RESUMO
Introduction: One of the most commonly performed procedures in dentistry is third molar removal and it is the most commonly extracted permanent tooth. Most of the patient’s first visit was with general dental practitioners about third molar extraction. Hence the possibility of surgical complications must be evaluated against the benefits of the extraction. Aims and Objectives: To assess the level of comfort and knowledge among general dental practitioners regarding third molar extractions. Materials and methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study using a questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding demographic characteristics of general dental practitioners and also their level of comfort and knowledge regarding third molar extractions. Results: Total 142 general dental practitioners out of 177 have completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 80.22%. There was a statistically significant difference between the level of comfort score (H(2)=11.964, p=0.003), with a median of 24 for general dental practitioners with an experience of more than 10 years, and median of 18 for those with an experience between 5-10 years and median of 12 for those with an experience up to 5 years. There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.001). Conclusion: General dental practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia have reported a very low level of comfort regarding third molar extraction. They reported infrequent training and education in third molar extraction skills and knowledge. Those who attended continuous dental education courses and workshops related to third molar extraction in the past 2 years and those with more than 5 years of experience were significantly associated with a higher level of comfort among general dental practitioners.
RESUMO
@#The study aimed to compare the scope and pattern of practice between general dental practitioners (GDPs), restorative dentistry specialists and endodontists. Self-administered postal questionnaires were distributed to 22 restorative dentistry specialists, 16 endodontists and a random sample of 566 GDPs. The pre-tested questionnaire inquired about demographic data, endodontic practices and referrals. Fisher’s exact test with Bonferroni adjustment was performed for pairwise comparisons. The overall response rate was 73.8%. The restorative dentistry specialists and the endodontists performed a wider array of endodontic procedures than the GDPs and were more consistent in the use of specific armamentarium (p<0.017). Endodontists were referred to mostly for cases requiring advanced endodontic skills, while restorative dentistry specialists were mainly consulted for second opinions, pain and restorative management. GDPs should be encouraged to further their education on endodontic practice. Overlapping scope of practice and referrals among the specialists, merits scrutiny to optimize resources and manpower
RESUMO
In the recent decades, periodontal disease has been identified as a risk factor for pre-term deliveries. Hence, it is important to evaluate the awareness of health-care providers of the association between periodontal diseases and pre-term birth. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to random samples representing general medical practitioners (GMPs), general dental practitioners (GDPs) and Gynecologists for this study. A knowledge score was calculated for correct answers to 11 survey questions related to oral health effects during pregnancy and compared among the three groups. In this study, 133 physicians, 135 dentists and 100 Gynecologists completed the questionnaire. More GDPs (67.4%) than GMPs (56.4%) and Gynecologists (63%) reported there was an association between periodontal disease and pre-term low birth weight. Efforts to increase this awareness may prove valuable in improving preventive care during pregnancy.