ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study aims to identify and extract parental perception and acceptance of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application in treating dental caries with the objective of a) evaluating parental acceptability of SDF as a treatment choice for dental caries in their children and b) investigating parental concerns regarding the use of SDF for childhood caries. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a reliable questionnaire was conducted among parents of children aged 2-10 years, who reported to the department of paediatric dentistry at two dental hospitals between June 2020 and January 2021. Results: 197 participants/guardians were included in the study and 128 showed acceptability towards SDF, out of which, 99 preferred upper posterior teeth for the treatment. The dentists' advice became a major factor affecting treatment option for 108 participants. Parental age also impacted the choice of SDF as a treatment option (i.e., those aged 31-40 years were more aware of SDF treatment than younger or older age groups). Conclusion: Parental acceptance of SDF in comparison to other dental caries treatment options in children was found to be higher when more invasive treatment choices were provided. Aesthetic appearance and cost of treatment were significant concerns for the parents.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Antibiotic resistance is one of the most threatening public health problems of 20th century. Along with physicians, dental practitioners also routinely prescribe medications for oral and dental infections. However, previous studies have shown that dental surgeons often prescribe antibiotics where new evidence have suggested other treatment measures. Since students in their clinical year prescribe antibiotics under supervision, it is important to understand if they are aware of severity of antibiotic resistance and its impact. Hence, the study aimed to assess awareness of antibiotic use and resistance amongst dental students. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 3rd and 4th year dental students of 4 colleges of Pakistan. A validated questionnaire was adopted from WHO and PHE (Public Health England). It included true or false and Likert scale questions relating to knowledge and attitude of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Results:Out of 396 responses, majority students were not aware of the terms superbugs (69.7%) and AMR (79%). 89.6% thought that humans can become resistant to antibiotics. 88.6% agreed that antibiotic resistance is a major threat. 61.4% thought they couldn't do much to stop antibiotic resistance. 87.6% agreed that doctors should only prescribe antibiotics when needed. Conclusion: Overall dental students were aware of antibiotic use and importance of antibiotic resistance although their knowledge associated with antibiotic resistance was not satisfactory. It is vital that students must be taught about mechanism of antibiotic resistance and good prescription practices. (AU)
Objetivo: A resistência antibiótica é um dos problemas de saúde pública mais ameaçadores do século 20. Assim como os médicos, os profissionais de odontologia também prescrevem rotineiramente medicamentos para infecções bucais e dentárias. No entanto, estudos prévios apontam que cirurgiões-dentistas prescrevem antibióticos para casos nos quais, as mais recentes evidências, indicam outros tipos de intervenção. Considerando que os estudantes prescrevem antibióticos durante estágios clínicos, sob supervisão, torna-se pertinente averiguar se os mesmos estão cientes da severidade da resistência antibiótica e as suas implicações. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o grau de conscientização quanto ao uso e a resistancia antibiótica entre os estudantes de odontologia. Material e Métodos: Pesquisa transversal foi conduzida entre os estudantes do 3o e 4o ano em 4 universidades do Paquistão. Foram utilizados questionários validados pela Organização mundial de Saúde e Saúde pública da Inglaterra. Estes incluíram perguntas de verdadeiro ou falso e escala relacionadas ao conhecimento e aplicação de antibióticos e resistência à estes. Resultados: Dentre as 396 respostas, a maioria dos estudantes não conhecia o termo superbactéria (69.7%) e AMR (79%). 89,6% pensaram que humanos podem se tornar resistentes à antibióticos. 88,6% concordaram que a resistência à antibióticos é uma grande ameaça. 61,4% pensaram que eles não havia muito o que eles pudessem fazer para combater a resistência antibiótica. 87.,6% concordaram que médicos devem prescrever antibióticos apenas quando estritamente necessário. Conclusão: No geral, estudantes de Odontologia estão cientes do uso de antibióticos e a importância da resistência antimicrobiana embora o seu conhecimento a cerca do assunto não seja satisfatório. É vital que os estudantes sejam orientados sobre os mecanismos de resistência antibiótica e as práticas adequadas de prescrição desses medicamentos (AU)
