ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Dental treatment in special needs patients, including children with autism, can be accomplished by reducing the behaviors that can reduce fear, as it has been demonstrated in other studies. The present study aims to examine the influence of the latency time elapsing between desensitization and the real dental situation on facilitating the access of children with autism to dental treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Nineteen patients with autism, who were aged 3-14 years and attended the Special Education Center in Madrid but were living with their parents at home, were selected for the study. All children in the sample were subjected to a desensitization process before attending the real dental office. Two study groups were established: the latency period between the last desensitization and the real situation was one day for the first group and seven days for the second group. An experimental study was conducted to assess the child's cooperation in the dental chair; the dental examination was divided into several steps and the highest step reached by each child was recorded. RESULTS: There is a statistical difference in the number of steps reached between the children who received the information just before the examination date and the children who experienced a longer latency period between receiving the information and experiencing the examination. CONCLUSIONS: We would like to emphasize the importance of providing information in advance when dealing with autistic children; this information should be as close as possible to the real situation. Additionally, we would like to stress the importance of inter-cooperation between parents, educators, and pediatric dentists in order to guarantee adequate oro-dental care for autistic children. Further studies with larger sample sizes and a control group are recommended.
ABSTRACT
Small molecules have demonstrated promising results as successful alternatives to growth factors. In this study, focus was drawn to CHIR99021 and tideglusib as GSK-3 inhibitors known for their anti-inflammatory and regenerative potential. The effect of both tideglusib and CHIR99021 on the proliferation, viability, and stemness of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) was investigated to assess their possible role in regenerative dentistry. Briefly, hDPSCs were isolated from sound premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. Cytotoxicity and proliferation assessment were performed via cell counting kit-8 followed by flow cytometric analysis of apoptotic marker ANNEXIN V. The effect of both small molecules on the stemness of hDPSCs was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Both tideglusib and CHIR99021 were proven to be safe on hDPSCs. The tideglusib concentration that resulted in higher viable cells was 100 nM, while the concentration for CHIR99021 was 5 nM. Both small molecules successfully induced cellular proliferation and demonstrated minimal expression of ANNEXIN V, indicative of the absence of cellular apoptosis and further confirming their positive effect on proliferation. Finally, both small molecules enhanced stemness markers expression as evidenced by qRT-PCR, which, again, highlighted the positive effect of both tideglusib and CHIR99021 on safely promoting the proliferation of hDPSCs while maintaining their stemness.
ABSTRACT
As education and knowledge are adapted to new education systems, as per the Bologna Plan, new technologies are required for educational support. In dentistry, the creation of virtual simulators can advance understanding in areas like anatomy. With this aim, a three-dimensional virtual model of the maxilo-mandibular system was created, based on a real infantile specimen. Once this model was developed, we applied this virtual structure to a teaching tool in a dentistry subject.The main objective of this project is the creation of a virtual model of the jaw, based on a real and infantile subject that serves as an educative tool in the scope of Paediatric Dentistry Anatomy. The secondary aims were to evaluate this model as an educational tool in a paediatric dentistry subject. For the main objective we obtained tomographic cuts of the craniofacial skeleton of a three-year-old girl that were transcribed to the program Amira 5.3.0. On the cuts, we segmented and named all the mandibular structures: jaw, temporary teeth, and permanent teeth. For the secondary aims we developed virtual clinical cases based on this mandibular model and gave a questionnaire to 29 dentistry students in order to evaluate the tool. A total of 512 cuts were obtained in sagittal and coronal planes and 309 in the cross-sectional plane of a thickness of 0.625 mm. In different colours, we segmented the total 25 structures to generate a three-dimensional mandibular model. For the questionnaire, the results of the students' satisfaction of the tool were high, with an overall score of 8.5 out of 10. The educative system based on the Bologna Plan is a reality. The self-training based on test and error, is a strategy of extreme utility for the student. With an interactive model, the student is able to value his knowledge instantaneously, and the presence of a professor is not essential at all times. Through this real model, we have described the anatomical study of temporary teething, as well as its interactions with the developing permanent dentition, in a three-dimensional form. The students' satisfaction of the teaching tool was high.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The evolution of the pandemic has generated a crisis in all areas, also including the faculties of dentistry. We detail how the teaching guides for clinical subjects have been adapted in the Department of Clinical Dentistry at the Universidad Europea of Madrid, moving to a 100% online environment. USUAL DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL PRACTICES IN THE DDS DEGREE OF UEM: Students in the fourth and fifth year of DDS degree take the courses "Introduction to Clinical Practice" and "Supervised Practice." Within the framework of continuous assessment, different systems and procedures are used to evaluate knowledge, skills or competences. CURRICULAR ADAPTATION DURING THE PERIOD OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: It was necessary to adapt the practical contents to virtual contents. 35% of the course (12 weeks) was adapted to a 100% online environment. Several activities were carried out that could be evaluated in real time, including lectures, clinical cases and resolution of multidisciplinary dental treatments. DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL PRACTICES IN HEALTH EDUCATION IN OTHER INSTITUTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC: A narrative review was conducted to identify how this situation has been addressed in other institutions and countries; finding that similarly, it has been possible to establish monitoring of clinical practices in a virtual environment. An online questionnaire was conducted to the fourth and fifth year students of DDS degree to stablish the acceptance of the adaptation during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of online training for the development of clinical practice, a system has been established to ensure appropriate clinical training for undergraduate students in dentistry. Some of the developments were well accepted by the students.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Dentistry , Education, Dental , Humans , Pandemics , UniversitiesABSTRACT
Introducción: Los traumatismos dentales representan uno de los principales motivos de atención dental inmediata. Objetivos: El propósito de este estudio piloto fue valorar los conocimientos sobre traumatología dentaria y su asistencia inmediata en el lugar del accidente en distintos profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria. También averiguar el nivel de conocimientos sobre el manejo en consulta y el seguimiento de estas lesiones por parte de los odontólogos. Material y métodos: 40 profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria de la Comunidad de Madrid (médicos, odontólogos, enfermeros e higienistas dentales) completaron un cuestionario, en el que se incluyeron preguntas sobre el manejo urgente de los traumatismos dentales en el lugar del accidente. Paralelamente, los profesionales sanitarios especialistas en Odontología respondieron igualmente a un segundo test con cuestiones acerca del tratamiento especializado en consulta y el seguimiento de la patología. Finalmente fue realizada una actividad didáctica sobre el tema. Resultados: En relación al manejo inmediato del traumatismo dental en el lugar del accidente, todos los grupos presentaron conocimientos limitados, excepto el grupo de odontólogos, los cuales obtuvieron un resultado de competencia adecuada. Sin embargo, encontramos que el 92% de los odontólogos tenían nociones insuficientes en relación a los protocolos actualizados sobre la atención en consulta del trauma dental y su seguimiento. Conclusiones: Son necesarias campañas de educación entre los distintos profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria, en aras a formar en el manejo de las lesiones dentales traumáticas a aquellos sanitarios no educados, y en aquellos que sí lo están, recordar y mantener actualizadas sus nociones (AU)
Introduction: Traumatic dental injuries represent one of the main reasons for immediate dental care. Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the knowledge of different Primary Health Care professionals regarding traumatic dental injuries and its immediate management in the place of the accident, and also find out the level of knowledge on the management and follow-up of these lesions in the dental office by dentists. Materials and methods: 40 Primary Health Care professionals in Community of Madrid (physicians, dentists, nurses and dental hygienists) completed a questionnaire in which questions about the emergency management of dental trauma in the place of the accident were included. At the same time, dentists also completed a second test with questions about the management of these lesions in the dental office and its follow-up. Finally, it was undertaken an educational activity on the subject. Results: In relation to the immediate management of dental trauma in the place of the accident, all groups had limited knowledge, except the group of dentists, which had appropriate skills. However, 92% of dentists had insufficient notions on updated protocols regarding the management of these lesions in the dental office and its follow-up. Conclusions: Educational campaigns are necessary among the different Primary Health Care professionals, in order to train those not educated in the management of traumatic dental injuries, and in those who are, remember and keep updated their notions (AU)
