Survey investigation of articaine use in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Local anesthesia is an essential component of dentistry, but there is limited quantifiable understanding of what techniques and local anesthetic solutions are used by practicing dentists. Use of the local anesthetic articaine has been highly debated in dentistry regarding its efficacy and risks for paresthesia. The aims of this study were to expand the knowledge of local anesthesia practices of dentists in the United States through a large-scale survey and associate potential influencing factors regarding articaine use specifically. METHODS: The 23-item survey was sent to 10,340 practicing dentists in the United States, gathering demographic data and local anesthesia approaches and concerns. Statistical analysis consisted of descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1,128 dentists completed the survey. Previous experience with articaine was reported by 97.6% of respondents, with 3.3% no longer using articaine. Sixty percent of respondents indicated using articaine for most local anesthetic injections administered. Multivariable regression analysis found those reporting to use articaine for all local anesthetic injections involving vasoconstrictors were more likely to be male (odds ratio, 1.59; P = .002) or general dentists (odds ratio, 1.63; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Articaine has a perceived benefit to practitioners as most respondents reported using articaine as their primary local anesthetic. A practitioner's sex and type were found to affect the profile of use of articaine. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Assembling evidenced-based local anesthesia practices would be beneficial to ensure US practitioners are more standardized in administering local anesthetics, particularly articaine, in the safest and most efficacious way.

Dental opioid prescription patterns in academic and community settings.

OBJECTIVES: Reports of interventions to improve dental opioid prescribing have come primarily from academic settings, but most opioid prescriptions are written by community dentists. This analysis compares prescription characteristics between these two groups to inform interventions to improve dental opioid prescribing in community settings. METHODS: State prescription drug monitoring program data from 2013 to 2020 were used to compare opioid prescriptions from dentists at academic institutions (PDAI) to prescriptions from dentists in non-academic settings (PDNS). Linear regression was used to assess daily morphine milligram equivalents (MME), total MME, and days' supply, adjusting for year, age, sex, and rurality. RESULTS: Prescriptions from dentists at the academic institution accounted for less than 2% of over 2.3 million dental opioid prescriptions analyzed. Over 80% of prescriptions in both groups were written for <50 MME per day and for ≤3 days' supply. On average, in the adjusted models, prescriptions from the academic institution were written for about 75 additional MME per prescription and nearly a full day longer duration. Compared to adults, adolescents were the only age group who received both higher daily doses and longer days' supply. CONCLUSIONS: Prescriptions from dentists at academic institutions accounted for small percentage of opioid prescriptions, but prescription characteristics were clinically comparable between groups. Interventional targets to reduce opioid prescribing in academic institutions could be applied to community settings.

Impact of COVID-19 on dental practice and anxiety among increased risk group dentists: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The likelihood of infection with SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in the dental office is considered high. OBJECTIVES: Assessing the impact of the COVID-19 on dental practices and anxiety levels in risk group Brazilian dentists. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25.0 software (Pearson's Chi-square association test, multivariate logistic regression, and Poisson multiple regression), with subsequent calculation of the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Responses of 578 dentists distributed in all regions of Brazil were collected. Most of the dentists were female, with an average age of 35. Of the participants, 23.4% were part of the increased risk group for COVID-19. The professionals who belonged to the increased risk group had a greater chance of not feeling prepared to perform consultations (OR = 1.67) and were not performing any procedures during the pandemic (OR = 2.03). Belonging to the increased risk group did not influence anxiety levels among the dentists. The factors associated with increased anxiety were being female, being younger, working in the southeastern region of the country, being afraid of contracting COVID-19 while working, and being concerned for one's professional future. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic has had a negative impact on the professional practice of individuals at risk, but the level of anxiety was like professionals who were not part of the increased risk group for COVID-19.

Evaluation of the economic impact of COVID-19 on Brazilian private dental clinics: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The changes in dental care in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the need for greater financial investment by dentists in biosafety measures and increase in the costs of dental consultations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental practices in private clinics in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, using an online questionnaire indexed in Google Forms, and distributed among dentists. The data obtained were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25.0 software, evaluating the factors associated with strong or very strong impact on the participants' income and the factors that motivated the dentists to look for a credit line. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to identify the associated factors. Variables with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most participants were female, with a median age of 35 years. Dentists who are most concerned about their professional future (OR = 3.134; 95% CI: 1.804-5.445), who have longer office hours (OR = 2.056; 95% CI: 1.198-3.529), who had the greatest impact on the flow of patients (OR = 16.358; 95% CI: 9.408-28.443) and in need of investing in infrastructure (OR = 1.756; 95% CI: 1.014-3.041), had the greatest impact on monthly earnings. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic and the new biosafety recommendations for care during this period had a negative impact on the income of Brazilian dental offices and increased the chance of seeking credit to alleviate the financial deficit.

An Assessment of the Knowledge of Dentists on the Emergency Management of Avulsed Teeth.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of general dental practitioners (GDPs) on the emergency management of avulsed teeth.The management of the avulsed teeth is well outlined in the latest trauma guideline. However, little information is available about the level of knowledge of the management of avulsed teeth among young dentists in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire was completed to assess the knowledge of GDPs on the emergency management of avulsed teeth. The questionnaire asked questions to 142 dental practitioners about whether they have received information about the emergency management of dental trauma, whether they have intervened in cases of avulsed teeth following a dental trauma, and, finally, whether they have given treatment of avulsed teeth. RESULTS: The majority of GDPs had received training to treat avulsed teeth. The findings of the study showed that only 35% of GDPs recalled the critical time for treatment. The number of GDPs who had incorrect knowledge on this topic was higher and statistically significant (p<0.001). The rates of the correct answers according to the relevant information fields were as follows: optimal storage medium (78%), type of splint (56%), splinting period (58.5%), and systemic medication after avulsion (32%). CONCLUSION: The results show that many GDPs had limited experience in treating avulsed teeth. However, in the study, it was stressed that the knowledge of GDPs related to the factors affecting the successful treatment of avulsion cases should be improved by using continuing education programs.

The use of the digital smile design concept as an auxiliary tool in periodontal plastic surgery.

Periodontal surgery associated with prior waxing, mock-up, and the use of digital tools to design the smile is the current trend of reverse planning in periodontal plastic surgery. The objective of this study is to report a surgical resolution of the gummy smile using a prior esthetic design with the use of digital tools. A digital smile design and mock-up were used for performing gingival recontouring surgery. The relationship between the facial and dental measures and the incisal plane with the horizontal facial plane of reference were evaluated. The relative dental height x width was measured, and the dental contour drawing was inserted. Complementary lines are drawn such as the gingival zenith, joining lines of the gingival and incisal battlements. The periodontal esthetic was improved according to the established design digital smile pattern. These results demonstrate the importance of surgical techniques and are well accepted by patients and are easy to perform for the professional. When properly planned, they provide the desired expectations. Periodontal Surgical procedures associated with the design digital smile facilitate the communication between the patient and the professional. It is, therefore, essential to demonstrate the reverse planning of the smile and periodontal parameters with approval by the patient to solve the esthetic problem.

The American Indian and Alaska Native dentist workforce in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to describe the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dentist workforce, the general practice patterns of these providers, and their contributions to oral health care for AI/AN and underserved patients. METHODS: A national sample survey of underrepresented minority dentists was conducted in 2012 and received a 34 percent response rate for self-reported AI/AN dentists. Data were weighted for selection and response bias to be nationally representative. Descriptive and multivariable statistics were computed to provide a workforce profile. Comparisons to Census data and published information on dental students and dentists were used to examine practice patterns. RESULTS: The AI/AN dentist workforce (weighted n = 442) is very diverse with 55 reported individual tribal affiliations. Tribal heritage was provided by 95.7 percent of AI/AN dentists (n = 423), and of these, 93.9 percent (n = 400) reported an affiliation with only one tribe. The largest share of AI/AN dentists were born in the United States (98.2 percent, n = 434), married (75.6 percent, n = 333), and had dependent children under age 18 (52.0 percent, n = 222). Only 0.9 percent (n = 4) of AI/AN dentists spoke a traditional AI/AN language in patient care, while 10.6 percent (n = 46) were raised on tribal land or reservation. Initial practice in the Indian Health Service was reported by 15.8 percent of AI/AN dentists while 16.2 percent report currently practicing in a safety-net setting, and 42.0 percent report working in a practice that primarily serves underserved patients. CONCLUSIONS: AI/AN dentists provide a disproportionate share of care for AI/AN populations, yet the number of AI/AN dentists would need to increase 7.4-fold in order to meet population parity.

The Black dentist workforce in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to describe the Black dentist workforce, the practice patterns of providers, and their contributions to oral health care for minority and underserved patients. METHODS: A national sample survey of underrepresented minority dentists was conducted in 2012 and received a 32.6 percent response rate for self-reported Black dentists. Data were weighted for selection and response bias to be nationally representative. Descriptive and multivariable statistics were computed to provide a workforce profile of Black dentists. National comparisons are provided from published data. RESULTS: Among all Black dentists (weighted n = 6,254), 76.6 percent self-identify as African-American, 13.2 percent as African, and 10.3 percent as Afro-Caribbean. The largest share of Black dentists are male, married, heterosexual, born in the United States and raised in a medium to large city. One third of Black dentists were the first in their family to graduate from college. Black dentists report higher average educational debt than all dental students, with graduates from International Dentist Programs having the greatest debt. Traditional practices (i.e., private practices) dominate, with 67.1 percent of Black dentists starting out in this setting and 73.5 percent currently in the setting. Black dentists care for a disproportionate share of Black patients, with an average patient mix that is 44.9 percent Black. Two in five Black dentists reported their patient pool is made up of more than 50 percent Black patients. CONCLUSIONS: The underrepresentation for Black dentists is extraordinary, and the Black dentists that are in practice are shouldering a disproportionate share of dental care for minority and underserved communities.

A Survey of the Management of Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders by General Dental Practitioners in Southern Brazil.

PURPOSE: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are recognized as one of the most controversial topics in dentistry, despite the fact that both basic science and clinical researchers have currently reached some degree of consensus. This study aimed to conduct a questionnaire-based survey about the management of TMD patients by general dental practitioners (GDPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-one GDPs with a private practice in a city of southern Brazil were included, independent of school of origin, gender, graduation year, and curriculum content. All participants were administered a questionnaire about the management of patients with TMD, and the responses were analyzed by binomial and chi-square tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Of the GDPs, 88.7% received TMD patients, who were primarily diagnosed on the basis of medical history (36.6%) or physical examination (30.4%). Of these, 65.4% referred the patients elsewhere, primarily to specialists in occlusion (36.1%) or orthodontics (29.7%). Occlusal splinting was the most commonly used management modality (20.8%), followed by occlusal adjustment (18.1%) and pharmacotherapy (16.6%). Splints were fabricated in maximum habitual intercuspation or centric relation depending on individual patient (54.8%). The hard stabilization form was the most common type of appliance used (35.0%). Moreover, 73.8% of the GDPs did not employ semi-adjustable articulators, and 69.5% adjusted the appliances at the time of fixing. The duration of splint use and the frequency of follow-up were considered patient dependent by 62.1% and 72.8%, respectively. GDPs considered the two major TMD etiologic categories as multifactorial (20.8%) and occlusion (19.9%). Multidisciplinary medical and dental treatment was considered necessary by 97.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated general dental practitioners manage TMD patients according to international guidelines.

Evidence-practice gap for in-office fluoride application in a dental practice-based research network.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to examine dentists' recommendations for in-office fluoride to patients and identify dentists' characteristics associated with these recommendations. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The study was conducted using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in Japan. The survey queried dentists (n = 282) in outpatient dental practices affiliated with the Dental Practice-based Research Network Japan (JDPBRN). This network aims to assist dentists in investigating research questions and sharing their experience and expertise. RESULTS: The responses were obtained by 189 dentists (67 percent). Among valid response, 54 percent of dentists (n = 98) recommend in-office fluoride to more than 50 percent of their patients aged 6-18 years and 15 percent (n = 29) recommended this care to more than 50 percent of their patients aged over 18 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that factors associated with the percentage of patients who are recommended in-office fluoride included patient's interest in caries prevention and dentist's belief in the effectiveness of caries risk assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Dentist practice patterns for recommending in-office fluoride vary widely. Recommendation was significantly related to having a higher percentage of patients interested in caries prevention and to the dentist's belief about the effectiveness of caries risk assessment. (Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01680848).

Advances and challenges in oral health after a decade of the "Smiling Brazil" Program / Avanços e desafios da saúde bucal após uma década de Programa Brasil Sorridente

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze oral health work changes in primary health care after Brazil's National Oral Health Policy Guidelines were released. METHODS A literature review was conducted on Medline, LILACS, Embase, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and The Cochrane Library databases, from 2000 to 2013, on elements to analyze work changes. The descriptors used included: primary health care, family health care, work, health care policy, oral health care services, dentistry, oral health, and Brazil. Thirty-two studies were selected and analyzed, with a predominance of qualitative studies from the Northeast region with workers, especially dentists, focusing on completeness and quality of care. RESULTS Observed advances focused on educational and permanent education actions; on welcoming, bonding, and accountability. The main challenges were related to completeness; extension and improvement of care; integrated teamwork; working conditions; planning, monitoring, and evaluation of actions; stimulating people's participation and social control; and intersectorial actions. CONCLUSIONS Despite the new regulatory environment, there are very few changes in oral health work. Professionals tend to reproduce the dominant biomedical model. Continuing efforts will be required in work management, training, and permanent education fields. Among the possibilities are the increased engagement of managers and professionals in a process to understand work dynamics and training in the perspective of building significant changes for local realities.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar as mudanças no trabalho em saúde bucal na atenção primária à saúde após o lançamento das Diretrizes da Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal. MÉTODOS Foi realizada revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs, Embase, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e The Cochrane Library, de 2000 a 2013, sobre elementos analisadores das mudanças no trabalho. Os descritores utilizados foram: atenção primária à saúde, saúde da família, trabalho, política de saúde, serviços de saúde bucal, odontologia, saúde bucal e Brasil. Foram selecionados e analisados 32 estudos, com predomínio de estudos qualitativos, da região Nordeste, com trabalhadores, sobretudo dentistas, e com foco na integralidade e qualificação da assistência. RESULTADOS Os avanços observados concentraram-se nas ações educativas e de educação permanente; no acolhimento, vínculo e responsabilização. Os principais desafios estiveram relacionados à: integralidade; ampliação e qualificação da assistência; trabalho integrado em equipe; condições de trabalho; planejamento, monitoramento e avaliação das ações; estímulo à participação popular e ao controle social; e ações intersetoriais. CONCLUSÕES Apesar do novo cenário normativo, as mudanças são incipientes no trabalho em saúde bucal. Os profissionais tendem a reproduzir o modelo biomédico dominante. Serão necessários esforços continuados no campo da gestão do trabalho, da formação e da educação permanente. Dentre as possibilidades, está a ampliação do engajamento dos gestores e dos profissionais num processo de compreensão da dinâmica do trabalho e da formação na perspectiva de construir mudanças significativas para as realidades locais.

Conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas sobre avulsão dentária / Knowledge of dentists about avulsion tooth

Os traumatismos dentários são ocorrências relativamente frequentes que acometem principalmente crianças, adolescentes e adultos jovens, sendo os dentes anteriores os mais afetados. Na avulsão, o dente é deslocado totalmente para fora do alvéolo e é considerada a lesão dentoalveolar que maiores danos funcionais, estéticos e psicológicos provoca ao paciente, constituindo-se numa grave urgência odontológica. Apresenta prognóstico duvidoso, devido à frequência com que ocorrem reabsorções radiculares e anquilose após esse traumatismo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, através de aplicação de questionário aos profissionais, o nível de conhecimento de Cirurgiões-Dentistas atuantes em Unidades Básicas de Saúde e Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas de Juiz de Fora/MG, Brasil, em relação às adequadas condutas de urgência frente à avulsão dentária e também como dever ser o acompanhamento clínico-radiográfico de dentes reimplantados. Trinta e dois Cirurgiões-Dentistas (28,1% do gênero masculino e 71,9% do gênero feminino) participaram do estudo. Utilizou-se um questionário de múltipla escolha composto por perguntas de dúvidas frequentes relacionadas ao assunto. As respostas foram analisadas através de técnicas de estatística descritiva e análise exploratória de dados. Concluiu-se que os Cirurgiões-Dentistas demonstraram bom conhecimento sobre a avulsão dentária, embora divergências tenham sido observadas para questões que se referem, principalmente, ao meio de armazenamento do dente avulsionado e à forma de estabilização mais indicada para o dente reimplantado, sendo considerado ideal o transporte e o armazenamento do dente imerso em Solução de Hank e, na ausência deste, em leite, e estabilização de forma semi-rígida.

Dental injuries are relatively frequent occurrences affecting mainly children, adolescents and young adults, and the anterior teeth being the most affected. In avulsion, the tooth is moved completely out of the socket, which is considered the greatest functional, aesthetic and psychological injury to the patient becoming a serious dental emergency with dubious prognosis, due to the frequency of root resorption occurring and ankylosis after the trauma. The objective of this study was to evaluate through a questionnaire the knowledge of Dentists from Basic Health Units in Juiz de Fora / MG, Brazil, concerning the appropriate behavior for the emergency dental avulsion and also how should be the clinical and radiographic monitoring of the implanted teeth. Thirty-two Dentists (28.1% males and 71.9% females) participated to the study. We used a multiple choice questionnaire consisting of questions frequently related to the subject. The responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis. The Dentists demonstrated good knowledge about tooth avulsion, although differences have been observed for the avulsed tooth care and for the most suitable method for stabilizing the tooth reimplanted. The immersion in Hank's solution was considered the ideal transport and storage of the tooth and in absence of that milk may be used. The semi-rigid was considered the best stabilization.

Self-medication in health students from two Brazilian universities

Introduction: Self medication is a component of self care and it is considered as primary public health resource in health care system. It can be defined as use of non-prescription medicines by people on their own initiative. Dentists, together with doctors and veterinarians, comprise the professional classes that may and must prescribe medications for their patients. On the other hand, the nursing professionals are the ones who more administer drugs to patients in the ambulatory and hospital. Objective: This study was aimed to find out the frequency of self medication in selected university students, to find out the difference in the proportions of self medication between dentistry and nursing students, as well to evaluate the students' knowledge of harmful effects of self medication and common problems of students that use the self medication. Material and methods: We were applied 209 questionnaires among dentistry students from the 3rd to 8th semesters at the Paulista University/Goiânia and 542 among nursing students from the 3rd to 8th semesters at the Estacio de Sa University of Goiás. Results and conclusion: In the present study was observed a high rate of self-medication among undergraduate students in the health area, particularly among the dentistry and nurse students. The result was alarming because the professional him/herself who should educate patients and dissuade them from this practice is a habitual user; it makes it more difficult to aspire to the future inhibition and reduction of this practice that is so harmful to health.

Vacinação contra hepatite B e fatores associados entre cirurgiões-dentistas / Hepatitis B vaccination and associated factors among dentists

OBJETIVO: Estimou-se a prevalência e investigaram-se os fatores associados à vacinação contra hepatite B e os motivos para não vacinação entre cirurgiões-dentistas. MÉTODOS: Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário semiestruturado autoaplicável. Participaram cirurgiões-dentistas inscritos no Conselho Regional de Odontologia de Minas Gerais, subseção Montes Claros, que residiam e trabalhavam em clínicas odontológicas ou consultórios, com ou sem vínculo empregatício, no serviço privado ou público, em Montes Claros, MG. As variáveis associadas à vacinação contra hepatite B foram investigadas por meio de regressão logística não condicional. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 333 trabalhadores elegíveis, 297 (89,2%) participaram e 283 responderam à questão sobre vacinação; destes, 258 (91,2%) realizaram o esquema vacinal de três doses e 25 (8,8%) não vacinaram ou não completaram o esquema vacinal, relatando como principal motivo a falta de informação (48%). As variáveis associadas com relato de vacinação, após ajuste para todas as outras, foram: consumo de tabaco (OR = 2,50; IC95% = 1,22-7,13), consumo de bebidas alcoólicas (OR = 2,99; IC95% = 1,16-7,74), satisfação com a profissão (OR = 4,62; IC95% = 1,50-8,25) e conhecimento sobre protocolo pós-exposição ocupacional (OR = 4,28; IC95% = 1,63-9,26). CONCLUSÕES: Verificou-se alta prevalência de vacinação completa, sendo maior entre os não fumantes, os que não consumiam bebidas alcoólicas, os mais satisfeitos com a profissão e os que conheciam um protocolo pós-exposição ocupacional. O estudo sugere que os comportamentos negligentes com a própria saúde se repetem. Há necessidade de campanhas educativas sobre a transmissão da hepatite B, contribuindo para o controle e erradicação dessa grave infecção.

OBJECTIVE: We calculated the prevalence and studied the factors associated with hepatitis B vaccination. Reasons for non-vaccination among dentists were investigated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, from 2007 to 2008, to assess hepatitis B vaccination among practicing dental surgeons. Variables were evaluated using a previously tested structured questionnaire. Data underwent descriptive analysis. Non-conditional logistic regression was used to determine the variables associated with hepatitis B vaccination (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were 333 subjects eligible for the study, 297 (89.2%) participated, and 283 answered the question about vaccination; of these, 258 (91.2%) completed the three-dose schedule vaccination and 25 (8.8%) were not vaccinated or did not complete the vaccination schedule. Lack of information (48%) was stated as the main reason for not being vaccinated. Variables associated with vaccination were: tobacco use (OR = 2.50; IC95% = 1.22-7.13), alcohol consumption (OR = 2.99; IC95% = 1.16-7.74), satisfaction with the profession (OR = 4.62; IC95% = 1.50-8.25) and knowledge on the post-exposure management protocol (OR = 4.28; IC95% = 1.63-9.26). CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of complete vaccination among dentists in Montes Claros. It is higher among professionals who do not use tobacco and alcohol, are more satisfied with their profession and know the protocol after occupational exposure. The study suggests that the lack of information is the main reason for not being vaccinated.

Measles surveillance in Qatar, 2008: physicians' knowledge and practices and support received

Qatar is in the elimination phase of measles control which requires every suspected measles case to be notified and investigated immediately. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess physicians' self-reported knowledge and practices concerning measles surveillance and the support they received. Of 290 physicians participating in the study, only 22.4% met the criterion for best practice in measles surveillance [i.e. knowing and applying the case definition and immediately ordering the correct blood test and immediately reporting suspected cases]. Only 14.1% reported getting training and feedback on surveillance. Physicians supervised on their surveillance activities had significantly better surveillance practices than non-supervised physicians, whereas physicians who received training and feedback on their surveillance activities did not perform any better than those who did not. We recommend training activities for physicians and health care workers involved in the measles control as well a system of feedback to health care workers

Evaluation of dental waste management in two cities in Palestine

Disposal of dental waste was investigated at 37 randomly selected clinics in Ramallah and Al-Bireh cities: 31 private practices and 6 public/NGO clinics. Dentists were interviewed regarding their disposal of different forms of dental waste. Disinfectants and X-ray processing solution were thrown down the drain. For sharps, 13.5% of dentists used puncture-resistant containers [only in the public/ NGO clinics], 45.9% discarded needles directly in the garbage after being recapped and 40.5% placed the used needles and blades in closed plastic bottles before throwing in the general garbage. Blood-soaked dressings and amalgam waste were also thrown in the garbage. While 10.75% of dentists were vaccinated against hepatitis B, 47% of the staff at private clinics were not