Radiological Evaluation of the Accuracy of Demirjian, Nolla, and Willems Methods for Dental Age Estimation in 3-17-Year-Old Iranian Children.

Background: The stage of tooth formation is one of the most reliable indicators for predicting a patient's developmental age by radiographs. This study compared the accuracy of three distinct dental age estimation methods (Demirjian, Nolla, and Willems) in children aged 3-17 in the northern Iranian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined panoramic radiographs of 434 children aged 3-17 from Mazandaran Province, Iran, who had teeth 31-37 present on the left mandible. This study employed the Demirjian, Nolla, and Willems methods to estimate the dental age of the sample and compare it with the chronological age. The data were analyzed using SPSS v16. A paired t-test was used to compare chronological and dental ages. The Pearson correlation was used to correlate the chronological and dental ages. The errors of different methods were compared using the Wilcoxon test. P values < 0.05 were considered significant for all tests except Wilcoxon. For Wilcoxon, a P value < 0.017 was considered significant. Results: The three methods presented differing mean estimated ages. The Demirjian method delivered the highest mean, and all three methods differed significantly when compared in pairs. The results showed that the Demirjian method overestimated chronological age by 0.25 years (P < 0.001) in girls and 0.09 years (P = 0.28) in boys. The Willems method underestimated chronological age by 0.05 years (P = 0.47) in girls and 0.12 years (P = 0.13) in boys. The Nolla method underestimated chronological age by 0.41 years (P < 0.001) in girls and 0.40 years (P < 0.001) in boys. The accuracy of each method varied with the patient's age. Conclusion: According to the findings, the Willems method outperformed the Demirjian method, and the Demirjian method exceeded the Nolla method for estimating dental age in Iranian children aged 3-17. Overall, the Demirjian method overestimated the age of the study population, whereas the other two underestimated it.

Orofacial assessment as digital path for forensic and legal evidence record.

In forensic scenarios, such as armed conflicts or mass disasters, the oral cavity can be a valuable source of identification information relevant to legal issues. In many European Union countries, it is mandatory to register dental records for identification purposes. A pilot and quasi-experimental study was performed. The study aims to analyze two methodologies, photography and wireless intraoral (IO) laser scanner, in the scope of the orofacial record in forensic pathology, highlighting their impact on human identification. The IO scanner i700 (Medit, Lusobionic, Portugal) and Canon 5D-Full Frame equipment were used to record the individual status, living patients (n = 5), and forensic cases (n = 5). IO and extraoral anatomical structures were recorded following six parameters: time, mineralized and soft detail, communication, extra devices, and distortion. The statistical analysis was performed in accordance with a scoring system and Mann-Whitney (P < 0.05) analysis. The photography method recorded extraoral data for all samples (score range between 15 and 23). The time elapsed to complete an IO scan in forensic cases was shorter than with photography, without requiring additional sources of light or mirror devices. Living patients and corpses identified statistically significant differences. It can be concluded that laser scanners are a valuable tool in the field of forensic pathology and can be used to record and analyze anatomic-morphological data for identification purposes accurately. Key points: Human identification engages in orofacial details records.Photographic and laser scans record intraoral and extraoral anatomic structures.Forensic cases assessed by intraoral scanner technology are accurate and less time-consuming, optimizing the orofacial data for identification.

Can human sex be estimated based on the dimensions of the maxillary sinuses? A systematic review of the literature on cone-beam and multi-slice computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To critically appraise and summarize the potential of linear and/or volumetric dimensions of the maxillary sinuses obtained with cone-beam and multi-slice computed tomography. METHODS: A bibliographic search was conducted in seven databases in August 2023. Cross-sectional retrospective studies using linear and volumetric measurements of the maxillary sinuses obtained with cone-beam and multi-slice computed tomography for sex estimation and presenting numerical estimation data were included. Narrative or systematic reviews, letters to the editor, case reports, laboratory studies in animals, and experimental studies were excluded. The critical appraisal and certainty of evidence were assessed using the guidelines described by Fowkes and Fulton and GRADE, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 656 studies were found, 32 of which were included. A total of 3631 individuals were analyzed and the overall sex estimation rate ranged from 54.9 % to 95 %. When compared with isolated measurements, combined linear measurements of the right and left maxillary sinuses, such as width, length, and height, provided a higher rate of sex estimation (54.9-95 %). In most of the studies (62.5 %), all measurements were higher in men than in women. Multiple methodological problems were found in the studies, especially distorting influences in 84.4 % of the answers. The certainty of evidence varied from very low to low. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of height, width, and length measurements of the right and left maxillary sinuses from cone-beam and multi-slice computed tomography can be useful in the estimation of sex of humans. Further primary studies are needed to increase the certainty of evidence. PROSPERO REGISTER: CRD42020161922.

Dental Age Estimation in Northern Chinese Han Children and Adolescents Using Demirjian's Method Combined with Machine Learning Algorithms.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the application value of combining the Demirjian's method with machine learning algorithms for dental age estimation in northern Chinese Han children and adolescents. METHODS: Oral panoramic images of 10 256 Han individuals aged 5 to 24 years in northern China were collected. The development of eight permanent teeth in the left mandibular was classified into different stages using the Demirjian's method. Various machine learning algorithms, including support vector regression (SVR), gradient boosting regression (GBR), linear regression (LR), random forest regression (RFR), and decision tree regression (DTR) were employed. Age estimation models were constructed based on total, female, and male samples respectively using these algorithms. The fitting performance of different machine learning algorithms in these three groups was evaluated. RESULTS: SVR demonstrated superior estimation efficiency among all machine learning models in both total and female samples, while GBR showed the best performance in male samples. The mean absolute error (MAE) of the optimal age estimation model was 1.246 3, 1.281 8 and 1.153 8 years in the total, female and male samples, respectively. The optimal age estimation model exhibited varying levels of accuracy across different age ranges, which provided relatively accurate age estimations in individuals under 18 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The machine learning model developed in this study exhibits good age estimation efficiency in northern Chinese Han children and adolescents. However, its performance is not ideal when applied to adult population. To improve the accuracy in age estimation, the other variables can be considered.

Adolescents and Children Age Estimation Using Machine Learning Based on Pulp and Tooth Volumes on CBCT Images.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate adolescents and children age using stepwise regression and machine learning methods based on the pulp and tooth volumes of the left maxillary central incisor and cuspid on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, and to compare and analyze the estimation results. METHODS: A total of 498 Shanghai Han adolescents and children CBCT images of the oral and maxillofacial regions were collected. The pulp and tooth volumes of the left maxillary central incisor and cuspid were measured and calculated. Three machine learning algorithms (K-nearest neighbor, ridge regression, and decision tree) and stepwise regression were used to establish four age estimation models. The coefficient of determination, mean error, root mean square error, mean square error and mean absolute error were computed and compared. A correlation heatmap was drawn to visualize and the monotonic relationship between parameters was visually analyzed. RESULTS: The K-nearest neighbor model (R2=0.779) and the ridge regression model (R2=0.729) outperformed stepwise regression (R2=0.617), while the decision tree model (R2=0.494) showed poor fitting. The correlation heatmap demonstrated a monotonically negative correlation between age and the parameters including pulp volume, the ratio of pulp volume to hard tissue volume, and the ratio of pulp volume to tooth volume. CONCLUSIONS: Pulp volume and pulp volume proportion are closely related to age. The application of CBCT-based machine learning methods can provide more accurate age estimation results, which lays a foundation for further CBCT-based deep learning dental age estimation research.

Determining Whether an Individual is 18 Years or Older Based on the Third Molar Root Pulp Visibility in East China.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the age-related changes of the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility in individuals in East China, and to explore the feasibility of applying this method to determine whether an individual is 18 years or older. METHODS: A total of 1 280 oral panoramic images were collected from the 15-30 years old East China population, and the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility in all oral panoramic images was evaluated using OLZE 0-3 four-stage method, and the age distribution of the samples at each stage was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Stages 0, 1, 2 and 3 first appeared in 16.88, 19.18, 21.91 and 25.44 years for males and in 17.47, 20.91, 22.01 and 26.01 years for females. In all samples, individuals at stages 1 to 3 were over 18 years old. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to determine whether an individual in East China is 18 years or older based on the mandibular third molar root pulp visibility on oral panoramic images.

Digital matching of palatal rugae patterns for forensic identification in edentulous denture wearers.

Identifying edentulous victims in forensic contexts poses a significant challenge. It has been reported that having a denture to reproduce and compare Palatal Rugae (PR) patterns is crucial for identifying edentulous individuals, yet there are no validated protocols for conducting this procedure. In this study, a new method was developed and validated for plaster molding of the internal surface of upper dentures, along with a protocol involving focus-stacked photographs and reference scales. Thirty-eight edentulous subjects participated in the study, obtaining plaster models of the patients (PM), and their dentures (AM) were standardized. The AM/PM model was highlighted and photographed with ten shots in different z-focuses for each model, using standard lighting and aligning the position of the PR perpendicular to the photographic axis using tubular spirit levels and modeling clay. The images were processed using the stacking technique and analyzed by three observers through the proposed protocol using Adobe® Photoshop®. The results were analyzed based on the intra-observer and inter-observer agreement levels, with a 95% confidence interval. This study demonstrated high-precision intra-observer and inter-observer agreement (k = 1) in the matching of Palatal Rugae (PR) and maxillary morphology obtained from participants and their dentures. The protocol is simple, cost-effective, and precise. It enables standardization of the technique for obtaining plaster models, and the exposure of PR and photographic protocol minimizes the presence of artifacts in the images, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors and promoting the reproducibility of both the recording technique and the comparison of the PR.

Digital intraoral and radiologic records in forensic identification: Match with disruptive technology.

While clinical dentistry has seamlessly integrated the digital revolution, there is a gap in the technological capabilities of forensic dentistry.The study aimed to compare the superimposition accuracy of two different three-dimensional record formats, namely the intraoral scanner and cone beam computer tomography, in the context of forensic identification.The sample consisted of randomly selected adults (n=10) of both sexes aged between 20 and 50 years. Following the acquisition of data using the Medit i700 wireless scanner and the iCAT Tomograph with InVivo software, the records were analysed and compared through superimposition using Medit Scan Clinic software to assess the technical precision of anatomical identification details.The results obtained through the superimposition of dental and bone records following intra- and inter-observer analysis enabled an accurate comparison and identification of an individual. This method can differentiate between positive and negative matches, achieving exclusion results and offering a potential solution to overcoming the absence of a standardisation procedure in human identification.

Research Progress on Dental Age Estimation Based on MRI Technology.

Dental age estimation is a crucial aspect and one of the ways to accomplish forensic age estimation, and imaging technology is an important technique for dental age estimation. In recent years, some studies have preliminarily confirmed the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating dental development, providing a new perspective and possibility for the evaluation of dental development, suggesting that MRI is expected to be a safer and more accurate tool for dental age estimation. However, further research is essential to verify its accuracy and feasibility. This article reviews the current state, challenges and limitations of MRI in dental development and age estimation, offering reference for the research of dental age assessment based on MRI technology.

The Prevalence and Association of Non-metric Dental Traits With Dentoskeletal Malocclusion and ABO Blood Groups in the Maharashtrian Population.

Introduction Non-metric dental traits (NMDTs) are a fundamental data source in forensic dentistry. Nevertheless, the insufficiency of data regarding the occurrence of these traits has instigated the present research endeavor aimed at ascertaining the prevalence, sexual dimorphism, and extent of inter-trait correlations within the Maharashtrian population of India. The secondary objective was to determine the correlations between NMDTs, dentoskeletal malocclusion, and ABO blood groups. Materials and methods This prospective, observational study included 528 individuals aged 18-30 years with dentoskeletal Class I, II, and III malocclusions. NMDTs such as the presence of Cusp of Carabelli (CoC) on the upper first molars, hypocone on the upper second molars, and tri- or bicuspid lower second premolars were observed on the dental casts of all individuals. The dental relationship was assessed clinically according to Angle's system for the classification of malocclusion. The skeletal relationship was assessed using lateral cephalograms of the individuals. ABO blood groups were obtained from their medical records. The Chi-square test of independence was used to assess the associations between various variables. The correlation between each measurement was determined using Spearman's correlation test. Multivariate analysis enabled the identification of parameters that exhibited independent associations with NMDTs. A multinomial logistic regression model was constructed using NMDTs as the outcome variable. Results The mean age of males was 20.82 ± 1.71 years and 21.15 ± 1.76 years was in females. NMDTs were predominantly seen in females (n=394, 75%), with Class II dentoskeletal malocclusion (n=265, 50%) and B blood group ((n=199, 38%). All traits showed bilateral predominance. A statistically significant association was found between CoC, dentoskeletal malocclusion, hypocone, and tricuspid lower second premolars (p <0.05). All NMDTs showed a negative correlation with sex, a positive correlation between age and the presence of hypocones and CoC, a negative correlation between age and tricuspid lower second premolars, a strong positive correlation with dentoskeletal malocclusion, and a weak positive correlation with ABO blood groups. Multinomial logistic regression model analysis revealed that none of the independent variables were statistically significant predictors of the presence of CoC and tricuspid lower second premolars, while dentoskeletal malocclusion and sex were significant predictors of the presence of the hypocone trait. Conclusion NMDTs showed a female predilection with bilateral predominance. A significant association was observed between these traits and dentoskeletal malocclusions. The most commonly observed NMDT was the presence of a hypocone on the upper second molars, followed by the tricuspid lower second premolars and the CoC.

Validation of Gender Identification From Frontal Sinuses Using Yoshino's Classification: A Morphometric Radiographic Study.

INTRODUCTION: Gender determination of deceased individuals may become necessary in scenarios involving sudden and unforeseen fatalities like explosions, fires, transportation accidents, or instances of mutilation or decomposition, which frequently require medicolegal expertise. Forensic radiology is instrumental in identifying gender. The shape of the frontal sinus is considered distinct for every person, differing even among identical twins, much like individual fingerprints and establishing personal identity. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to validate and determine gender identification by evaluating frontal sinus measurements using digital posteroanterior cephalograms with reference to Yoshino's classification and to determine gender based on measurements of frontal sinus size, bilateral asymmetry, the outline of the upper border of the frontal sinus, partial septa, and supraorbital cells of the frontal sinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 300 digital posteroanterior cephalograms (150 males and 150 females) of age groups ranging from 18 to 30 years were collected from the records of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences & Research Centre, Hyderabad. The parameters that were assessed in a digital radiograph are Yoshino's frontal sinus pattern of the individual, which includes frontal sinus size, bilateral asymmetry, superiority of the side, outline of the upper border, partial septa, and supraorbital cells. The measurements were taken, tabulated, and compared with the standard values of the gender measurement. The values were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Results showed a statistically significant difference in the mean height (p=0.000), width (p=0.000), area (p=0.000), partial septa (p=0.002), and outline of the upper border on the right side (p=0.011) of the frontal sinus for both males and females. The mean values for length, width, and area of the frontal sinus were higher in males than females. No statistical difference is found on the outline of the upper border on the left side, superiority of the side, and supraorbital cells. The application of discriminative analysis to the data accurately identified gender in 65.3% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Thus, from the above study, the forensic application of frontal sinus morphology can be recommended as an adjunctive tool for gender determination.

Exploratory analysis of new craniometric measures for the investigation of biological sex using open-access statistical and machine-learning tools on a cone-beam computed tomography sample.

Investigation of the biological sex of human remains is a crucial aspect of physical anthropology. However, due to varying states of skeletal preservation, multiple approaches and structures of interest need to be explored. This research aims to investigate the potential use of distances between bifrontal breadth (FMB), infraorbital foramina distance (IOD), nasal breadth (NLB), inter-canine width (ICD), and distance between mental foramina (MFD) for combined sex prediction through traditional statistical methods and through open-access machine-learning tools. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee, and out of 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, 54 individuals were selected with all the points visible. Ten extra exams were chosen to test the predictors developed from the learning sample. Descriptive analysis of measurements, standard deviation, and standard error were obtained. T-student and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized to assess the sex differences within the variables. A logistic regression equation was developed and tested for the investigation of the biological sex as well as decision trees, random forest, and artificial neural networks machine-learning models. The results indicate a strong correlation between the measurements and the sex of individuals. When combined, the measurements were able to predict sex using a regression formula or machine learning based models which can be exported and added to software or webpages. Considering the methods, the estimations showed an accuracy rate superior to 80% for males and 82% for females. All skulls in the test sample were accurately predicted by both statistical and machine-learning models. This exploratory study successfully established a correlation between facial measurements and the sex of individuals, validating the prediction potential of machine learning, augmenting the investigative tools available to experts with a high differentiation potential.

Facial morphological analysis for the development of a representative atlas of the brazilian population.

The objective of this study was to propose categories of morphological classification for the face and its anatomical structures, as well as to propose illustrations to support the development of an atlas that facilitates facial morphological analysis of adult Brazilians. It was a descriptive study based on the analysis of the frequency and distribution of 13 photoanthropometric facial ratios (RFAs) obtained from a representative sample of the Brazilian population. RFAs related to facial height and width, eye width, intercanthal distance, nose length and width, philtrum ridge height and width, mouth thickness and width, upper and lower lip thickness, and chin height were analyzed. The study included a sample of 5.000 individuals aged between 18 and 22 years, evenly distributed between genders. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, considering them as parametric when p > 0.05. For the RFAs that showed normal distribution, mean ± 1.5 standard deviations (SD) were used to categorize facial measurements as regular, below average, or above average. Non-parametric RFAs were analyzed based on the median and 10th and 90th percentiles of the data. Based on the established average iris diameter, which is considered the most stable facial measurement, the values of the described RFAs were converted to a numerical scale in centimeters, allowing for the illustration of female and male faces. In this way, it was possible to categorize the facial anatomical structures and, consequently, visualize the facial morphological pattern of the adult Brazilian population.

Forensic study of the mechanical properties of prosthetic materials: Submersion in mangrove environment - A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: It is crucial for dental surgeons to use the mechanical properties of dental prosthetic materials to correlate the submersion time in a mangrove environment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to submerge dental prosthetic materials, such as acrylic resin and zirconia, contained within acrylic resin disks in a mangrove environment, and analyze the alterations in mechanical parameters, such as surface roughness and microhardness, to estimate submergence time in similar forensic situations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 specimens was embedded in acrylic resin disks numbered from 1 to 6. The materials were polished for initial parameter readings a day before submersion, and new readings were obtained 1after submersion. All specimens were subjected to surface roughness analysis, in addition to Knoop microhardness analysis for acrylic resin and Vickers microhardness analysis for zirconia. After the experiment, the data were computed for statistical comparation of the materials properties different parameters. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in surface roughness and Knoop microhardness was reduced in the Acrylic Resin samples (p< 0.05); however, no statistically significant differences were observed in the roughness or Vickers microhardness values of the zirconia samples. CONCLUSION: Zirconia prosthetics were more resistant to degradation when submerged in a mangrove environment compared to acrylic resin ones; however, owing to the obstacles inherent in this study, we suggest further research on the properties of prosthetic materials submerged in mangroves or other environments, which could bolster the work of dental professionals in forensic medical institutes.

Are dental charts (odontograms) obsolete records for comparative dental analysis? / Os odontogramas são registros obsoletos para uma análise dental comparativa?

This communication aims to briefly present the importance of dental charts (odontograms) in the comparative dental analysis for human identification considering the time elapsed between its introduction and the current use in times of rapid technological changes in Dentistry. Future discussions about the rank of importance amongst the different types of dental records are necessary

Esta comunicação tem como objetivo apresentar brevemente a importância dos odontogramas na análise odontológica comparativa para a identificação humana, considerando o tempo decorrido entre sua introdução e o uso atual em tempos de rápidas mudanças tecnológicas na Odontologia. Discussões futuras sobre o grau de importância entre os diferentes tipos de registros odontológicos são necessárias

Uso de aplicativo de inteligência artificial como fonte de informação para resolução de provas de Odontologia / Use of an artificial intelligence application as a source of information for solving Dentistry exams

Introdução: O ChatGPT® é uma ferramenta pública desenvolvida pela OpenAI que utiliza a tecnologia do modelo de linguagem GPT. Este chatbot é capaz de atender a variadas solicitações de texto. Objetivo: avaliar se o ChatGPT® é capaz de ser a única fonte de informação para resolução de provas de Odontologia. Material e métodos: consiste em um estudo transversal quantitativo analítico. Para a coleta de dados, foi elaborada uma prova fictícia constituída por questões do ENADE e de outros concursos públicos. Os participantes responderam a prova em dois momentos: T1, sem o ChatGPT® e, após 15 dias (T2), utilizando-o. A amostra foi de 30 discentes de graduação em Odontologia, divididos igualmente entre 3 grupos: 1º ao 4º semestre, 5º ao 6º semestre e 7º ao 10º semestre. Para análise de dados foram aplicadas análises estatísticas descritiva e inferencial, por meio do software SPSS, com os testes de Wilcoxon e de McNemar. Resultados: revelaram uma eficácia notável do ChatGPT® na resolução de questões discursivas, com 83,3% de taxa de acerto, enquanto os discentes deram mais respostas incorretas ou incompletas. Porém, foram observadas limitações da base de dados do ChatGPT® quanto às questões objetivas. É crucial ressaltar que, apesar de resultados promissores, a aplicação do Chat levanta questões éticas e pedagógicas. Assim, a introdução do ChatGPT® na educação preocupa quanto à validade e equidade nas avaliações, destacando a importância de encontrar equilíbrio entre a inovação tecnológica e a preservação da integridade acadêmica

Introduction: ChatGPT® is a public tool developed by OpenAI that employs the language model technology of GPT. This chatbot is capable of addressing various text-based requests. Objective: To assess whether ChatGPT® can be the sole source of information for resolving Dentistry exams. Materials and Methods: This is an analytical quantitative cross-sectional study. For data collection, a fictitious exam was created, consisting of questions from the National Student Performance Exam (ENADE) and other public competitions. Participants answered the exam at two different times: T1, without ChatGPT®, and, after 15 days (T2), using it. The sample included 30 undergraduate Dentistry students, equally divided into three groups: 1st to 4th semester, 5th to 6th semester, and 7th to 10th semester. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied using SPSS software, including the Wilcoxon and McNemar tests. Results: They revealed a notable effectiveness of ChatGPT® in resolving essay questions, with an 83.3% accuracy rate, while students provided more incorrect or incomplete answers. However, limitations of the ChatGPT® database were observed regarding objective questions. It is crucial to emphasize that, despite promising results, the application of Chat raises ethical and pedagogical questions. Therefore, the introduction of ChatGPT® in education raises concerns about the validity and fairness of assessments, underscoring the importance of finding a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of academic integrity

Ètica na divulgação dos serviços odontológicos através da publicidade e propaganda externas em uma cidade do interior da Bahia / Ethics on the disclosure of dental services through advertising in inner city of Bahia

O marketing é uma estratégia de destaque comercial muito utilizada na odontologia, com suas mais variadas modalidades, é uma potente ferramenta, que ao contrário do que é diversas vezes retratado, não se trata apenas de vender, comprar ou comercializar. O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar as violações éticas apresentadas nas publicidades e propagandas de serviços odontológicos na cidade de Santo Antônio de Jesus - Bahia de acordo com o código de ética odontológico (CFO- 118/2012). Os dados foram coletados a partir de uma atenciosa análise de placas, panfletos e outdoors de consultórios odontológicos (pessoa física e/ou jurídica). Estas publicidades e propagandas foram documentadas através de fotografias coletadas por uma única examinadora. Os itens considerados obrigatórios foram registro profissional, nome do profissional e o nome representativo Cirurgião-Dentista, já os itens considerados opcionais avaliados foram logotipo, telefone, E-mail/site, endereço, áreas de atuação, procedimentos e técnicas de tratamento e a expressão "clínico-geral", no quesito infrações foram avaliados itens como cartão de desconto, modalidade de pagamento e aliciamento de pacientes. Verificou-se que apenas 15% dos anúncios apresentavam todos os itens obrigatórios, o item mais encontrado referente aos opcionais foi o Logotipo (48,2%), apenas uma única clínica apresentava itens que continham algum tipo de publicidade com infração ética. O presente estudo constatou que a maior parte das publicidades e propagandas realizadas por clínicas e consultórios odontológicos da cidade de Santo Antônio de Jesus, não seguem todas as normas e diretrizes, desobedecendo as regras básicas propostas

Marketing is a prominent commercial strategy widely used in dentistry, within its diverse modalities; it is a powerful tool, contrary to which is often portrayed, isn't just about selling, buying or marketing. The aim of this paper is investigating the ethical violations viewed on dental services advertisements in the city of Santo Antônio de Jesus - Bahia in accordance with the dental ethics and code of conduct (CFO- 118/2012). The data has been collected as from a careful analysis of advertising boards, flyers and outdoors at dental offices (individuals and/or legal entities). These advertisements were documented through photographs collected by a single examiner. The mandatory items have been considered professional registration, name of the professional and the professional representative name (dentist), while the optional items have been considered logo, phone, E-mail/website, address, activity areas, procedures and treatment techniques and the expression "general practitioner", in relation to infractions, items such as discount card, payment method and patient enticement have been evaluated. It has been found only 15% of the advertisements showed all mandatory items, the most common item was the Logo (48.2%), just a single clinic had some type of item that contained ethical violations advertising. The present article determine that the majority of advertisements carried out by dental clinics in the city of Santo Antônio de Jesus haven´t been followed all regulations, disobeying the basic rules proposals

Harmonização orofacial: evolução normativa e conflitos legais no reconhecimento da especialidade / Orofacial harmonization: normative evolution and legal conflicts for the recognition of the specialty

A Harmonização Orofacial (HOF) é especialidade odontológica reconhecida pelo Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO) e, no reconhecimento dessa especialidade, discussões internas e externas à classe odontológica surgiram. O presente artigo tem como objetivo levantar reflexões acerca do processo judicial n° 1003948-83.2019.4.01.3400 julgado pelo Tribunal Regional Federal (Seção Judiciária do Distrito Federal - 8ª Vara Federal) referente a HOF enquanto especialidade odontológica. Inicialmente, são discutidos os documentos que norteiam o ensino dos cursos de graduação e pós-graduação em odontologia. Em seguida, faz-se uma reflexão sobre o processo de reconhecimento da HOF como especialidade odontológica. Por fim, discute-se acerca do citado processo judicial, os principais pontos elencados pelas partes envolvidas no processo e eventuais consequências do desfecho desse processo para a classe odontológica. O reconhecimento da HOF enquanto especialidade odontológica não seguiu os trâmites que outras especialidades odontológicas seguiram e gerou debates educacionais e formativos sob uma perspectiva ética e legal. Ademais, tal reconhecimento fomentou debates relacionados ao conflito dos procedimentos dessa especialidade odontológica com procedimentos de especialidades médicas. Tais conflitos chegaram ao Poder Judiciário, que interveio em favor da Odontologia, contudo, isso não impede que o cirurgião-dentista seja responsabilizado profissionalmente pela realização de procedimentos que fogem ao escopo da odontologia

Orofacial Harmonization (HOF) is dental specialty recognized by the Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO) and, in recognition of this specialty, internal and external discussions of the dental class have arisen. This article aims to raise reflections on judicial process number 1003948-83.2019.4.01.3400 judged by the Federal Regional Court (Judicial Section of the Federal District - 8th Federal Court) referring to HOF as a dental specialty. Initially, the documents that guide the teaching of undergraduate and graduate courses in dentistry are discussed. Then, a reflection is made on the recognition process of HOF as a dental specialty. Finally, it discusses the judicial process number 1003948-83.2019.4.01.3400, the main points listed by the parties involved in the process, and the possible consequences of the outcome of this process for the dental class. The recognition of HOF as a dental specialty did not follow the procedures that other dental specialties followed and generated educational and training debates from an ethical and legal perspective. Furthermore, such recognition has fostered debates related to the conflict between procedures in this dental specialty and procedures in medical specialties. Such conflicts reached the Judiciary, which intervened in favor of Dentistry, however, this does not prevent the dental surgeon from being held professionally responsible for carrying out procedures that fall outside the scope of dentistry

Conhecimentos e condutas dos cirurgiões-dentistas do estado do Rio Grande do Norte sobre denúncias e notificações de maus-tratos infantis / Knowledge and conduct of dentists of State of Rio Grande do Norte regarding complaints and notifications of child abuse

Os maus-tratos infantis são considerados um problema de saúde a nível mundial. Diante dessa realidade, destaca-se a relevante atuação dos profissionais de saúde na identificação, diagnóstico, notificação e, consequentemente, na redução no número de casos. O Cirurgião-Dentista apresenta-se em uma posição privilegiada no que diz respeito à identificação de casos de violência, visto que a maioria das lesões de ordem física a crianças e adolescentes se apresenta em região de cabeça e pescoço. Dessa forma, objetiva-se identificar as experiências e conduta dos cirurgiões-dentistas do Rio Grande do Norte sobre maus-tratos infantis. Foi realizado um estudo exploratório de caráter quantitativo mediante aplicação de um formulário eletrônico, com questões semiestruturadas, enviado aos dentistas com inscrições ativas no Conselho Regional de Odontologia do Rio Grande do Norte. Foi obtido um total de 100 questionários respondidos. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se a estatística descritiva e testes de associação. Os resultados revelaram que 14% dos profissionais relataram ter visto caso suspeito de abuso físico, porém nenhum destes realizou notificação no último semestre. Apesar das médias das respostas terem sido superiores a 6 quanto à disposição para detecção, capacidade de diagnóstico e de identificação dos maus-tratos, esses resultados não corroboram com o número de profissionais que considera necessário maior qualificação em diagnóstico ou que desconhecem qualquer meio de notificação. A capacitação técnico-científica para a identificação e diagnóstico diferencial é importante e a responsabilidade pela notificação de casos suspeitos às autoridades é imprescindível para o exercício da profissão em consonância com os valores de cidadania e justiça

Child abuse is considered a global health problem. Given this reality, the relevant role of health professionals in identifying, diagnosing, reporting and, consequently, reducing the number of cases stands out. The dentist is in a privileged position with regard to identifying cases of violence, given that the majority of physical injuries to children and adolescents occur in the head and neck region. Thus, the objective is to identify the experiences and conduct of dentists in Rio Grande do Norte regarding child abuse. An exploratory quantitative study was carried out using an electronic form, with semi-structured questions, sent to dentists with active registrations at the Rio Grande do Norte Regional Dentistry Council. A total of 100 completed questionnaires were obtained. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and association tests were used. The results revealed that 14% of professionals reported having seen a suspected case of physical abuse, but none of them reported it in the last semester. Although the response averages were higher than 6 in terms of willingness to detect, diagnose and identify abuse, these results do not corroborate the number of professionals who consider it necessary to have greater qualifications in diagnosis or who are unaware of any means of reporting. Technical-scientific training for identification and differential diagnosis is important and the responsibility for reporting suspected cases to the authorities is essential for exercising the profession in line with the values of citizenship and justice

Aspectos éticos e legais da estabilização protetora em odontologia ­ revisão integrativa / Ethical and legal aspects of protective stabilization in Dentistry ­ integrative review

A estabilização protetora tem sido utilizada em procedimentos na área da saúde por décadas para gestão do comportamento, em especial quando as técnicas comunicativas falham. O uso da estabilização tem como objetivo criar um ambiente seguro para a conduta terapêutica, promovendo agilidade nos procedimentos odontológicos, com manutenção da integridade física do paciente e da equipe. Embora apresente benefícios, a sua aplicação é um dilema especialmente em pacientes pediátricos e com necessidades especiais, devido à natureza da restrição física envolvida. O presente trabalho trata-se de uma revisão de literatura integrativa e teve como objetivo descrever os aspectos éticos e legais que envolvem o uso de estabilização protetora no atendimento odontológico. A busca abrangeu estudos desenvolvidos nos últimos 10 anos, pelos descritores "Ética", "Contenção Física", "Odontologia" de acordo com o DeCS e MeSH, além de legislações e normas brasileiras. Na tomada de decisão clínica, os princípios da autonomia, beneficência, não maleficência e justiça devem ser considerados. O consentimento informado, a ponderação dos riscos, benefícios e a informação aos responsáveis são requisitos fundamentais para evitar violações de direitos e preservar a integridade de pacientes e da equipe de cuidado à saúde

Protective stabilization has been used in healthcare procedures for decades to manage behavior, especially when communicative techniques fail. Protective stabilization aims to create a safe environment for therapeutic conduct, promoting efficiency in dental procedures while maintaining the physical integrity of the patient and the staff as well. Despite its benefits, its application poses a dilemma especially with pediatric and patients with special needs, due to the nature of physical restraint involved. The present study is an integrative literature review that aims to describe the ethical and legal aspects surrounding the use of protective stabilization in dental care. The search encompassed studies conducted in the last 10 years, using the descriptors "Ethics," "Physical Restraint," and "Dentistry" according to DeCS and MeSH, as well as Brazilian legislation and regulations. In clinical decision-making, the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice should be considered. Informed consent, weighing risks and benefits, and providing information to guardians are fundamental requirements to prevent rights violations and preserve the integrity of patients and healthcare staff