables of interest were sociodemographic characteristics and those related to the professionals' perception of oral health care during the pandemic and its impact on these workers' occupational safety. Descriptive statistics were performed, and the absolute and relative frequencies of quantitative variables were calculated, whereas lexical analysis was performed for textual content using the descending hierarchical classification (CHD). Out of the total sample, elective and urgent/emergency care was provided by 58.95% (n = 56); physical barriers were absent between the teams in 54.74% (n = 52); minimally invasive techniques were applied in 71.58% (n = 68); personal protective equipment (PPE) was replaced in 81.05% (n = 77) between appointments; and occupational safety was reported by 49.47% (n = 47). Textual analysis showed a decrease in appointments and consultations, with a longer interval between appointments. The professionals noticed changes in dental practices during the pandemic, mainly regarding the use of PPE, the type of treatment performed, the number of treated patients, and the greater time interval between consultations. The physical infrastructure of health units and the availability of PPE to patients needed some adjustments. A significant number of workers felt safe in providing dental care during the pandemic.

Evidence-practice gap in treatment decisions about defective composite and amalgam restorations among Brazilian dentists

Better understanding of dentists' decision-making about defective restorations is needed to close the evidence-practice gap (EPG). This study aimed to quantify the EPG about defective restorations and identify dentist factors associated with this EPG. Methods: 216 dentists from São Paulo State, Brazil, completed a questionnaire about three clinical case scenarios involving defective composite restorations with cementum-dentin margins (case 1) and enamel margins (case 2), and an amalgam (case 3) restoration. Dentists were asked what treatment, if any, they would recommend, including preventive treatment, polishing, re-surfacing, or repairing the restoration, or replacing the entire restoration. Replacing the entire restoration in any of these three scenarios was classified as inconsistent with the evidence, comprising an EPG. Bivariate analyses using Chi-square, ANOVA, or multiple comparison tests were performed (p<.05). Results: for defective composite restorations, 49% and 55% of dentists chose to replace the entire restoration for cases 1 and 2, respectively. Twenty-nine percent of dentists chose to replace the entire amalgam restoration. Dentists were significantly more likely to choose to replace the defective amalgam restoration than the composite restoration with a defect at the cementum-dentin margins or the enamel margins (both at p < .001). Female dentists were more likely to choose a conservative treatment than male dentists for cases 1 (p=.034) and 2 (p=.009). Dentists with a higher percentage of patients interested in individualized caries prevention were also more conservative in case 1 (p=.045). Conclusion: a substantial EPG regarding treatment decisions for defective restorations exists, especially for composite restorations. This study adds to the international evidence that an EPG exists in this clinical area and that global strategies need to be developed to close the gap

Evidence-practice gap in treatment recommendations for proximal caries among Brazilian dentists / Lacuna entre a evidência e a prática nas recomendações de tratamento para cárie proximal entre dentistas brasileiros

ABSTRACT Little is known about how Brazilian dentists' treatment decisions for proximal carious lesions are compared to current evidence-based recommendations, so better understanding is needed to close any potential evidence-practice gap. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to quantify the evidence-practice gap about proximal carious lesions treatment and identify dentist factors associated with this evidence-practice gap. Methods: Brazilian dentists (n=214) from Araraquara, São Paulo State, "completed a questionnaire about their dentist and practice characteristics and a translated version of the "Assessment of Caries Diagnosis and Caries Treatment" from the U.S. National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Five radiographic images of proximal carious lesions in low-risk and high-risk patient scenarios were used. Associations between treatment recommendations and lesion, dentist, and practice characteristics were tested for statistical significance (p<0.05). Results: Lesions confined to the enamel would be restored by 35% and 71% of dentists in the low-risk and high-risk patient scenarios, respectively, suggesting a substantial evidence-practice gap given that surgical intervention of enamel lesions is not consistent with current evidence. The lesion depth threshold to recommend a permanent restoration differed between the low-risk and high-risk patient scenarios (p<0.001). Specific dentist/practice characteristics (dentist gender, graduate of a public dental school, postgraduate training, use of caries risk assessment) were significantly associated with the evidence-practice gap, but the magnitude of these differences was not major Conclusion: A substantial evidence-practice gap in treatment of proximal carious lesions was found for the sample overall, even when clinical scenarios presented low-risk patients. Global strategies are needed to close this substantial evidence-practice gap.

RESUMO Pouco se sabe se as decisões de tratamento dos dentistas brasileiros para lesões cariosas proximais são comparadas às recomendações atuais baseadas em evidências, portanto, é necessário um melhor entendimento para fechar qualquer potencial lacuna entre a evidência e a prática. Purpose: Este estudo transversal teve como objetivo quantificar a lacuna entre a evidência e a prática na decisão de tratamento das lesões cariosas proximais e identificar os fatores associados a essa lacuna entre a evidência e a prática. Methods: Cirurgiões-dentistas brasileiros (n=214) de Araraquara, Estado de São Paulo, preencheram um questionário sobre suas características odontológicas e clínicas e uma versão traduzida do "Assessment of Caries Diagnosis and Caries Treatment" da U.S. National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Cinco imagens radiográficas de lesões cariosas proximais em cenários de pacientes de baixo risco e alto risco foram usadas. Associações entre recomendações de tratamento e lesão, dentista e características da prática foram testadas (p<0,05). Results: As lesões confinadas ao esmalte seriam restauradas por 35% e 71% dos dentistas nos cenários de pacientes de baixo risco e alto risco, respectivamente, sugerindo uma lacuna entre a evidência e a prática substancial, dado que a intervenção cirúrgica das lesões do esmalte não é consistente com as evidências atuais. O limiar de profundidade da lesão para recomendar uma restauração permanente diferiu entre os cenários de pacientes de baixo risco e alto risco (p<0,001). Características específicas do dentista/prática (sexo do dentista, graduado em uma faculdade pública, pós-graduação, uso da avaliação de risco de cárie) foram significativamente associadas à lacuna entre a evidência e a prática, mas a magnitude dessas diferenças não foi importante. Conclusions: uma lacuna entre a evidência e a prática substancial na decisão de tratamento de lesões cariosas proximais foi encontrada para a amostra como um todo, mesmo quando os cenários clínicos apresentavam pacientes de baixo risco. Estratégias globais são necessárias para fechar essa lacuna entre a evidência e a prática.

Adequação dos serviços odontológicos do Paraná no enfrentamento da Covid-19: um estudo transversal / Adequacy of dental services in Paraná during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi identificar adequações quanto à utilização de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual e organização do processo de trabalho no atendimento odontológico ambulatorial no Paraná durante o primeiro ano da pandemia da Covid-19. A amostra de conveniência incluiu 1.105 profissionais de saúde bucal (cirurgiões-dentistas, técnicos e auxiliares em saúde bucal) durante o primeiro ano da pandemia (agosto a outubro de 2020). Formulário on-line (Google Formulários®) foi enviado por e-mail pelo Conselho Regional de Odontologia. As medidas de enfrentamento da Covid-19 foram comparadas entre os tipos de serviços odontológicos: ambulatorial do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS (Atenção Primária, Centro de Especialidades Odontológicos e Pronto Atendimento), clínica privada, e outros (Sistema S, forças de segurança, sindicatos, hospitais públicos e privados e clínicas de ensino). Os profissionais dos serviços ambulatoriais do SUS relataram com maior frequência que: suspenderam atendimentos eletivos, evitavam gerar aerossóis e trabalhavam a quatro mãos. Nas clínicas privadas, utilizavam frequentemente teleorientação e telemonitoramento. Nos 'outros serviços', houve maior proporção de redução das horas de trabalho e autoclavagem de peças de mão após cada atendimento. Conclui-se que, apesar da alta adequação às medidas de enfrentamento da Covid-19, houve diferença na prática profissional nos diferentes tipos de serviços odontológicos.

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study aimed to identify adjustments regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment and the organization of the work process in outpatient dental care in Paraná during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The convenience sample included 1,105 oral health professionals (dental surgeons, oral health assistants, and dental hygienists) during the first year of the pandemic (August to October, 2020). An online form (Google Forms®) was sent by email by the Regional Council of Dentistry. COVID-19's measures were compared between the types of dental services: 'outpatient clinic of the Unified Health System - SUS' (Primary Care, Dental Specialty Center, and Emergency Care), 'private clinic' and 'other services' (Sistema S, security forces, trade union, public and private hospitals, and teaching clinics). Professionals from SUS outpatient services reported more frequently: that they suspended elective care, avoided generating aerosols, and worked four-handed. Professionals from 'private clinics' used teleorientation and telemonitoring more regularly. In the 'other services', there was a more significant proportion reduction in work hours and handpieces autoclaving after each service. It is concluded that, despite the high adequacy of the measures to combat COVID-19, there was a difference in professional practice among the different types of dental services.

Medidas de biossegurança nos consultórios odontológicos durante a pandemia de COVID-19: estudo com profissionais de saúde bucal do estado do Paraná / Biosafety measures in dental offices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a study with oral health professionals in the state of Paraná

Com o surgimento da pandemia causada pelo SARS-Cov-2, houve a necessidade de reestruturação dos serviços de saúde no Brasil, incluindo a clínica odontológica. O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever as medidas de biossegurança realizadas ou modificadas na prática de saúde bucal no estado do Paraná, em nível público e privado, envolvendo três categorias profissionais: cirurgiões-dentistas (CD), técnicos em saúde bucal (TSB) e auxiliares de saúde bucal (ASB). Esta pesquisa transversal descritiva foi realizada nos meses de agosto a outubro de 2020, com o envio de questionários on-linepor e-maile divulgação em redes sociais. Foram envolvidos 1072 profissionais, sendo 75,6% CD, 16,3% ASB e 8,1% TSB. O gênero feminino foi predominante entre os participantes (81,1%), com 46,1% apresentando idade entre 40 e 59 anos. Gorro, máscara cirúrgica, óculos de proteção e protetor facial são referidos como sempre utilizados, respectivamente, por 92,3%, 81,0%, 80,0% e 79,1% dos participantes. A máscara N95/PFF2 (67,5%) e o avental impermeável (20,3%) tiverem os maiores percentuais de "nunca disponíveis ou utilizados". Cerca de 50% afirmaram que tiveram acesso à Nota Técnica GVIMS/GGTES/ANVISA Nº 04/2020. Os profissionais avaliados, em geral, realizaram mudanças em suas práticas de biossegurança, mas precisam ser acompanhados durante toda a extensão da pandemia.

With the emergence of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, there was a need to restructure health services in Brazil, including the dental clinic. The aim of the present study was to describe the biosafety measures performed or modified in oral health practice at public and private levels, involving the three professional categories: dental surgeons (DDS), oral health technicians(OHT), and health assistants (HA) in the state of Paraná. This escriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out from August to October 2020, with an online questionnaire being sent by email and published on social networks. There were 1072 professionalsinvolved, of which 75.6% were DDS, 16.3% were OHT, and 8.1% were HA. The female gender was predominant among the participants (81.1%), and 46.1% were aged between 40 and 59 years. 92.3%, 81.0%, 80.0%, and 79.1% of the articipants, respectively, said theyalways used a cap, surgical mask, protective glasses, and face shield. The N95/PFF2 mask (67.5%) and the waterproof apron (20.3%) are two of the most frequently mentioned items as never being available or used. About 51% said they had access to Technical Note GVIMS/GGTES/ANVISA No. 04/2020. In general, the professionals evaluated have been making changes in their biosafety practices, but they still need to be monitored throughout the pandemic.

Restorative treatment decisions regarding approximal and occlusal carious lesions among general dental practitioners in Palestine

Aim: To investigate restorative decisions made by dentists and to examine what demographic characteristics are associated with the decisions for managing approximal and occlusal lesions. Methods: A questionnaire was randomly sent to 900 Palestinian dentists. It noted the demographic details of the dentists and the years of experience. The questionnaire evaluated the respondents for their treatment decisions regarding approximal and occlusal carious lesions. The data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS statistics for windows. The associations between gender and years of experience of the respondents and their restorative decisions were assessed. Results: The response rate was 58.2%. For occlusal carious lesions, 93.9% of the respondents would postpone operative treatment until the lesion was in dentine (grade 3 to 5). For approximal lesions, intervention was deemed appropriate by 92.6% of the respondents when there was radiographic evidence of a carious lesion reaching the DEJ or deeper. Around 53% preferred to prepare approximal lesions according to the traditional principles of cavity preparation. For both approximal and occlusal lesions, the participants opted for resin composites. Statistically, there was a significant association between the restorative decisions with the years since graduation and gender. Conclusion: The study showed variations between the treatment decisions of Palestinian dentists. The subjects chose conservative treatment plans but still adhered to traditional learned practices especially when cavity preparation for approximal lesions was concerned. The years since graduation and gender played a significant role in the choice of treatment opted for. Resin composites seemed to be a popular choice for treatment

Methods for Caries Prevention in Children Reported by Dentists from a Brazilian Community

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the dental practice patterns related to caries prevention in children aged 6-18 years and associated factors. Material and Methods: Dentists (n=162) from Araraquara, Brazil, completed two paper questionnaires: (1) one about characteristics of their practice and their patient population; and (2) a translated version of the "Assessment of Caries Diagnosis and Caries Treatment" Questionnaire from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Regression analyses were used for data analysis (p<0.05). Results: Dentists reported using in-office fluoride (IOF) and dental sealants (DS) in 74.2% and 45.1% of their pediatric patients, respectively. Regression analysis showed that female dentists (p=0.035 for DS; p=0.044 for IOF; p=0.011 for non-prescription fluoride rinse), those with advanced degrees (p=0.032 for prescription of fluoride), those who graduated from a private dental school (p=0.018 for chlorhexidine rinse), those who provided caries prevention regimens (p<0.001 for DS; p=0.004 for IOF; p=0.013 for non-prescription fluoride rinse), those with a greater percentage of patients interested in a caries prevention regimen (p=0.007 for non-prescription fluoride rinse), those working in a private practice model (p=0.047 for prescription of fluoride) were more likely to recommend some type of preventive methods to their pediatric patients. Conclusion: Dentists reported recommending IOF to most of their pediatric patients. Certain dentists', practices', and patients' characteristics were associated to some caries prevention regimens recommended by dentists.

Caries risk assessment in dental practices by dentists from a Brazilian community

Abstract Data on dental practices related to caries risk assessment (CRA) are scarce among Brazilian dentists. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CRA use by dentists and factors associated with its use, as well as to quantify dentists' ratings of the importance of specific factors when treatment planning. Dentists registered at the Regional Council of Dentistry of São Paulo State - Araraquara region were sent two paper questionnaires that comprised: a) characteristics of dentists themselves, their practices, and their patients; and b) the translated version of the "Assessment of Caries Diagnosis and Caries Treatment" Questionnaire from the U.S. National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Participants were 206 dentists who currently practiced in Araraquara and treated dental caries. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. Thirty-six percent of the dentists reported they perform CRA and, among them, 36% indicated they record the assessment on a special form that is kept in the patient chart. More years since dental school graduation (OR = 1.1, p = 0.002) and holding an advanced academic degree (OR=2.6, p=0.005) were associated with a higher likelihood of performing CRA, whereas exclusively using a private practice model (OR = 0.5, p = 0.016) was associated with a lower likelihood of performing CRA. The current oral hygiene and commitment to return for follow-up were the most important risk factors for treatment planning. In conclusion, CRA was not a routine procedure in daily practice among the majority of participating dentists. Specific demographic, practice and academic education characteristics were associated with performing CRA.

Experiencias relacionadas con la pérdida dental durante la niñez y la juventud / Experiences related to dental loss during childhood and youth

Background: Early tooth loss is recognized as a public health problem not only in Colombia but also worldwide. This phenomenon has been approached by positive research, but the approach hasn't been enough from social outlooks. Aim: to understand tooth loss related experiences and reveal the implications of social and emotional interactions of children and teenagers. Methods: Qualitative cross sectional study, this study collects elements of phenomenological approach and method. In data construction, ten children and teenagers with tooth loss were deeply interviewed. Data condensation in significance units was made for the analysis. several trends emerged around those units. Results: among the highlight trends, shame and acquiescence appeared after tooth loss, also dental pain were a key factor to choose dental extraction as a choice. To be afraid of the dentist and the dental attention process were related to the problem. Conclusion: this study contributed to the comprehensive setting extension, revealing shame and fear as emerged emotions through tooth loss suffering. Besides transforming actions in the macro-social level, it is required to build educational process that helps to overcome the imaginary relationship between dental practice and painful experiences and to generate skills that provide a humanized dental practice over an instrumental dental practice in order to change these realities.

Antecedentes: La pérdida dental temprana es reconocida como una problemática de salud pública en Colombia y en otros países del mundo. El fenómeno ha sido abordado por la investigación de enfoque positivo, pero es insuficiente la aproximación desde perspectivas sociales. Objetivo: Comprender las experiencias relacionadas con la pérdida dental y develar implicaciones para la interacción social y emocional de niños y jóvenes. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio cualitativo que retoma elementos del enfoque y método fenomenológico. En la construcción de los datos participaron veinte niños y jóvenes con antecedentes de perdida dental. Se realizó entrevista en profundidad a los participantes. El análisis consistió en un proceso de condensación de los datos en unidades de significado, alrededor de las cuales emergieron varias categorías de análisis. Resultados: Entre las categorías emergentes, se destaca la aparición de emociones como la vergüenza y la resignación luego de perder los dientes. Así mismo la experiencia de dolor fue significativa y guio la decisión de optar por la extracción dental. El miedo al odontólogo y al proceso de atención odontológica fueron reconocidos como aspectos relacionados con la problemática. Conclusión: El estudio contribuyó a la ampliación de los marcos comprensivos, develando que la pérdida dental es un padecimiento atravesado por emociones como la vergüenza y el miedo. Transformar estas realidades, requiere además de la implementación de acciones en lo macro social, construir procesos educativos orientados a superar el imaginario que asocia la práctica odontológica con experiencias dolorosas, y generar capacidades que posibiliten el ejercicio de una práctica profesional más humana que instrumental.

Imunização contra a hepatite B e os acidentes ocupacionais: importância do conhecimento na odontologia / Immunization against hepatitis B and occupational accidents: importance of information in dentistry

A prática odontológica está diretamente ligada às várias fontes de contaminação com o vírus da hepatite B, portanto medidas protetivas são necessárias a fim de evitar sua infecção. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a conduta dos acadêmicos frente ao protocolo de vacinação contra a hepatite B e sua atitude pós-acidentes perfuro-cortantes. Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo quantitativo, com 153 acadêmicos de odontologia de uma universidade pública do noroeste paulista. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se o software Epi.Info 7.1, por meio da estatística descritiva. Observou-se que 92,16% dos alunos afirmaram ter sido imunizados com a vacina, entretanto, 73,1% destes não fizeram o exame anti-HBS. Em relação aos acidentes ocupacionais, 18,3% dos indivíduos já se feriram, e apenas 28,6% fizeram os exames com a frequência recomendada. Conclui-se que há falhas nas condutas e atitudes dos alunos sobre os temas abordados, necessitando de discussões sobre as medidas preventivas e protetivas a fim de torná-las mais seguras e eficazes em sua rotina de trabalho.

The dentist practice is directly linked to several contamination sources such as Hepatitis B virus and prevention is required for its avoidance. Current study evaluates the behavior of dentistry students for vaccine protocol against Hepatitis B and their attitudes after perforating accidents. Current transversal, descriptive and quantitative study comprises 153 dentistry students of a public university in the northwestern region of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were analyzed with Epi.Info 7.1 by descriptive statistics. Results show that 92.16% of students had been immunized but 73.1% did not undergo the anti-HBS test; 18.3% were perforated and only 28.6% submitted to tests with the recommended frequency. There are faults in students´ behavior and attitudes on the themes analyzed. Further discussions are required on preventive and protection measures for better and more efficacious work routine.