Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on completed treatments and referrals during urgent dental visits.

This ecological study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on completed treatments (CTs) and referrals during urgent dental visits to primary health care units in Brazil, and their associations with socioeconomic, geodemographic, and pandemic index factors in Brazilian municipalities. The difference in rates of procedures 12 months before and during the pandemic was calculated. Data were extracted at baseline from health information systems of all municipalities that provided urgent dental care (n = 5,229 out of 5,570). Multiple logistic regression predicted the factors associated with referrals and CTs. The number of dental urgencies increased from 3,987.9 to 4,272.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. The rates of referrals decreased in 44.1% of the municipalities, while 53.9% had lower rates of CTs. Municipalities with a greater number of oral health teams in the primary health care system (OR = 1.52, 95%CI:1.21-1.91) and with specialized services (OR = 1.80, 95%CI:1.50-2.16) were more likely to decrease referrals during the pandemic. Higher HDI and GDP per capita were associated with a larger decrease in referrals and smaller decrease in CTs. The calamity generated by the long pandemic period resulted in a greater demand for urgent visits. Less developed and larger cities seem to have been more likely to not complete treatments during urgent visits in primary dental care units in times of calamity. Primary dental care offices in smaller and less developed municipalities should be better equipped to provide appropriate assistance and to improve the problem-solving capacity of dental services during emergencies.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on completed treatments and referrals during urgent dental visits

Abstract This ecological study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on completed treatments (CTs) and referrals during urgent dental visits to primary health care units in Brazil, and their associations with socioeconomic, geodemographic, and pandemic index factors in Brazilian municipalities. The difference in rates of procedures 12 months before and during the pandemic was calculated. Data were extracted at baseline from health information systems of all municipalities that provided urgent dental care (n = 5,229 out of 5,570). Multiple logistic regression predicted the factors associated with referrals and CTs. The number of dental urgencies increased from 3,987.9 to 4,272.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. The rates of referrals decreased in 44.1% of the municipalities, while 53.9% had lower rates of CTs. Municipalities with a greater number of oral health teams in the primary health care system (OR = 1.52, 95%CI:1.21-1.91) and with specialized services (OR = 1.80, 95%CI:1.50-2.16) were more likely to decrease referrals during the pandemic. Higher HDI and GDP per capita were associated with a larger decrease in referrals and smaller decrease in CTs. The calamity generated by the long pandemic period resulted in a greater demand for urgent visits. Less developed and larger cities seem to have been more likely to not complete treatments during urgent visits in primary dental care units in times of calamity. Primary dental care offices in smaller and less developed municipalities should be better equipped to provide appropriate assistance and to improve the problem-solving capacity of dental services during emergencies.

Urgent dental care in the Brazilian public health system: learning lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for future situations.

This ecological study described the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and socioeconomic development on the use and profile of urgent dental care (UDC). UDC rates per 100,000 inhabitants before (from March to June 2019) and during (from March to June 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic in 4,062 Brazilian municipalities were compared. Data were collected from official sources. COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization rates were indicative of levels of lockdown and Human Development Index (HDI) indicated socioeconomic development. Multiple logistic regression and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) were used for statistical analyses. The Student t-test was used to compare changes in the profile of UDC causes and procedures in the two periods. Lower UDC rates were found in 69.1% of municipalities and were associated with higher HDI (OR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.01; 1.42). Mortality had OR = 0.88 (95%CI: 0.73; 1.06) for municipalities with HDI < 0.70 and OR = 1.45 (95%CI: 1.07; 1.97) for municipalities with HDI > 0.70. RERI between HDI and COVID-19 was 0.13 (p < 0.05). Municipalities with greater primary health care coverage had a smaller reduction in emergency rates. Endodontic treatment and dental pain were the most frequent factors both before and during the pandemic. The percentage of UDCs due to pain and soft tissue damage, as well as temporary sealing and surgical procedures, increased. Socioeconomic variables affected UDC rates during the most restrictive period of the COVID-19 pandemic and should be considered in the planning of health actions in future emergencies.

Urgent dental care in the Brazilian public health system: learning lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic for future situations / Atendimento odontológico de urgência no sistema público brasileiro de saúde: lições da pandemia da COVID-19 para situações futuras / La atención odontológica de urgencia en el sistema de salud pública brasileño: las enseñanzas de la pandemia de COVID-19 para situaciones futuras

This ecological study described the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and socioeconomic development on the use and profile of urgent dental care (UDC). UDC rates per 100,000 inhabitants before (from March to June 2019) and during (from March to June 2020) the COVID-19 pandemic in 4,062 Brazilian municipalities were compared. Data were collected from official sources. COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization rates were indicative of levels of lockdown and Human Development Index (HDI) indicated socioeconomic development. Multiple logistic regression and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) were used for statistical analyses. The Student t-test was used to compare changes in the profile of UDC causes and procedures in the two periods. Lower UDC rates were found in 69.1% of municipalities and were associated with higher HDI (OR = 1.20; 95%CI: 1.01; 1.42). Mortality had OR = 0.88 (95%CI: 0.73; 1.06) for municipalities with HDI < 0.70 and OR = 1.45 (95%CI: 1.07; 1.97) for municipalities with HDI > 0.70. RERI between HDI and COVID-19 was 0.13 (p < 0.05). Municipalities with greater primary health care coverage had a smaller reduction in emergency rates. Endodontic treatment and dental pain were the most frequent factors both before and during the pandemic. The percentage of UDCs due to pain and soft tissue damage, as well as temporary sealing and surgical procedures, increased. Socioeconomic variables affected UDC rates during the most restrictive period of the COVID-19 pandemic and should be considered in the planning of health actions in future emergencies.

Este estudo ecológico descreveu como a pandemia da COVID-19 e o desenvolvimento socioeconômico afetaram o uso da assistência odontológica de urgência (AOU) e seu perfil. Comparamos taxas de AOU para cada 100 mil habitantes antes (de março a junho de 2019) e durante (de março a junho de 2020) a pandemia da COVID-19 em 4.062 municípios brasileiros. Os dados foram coletados de fontes oficiais. As taxas de mortalidade e internação pela COVID-19 indicaram níveis restritivos de lockdown e Índices de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) indicou o nível de desenvolvimento socioeconômico. Foram utilizadas regressões logísticas múltiplas e risco relativo de excesso devido à interação (RERI) para análises estatísticas. O teste t de Student foi usado para comparar alterações no perfil das causas e procedimentos da AOU nos dois períodos. As taxas de AOU foram menores em 69,1% dos municípios e associadas a IDH maior (OR = 1,20; IC95%: 1,01; 1,42). A mortalidade apresentou uma razão de chances de 0,88 (IC95%: 0,73; 1,06) para municípios com IDH < 0,70 e de 1,45 (IC95%: 1,07; 1,97) para municípios com IDH > 0,70. O RERI entre IDH e COVID-19 foi de 0,13 (p < 0,05). Os municípios com maior cobertura de atenção primária à saúde apresentaram menor redução nas suas taxas de emergência. Procedimentos endodônticos e dor dentária foram os fatores mais frequentes antes e durante a pandemia. O percentual de AOUs aumentou devido à dor, danos nos tecidos moles, vedação temporária e procedimentos cirúrgicos. Variáveis socioeconômicas afetaram as taxas de AOU durante o período mais restritivo da pandemia da COVID-19 e devem ser incluídas no planejamento de ações de saúde em emergências futuras.

Este estudio ecológico describió el efecto de la pandemia de COVID-19 y el desarrollo socioeconómico en el uso y el perfil de la atención odontológica de urgencia (AOU). Se compararon las tasas de AOU por cada 100.000 habitantes antes de la pandemia de COVID-19 (de marzo a junio de 2019) y durante la pandemia de COVID-19 (de marzo a junio de 2020) en 4.062 municipios brasileños. Los datos se recogieron de fuentes oficiales. Las tasas de mortalidad y hospitalización de COVID-19 fueron indicativas de niveles restrictivos de desarrollo socioeconómico e Índice de Desarrollo Humano (IDH). Para los análisis estadísticos se utilizó la regresión logística múltiple y el exceso de riesgo relativo (ERR) debido a la interacción. Se utilizó la prueba t de Student para comparar los cambios en el perfil de las causas y los procedimientos de AOU en los dos períodos. Las tasas de AOU fueron menores en el 69,1% de los municipios y se asociaron con un IDH más alto (OR = 1,20; IC95%: 1,01; 1,42). La mortalidad tuvo una OR de 0,88 (IC95%: 0,73; 1,06) para los municipios con IDH < 0,70 y de 1,45 (IC95%: 1,07; 1,97) para los municipios con IDH > 0,70. El ERR entre el IDH y el COVID-19 fue de 0,13 (p < 0,05). Los municipios con mayor cobertura de atención primaria tuvieron una menor reducción de las tasas de urgencia. Los procedimientos de endodoncia y la causa del dolor dental fueron los factores más frecuentes tanto antes como durante la pandemia. Aumentó el porcentaje de AOU por dolor y daños en los tejidos blandos, así como el sellado temporal y los procedimientos quirúrgicos. Las variables socioeconómicas afectaron a las tasas de AOU durante el periodo más restrictivo de la pandemia de COVID-19 y deberían incluirse en la planificación de las acciones sanitarias en futuras emergencias.

Avaliação dos egressos do Programa de EducaçãoTutorial (PET) docurso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas / Evaluation of graduates of the Tutorial Education Program (PET) of the Dentistry Course at the Federal University of Pelotas

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o perfil profissional dos egressos da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas,participantes do Programa de Educação Tutorial (PET). Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, de natureza qualitativa e quantitativa, utilizando um questionário eletrônico estruturado eautoaplicável como instrumento de coleta e enviado, via correspondência eletrônica, à todos os egressos que participaram efetivamente do grupo PET e aceitaram participar desta pesquisa. Atividade profissional, níveis de formação e objetivos propostos pelo programa foram avaliados. O total de egressos foi de 89, desde a criação do grupo, em 1992, até o ano de 2019. Com as respostas obtidas (n=59), verificou-se que maior parte dos egressos que aderiram a pesquisa concluíram o curso entre os anos de 2004 até 2018 (59.3%), e apenas 24 (40.6%) em período anterior a 2004. Verificou-se que 25% atuam no serviço público, 44% no setor privado e 22% atuam em ambos. Em relaçãoàtitulação, apenas 4(6,8%)não possuem nenhuma pós-graduação, e 53 (89.8%) atuam na regiãoSul do país, 36 (61%) sãodo sexo feminino e 23 (39%) do masculino. Ao final do questionário, foi perguntado arespeito da influência da participação no Programasobre a trajetória profissional, com uma escala de intensidade progressiva de 1 a 5, gerando 19 respostas com nível 4 e 39respostas com nível 5. Os resultados evidenciaram uma influência muito positiva da participação no Programa na vida profissional de seus ex-participantes, tanto no mercado de trabalho, quanto na vivência de pós-graduação (AU).

This study evaluated the professional profile of graduates of the School of Dentistry at the Federal University of Pelotas, participants of the Tutorial Education Program (PET). A descriptive research was conducted, of qualitative and quantitative nature, using a structured and self-administered electronic questionnaire as collection instrument, sent by email to all graduates who effectively participated in the PET group and agreed to participate in this study. The study assessed the professional activity, traininglevels and objectives proposed by the program. The total number of graduates was 89, since the group was created in 1992 until 2019. The answers obtained (n=59) revealed that most graduates who joined the survey completed the course between the years 2004to 2018 (59.3%), and only 24 (40.6%) in the period before 2004. It was found that 25% work in public services, 44% in the private sector and 22% work in both. Concerning the degree, only 4 (6.8%) did not attend postgraduation education, and 53 (89.8%) work in the Southern region of the country, 36 (61%) are females and 23 (39%) are males. At completion of the questionnaire, the participants were asked about the influence of participation in the Program on their professional career, with a scale of progressive intensity from 1 to 5, retrieving 19 responses with score 4 and 39 responses with score 5. The results evidenced a positive influence from participation in the Program in the professional lives of former participants, both in the job market and in the postgraduation experience (AU).

Análise descritiva dos trabalhos de conclusão de curso da Faculdade de Odontologia, UFPel / Descriptive analysis of work completion course of the graduate course in Faculty of Dentistry, UFPel

Os Trabalhos de Conclusão de Curso (TCCs) se tornaram obrigatórios na Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (FO-UFPel) a partir de 2006, sendo requisito indispensável para a obtenção do título de Cirurgião-Dentista. A compreensão de como os TCCs estão sendo realizados é imprescindível para um correto direcionamento de estratégias na construção dos currículos de graduação, uma vez que até o momento poucos estudos foram conduzidos com a finalidade de analisar os TCCs realizados nos cursos de Odontologia do Brasil. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento dos dados referentes aos TCCs realizados na FO-UFPel até 2014. As variáveis investigadas foram área de concentração do trabalho e tipos de estudos/metodologia empregada. Além disto foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e Google Acadêmico para investigar se o trabalho foi publicado em periódicos científicos e o respectivo Qualis. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados descritivamente. Foram encontrados 474 TCCs, (impressos e em formato digital) sendo que a maioria deles foi realizada na área de Dentística (11,4%), Saúde Coletiva (11,0%) e Cirurgia Oral (10,5%). Do total de TCCs, 25,7% foram revisões narrativas da literatura. Apenas 9% das monografias foram publicadas em periódicos científicos. Portanto, é possível concluir que a maioria dos TCCs realizados na FO-UFPelsão revisões narrativas da literatura e que a taxa de publicação destes trabalhos é pequena. Além disso, recomenda-se que novas estratégias sejam empregadas pelos gestores da universidade para propiciar que os TCCs possam ser referência na difusão do conhecimento à comunidade acadêmica (AU).

The final paper (TCCs) became mandatory in the Faculty of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas (FO-UFPel) since 2006, and an indispensable requirement for obtaining DDS title. Understanding how the TCCs are being carried out is essential for proper targeting strategies in the construction of the undergraduate curriculum, since to date few studies were conducted in order to analyze the TCCs made in dentistry courses in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to survey the data for TCCs performed in FO-UFPel by 2014. The variables were: area of work concentration, types of studies/methodology. In addition, a search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar to investigate whether the work was published in scientific journals and their Qualis conceit. The data were tabulated and analyzed descriptively. 474 TCCs were founded (printed and digital format), and most of them were held in operative dentistry (11.4%) followed by public health (11.0%) and oral surgery (10.5%). 25.7% of TCCs were narrative reviews of the literature. Only 9% of monographs have been published in scientific journals. Therefore, we note that the majority of TCCs made in FO-UFPel are narrative literature reviews and the publication of these works is small. In addition, it is recommended that new strategies are employed by the university managers to provide that the TCCs can be reference in dissemination of knowledge to the academic community (AU).