ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Previous literature shows that children with dental black stain might be less susceptible to dental caries. The aim of this study was to systematically review the available literature to determine whether black stain presence could influence the prevalence or severity of dental caries in primary dentition. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and Egyptian Universities Libraries Consortium was conducted up to December 2020. Quality assessment was done using a modified version of Down's and Black checklist. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the association between dental black stain and: (i) Likelihood of developing dental caries/being caries-free (ii) Number of teeth affected by dental caries (iii) Number of tooth surfaces affected. RESULTS: The database search yielded 2164 results, 14 of which matched the eligibility criteria. The meta-analysis showed that the likelihood of developing caries (Fixed effect model: OR [95% CI]: 0.67 [0.54; 0.82]; I2=37%; τ2=0.05), number of teeth affected (Random effects model: MD [95% CI]: -0.98 [-1.54; -0.42]; I2=79%; τ2 =0.44), and number of surfaces affected (Random-effects model: MD [95% CI]: -2.34 [-4.23; -0.44]; I2=85%; τ2 =2.93), were all lower in children with black stain. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that dental black stain is associated with lower dental caries experience in children with primary dentition. However, it is questionable whether black stain has a protective effect against dental caries, or whether children at low risk of dental caries are more likely to develop BS because their oral microbiome favors BS-forming organisms.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers (HCWs) is an important determinant of its acceptance among the general population. Dentists are an essential group of HCWs who are at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to assess vaccine acceptance and its determinants among a group of dental teaching staff in Egypt. METHODS: An Internet-based cross-sectional study was conducted where the dental teaching staff of a governmental university in Egypt were targeted using total population sampling. Data was collected on socio-demographics, attitudes towards COVID-19, risk perception, general attitudes towards vaccination, vaccine acceptance, and concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, along with barriers and motivators to vaccination. Multivariate regression was done to determine factors significantly associated with unwillingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine. RESULTS: A total of 171 dental faculty members participated in the study. At the time of data collection (August 2021-October 2021), 45.6% of the dental teaching staff were willing to receive the vaccine, while 46.7% were against vaccination, and 7.6% were vaccine hesitant. Female gender, not having a private practice, not intending to travel internationally, having anyone sick in the immediate social circle, and being more anxious about COVID-19 were significantly associated with unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION: At the time of conducting this study (August 2021-October 2021), less than half of the participating dental teaching staff in the studied Egyptian university were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Findings of the current study can guide Egyptian health authorities to adopt strategies that correct misconceptions among HCWs, educate them and build their trust in the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, which can ultimately increase its acceptance in the general population.
