Practical Applicability of Teledentistry in Pediatric Patients Amidst Pandemic : A Narrative Review

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed a situation where all healthcare facilities except emergency services remain suspended. These times generated the necessity for the implementation of a healthcare delivery system that can be accessed digitally and, thus, benefit the majority of children as well as healthcare professionals. This review aims to propose a sound model of less technique sensitive, safe and handy strategies for dental traumatic injuries, endodontic and restorative concerns, and orthodontic urgencies until complete clinical help can be sought. Five hundred thirty articles were obtained from the PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Lilacs, and Cochrane databases published from 2011 to 2021. Nineteen articles that described teledentistry in the COVID-19 era were included. Teledentistry can serve as a vital patient management strategy that can aid in triaging urgent and elective patient treatment needs, ultimately easing the burden of clinics and at the same time providing a safer means of consultation. Copyright © 2021 Goswami, Nangia, Saxena, Chawla, Mushtaq, Singh and Jain.

Dental students and recent dental graduates' perceptions of preparedness in treating pediatric patients.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To survey potential applicants applying to advanced education in pediatric dental programs and evaluate their preparedness upon graduating from an accredited dental school. METHODS: Attendees of a virtual externship of a University program were recruited to participate in a web-based survey. The survey collected demographic data, current levels of confidence with various pediatric clinical procedures, predicted confidence with those procedures, and number of procedures completed. Chi-Square and analysis of variance statistics were performed on resulting data to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Fifty-three participants completed the survey in its entirety (n = 53). Most respondents reported adequate didactic training, mean score of 3.6 (range 0-5) and a moderate to high impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on their overall training with a mean score of 4.9 (range 0-10). Current dental students reported that they are "not confident at all" (<2.0) for 15/24 (63%) of the procedures. Graduates reported "somewhat confident" (<3.0) for 13/24 (54%) of the categories. Both students and graduates report the lowest levels of confidence for managing dental trauma, invasive treatment of young patients (<4 years of age), and patients with special healthcare needs. Dental students self-reported the expectation to feel more confident throughout their matriculation; however, their clinical experience was still reported to be limited. Students did not report reaching the level of "confident" for 75% of the procedures. CONCLUSION: Dental students and recent dental graduates alike perceive themselves to be under prepared for practice and do not feel confident in performing pediatric dental procedures. This study can provide dental schools, program directors, recent graduates, and dental students with an understanding of areas where they are under prepared and could offer areas where curricula and clinical experiences could be updated or modified.

Teledentistry in pediatric dentistry: review and presentation of a clinical case.

OBJECTIVES Teledentistry is a telematics approach validated in the literature that allows the remote diagnosis and management of various oral health problems, avoiding direct face-to-face contact with the patient. This study aims to present a review of the scientific literature to analyze in which fields of pediatric dentistry teledentistry has found application and with what results;in addition, a case of unconventional oral candidiasis in a child, diagnosed and managed through the use of teledentistry during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in April 2020, is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS The literature search was performed through PubMed (using keyword and MeSH terms), Scopus and Embase databases, evaluating observational, interventional, case reports and case series studies, published in English between 1999 and 2021 and conducted in children. The clinical case presented was diagnosed and managed through photographs that the pediatric dentist received from the patient's mother via a multi-platform messaging application. Through the same application, the mother was able to provide informed consent to take care of the patient remotely, after acceptance of possible critical issues regarding teledentistry, and receive a prescription for home treatment of oral candidiasis. RESULTS After exclusion of duplicates and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 14 studies were selected. Teledentistry was applied in four different areas: oral health promotion, with 2 studies examining smartphone applications to improve home oral hygiene, diagnosis/follow-up/treatment in orthodontics with 4 studies, caries and other hard and soft tissue diseases of the oral cavity with 7 studies, and finally dental traumatology with a single study. With regard to the promotion of oral health, two applications for the improvement of home oral hygiene were examined. They showed promise for motivation and education. In orthodontics, the studies evaluated in this review reported that teledentistry is useful and valuable for follow-up and orthodontic consultations that can be obtained quickly;doubts remain regarding expense, intervention time and operator compensation. In addition, remotely supervised interceptive treatment appears to reduce the severity of malocclusions. About caries and other hard and soft tissue diseases of the oral cavity, results indicate that teledentistry can reduce waiting lists and the need for face-to-face examinations. Teledentistry is considered valid, efficient and potentially cost-effective for screening and follow-up of caries, being comparable to traditional clinical examination. Teledentistry has proven to be comparable to clinical examination for the diagnosis of dental trauma. CONCLUSIONS The data collected allow us to conclude that teledentistry, thanks to advances in technology, can be a useful means for pediatric dentists to improve the oral health of young patients and to provide better access to oral health services by effectively replacing face-to-face dentistry in various situations. The presented clinical case confirms the conclusions obtained from the literature search. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Teledentistry can replace face-to-face visits in several areas of pediatric dentistry and ensuring safe care during any future pandemics.Copyright © 2023 EDRA SpA. Tutti i diritti riservati.

Comparison of the number of carious lesions in children before and after confinement linked to the COVID-19 crisis: a retrospective study.

Introduction: dental caries is an infectious pathology that is very often found during childhood. It has a multifactorial origin. This study aims to determine the incidence of carious lesions following the first confinement linked to the Covid-19 crisis. Material(s) and Method(s): retrospective study based on dental records of children from 0 to 18 years old from Cesar de Paepe site of the CHU Saint-Pierre, Belgium. First, data from patients who came for a consultation in pediatric dentistry between June and July 2019 and 2020 were collected. Then, these patients were classified into 3 distinct categories: patients who came for a check-up, during treatment or for a first visit to the pediatric dental consultation. Result(s): 1,631 patients were selected for the 2019 period compared to only 914 for 2020, i.e. a 44% drop in attendance. The very highly significant differences concerned the distribution in the categories and the presence of new caries between the two years. Discussion(s): The change in daily life caused by confinement might explain the appearance of new carious lesions. Conclusion(s): Our results confirm a highly significant increase in carious lesions following confinement.Copyright © 2022 Association des Medecins anciens etudiats de l'Universite libre de Bruxelles (A.M.U.B.). All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Undergraduate Learning Experiences in Pediatric Dentistry during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The aim of the study was to analyze students' opinions on the learning outcomes they achieved during clinical classes in pediatric dentistry. The classes were run in various periods: before the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic (onsite classes), in the first months of the pandemic (online classes), and in the following months of the pandemic (onsite classes with additional infection control and administrative changes in patients' admission procedures). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was conducted among fifth-year dentistry students at Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Students who completed the entire course and passed the diploma exam in pediatric dentistry were asked to complete the anonymous questionnaire providing their opinion. RESULTS: The research results showed that, in the students' opinion, clinical classes-regardless of their form-allowed them to achieve the knowledge necessary to perform pediatric dental procedures. However, the students appreciated onsite classes significantly more compared to information and communication technologies (ICT) classes in gaining practical skills and social competence. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The significant limitations introduced because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic impacted the development and implementation of modern online teaching techniques, which may very well be applied to convey theoretical knowledge after the pandemic has ended. (2) Skills and social competence, indispensable in the future dental practice of dental students, can only be obtained during onsite classes. (3) Medical universities should design standards of teaching to enable them to address a possible epidemiological threat in the future, which will enable rapid response and safe continuation of practical dental education during a pandemic.

Teledentistry and management protocol in a pediatric dental department during the first COVID-19 lockdown.

BACKGROUND: During the first COVID-19 lockdown, from March 12 to May 15, 2020, private dental practices in France and in many other countries remained closed. Dental emergencies were therefore partly redirected to hospital dental departments. The aim of this article is to describe the modalities of remote management of emergencies during this period, by the pediatric dentistry department of Nancy University Hospital (France), via an oral telemedicine protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All parents of children in difficulty were invited to contact the department by phone. Initial triage was managed by externs, interns, or dental practitioners following a management protocol specifically adapted to pediatric dentistry for this context. Depending on the situation (type of complaint, geographical location of the patients, possibility of travel, availability of digital equipment, etc.), an oral telemedicine solution was proposed using the Covotem® software (Maincare Society, Canejan, France) via the Pulsy platform (public interest grouping validated by the Grand Est Regional Agency for Health) and possibly using an intraoral photographic protocol suggested by the team. RESULTS: During this period, 176 patients used the pediatric dental department, 40 of whom were managed via oral telemedicine. Of these children, 57% (23/40) required an appointment in the department during the lockdown, 30% (12/40) did not require follow-up, and 13% (5/40) required a post-lockdown appointment. This teledentistry protocol resulted in a diagnosis in most cases (93%). CONCLUSION: Patient management through oral telemedicine appears to be an effective tool for planning and organizing oral healthcare. It should be more widely considered in dentistry in the current context of pressure in medical emergencies, significant medical needs, and medical desertification.

The impact of parents' fears of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on children's visits to pediatric dental offices in Iran.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of parents' fears of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on pediatric dental visits. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, conducted from July 2020 to August 2020, 500 parents of children who had visited pediatric dental offices were randomly selected. Parents were given a questionnaire containing 33 questions, which included three parts: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) dental problems scale, and (3) fear of SARS-CoV-2 scale. Based on the collected responses, the relationships between demographic factors, children's dental problems, and parents' fear of SARS-CoV-2 were evaluated. Results: The most common reason for visiting a pediatric dentist during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was tooth pain. Regarding parents' fear, 62.6% (n = 313) had moderate fear, 74.2% (n = 371) had a history of delays in referring to the dentist, and 54.4% (n = 272) had a history of moderate-to-severe dental pain. The fear scores in mothers were significantly higher than in fathers (P < 0.001). Parents of children with more pain and dental problems had higher scores on the fear scale (P = 0.017), (P = 0.016). Conclusion: Most pediatric dental visits during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak were due to dental pain, and most parents had moderate-to-severe fear of their children being infected by SARS-CoV-2 through dental visits.

COVID-19 Lockdown: Impact on Oral Health-Related Behaviors and Practices of Portuguese and Spanish Children.

This study aimed to assess and compare the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on the oral health attitudes, dietary habits and access to dental care of Portuguese and Spanish children. A cross-sectional observational study involving caregivers of 3−17-year-old children who had cohabited during a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Spain and Portugal was conducted. Caregivers completed an online anonymous questionnaire. Aiming groups comparison, chi-square test was used for qualitative variables. 770 surveys were obtained. Significant changes in the children's routine were higher in Portugal (p < 0.001). Both countries showed a large percentage of children who had between 2−3 snacks between meals (p < 0.001) and a higher consumption of snacks was particularly noticed among Spanish children with untreated dental caries during the lockdown (p = 0.003). Most caregivers reported children's oral hygiene habits did not suffer noteworthy alterations (p = 0.417), although parental supervision of toothbrushing was associated with dental attendance during the lockdown. The majority of the sample had no dental attendance during confinement. Confinement appears to have not markedly affected the oral health status and habits of the majority of these children, although an important impact of some demographic and behavioral factors upon dietary and oral care/habits was detected.

Assessment of attitudes and practices regarding oral healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic among the parents of children aged 4-7 years.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about radical changes in our habits and lifestyles. The suspension of schools has led children to spend long hours at home, with reduced socialization, and changes in dietary patterns, oral hygiene practices and sleep routines. During a pandemic, appropriate oral health management and disease prevention are very important for the child's oral and general health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes and practices of parents with regard to their children's oral healthcare, dietary habits and dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 381 Indian parents of children aged 4-7 years. A self-instructed questionnaire was designed in English using the Google Forms platform. The questionnaire consisted of 4 parts: sociodemographic data; dietary habits of the child; oral hygiene measures; and dental information. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics (the χ2 test). RESULTS: Among the children included in the study, 48% of those who experienced dental problems during the pandemic consumed more snacks and packaged foods between meals. Among the parents, 80% reported that their children used electronic devices at mealtimes, and 60% reported the food pouching habit in their children. A total of 71% of parents assisted their child at tooth brushing, while only 28% of the parents would take their child to the dental clinic for treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the shortfalls in attitudes and practices among parents in relation to dietary habits, oral hygiene measures and the use of dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding their children. This could be attributed to a lack of awareness, the fear of exposure and the inconveniences faced by parents.

News

The article presents the discussion on world news briefs. Topics include Royal College of Surgeons of England welcoming the plans for expanding water fluoridation schemes across England for improving children's oral health;and reduction in the number of children undergoing dental treatment under general anaesthesia.

Socioeconomic and Clinical Demography of Dental Missed Care Opportunities.

INTRODUCTION: Missed care opportunities (MCOs) contribute to poor health outcomes, and pediatric dental patients are particularly vulnerable; identifying associated patient characteristics will help inform development of targeted interventional programs. OBJECTIVE: To assess socioeconomic and demographic disparities associated with MCOs among children in an urban pediatric hospital's dental clinic. MCOs lead to a lack of continuous care and increased emergent needs, so understanding MCOs is required to achieve equitable pediatric dental health. METHODS: A retrospective 2-y (2019-2020) cohort of MCOs in children 1 to 17 y old, with scheduled dental visits. MCOs were defined as appointments not attended or canceled and not rescheduled prior to initial scheduled visit. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models with patient-level clustering assessed the associations of demographics, neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors (using social vulnerability index [SVI]), and clinic characteristics with MCOs. RESULTS: Of 30,095 visits, 30.9% were MCOs. Multivariable logistic regression estimated increased likelihood of MCOs in Black/non-Hispanic (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.32) and Hispanic (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.31) patients, patients with public insurance (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15-1.36) or no insurance (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.15-1.85), patients with complex chronic conditions (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03-1.19), visits scheduled during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR, 9.48; 95% CI, 8.89-10.11), appointments with wait days over 21 d (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 3.49-4.74), and children from neighborhoods of high social vulnerability (75th percentile SVI) (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.16). CONCLUSIONS: Children with highest dental MCOs were from neighborhoods with high SVI, had public insurance, and were from marginalized populations. MCOs contribute to inequities in overall health; hence, interventions that address barriers related to characteristics associated with pediatric dental MCOs are needed. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Missed care opportunities contribute to poor health outcomes; identifying associated patient characteristics will help inform development of targeted interventional programs. Providing these findings to stakeholders will better impart understanding access barriers and drive research and program development. Dissemination of this information in the form of altering appointment practices will better accommodate specific patient population needs.

Guardian Reports of Children's Sub-optimal Oral Health Are Associated With Clinically Determined Early Childhood Caries, Unrestored Caries Lesions, and History of Toothaches.

Background: Parents'/guardians' perceptions of their children's oral health are useful proxies of their clinically determined caries status and are known to influence dental care-seeking behavior. In this study, we sought to examine (1) the social and behavioral correlates of fair/poor child oral health reported by guardians and (2) quantify the association of these reports with the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC), unrestored caries lesions and toothaches. Methods: We used guardian-reported child oral health information (dichotomized as fair/poor vs. excellent/very good/good) obtained via a parent questionnaire that was completed for n = 7,965 participants (mean age = 52 months; range = 36-71 months) of a community-based, cross-sectional epidemiologic study of early childhood oral health in North Carolina between 2016 and 2019. Social, demographic, oral health-related behavioral data, and reports on children's history of toothaches (excluding teething) were collected in the same questionnaire. Unrestored ECC (i.e., caries lesions) was measured via clinical examinations in a subset of n = 6,328 children and was defined as the presence of one or more tooth surfaces with an ICDAS ≥ 3 caries lesion. Analyses relied on descriptive and bivariate methods, and multivariate modeling with average marginal effect (A.M.E.) estimation accounting for the clustered nature of the data. Estimates of association [prevalence ratios (PR) and adjusted marginal effects (AME) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were obtained via multilevel generalized linear models using Stata's svy function and accounting for the clustered nature of the data. Results: The prevalence of fair/poor oral health in this sample was 15%-it increased monotonically with children's age, was inversely associated with parents' educational attainment, and was higher among Hispanics (21%) and African Americans (15%) compared to non-Hispanic whites (11%). Brushing less than twice a day, not having a dental home, and frequently consuming sugar-containing snacks and beverages were significantly associated with worse reports (P < 0.0005). Children with fair/poor reported oral health were twice as likely to have unrestored caries lesions [prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8-2.1] and 3.5 times as likely to have experienced toothaches [PR = 3.5; 95% CI = 3.1-3.9] compared to those with better reported oral health. Conclusions: Guardian reports of their children's oral health are valuable indicators of clinical and public health-important child oral health status. Those with fair/poor guardian-reported child oral health have distinguishing characteristics spanning socio-demographics, oral-health related practices, diet, and presence of a dental home.

COVID-19 Disease in Children: What Dentists Should Know and Do to Prevent Viral Spread. The Italian Point of View.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly across the globe, becoming a major public health challenge not for China only, but also for countries around the world. Despite worldwide efforts to contain viral spread, the outbreak has not been stopped yet. Among healthcare personnel, dentists seem to be at elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19. This risk is even more serious in pediatric dentistry, since affected children, frequently, present an asymptomatic, mild or moderate clinical viral infection and, therefore, they may play a major role in community-based COVID-19 transmission. To date, despite no universal guidelines are available for dental procedures in pediatric dentistry during COVID-19 outbreak, routine dental practice should be postponed and only severe dental emergencies must be treated. In the case of a dental emergency, involving a pediatric patient, dentists should be aware of which recommended management protocol can be adopted during the practice to protect patient health, to safeguard their-self and to prevent viral transmission. The aim of this paper is to provide clinical recommendations, presenting a needed tool for dentists to allow a valid and safe how-to-do protocol. Pediatric dentists should keep a high level of awareness to help patients, minimize risk and prevent viral spread.

Is It Useful to Determine the Temperature of Children for COVID-19 Screening in the Dental Setting?

BACKGROUND: To date, the efficacy of temperature readings of children in the dental setting for COVID-19 screening has not been evaluated. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the usefulness of forehead temperature measurements in a dental clinic for COVID-19 screening in healthy children (without systemic disease) and in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS: Using an infrared thermometer, we recorded the forehead temperature of 200 pediatric patients (100 healthy children and 100 children with neurodevelopmental disorders). We performed temperature measurements "before", "during", and "after" the dental procedure. Oropharyngeal swabs were taken of all participants to detect SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Sex, age, administration of local anesthesia, and use of rotary instrumentation did not affect the temperature values. In the children with neurodevelopmental disorders with a value of 1 on the Frankl behavior scale, the temperatures were significantly higher than in those with values of 2, 3, and 4 (p = 0.032, p = 0.029, and p = 0.03, respectively). The PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was positive for two patients (one healthy and the other with a neurodevelopmental disorder), whose "before" temperatures were 36.4 °C and 36.5 °C, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Forehead temperatures increase during dental procedures and are conditioned by the patient's behavior. An isolated temperature reading does not identify children infected by SARS-CoV-2.

The Epiphany of Post-COVID: A Watershed for Pediatric Dentistry.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has spread as a pandemic throughout the world, posing a serious public health threat. Dentists appear to have a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure amongst Healthcare workers. This danger is even more magnified in pediatric dentistry since infected children typically have an asymptomatic, mild, or severe clinical viral infection and so can considerably contribute to community-based COVID-19 transmission. These are unprecedented times that require unprecedented efforts with dynamic protocols to be adopted. It is very challenging, but also an amazing opportunity to UNLEARN, RELEARN, AND REORGANIZE our approach of dental practice, so as to adapt and come at par to the emerging "NEW NORMAL". Coronavirus-" THE ENFORCER" has enforced upon us, screening of patients for COVID-19, utilization of stringent disinfection & sterilization protocols, be attired with personal protection such as PPE, N95 Mask, face shield, etc., to minimize chances of contraction or cross-contamination with social distancing and appropriate hygiene practices as a new norm. It has further enlightened the concept of "Non-aerosol" or "Minimally invasive techniques" that will possibly guide our therapeutic choices not only in the immediate future but also in the long term. The purpose of this review is to offer a compendious abridgment of literature available on COVID-19 to give an insight on recommendations that have been published about pediatric dental practice during COVID-19 and lays a concrete emphasis on the paradigm shift in the actual in-practice treatment options, to adapt to the changing circumstances during the pandemic and the times to follow, opening scenarios of prevention and cure that are more sustainable, safe, and efficient. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Gupta A, Shah SG, Kaul B, et al. The Epiphany of Post-COVID: A Watershed for Pediatric Dentistry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(6):802-811.

Evaluation the Effects of Home Accidents to the Traumatic Dental Injuries of Primary Teeth

Objective:The primary aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of home accidents(HAs) on the traumatic dental injuries(TDIs) of primary teeth. Furthermore, the secondary aim was to bring attention to the importance of preventive measures for HAs, especially in this pandemic period where children all over the world spend most of their time in their homes due to coronavirus(COVID-19) disease. Material and Methods:The records of the patients with TDIs of the primary teeth, aged 6 months-8 years, who applied to the xxxxxxxxxUniversity, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics, between the years 2000 2010 and yyyyyyyyUniversity, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics, between the years 2012- 2019 were investigated. Results:The sample consisted of 504 children that had TDIs to the primary teeth. The age range of the children was 1-8 years(3.5±1.8years old) and 37.3%(n=188) of the patients were girls and 62.7%(n=316) boys. The prevalence of the TDIs due to HAs was found to be 43.25%(n=218). A total of 380 teeth in the 218 patients who were found to have TDIs due to HAs were examined. The highest prevalence of traumatized children was in the age range 2-4 years(63.3%). Collisions with objects(45%) were found to be most common causes of dental trauma and the most common type of injury was found to be lateral luxation(35.8%). Conclusions:Measures to prevent HAs should primarily target preschool children, the riskiest group. Accidents can be largely prevented by taking simple precautions such as providing a safe environment for children's healthy mental and physical development at home.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude & Practice of Pedodontists Regarding Disinfection Protocol During COVID 19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: The whole world has been closely focusing on an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that was first reported in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019, and that continues to spread. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, not only gives essential knowledge about COVID-19, but also about disinfection protocols in dental settings. Aim & Objective: To investigate knowledge, attitude & practice of Pedodontists regarding disinfection protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials & Methods: A quick online cross-sectional study was conducted among 335 Pedodontists of India. A 16-point questionnaire was made on Google forms and distributed amongst 420 Pedodontists in India, out of which 335 responded. The collected data was sent for appropriate statistics. Results: Of the total participants 95.82% of Pedodontists are aware of disinfection protocols to be followed during COVID-19. 57.31% of Pedodontists say that 1% sodium hypochlorite is effective in disinfecting operative surfaces & the best agent to disinfect dental waterlines. Conclusion: The role of Pedodontists in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 is of paramount importance. The role of Pedodontists in defending covid19 is essential.

Teledentistry Implementation in a Private Pediatric Dental Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: (1) Implementation of teledentistry in a private pediatric practice during COVID-19 pandemic, (2) Evaluate dental care that was assessed and managed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Urgent dental care provided during the recommended deferment of elective dentistry (3/16/20-5/17/20) was documented. Encounters were documented by type and management (conventional vs. teledentistry). Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. Associations were compared with Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. Results: There were 137 emergency patient encounters during the study period. The types were: orthodontics (32 percent), caries (22 percent), eruption concerns (18 percent), trauma (16 percent), "other" (12 percent) (i.e., ankyloglossia, aphthous ulcers). Almost half (48 percent) were managed with teledentistry. The highest utilization of conventional dentistry was caries (70 percent), and for teledentistry was "Other" (75 percent) and eruption concerns (60 percent). Conclusion: Nearly half of emergency encounters in this sample were managed with teledentistry. Teledentistry was a necessary modality of care during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and has uses and implications beyond the triage of acute dental emergencies.

Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) among Pediatric Dentists during Lockdown Period.

AIM: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among pediatric dentists based on their dependent source of information. METHODS: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire with 23 questions was sent via Google forms to pediatric dentists. All participants were divided into three groups [postgraduate residents (PGs), private practitioners (PP), and faculty (F)]. The comparison of knowledge and perception scores was made based on occupation, source of information, and descriptive statistics used for the analysis using SPSS 21.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: A total of 291 pediatric dentists completed the survey, and the majority of them were females (65%). Overall, good mean scores were obtained for knowledge (9.2 ± 1.07) and perceptions (5.6 ± 1.5). The majority of the participants used health authorities (45%) to obtain updates on COVID-19, while social media (35.1%) and both (19.6%) accounted for the next two. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found among different pediatric dentists groups for relying on the source of information. CONCLUSION: Overall good pediatric dentists showed sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19. The pediatric dentists' age, occupation, and source of information influenced knowledge regarding COVID-19, whereas perceptions were influenced by age and gender of the participants. Health authorities successfully educated pediatric dentists than the social media.

Impact and Perspectives of Pediatric Dental Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic Regarding Unvaccinated Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has led to enormous challenges in pediatric dental care. In contrast to adults, many children are without any symptoms of disease if infected with COVID-19 and are not vaccinated. The aim of this study was to conduct an inquiry into the perspective of pediatric dentists in Germany towards the impact of COVID-19 on daily patient care during the lockdowns caused by the pandemic. All members of the Germany Society of Pediatric Dentistry were invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire focused on five topics: safety measures, well-being/knowledge, patient care, prospects, and demographic data. A total of 549 pediatric dentists participated (58.11% females, 8.2% males, 0.18% inter/diverse, and 33.51% no answer). In total, 75.2% of the dental clinics were open during the first lockdown (LD1) and 78.1% during the second lockdown (LD2). In LD1, only 22.2% were operating at full capacity, while 40.1% were open with restrictions, and 11.8% only offered emergency treatment. In LD2, 71.2% of practices were operating again and resumed offering all treatment methods. A significant decrease in pediatric patients was reported due to the fact of COVID-19. Furthermore, measures, such as oral hygiene and recall appointments, were reduced. Measures that were performed after the lockdown were mainly aerosol-generating procedures and extractions as well as general anesthesia or sedation. The increased willingness to treat in the second lockdown has shown that pediatric dentists have adapted to the pandemic conditions, which seems to be of great importance, especially in view of the problem of unvaccinated children.