Outpatient and inpatient dental care for patients with disabilities in Brazil's public healthcare system: A population-based approach from 2014 to 2023.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate outpatient and inpatient dental care for patients with disabilities from 2014 to 2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A time series analysis was carried out with data from Brazil's public healthcare system, considering the outpatient productivity of Special Needs Dentistry specialists and hospitalizations (inpatient admissions) of patients with disabilities for dental procedures, both normalized to every 100,000 inhabitants (incidence). The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: In the last 10 years, 22,420,859 procedures were carried out and 89,380 hospitalizations were approved. Trend analysis showed no significant temporal variation in the incidence of both variables. Regarding the procedures, the majority were low-complexity (82.1%, p < .001) and clinical (71.2%, p < .001). Periodontal (19.9%) and restorative (19.5%) procedures were the most frequent. Considering the hospitalizations, almost (R$) 40 million was allocated, and the majority were classified as elective (71.9%, p = .002) and of short duration (less than a day). CONCLUSION: Dental care for patients with disabilities presented patterns related to the types of procedures, complexity and circumstance, in addition to not showing significant temporal variation over the last 10 years.

Tooth Discoloration from 2 Silver Fluorides Used in Adults with Special Needs: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Discoloration of carious lesions after application of silver diamine fluoride lowers patient acceptance and limits its wider use for caries arrest. OBJECTIVE: To assess lesion and tooth color changes from 2 novel silver fluoride (AgF) products and its relationship to caries activity (clinical visuo-tactile scores) and bacterial load (using laser fluorescence with the DIAGNOdent). METHODS: A split-mouth design was followed, with matched smooth surface carious lesions in the same arch in adults with special needs randomized for 1-min treatments with AgF/potassium iodide (KI) (Riva Star Aqua, SDI) and AgF/stannous fluoride (SnF2) (Caries Status Disclosing Solution; Whiteley). Standardized images taken at baseline, immediately postoperatively, and at 3-mo review were subjected to digital image analysis to calculate delta-E and to track changes in luminosity of carious lesions. RESULTS: Twelve participants were recruited in the study. A total of 56 teeth (28 pairs) were included. Significantly greater changes were seen in treated lesions than in the adjacent noncarious natural tooth structure, both immediately after treatment and at the 3-mo review (P < 0.0001). Color change and caries activity were not affected by tooth type, tooth location, plaque status, salivary status, or special needs condition. AgF/SnF2 caused transitory darkening immediately on application, while AgF/KI caused the immediate formation of yellow deposits (silver iodide). Both products caused significant darkening of treated lesions at 3 mo (P = 0.0009; P = 0.0361), with no differences between them (P = 0.506). Responding lesions showed larger and more perceptible color changes immediately after either AgF application (P = 0.002; P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Both AgF products were highly effective for caries arrest in this patient population. Despite minor differences in the appearance of treated lesions at the time of application, both products lead to similar darkening of treated sites at 3 mo. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: This study shows the usefulness of silver fluoride used in conjunction with potassium iodide or stannous fluoride for achieving caries arrest in smooth surface lesions in adults with special needs. Patients need to be informed that long-term staining of the lesion occurs with both, similar to silver diamine fluoride.

The age and primary reason for the first dental visit in children with special health care needs.

AIM: To evaluate the average age and primary reason for the first dental visit among patients with special health care needs (SHCN) as well as to examine barriers related to accessing care for children with special health care needs. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey that was distributed to caregivers of children with special health care needs (CSHCN).  Study data was collected through REDCap, a secure web-based survey application. RESULTS: A total of 75 caregivers participated in the survey.  Only 13% of caregivers reported that their child was less than 1 by the time of their first dental visit.  Nearly all reported seeing a pediatric dentist for their first visit (89%) and that it was for a routine exam and cleaning (83%).  About one-third of guardians reported an experience where a dentist was unable to care for their child due to their SHCN (36%). DISCUSSION: It appears that caregivers of CSHCN that participated in this survey have established routine care with a pediatric dentist at an early age. It is important to continue to educate caregivers on the importance of routine care as well as support general dentists in their role of caring for patients with SHCN.

Educational strategies for oral assistance for the disabled and their effects on dentistry students' formation: A systematic review.

AIMS: This systematic review aimed to analyze the influence of educational strategies for oral health care for Persons with disabilities (PwDs) on the technical, ethical, and social training of undergraduate dental students. METHODS AND RESULTS: An extensive search was performed in the following databases: Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS/BBO and OpenGrey database. Observational, nonrandomized, and quantitative comparisons before and after some type of educational strategy in undergraduate dentistry was included. The risk of bias was assessed using the risk of bias in nonrandomized intervention studies (ROBINS-I) tool. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Nine were included and suggested that a significant improvement was observed in the technical training of undergraduate dental students although there was no consensus on the acquisition of ethical/social competences after the application of educational strategies. The included studies presented a moderate to serious risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence for both, technical and ethical/social evaluative constructs, as very low. CONCLUSION: Although studies show that awareness regarding PwD significantly increases technical skills in dental students, the evidence is poor due to the high risk of bias and inconsistency observed in both the technical and ethical/social constructs; further studies on this topic are therefore essential. Prospero: (CRD42021288463).

Identifying people requiring special care dentistry: A scoping review.

AIMS: This scoping review aimed to document tools designed to identify persons requiring special care dentistry (SCD) and to provide a better understanding of the factors that justify adaptation in the provision of care. METHODS: A scoping review methodology was applied. An electronic search was performed in April 2021 using Pubmed and Embase. Additional tools were sought using hand searches and informal professional networking. RESULTS: Ten tools were identified that either predict the complexity of dental management or that retrospectively judge the complexity of care, of which two are as yet unpublished. Some had been developed for a specific population (e.g., patients with Alzheimer's disease, with learning disability, elderly persons) whilst others were applicable for any population (case mix tools). Factors considered included the patient's medical history, ability to cooperate, physical and cognitive autonomy, communication skills, anxiety, need for sedation, oral risk factors, ability to consent and the administrative burden for the dentist. CONCLUSION: Identifying persons requiring SCD is possible by looking at various factors that influence the provision of dental care. There may be need for adaptation of tools to local circumstances and to the intended usage of the tool at a health services, systems or policy level.

Atendimento odontológico de pacientes com necessidades especiais na atenção secundária em um estado do nordeste do Brasil / Dental care of special needs patients in secondary care in a northeastern state of Brazil / Atención odontológica a pacientes con necesidades especiales en la atención secundaria en un estado del nordeste de Brasil

O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever a produção dos atendimentos oferecidos aos pacientes com necessidades especiais nos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) da Paraíba (Brasil) e sua relação com o cumprimento das metas de produtividade, entre o período de 2019 e 2022. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e ecológico em que foram coletados dados secundários do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais do SUS (SIA/SUS), através da captação da produção ambulatorial individualizada (BPA-I), por meio da ferramenta TabWin, dos 98 CEO operantes na Paraíba. Realizou-se análise descritiva e analítica, por meio dos testes Qui-Quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher entre a variável dependente "alcance da meta" e a variável independente "adesão à Rede de Cuidados à Pessoa com Deficiência (RCPD)". Em todos os anos, a porcentagem de CEO cumpridores da meta (15,3% em 2019; 1% em 2020; 12,2% em 2021; e 11,2% em 2022) foi substancialmente menor que os números expressados por aqueles que não alcançaram a produção mínima. Os resultados também apontaram maior realização de procedimentos restauradores (29,6% em 2019; 28,6% em 2020; 32,7% em 2021; e 37,8% em 2022) em detrimento aos periodontais, cirúrgicos e preventivos. No que concerne a estar aderido à RCPD, no ano de 2022, 90,9% dos CEO que alcançaram a meta estavam aderidos à Rede (p<0,05). Concluiu-se que uma baixa frequência de CEO alcançou o cumprimento da meta de produtividade da especialidade de Odontologia para Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais nos CEO. No entanto, a adesão à RCPD manifestou-se como elemento influenciador para aqueles que cumpriram suas metas mensais e anuais.

The objective of this study was to describe the production of care provided to special needs patients in the Dental Specialties Centers (CEO) of Paraíba (Brazil) and its relationship with the achievement of productivity goals, between the period 2019 and 2022. This is a descriptive and ecological study in which secondary data were collected from the SUS Outpatient Information System (SIA/SUS), by capturing the individualized outpatient production (BPA-I), through the TabWin tool, of the 98 operating CEOs in Paraíba. We carried out descriptive and analytical analysis, using Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests between the dependent variable "goal attainment" and the independent variable "adherence to the Care Network for People with Disabilities (RCPD)". In all years, the percentage of CEOs meeting the goal (15.3% in 2019; 1% in 2020; 12.2% in 2021; and 11.2% in 2022) was substantially lower than the numbers expressed by those who did not meet the minimum output. The results also indicated greater performance of restorative procedures (29.6% in 2019; 28.6% in 2020; 32.7% in 2021; and 37.8% in 2022) to the detriment of periodontal, surgical, and preventive procedures. Regarding being adhered to the RCPD, in the year 2022, 90.9% of the CEOs who reached the goal were adhered to the Network (p<0.05). It was concluded that a low frequency of CEOs achieved compliance with the productivity target of the specialty of Dentistry for Special Needs Patients in CEOs. However, adherence to the RCPD manifested itself as an influential element for those who met their monthly and annual goals.

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la producción de la atención prestada a pacientes con necesidades especiales en los Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) de Paraíba (Brasil) y su relación con el alcance de las metas de productividad, entre el período de 2019 y 2022. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y ecológico en el que se recogieron datos secundarios del Sistema de Información Ambulatoria del SUS (SIA/SUS), mediante la captura de la producción ambulatoria individualizada (BPA-I), a través de la herramienta TabWin, de los 98 CEOs en funcionamiento en Paraíba. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y analíticos, utilizando las pruebas Chi-cuadrado de Pearson y Exacta de Fisher entre la variable dependiente "cumplimiento de metas" y la variable independiente "adhesión a la Red de Atención a Personas con Discapacidad (RCPD)". En todos los años, el porcentaje de directores generales que cumplieron el objetivo (15,3% en 2019; 1% en 2020; 12,2% en 2021; y 11,2% en 2022) fue sustancialmente inferior a las cifras expresadas por los que no alcanzaron el rendimiento mínimo. Los resultados también indicaron una mayor realización de procedimientos restauradores (29,6% en 2019; 28,6% en 2020; 32,7% en 2021; y 37,8% en 2022) en detrimento de los procedimientos periodontales, quirúrgicos y preventivos. Respecto a estar adherido a la RCPD, en el año 2022, el 90,9% de los CEOs que alcanzaron el objetivo estaban adheridos a la Red (p<0,05). Se concluyó que una baja frecuencia de CEOs alcanzó el cumplimiento de la meta de productividad de la especialidad de Odontología para Pacientes con Necesidades Especiales en CEOs. Sin embargo, la adhesión al RCPD se manifestó como un elemento influyente para aquellos que cumplieron sus objetivos mensuales y anuales.

Is there a sexual difference in the relationship between sociodemographic information and the unmet dental care needs of disabled adults? An analysis from a national survey on persons with disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Health status and health care utilization in people with disabilities are more likely to be poorer than those without disabilities. Previous studies showed that there were gaps in health-related conditions by sociodemographic information and gender but the association between these factors was not explained. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic information and the unmet dental care needs of people with disabilities and explore the effect of sex within this relationship. METHODS: The 2014 national survey on persons with disabilities was used, which separated unmet healthcare needs into medical and dental services. Unweighted samples included 6,824 people with disabilities in total and 6,555 (96.1% of the total, weighted as 6,583) people aged 20 years or older were selected as the study population. Frequency and chi-square tests were conducted to determine differences in the prevalence of unmet dental needs based on socioeconomic information, chronic diseases, and behavioral factors after applying weights. Logistic regressions were performed using an adjusted model with sociodemographic information, chronic diseases, and behavioral variables. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). RESULTS: Analysis of the sociodemographic factors related to unmet dental care revealed that they were higher in women and the elderly. In the fully adjusted logistic model, most of the sociodemographic information was significantly associated with unmet dental needs. The lowest group was 4.18 times more likely to have unmet dental care needs than the richest group, and females and middle-school graduates were almost twice as likely to experience unmet dental care needs than males and university graduates. Considering the interaction effect of age on unmet dental needs depending on sex differences, the odds ratio decreased for females with every annual increase in both models. Compared with the younger group, the older group showed a lower risk of having unmet dental needs, especially in females. CONCLUSIONS: The factor most closely related to the unmet dental care needs of disabled people was socioeconomic problems. Its influence also differed by sex and age. Therefore, economic support measures and sexual differences are needed for long-term policy consideration to reduce the unmet dental care needs of disabled people.

Educational strategies in oral healthcare for the disabled and their effects on dental students' training.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of didactic and clinical training of dental students in treating Persons with Disabilities (PwD) on their self-perceptions about treating PWD. METHODS: A pre-and postevaluation of a didactic-clinical educational strategy targeting oral health care of PwD was conducted among fourth-year undergraduate dental students at a Brazilian dental school. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess the following work environment parameters: technical, organizational, social, ethical, and managerial acumen. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact and chi-square tests, with a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05), to verify possible associations between the quantitative variables. A qualitative analysis was conducted through collective subject discourse. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the self-perception of students' knowledge and abilities in providing low-complexity care for PwD before and after the training program (p = 0.025). Students were more confident about managing and organizing the work environment (p = 0.007) and providing humanized care to PwD (p = 0.042) posttraining program. Additionally, a decrease in the feeling of insecurity (p = 0.014) and feelings of pity, fear, or prejudice toward PwD (p < 0.001) were observed posttraining program. CONCLUSIONS: Didactic and clinical training interventions for treating PwD improved the work environment of undergraduate dental students in technical, managerial, organizational, and ethical/social dimensions.

Might Zika virus-associated microcephaly's severity impact deciduous tooth eruption and orofacial structures?

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the impact of the severity of microcephaly caused by the Zika virus (MCZ) on tooth eruption and orofacial structures of children. DESIGN: This case series study developed the research at the Mens Sana Rehabilitation Center, Arcoverde, Brazil. The study included 27 children diagnosed with MCZ. We performed the data collection in June 2018 through a questionnaire answered by the legal guardians, followed by a clinical examination of the children. The data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The final sample was composed of 20 children. Of these, 13 (35.0%) had severe microcephaly, 5 (30.0%) had altered sequence of tooth eruption, 10 (50.0%) had delayed eruption, and the mean number of decayed teeth was 2.3. The most identified orofacial changes were teeth grinding habit (65.0%), difficult chewing (50.0%), and non-nutritive sucking (50.0%). The Mann-Whitney test showed that the severity of microcephaly did not affect tooth eruption (p = 0.581). The Fisher's exact test showed that the severity of microcephaly was not associated with orofacial changes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of MCZ does not seem to influence changes in deciduous tooth eruption and the presence of orofacial anomalies.

Are adults with autism receiving regular preventive dental services?

PURPOSE/AIM: To investigate the frequency of preventive dental care among adults with autism and explore factors associated with receiving regular preventive care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: De-identified data was collected from electronic health records of 18-year-old or older patients with autism that had at least one preventive dental procedure recorded. The data was then analyzed to describe the frequency of preventive dental procedures provided for this population and investigate what variables are associated with regular care. RESULTS: Sample size was 119, 67% were males, average age was 30.8 years, and 58% had Medicaid. Average BMI was 42.8, the prevalence of diabetes and heart disease were 16% and 34%, respectively, and 86% reported mental health problems. Recreational drug use was 6.8%, alcohol use was 19%, and tobacco use 16%. Xerostomia was reported by 32%, and the average number of medications was 7.2 ± 5.5. The average number of preventive dental visits was 7.9 ± 10.6, and 35% of the patients had at least one preventive dental visit per year. Only number of medications had a statistically significant association with number of preventive dental visits. CONCLUSIONS: Only one in every three adults with autism had at least one preventive dental visit per year.

Facial and Cephalometric Features of Individuals With Mucopolysaccharidosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess craniofacial features through facial anthropometric and lateral cephalometry measurements of individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and compare them with individuals without MPS. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PATIENTS: A total of 14 individuals with MPS and 28 non-MPS age- and sex-matched were enrolled in this study. METHODS: A clinical facial analysis to evaluate the soft tissues and cephalometric analysis that comprised linear and angular measurements were performed. The calculation of the method error suggested no systematic errors (p > .05). Random errors for linear and angular measurements were low (less than 0.5° and 1.6 mm). Chi-square test and independent t-test were performed. RESULTS: Most individuals with MPS were dolichofacial, presented altered facial proportions with an increased anterior lower facial height (ALFH) and lip incompetence (all p < .05), when compared with non-MPS individuals. Six angular measurements (1s.Na, 1s.NB, FMA, IMPA, AFI, and Po.Or_Go.Me; all p < .05) were significantly increased among individuals with MPS, and two (1s.1i and Ba.N-Ptm.Gn, all p < .05) were significantly decreased among them. Four linear measurements were significantly increased among individuals with MPS (1s-NA, 1i-NB, S-UL, and S-LL; all p < .05) and five (PogN-Perp, Co-A, Co-Gn, Nfa-Nfp, and overbite; all p < .05) were significantly decreased among them. CONCLUSION: In summary, most individuals with MPS were dolichofacial with increased ALFH. Proclined upper and lower incisors, reduced nasopharyngeal space, and reduced overbite was also noted.

Auriculotherapy in a patient with Arnold Chiari malformation type II: Case report.

AIMS: Auriculotherapy is a therapeutic method of traditional Chinese Medicine in which a stimulus is exerted on the ear and activates energy channels throughout the body, helping to control anxiety, stress, pain, inflammation, illnesses chronic, and possibly can be used in patient with Arnold Chiari Malformation type II who have painful symptoms that are difficult to resolve. Thus, the aim of this article is to present a case in a patient with Chiari Malformation II where auriculotherapy and effect of laser therapy were performed, to relieve symptoms of agitation, anxiety and healing of self-mutilation injuries. CASE REPORT: Data from medical records were used to collect medical and dental history, complaints and treatments performed. Eight sessions of auriculotherapy and one of laser therapy were carried out in order to heal the lesions. The patient presented lower levels of anxiety, agitation and ceased the habit of self-mutilation and, consequently, the pain. CONCLUSIONS: The use of auriculotherapy led to a considerable improvement in the patient's painful condition and reduced anxiety, also benefiting the interaction with her family members and laser therapy promoted wound healing.

Dental care provision for people with neurodevelopmental disorders in Iran; a qualitative study of barriers.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most underserved populations among dental patients is the people with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (PNDs). This study aimed to explore the barriers to dental care provision for PNDs from the viewpoint of stakeholders in provision in Iran. METHODS: We arranged a qualitative study based on an individual in-depth, semi-structured interview between October 2019 and February 2020. We interviewed 30 participants using a snowball sampling strategy with three groups: dentists who provided dental care for PNDs, dental public health professionals, and policymakers/managers in dental care provision in Iran. The interviewer used an interview framework based on Levesque's model of patient-centered access. The main question was: "How do you assess the barriers to the provision of dental services to PNDs in Iran?" The data were analyzed by the qualitative content analysis method described by Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS: From the 30 interviewees (11 women), there were 11 dentists, nine dental public health professionals, and 10 participants who worked as policymakers/managers. They were aged 35-62 years and had working experience between 4 and 25 years. In the content analysis, 60 meanings units were extracted, and later classified into 14 subthemes, and four main themes. CONCLUSION: Four main barriers were traced regarding access, financial, competency-related, and policy-making aspects.

Regulatory barriers to dental anesthesia services for special populations.

AIMS: Sedation and general anesthesia are necessities for the treatment of many individuals within special populations such as those with physical and intellectual disabilities, fear/anxiety, or individuals requiring extensive procedures. This study aims to discover regulatory factors that may be contributing to the limited access to anesthesia services provided by dentist anesthesiologists. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included an online survey completed by self-reported dentist anesthesiologists with 2 or more years of formal anesthesia training. The survey was distributed at the April 2019 American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists national meeting in Chicago. Participants responded to questions regarding the effect of specific state regulations on decisions to practice in a particular state and how such regulations influenced patient safety and barriers to care. Rules and regulatory restrictions on the mobility of dentist anesthesiologist equipment/supplies and additional state narcotic transportation regulations were deemed statistically significant in failing to improve safety. Requiring airway and sedation training for a facility's provider and staff were not barriers to care. Rules and regulations were not a factor to establishing clinical practice in one state over another state. CONCLUSION: Individuals and organizations responsible for influencing the regulatory environment of anesthesia services should improve regulations to facilitate the mobility of dentist anesthesiologists.

Perfil odontológico de pacientes brasileiros com doenças genéticas raras de envolvimento esquelético / Dental profile of brazilian patients with skeletal rare genetic disorders

Segundo a Organização Mundial de Saúde, uma doença é considerada rara quando acomete cerca de 65 pessoas a cada 100 mil indivíduos. No Brasil existem cerca de 13 milhões de pessoas diagnosticadas com alguma doença rara. O presente estudo objetivou comparar o perfil odontológico de pacientes brasileiros com doenças genéticas raras de envolvimento esquelético com brasileiros normotípicos. O estudo foi realizado a partir de um banco de dados cujas informações foram coletadas em 2019. Foi desenvolvido um estudo transversal, com uma amostra de conveniência (amostragem do tipo snowball) de 105 indivíduos com doenças genéticas raras ([MPS (n=27) / OI (n=78)], na faixa etária de dois a 54 anos e os pais/responsáveis, e 105 indivíduos sem doenças genéticas raras. A amostra foi selecionada em ambulatórios médicos de serviços especializados/referência em doenças raras, de cinco estados brasileiros (Ceará, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo). Os pais/responsáveis responderam um questionário sobre aspectos individuais (sexo, idade, cor da pele e renda familiar) e perfil odontológico dos participantes. O perfil odontológico foi identificado a partir de questões relacionadas à história odontológica do participante [experiência odontológica, dor dentária (últimos 12 meses), tempo e motivo da última consulta odontológica, uso do SUS para assistência odontológica, satisfação sobre a assistência recebida na última consulta odontológica, dificuldades para o filho receber assistência odontológica] e presença/ausência de problemas dentários. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, (CAAE 01480212.4.0000.5149 [MPS] / CAAE 54755516.4.0000.5149 [OI]. Foram realizadas as análises univariada, bivariada e multivariada [Regressão logística binária não-ajustada e ajustada (Odds Ratio, método Conditional Backward, IC 95%)]. A média de idade dos indivíduos com doença rara foi de 14,1 anos (±12,2) e mediana 9,5 anos. A maioria era do sexo feminino (53,8%), cor da pele não branca (56,7%) e renda familiar superior a um salário mínimo (82,4%). Entre os indivíduos com doenças raras, 78 tinham OI (37,1%) e 27 com MPS (12,9%). A maior parte era do estado de Minas Gerais (46,7%). Pacientes que já utilizaram os serviços odontológicos do SUS apresentaram uma chance 2,24 maior de pertencer ao grupo de pacientes com doenças raras (OR= 2,24; IC 95%: 1,07- 4,89). Os participantes com histórico de dificuldades para receber tratamento odontológico apresentaram 14,86 vezes maior chance de serem pacientes com doenças raras (OR=14,86; IC 95%: 5,96-27,03). E, os participantes diagnosticados com algum problema bucal apresentaram 10,38 vezes mais chances de pertencerem ao grupo com doenças raras (OR=10,38; IC 95%: 1,95-35,17). Pacientes com doenças raras apresentaram maior histórico de dificuldade em conseguir acesso a tratamento odontológico e de fazer uso do sistema público de saúde/SUS e foram diagnosticados com mais problemas dentários comparados aos indivíduos normotípicos.

According to the World Health Organization, a disease is considered rare when it affects about 65 people per 100,000 individuals. Brazil has about 13 million people affected by rare diseases. The aim of the present study was to compare the dental profile of Brazilian patients with skeletal rare genetic disorders and normotypical Brazilian patients. The study was carried out from a database with information collected in 2019. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 105 individuals with rare genetic diseases ([MPS (n=27) / OI (n=78)], with two to 54 years old and their parents/guardians. 105 normotypical individuals were also recruited for the study (Snowball sampling). The sample was selected in outpatient clinics that are reference in the care of rare diseases, in five Brazilian states (Ceará, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo). Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire about individual aspects of their child (gender, age, skin color and level of education of parents/guardians).The dental profile was identified from questions related to dental history [(patient's dental experience, presence of dental pain (last 12 months), when was the last dental visit and the reason for it, use of Unified Health System (SUS) dental care services, satisfaction with the care received at the last dental appointment, difficulties for the child to receive dental treatment)] and presence/absence of dental problems. The study received approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Federal University of Minas Gerais (CAAE 01480212.4.0000.5149 [MPS] / CAAE 54755516.4.0000.5149 [OI]. A descriptive analysis and non-adjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression models was performed (Odds Ratio, Conditional Backward method, 95%CI). The results showed that the average age of individuals with a rare disease was 14.1 years (±12.2) and median age of 9.5 years. Most of them were female (53.8%), non-white skin color (56.7%) and with a family income higher than one minimum wage (82.4%). Among individuals with rare diseases, 78 (37.1) were with OI and 27 (12.9) with MPS. Most of the sample were from Minas Gerais state, Brazil, [98(46.7)]. Participants who had already used SUS dental care services had a 2.24 times higher chance of belonging to the group with rare diseases (OR= 2.24;95% CI: 1.07-4.89). Patients with a history of difficulties to receive dental treatment were 14.86 times more likely to belong to the group with rare diseases (OR=14.86; 95% CI: 5.96- 27.03). Patients diagnosed with 1 or more dental problems were 10.38 times more likely to belong to the group with rare diseases (OR=10.38; 95% CI: 1.95-35.17). Individuals with rare diseases have a greater history of difficulty in accessing dental treatment, use the public health system/SUS, and were diagnosed with more dental problems compared to normotypical Brazilian patients.

Análise do perfil facial e da má oclusão de crianças e adolescentes com doenças genéticas raras que afetam o desenvolvimento esquelético / Analysis of malocclusion and facial profile of children and adolescents with rare genetic diseases that affect skeletal development

As doenças raras são definidas pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil como aquelas que afetam até 65 pessoas por 100.000 pessoas. No Brasil, estima-se que existam entre 13 a15 milhões de pessoas afetadas aproximadamente. Dentro desse grupo de enfermidades raras estão aquelas de etiologia genética cujo desenvolvimento esquelético é afetado; como as mucopolissacaridoses (MPS) e a osteogênese imperfeita (OI); as quais estão associadas à diversas alterações orofaciais. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a prevalência de má oclusão e o perfil facial de crianças e adolescentes com doenças genéticas raras que afetam o desenvolvimento esquelético com crianças e adolescentes normotípicos. Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal com 152 crianças e adolescentes, sendo 76 com doenças genéticas raras ([MPS (n=19) / OI (n=57)], e 76 sem doença genética rara; na faixa etária de dois a 19 anos e os pais/responsáveis. Os grupos foram pareados por idade e sexo. As crianças/adolescentes com doenças raras foram recrutadas em ambulatórios médicos de serviços de referência em doenças genéticas raras, de cinco estados brasileiros (Ceará, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo). O grupo sem doença rara foi recrutado em outros ambulatórios dos mesmos hospitais. Foi realizado o exame bucal das crianças/adolescentes (presença de má oclusão) e a análise subjetiva do perfil facial (simetria facial, proporção facial, altura facial anteroinferior, perfil facial, convexidade facial, ângulo nasolabial, selamento labial, linha mento-pescoço). Os pais/responsáveis responderam um questionário sobre questões individuais, sociodemográficas, comportamentais e história médica e odontológica do filho. O Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) foi utilizado para identificar possíveis variáveis de confusão. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP) da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (CAAE 01480212.4.0000.5149 [MPS] e CAAE 54755516.4.0000.5149 [OI]). Foi realizada a análise univariada da frequencia de alterações faciais e de má oclusão em ambos os grupos. A média de idade das crianças/adolescentes foi de 8,9 anos (±4,6). Não houve variáveis de confusão para a associação entre doenças raras e questões oclusais. Quando comparada ao grupo sem doença rara, verificou-se que a amostra de participantes com doenças raras foi identificada com maior prevalência de má oclusão (apinhamento, giroversão, alterações de overjet/overbite, mordida cruzada e/ou aberta e má oclusão de classe III). O grupo com doenças raras apresentou maior tendência com percentual maior de alterações faciais (dolicofacial, perfil convexo/côncavo, proporção/altura facial inadequadas, ângulo nasolabial aberto/fechado, ausência de selamento labial, interposição de língua e linha queixo-pescoço inadequada) do que o grupo de comparação. Pôde-se concluir que as crianças e adolescentes com doenças genéticas raras que afetam o desenvolvimento esquelético apresentaram prevalência maior de má oclusão e de alterações faciais, quando comparados às crianças/adolescentes sem doenças raras.

Rare diseases are defined as those that affect up to 65 people per 100,000 people. In Brazil, it is estimated that there are between 13 and 15 million people with rare diseases. In this group of diseases are those of genetic etiology that affect skeletal development; such as Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) and Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). They are two diseases associated with several orofacial alterations. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of malocclusion and the facial profile of children and adolescents with rare genetic diseases that affect skeletal development with normotypical children and adolescents. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 152 children and adolescents, 76 with rare genetic diseases ([MPS (n=19) / OI (n=57)], and 76 without rare genetic diseases; aged between two and 19 years and parents/guardians. The groups were matched by age and gender. Children/adolescents with rare diseases were recruited from outpatient clinics of specialized or reference services in rare genetic diseases, in five Brazilian states (Ceará, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo). The group without a rare disease was recruited from other clinics in the same hospitals. A clinical examination of the malocclusion of the children/adolescents and an analysis of the facial profile were performed (facial symmetry, facial proportion, anteroinferior facial height, facial profile, facial convexity, nasolabial angle, lip sealing, chin-neck line). Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire about individual, sociodemographic, behavioral questions and the child's medical and dental history. The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) was used to identify possible confounding variables. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP) of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (CAAE 01480212.4.0000.5149 [MPS] / CAAE 54755516.4.0000.5149 [OI]). Univariate analysis of the frequency of facial alterations and malocclusion was performed in both groups. The average age of children/adolescents was 8.9 years (± 4.6). There were no confusion variables for the association between rare diseases and occlusal issues. When compared to the group without a rare disease, it was found that the sample of participants with rare diseases was identified with a higher prevalence of malocclusion (dental crowding, rotation, overjet/overbite changes, crossbite and/or open bite). The group with rare diseases was also diagnosed with a higher percentage of facial alterations (dolichofacial, convex/concave profile, inadequate facial proportion/height, open/closed nasolabial angle, absence of lip seal, tongue interposition and inadequate chin-neck line) when compared to the normotypic group. It could be concluded that children and adolescents with rare genetic diseases that affect skeletal development had a higher prevalence of malocclusion and facial alterations, when compared to children/adolescents without rare diseases.

Dental care for patients with special needs at a private higher education institute / Atendimento odontológico a pacientes com necessidades especiais em uma instituição privada de ensino superior

Objetivo: Pacientes com necessidades especiais são aqueles indivíduos que necessitam de cuidados especiais por tempo indeterminado ou por toda a vida. O presente estudo tem como objetivo abordar o atendimento odontológico de pacientes com necessidades especiais em uma instituição privada de ensino superior da cidade de São Paulo. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, para análise de 210 prontuários odontológicos de pacientes com necessidades especiais atendidos no Departamento de Odontologia para Pacientes Especiais da Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul entre 2012 e 2018. Dados sobre sexo, idade, diagnóstico da condição debilitante, motivo da consulta, uso continuado de medicamentos, imagens radiográficas e tratamentos odontológicos prestados foram todos coletados e posteriormente submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e inferencial (teste do qui-quadrado) ao nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Quanto aos tipos de procedimentos odontológicos avaliados no presente estudo, dos 210 pacientes, 24% necessitaram de tratamentos curativos dentários em que a terapia periodontal foi o tipo mais prevalente, enquanto os tratamentos endodônticos tiveram a menor prevalência, representando apenas 4%. Houve alta prevalência de doenças crônicas sistêmicas, acometendo 56% dos casos, cuja faixa etária era superior a 40 anos. Conclusão: Check-ups odontológicos regulares devem ser priorizados em pacientes com necessidades especiais para evitar intervenções mais invasivas como em nosso grupo (AU)

Objective: Patients with special needs are those individuals who need special care for an undetermined period of time or for lifetime. The present study is aimed to address the dental care of special needs patients at a private higher education institute in the city of São Paulo. Material and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was performed for analysis of 210 dental records of special needs patients who were treated at the Dental Department for Special Patients of the Cruzeiro do Sul University between 2012 and 2018. Data on gender, age, diagnosis of the debilitating condition, reason of the consultation, continued use of medications, radiographic images and dental treatments provided were all collected before being submitted to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (chi-square test) at a significance level of 5%. Results: As for the types of dental procedures assessed in the present study, of the 210 patients, 24% needed dental curative treatments in which periodontal therapy was the most prevalent type, whereas endodontic treatments had the lowest prevalence, representing 4% only. There was a high prevalence of chronic systemic diseases, affecting 56% of the dental records, whose age group was above 40 years old. Conclusion: Regular dental check-ups should be prioritized in patients with special needs to avoid more invasive interventions as found in our group (AU)

Oral Health and related inequalities among visual impairment people in a Brazil municipality / Saúde bucal e desigualdades relacionadas entre pessoas com deficiência visual em um município brasileiro

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the oral health and related factors among people with visual impairment in a municipality in southeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive household study was carried out on a representative sample of people with visual impairments in a medium-sized city in Brazil. A clinical-dental examination was performed (evaluating tooth loss, caries, periodontal health, dental plaque use and need of prosthesis) and a semistructured questionnaire was applied, investigating the socioeconomic conditions (sex, age, marital status, skin color and income) and the use of dental services (reason, time since, and type of service used [private/public] in last dental visit). Descriptive and bivariate analysis were performed to asses the factors related to oral health. Results: The mean age of participants was 65 years (±15.05), with the majority women (70.9%). 53.1% of the interviewees were edentulous, but 58.2% had a good perception of oral health. The blind ones use less public services (p=0.038) and with a lower frequency (p=0.014) than subjects with low vision. Those with less schooling had higher tooth loss and lower periodontal problems (p <0.05). There was a reduction of dental plaque six months after the educational action (30.7%; p=0.01), especially among the low vision participants (p=0.01). Conclusion: Severe tooth loss and unsatisfactory hygiene contrast with self-perception of oral health. Visual acuity and schooling were related to access and oral health. Actions for promotion and equity are necessary to overcome the inequalities encountered.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a saúde bucal e fatores relacionados entre deficientes visuais em município do sudeste brasileiro. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo domiciliar, transversal e descritivo em uma amostra representativa de pessoas com deficiência visual em uma cidade de médio porte do Brasil. Realizou-se o exame clínico bucal (avaliando perda dentária, cárie, saúde periodontal, placa dentária, uso e necessidade de prótese) e aplicou-se um questionário semiestruturado, investigando as condições socioeconômicas (sexo, idade, estado civil, cor da pele e renda) e o uso de serviços odontológicos (motivo, tempo decorrido e tipo de serviço utilizado [privado/público] na última consulta odontológica). Foram realizadas análises descritivas e bivariadas para avaliar os fatores associados à saúde bucal. Resultados: A idade média dos participantes foi de 65 anos (±15,05), com maioria de mulheres (70,9%). 53,1% dos entrevistados eram edêntulos, porém, 58,2% apresentaram percepção de saúde bucal boa. Os cegos usam menos os serviços públicos (p=0,038) e em menor frequência (p=0,014) que os sujeitos com baixa visão. Os menos escolarizados apresentam maiores perdas dentárias e menores problemas periodontais (p<0,05). Houve redução de placa dentária seis meses após ação educativa (30,7%; p=0,01), sobretudo entre os sujeitos com baixa visão (p=0,01). Conclusão: Elevada perda dentária e higienização insatisfatória contrastaram com autopercepção dos agravos bucais. Acuidade visual e escolaridade relacionaram-se ao acesso e saúde bucal. Ações de promoção e equidade são necessários para superar desigualdades encontradas.

Management of dental caries lesions in patients with disabilities: Update of a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to update an existing review on the management of dental caries lesions in patients with disabilities so as to provide an up-to-date summary of the evidence. Randomized clinical trials and cohort studies related to preventive and restorative programmes for dental caries among people requiring special care, published in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and German languages from February 1st 2011 to April 1st 2022, were retrieved from three databases ("updated review"). From the 1,105 titles identified using the search topic "Caries AND Disability", 17 papers informed in the analyses: 6 referring to caries preventive strategies and 11 related to restorative care strategies. Most of these studies targeted children and adults with intellectual/physical disability, although preventive and therapeutic strategies were also reported for frail older adults and onchohematological patients. Fluorides in tablets, gels or varnishes forms and the use of xylitol as a sugar substitute were reported as effective approach to prevent the onset of caries in high-risk groups. Minimally intervention treatment options such as the Hall technique, the ART approach and the use of SDF for arresting caries, were deemed suitable and effective strategies for treating existing lesions in-office. In conclusion, in the past decade (2011-2022) an increased number of articles reported strategies to prevent and manage caries among people requiring special care. Although an array of preventive and therapeutic strategies for dental caries exists, more and better-quality clinical evidence is needed to offer guidance to inform policy and practice for special care dentistry.

Oral Care for Children with Special Healthcare Needs in Dentistry: A Literature Review.

Oral health is a very important aspect of general health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children with special healthcare needs. It is important to provide appropriate oral care in order to promote quality of life and good health for everyone, especially for children with special healthcare needs. METHOD: We reviewed the recent literature to collect knowledge regarding the delivery of quality oral care to children with special healthcare needs. We also explored some of the treatment management options that could address the needs of these children when attending dental clinics. RESULT: Unfortunately, we noted significant inequalities with issues related to oral health among those children. This situation often results in limitations to the activities of daily living for these children. There is therefore a need for much-needed advancements and refinements in oral healthcare to address the needs of children who have special healthcare needs. CONCLUSIONS: Providing children with special healthcare needs with high-quality dental care may necessitate active liaisons with healthcare facilitators and will require work across professions to make certain that these children's oral health is also prioritized. Coordinated efforts by dental professionals are needed to provide dental health education and preventive interventions for these children.