Evolving Dynamics of Neck Muscle Activation Patterns in Dental Students: A Longitudinal Study.

Cervical pain has been linked to increased motor unit activity, potentially associated with the initiation and progression of chronic neck pain. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the time-course changes in cervical superficial muscle activation patterns among dental students with and without neck pain throughout their initial semester of clinical training. We used an online Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for group allocation between neck pain (NP) (n = 21) and control group (CG) (n = 23). Surface electromyography (sEMG) of the sternocleidomastoid and upper bilateral trapezius was recorded before starting their clinical practice and after their first semester while performing a cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT) in five increasing levels between 22 mmHg and 30 mmHg. After the first semester, both the CG (p < 0.001) and NP (p = 0.038) groups showed decreased sternocleidomastoid activation. The NP group exhibited a concomitant increase in upper trapezius coactivation (p < 0.001), whereas the muscle activation pattern in asymptomatic students remained unchanged (p = 0.980). During the first semester of clinical training, dental students exhibited decreased superficial flexor activity, but those with neck pain had increased co-contraction of the upper trapezius, likely to stabilize the painful segment. This altered activation pattern could be associated with further dysfunction and symptoms, potentially contributing to chronicity.

Stress levels amongst Turkish dental students, general dentists and paediatric dentists during performing paediatric dentistry: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate stress levels and stressors amongst dental students, general dentists and paediatric dentists treating paediatric patients. METHODS: This study was conducted on 664 dentistry students, general dentists and paediatric dentists in Turkey. Data were collected through an online questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics and the Pedodontic Practice Stress Scale (PPSS). Stressors when treating paediatric patients were compared between the groups. The scores obtained from the questionnaire were analysed. Compliance with normal distribution was analysed according to Kurtosis-Skewness values. One-way analysis was used to compare the scale scores (p < 0.050). RESULTS: Of the participants, 74.54% were female and 25.46% were male. The females showed a significantly higher level of stress, compared to the males (p = 0.001).When compared according to the level of education, the mean total stress scores did not differ (p = 0.211), but the mean complication score was found to be statistically significantly higher in paediatric dentists (p = 0.001). In addition, the lowest mean stress score was found in dental students. Statistically significant differences were found in all sections of the PPSS scale in terms of the ability to manage a paediatric patient as an adult patient and the importance of knowing child psychology theories. CONCLUSION: Factors, such as the educational status, the number of patients treated, the behaviour of the patient's relatives and the potential to communicate with them, cause variable stress in dental students and general and specialist dentists working with children.

The Oral Cavity-Another Reservoir of Antimicrobial-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus?

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common potentially pathogenic bacteria that may asymptomatically colonize many sites of healthy carriers. Non-nasal carriage, especially in the oral cavity, and its role in transmitting antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus strains in the healthcare community, is poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. aureus in both oral and nasal cavities among preclinical dentistry students. A total of 264 oral and nasal swabs were taken from 132 participants, and all specimens were cultured using standard diagnostic procedures and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (EUCAST). The prevalence of S. aureus exclusively in the nasal (11.4%) or oral (9.1%) cavity was comparable, while concurrent oral and nasal carriage was present in 27.3% of participants. Although antibiotic resistance rates observed in both oral and nasal isolates were similar (ranging from 2.7% to 95.5%), 16.7% of carriers exhibited distinct antibiotic resistance profiles between oral and nasal isolates. Three (2.7%) methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were isolated from the mouth and nose but multidrug resistance (27.3%) was more frequent in the oral than in the nasal isolates: 34% and 21.1%, respectively. This study demonstrated that preclinical dentistry students have a similar rate of oral S. aureus carriage as the nasal carriage rate, and that the oral cavity can be colonized by antimicrobial-resistant strains that do not originate from the nose. Consequently, the oral cavity seems to be an unjustly overlooked body site in screening for S. aureus carriage.

Changes in spinal curve during dentistry studies measured with a Spinal Mouse device: A five-year prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) often arise and develop during dentistry studies. The most affected regions are related to the spine. Possible associations between spinal curve parameters and MSDs have not yet been investigated amongst dentistry students. This longitudinal observational study aimed to determine whether spinal curve changes during dentistry studies, analyse the relationship between objective findings and subjectively declared MSDs and compare spinal curve parameters with those published in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three dentistry students answered a questionnaire on MSDs, and were examined using the Spinal Mouse® device at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of their 5-year study. RESULTS: The spinal curve exhibited a gender diversity in the lumbar lordosis angle, sacrum inclination, and thoracolumbar ratio. From the first to fifth study year, we observed an increase in the range of motions in the sagittal and frontal planes, an increase in the maximal extent of right lateral inclination, and a decrease in maximal left lateral inclination. Whole-spine backward inclination increased only in women, and forward sacral inclination decreased. No statistically significant relationships were found between the objective findings and subjectively declared MSDs. CONCLUSIONS: The spinal curve shape differed between men and women and changed during dentistry studies. No objective markers or predictors of MSDs were found amongst the dentistry students. These findings can serve as a benchmark for further studies on the association between MSDs and objective findings.

The level of knowledge of medical and dental students regarding prophylaxis for infective endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: Infective endocarditis is a rarely seen disease, but has a high mortality rate. Therefore, it is extremely important that the guidelines are followed correctly. The main aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the level of knowledge and attitude of infective endocarditis of fourth- and fifth-year dentistry students in clinical residency and fifth- and sixth-year medical students. METHODS: A 42-item questionnaire evaluating the type and dosage of antibiotics administered as infective endocarditis prophylaxis in medical conditions and dentistry procedures was delivered online to the study participants. The data obtained were examined using descriptive statistics and analyzed with the chi-square test. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by a total of 332 participants. The statistical analyses showed a good level of knowledge in 55% of the dentistry faculty students and in 43.5% of the medical faculty students. CONCLUSIONS: When considering that dental and medical faculty students are not expected to receive additional training on antimicrobial management after graduation, the findings of this study have raised significant attitude for the improvement of our education system in this field.

Percepção e conduta de acadêmicos de odontologia frente aos casos de violência contra a mulher / Perception and conduct of academics of Dentistry in front of cases of violence against women / Percepción y conducta de académicos de Odontología frente a casos de violenciacontra la mujer

A violência contra a mulher é um fenômeno social complexo que traz danos reais à saúde das vítimas, incluindo o trauma facial, cuja abordagem deveser feita porcirurgiões-dentistas devidamente capacitados para atuar neste cenário. Objetivo:Analisar a conduta e percepção dos acadêmicos do terceiro ao quinto ano do curso de Odontologia de uma Faculdade privada do Recife-PE frente aos casos de violência contra a mulher. Metodologia:Tratou-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório, sem intenção de generalizar os resultados para outros universos, realizado com estudantes do terceiro ao quinto ano cuja coleta de dados ocorreu entre setembro e outubro de2020, através de um questionário eletrônico encaminhado através dos grupos de Whatsapp.Resultados:Boa parte dos estudantes já presenciou algum caso de violência contra mulher (44,1%). Para eles, as causas da violência são impunidade (61,0%), dependênciaquímica e alcóolica (55,9%) e problemas psiquiátricos (54,2%), como também machismo (11,9%). A maioria (96,6%) afirmou que mulheres são mais acometidas e 72,9% consideram que cabeça e pescoço são as regiões maisafetadas. A maioria (61,0%) afirmater recebido orientação sobre como agir por algum meio de comunicação (45,8%) e 10,2% receberam orientação na graduação. Alguns alunos (3,4%) afirmaram já ter identificado casos de violência contra a mulher na clínica da faculdade. Entretanto, 44,1% afirmaram não saber do que se trata uma notificação compulsória. Conclusões:Os estudantes de Odontologia reconhecem as mulheres como as principais vítimas da violência, consideram que a cabeça e o pescoço são as regiões mais afetadas, sendo necessários os registros documentais das lesões examinadas e do atendimento efetuado para que laudos e prontuários possam ser utilizados como prova (AU).

Violence against women is a complex social phenomenon that brings real damage to the health of victims, including facial trauma, which must be addressed by dentists who are duly trained to act in this scenario. Objective:To analyze the conduct and perception of students from the third to fifth year of the Dentistry course at a private college in Recife-PE regarding cases of violence against women. Methodology:This was just a descriptive and exploratory study, with no intention of generalizing the results to other universes, carried out with students from the third to the fifth year whose data collection took place between September and October 2020, through an electronic questionnaire sent through the groups from Whatsapp. Results:For them, the causes of violence are impunity (61.0%), chemical and alcoholic dependence (55.9%) and psychiatric problems (54.2%), as well as machismo (11.9%). The majority (96.6%) stated that women are more affected and 72.9% consider that the head and neck are the most affected regions. Most (61.0%) claim to have received guidance on how to act through some means of communication (45.8%) and 10.2% received guidance during graduation. Some students (3.4%) stated that they had already identified cases of violence against women at the university clinic. However, 44.1% said they did not know what a compulsory notification was about. Conclusions:Dentistry students recognize women as the main victims of violence, considering that the head and neck are the most affected regions, requiring documentary records of the injuries examined and the care provided so that reports and medical records can be used as evidence (AU).

Antibiotic prescribing practices for prophylaxis and therapy of oral/dental infections in pediatric patients - results of a cross-sectional study in Turkey.

Aim: Antibiotics are often prescribed for the treatment of various infections and prophylactic purposes in dental practice. Their improper use can cause microbial resistance to antibiotics, which poses a world-wide threat. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of dentists and dentistry students about antibiotic prescription practices for prophylaxis and the treatment of dental infections in pediatric patients. Methods: A questionnaire was e-mailed to 2,100 dentists and 300 senior dentistry students. The questionnaire was filled out by the participants within a 2-month period (May-June 2020). A 30-point scoring system was developed to assess the knowledge levels of the dentists according to the guidelines. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. One-way ANOVA test and the Chi-Squared test were used to compare qualitative variables. Results: The response rate was found to be 24.2% for dentists and 49% for senior dentistry students. 19.4% of the participants were found to be moderately knowledgeable and 80.6% of them were highly knowledgeable. Students' knowledge scores were found to be higher than the general dentists and other specialists (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between students and pedodontists. Conclusion: Dentists were found to have sufficient knowledge about the usage of antibiotics in children, but there is still a lack of information about circumstances under which antibiotics should not be prescribed. Dentists and dentistry students should attend continuing education programs to keep their information up-to-date and should also prescribe antibiotics in adherence with the current guidelines to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Drug use, risk perceptions and attitudes towards drug use amongst medical and dentistry students.

AIMS: To analyse the use of psychoactive substances and the risk perceptions amongst odontology and medical students. To study their perceptions, attitudes and knowledge, and to evaluate their motivation when helping their patients to stop using these substances. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 962 students in Spain, using validated questionnaires on an anonymous basis. RESULTS: Amongst these students, drug use varies and increases with age as assessed by the DAST and CAST tests, with more problematic use being observed as the academic cycle progresses (p < .001). Participants in the 2nd cycle presented higher consumption than those in the 1st cycle, in the univariate model (OR = 1.77, IC 95% 1.27-2.48, p = .001) and in the adjusted model (OR = 1.86, IC 95% 1.32-2.62, p < .001). Regarding CAST, non-problematic use in the 1st cycle versus the 3rd cycle presented an OR = 8.69 (IC 95% 4.50-16.78, p < .001) and for low risk use it presented an OR = 15.18 (IC 95% 1.83-14.68). Only 46.7% considered using marijuana on a regular basis as a high risk, whilst 60.5% stated that smoking a pack of cigarettes represents a high risk. Alcohol was the substance for which the risk perception was lowest. 66.2% are in the maintenance stage "I provide my regular drug-using patients help to give up," with women being more likely to be in this stage (p = .012). CONCLUSIONS: High risk of drug use increases after the 1st cycle in Dentistry and in Medicine. Training programmes should be implemented in both degrees, focusing on the 1st years in order to simultaneously prevent drug use amongst students.

The Influence of Preventive Activities on Stress Perception among Dentistry Students in the Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the strengthening of the earlier stressors and the appearance of new pandemic-related stressors. Many students of dentistry fit the profile of a group who are particularly susceptible to stress related to the pandemic. Thus, it was necessary to implement preventive activities, reducing their stress perception. This was understood as a means of significantly influencing the student's well-being, thus improving the quality of education. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the impacts of implemented preventive activities on stress perception among students of dentistry during the pandemic, as well as their influence on this assessment of the selected students' personal experiences regarding the pandemic. METHODS: The study was performed one year after the outbreak of the pandemic on students of dentistry at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland. It consisted of the completion of a self-designed, voluntary, anonymous, online questionnaire. The respondent's task was to assess the influences of implemented preventive activities on stress perception using a five-point scale. The activities were divided into external (national, global) and internal (institutional). The material was statistically analysed for all students, including pre-clinical and clinical groups. Additionally, the impact of the selected students' personal experiences regarding the COVID-19 pandemic on the assessment was studied. RESULTS: All preventive activities (in total) significantly reduced stress perception (p ≤ 0.001), but the intensity of their impacts (mean rank) was different. The most highly assessed activities were all external preventive activities, with the greatest intensity belonging to the prospect of receiving vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The remaining external activities were the prospect of developing an effective COVID-19 treatment and the increase in knowledge about SARS-CoV-2. The internal activities were assessed and ascribed lower positions, with the exception of the theoretical classes held online. This activity was placed slightly lower than the highest-rated activity, the prospect of receiving vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The studied preventive activities reduced stress perception with different levels of intensity. The highest-ranked activities were external activities. One exception was the theoretical classes held online, an internal activity. Due to the lower impact of the internal activities and the ability to modify them by the educators, there is a need to strengthen their effectiveness. The possibility of monitoring and tailoring some preventive activities to the students' needs was the practical aspect of the conducted study. Students' personal experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their assessment of the preventive activities, in some cases significantly.

The Prevalence and Development of Neck and Lower Back Pain and Associated Factors in Dentistry Students-A Long-Term Prospective Study.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a significant occupational burden for dentists and dentistry students. This study aimed to assess the five-year development of most common musculoskeletal complaints among dentistry students during the whole length of their studies and to analyze the impact of some potentially associated risk factors. A longitudinal questionnaire survey regarding the occurrence of MSDs was conducted among a total of 73 dentistry students between 2014 and 2021. The same students enrolled in three consecutive years were monitored throughout their entire studies. Statistical analysis was performed using methods of descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, McNemar test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The most frequent areas of complaints were neck (61.6%) and lower back (49.3%). The increase in self-reported complaints between the first and the fifth year was statistically significant for neck pain (increase by 15%, p = 0.043) but not for lower back pain (by 6.8%, p = 0.44). According to our data, age, performing top-level sport, and participating in regular sporting activities had a statistically significant influence on neck and/or back pain. The results of this longitudinal prospective study showed that neck, as well as lower back pain, are significant problems for dentistry students.

Interdisciplinaridade em estágio de vivência acadêmica: reconhecimento da atuação profissional no Sistema de Saúde / Interdisciplinarity in an academic experience internship: recognition of professional performance in the Health System / Interdisciplinaridad en prácticas de experiencia académica: reconocimiento de la actuación profesional en el Sistema de Salud

Objetivo: Descrever a experiência de um estágio acadêmico vivenciado por universitários da área da saúde em um município do Baixo Solimões. Síntese dos dados:Trata-se do relato descritivo de um estágio acadêmico extramuro realizado em Manacapuru, Amazonas, ocorrido no período de outubro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020. A realização da atividade teve a participação de acadêmicos de Medicina, Enfermagem e Odontologia e contou com a aplicação de práticas em saúde direcionadas à atuação individual e coletiva. Tendo como público-alvo os pacientes atendidos por uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS), os universitários auxiliaram na realização de atendimentos eletivos em suas respectivas áreas de atuação e conduziram atividades de educação em saúde como rodas de conversa, gincanas educativas, palestras interativas e educação continuada à equipe da UBS. Conclusão: As práticas e ações em saúde realizadas no período do estágio extramuro proporcionaram uma integração interdisciplinar satisfatória entre os acadêmicos, possibilitando aos mesmos uma vivência apropriada na atenção básica do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

Objective: To describe the experience of an academic internship completed by university students in the health field in a municipality in Baixo Solimões. Data synthesis: This is a descriptive report of an extramural academic internship carried out in Manacapuru, Amazonas, from October 2019 to February 2020. The activity was carried out with the participation of medical, nursing and dentistry students and included the application of health practices aimed at individual and collective action. Having as a target audience the patients assisted by a Primary Health Care (PHC) center, the university students helped in carrying out elective care in their respective fields and conducted health education activities such as conversation circles, educational scavenger hunts, interactive lectures and continuing education for the PHC center team. Conclusion: The health practices and actions carried out during the extramural internship enabled a satisfactory interdisciplinary integration among the students and allowed them to have an appropriate experience in primary care in the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS).

Objetivo: Describir la experiencia de una pasantía académica vivida por universitarios del área de la salud en un municipio del Baixo Solimões. Síntesis de los datos: Se refiere al informe descriptivo de una pasantía académica extramuros realizado en Manacapuru, Amazonas, ocurrido entre octubre de 2019 y febrero de 2020. La realización de la actividad tuvo la participación de académicos de medicina, enfermería y odontología y contó con la aplicación de prácticas en salud direccionadas a la actuación individual y colectiva. Teniendo como público meta los pacientes atendidos por una Unidad Básica de Salud (UBS), los universitarios ayudaron en la realización de atendimientos electivos en sus respectivas áreas de actuación y condujeron actividades de educación y en salud como charlas, juegos educativos, conferencias interactivas y educación continuada para el equipo de la UBS. Conclusión: Las prácticas y acciones en salud realizadas en el período de la pasantía extramuros proporcionaron una integración interdisciplinar satisfactoria entre los académicos, posibilitando a los mismos una experiencia apropiada en la atención básica del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS).

How is working length determination taught? A survey to assess what is recommended in undergraduate Schools of Dentistry in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: To analyse what are the methods for working length (WLD) determination taught for undergraduate students in Brazilian Dental Schools and the perception of professors about the use of electronic WL determination in the clinical practice. METHODS: An online questionnaire with eighteen closed questions was sent to 209 Schools of Dentistry in Brazil using the Google Forms Platform. The questionnaire was structured to analyse the perception of professors in the department of endodontics about the method of working length determination taught in undergraduate courses in Dentistry. The data collected in the questionnaires were transferred to an Excel® spreadsheet and analysed using absolute and relative frequencies. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used to compare groups. RESULTS: Of the 209 schools contacted, 41 (19.61%) returned answers to the questionnaire. According to professors, electronic working length (WL) determination had a shorter length of time to perform it (p < .001), WL measurement accuracy (p < .001) and ease of performance (p < .001). Professors felt safer when maintaining patency when using electronic WL determination (p = .0020). CONCLUSIONS: Both radiographic and electronic methods of WL determination are taught in Brazilian Schools of Dentistry. The electronic method was used more frequently, especially in undergraduate clinical courses.

Fatores que influenciam na decisão de alunos de graduação para abordagem de restaurações defeituosas em dentes decíduos / Influence factors on treatment decision of undergraduate students regarding defective restorations in primary teeth

Este estudo se propôs a avaliar fatores que influenciam estudantes de graduação na decisão de tratamento frente a restaurações defeituosas em dentes decíduos. Alunos de graduação em Odontologia de universidades públicas e privadas receberam um email, encaminhado por professores e colegiados, contendo o link do questionário online. Ele continha questões relacionadas aos estudantes, instituição de ensino e cinco pares de casos clínicos de pacientes com restaurações defeituosas em dentes decíduos. Os pares de casos clínicos continham as mesmas informações sobre o elemento dentário e o paciente, com exceção de uma característica da criança que poderia influenciar na decisão de tratamento (sexo, cor da pele, comportamento, risco de cárie e renda). As opções de resposta eram: 'acompanhamento', 'recontorno e polimento', 'reparo' ou 'troca da restauração defeituosa'. As respostas das abordagens para cada par de caso clínico foram comparadas entre si considerando as características das crianças utilizando o teste de McNemar. Posteriormente, para as análises múltiplas, cada par de casos clínicos foi criada uma variável resposta: "alterou o tratamento" e "não alterou o tratamento em função das características da criança". Modelos multiníveis de regressão logística foram usados para estimar a associação entre os diferentes desfechos de possibilidades de tratamento (alterar ou não alterar) e variáveis preditoras dos estudantes e das instituições. Levando em conta o nível contextual, os estudantes (1º nível) foram agrupados nas suas respectivas universidades (2º nível). O nível de significância estatística para as análises foi de 5%. Participaram do estudo 341 estudantes de graduação, 73,9% eram do sexo feminino. A decisão de tratamento para restaurações defeituosas em dentes decíduos variou de acordo com o sexo, comportamento, risco de cárie da criança, do percurso formativo do estudante e a região da instituição de ensino. 20,2% dos estudantes se mostraram mais invasivos quando o paciente era do sexo masculino. 72,4% e 68,6% foram mais invasivos em crianças com comportamento difícil e alto risco de cárie, respectivamente. Pode-se concluir que tanto características do paciente quanto do estudante e da instituição foram capazes de influenciar a decisão de tratamento para restaurações defeituosas em dentes decíduos.

This study aimed to evaluate factors that influence undergraduate students in the treatment decision for defective restorations in primary teeth. Undergraduate dental students from public and private universities received an e-mail, forwarded by professors and colleges, containing the link to the online questionnaire. It contained questions related to students, teaching institution, and five pairs of clinical cases of patients with defective restorations in primary teeth. The pairs of clinical cases contained the same information about the dental element and the patient, except for one characteristic of the child that could influence the treatment decision (gender, skin color, behavior, caries risk, and income). The response options were: 'follow-up', 'recontouring and polishing', 'repair' or 'replace defective filling'. The responses of the approaches for each clinical case pair were compared with each other considering the characteristics of the children using McNemar test. Subsequently, for the multiple analyses, each clinical cases pair, a response variable was created: 'changed treatment' and 'did not change treatment depending on the characteristics of the child. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between the different outcomes of treatment possibilities (do not change and change) and predictor variables of students and institutions. Taking into account the contextual level, students (1st level) were grouped into their respective universities (2nd level). The level of statistical significance for the analyses was 5%. A total of 341 undergraduate students participated in the study, 73.9% were female. The treatment decision for defective restorations in primary teeth varied according to gender, behavior, caries risk of the child, the student's educational background, and the region of the educational institution. 20.2% of the students were more invasive when the patient was male. 72.4% and 68.6% were more invasive in children with difficult behavior and high caries risk, respectively. It can be concluded that both patient, student and institution characteristics were able to influence the treatment decision for defective restorations in primary teeth.

Knowledge of dentistry students on bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw / Conhecimento de alunos do curso de Odontologia sobre osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada ao uso de bisfosfonatos

Objective: Bisphosphonates are anti-resorptive drugs used in the control and treatment of calcium and bone metabolism disorders. Despite their high clinical efficacy, these drugs have been associated with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The goal of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of final year undergraduate dentistry students on bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Material and Methods: A sample of 100 students from private institutions in the state of São Paulo was invited to complete a questionnaire relating to bisphosphonates and the risk factors associated with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaws. Results: 66% of the students did not recognize any bisphosphonate (p=0.0019) and 79% did not recognize their trademark names (p<0.0001). 60% of the students recognized osteonecrosis of the jaws as a side effect of bisphosphonates (p<0.0001) and 56% identified at least one risk factor associated with the drug that may contribute to the side effect (p<0.0001). 66% of the students stated that their course did not provide any lectures on the topic (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The knowledge of dentistry students about bisphosphonates and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw is variable. This may be related to an inadequate discussion of this topic during their undergraduate studies(AU)

Objetivo: Os bisfosfonatos são medicamentos antirreabsortivos utilizados no controle e tratamento de desordens do cálcio e do metabolismo ósseo. Apesar da elevada eficácia clínica, a terapia com estes medicamentos tem sido associada a uma importante complicação denominada de osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada ao uso de bisfosfonatos. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar conhecimento sobre a osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada ao uso de bisfosfonatos entre os alunos do último ano do curso de graduação de Odontologia. Material e Métodos: Uma amostra de 100 alunos de instituições privadas do estado de São Paulo foi convidada a responder um questionário sobre as principais informações dos bisfosfonatos e fatores de risco associados com o desenvolvimento da osteonecrose dos maxilares. Resultados: Os 100 questionários foram respondidos: 66% dos estudantes não reconheceram algum bisfosfonato (p=0,0019), 79% não reconheceram seus nomes de marcas comerciais (p<0,0001); 60% dos alunos reconheceram a osteonecrose dos maxilares como um efeito colateral dos bisfosfonatos (p<0,0001) e 56% apontaram pelo menos um fator de risco associado com o medicamento que pode causar o desenvolvimento do efeito colateral (p<0,0001); 66% dos estudantes afirmaram que o curso não forneceu alguma aula abordando esta temática (p<0.0001). Conclusão: O grau de conhecimento dos alunos de Odontologia sobre bisfosfonatos e osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada ao uso de bisfosfonatos é variável e está relacionado com a pouca discussão deste tema durante a graduação(AU)

Odontologia para Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais no ensino de graduação: percepção de discentes e docentes em uma instituição do Piauí e um panorama brasileiro / Dentistry for Special Needs Patients in undergraduate teaching: perception of students and professors at a university in Piaui and a Brazilian overview

A inexperiência do graduando em Odontologia no manejo de Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais (PNE) gera lacunas na formação e pode contribuir para a barreira de acesso desses indivíduos aos serviços de saúde bucal. Este estudo analisou a percepção de discentes e docentes do curso de Odontologia da Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI)sobre a inclusão de atendimento a PNE no ensino de graduação e o panorama nacional da oferta de disciplina de PNE na estrutura curricular de cursos de Odontologia. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório, com aplicação de questionários a discentes e docentes do curso de Odontologia da UFPI. As matrizes curriculares dos cursos foram consultadas em endereços eletrônicos institucionais. Foi realizada análisedescritiva dos dados e teste Exato de Fisher foi aplicado. A maioria dos discentes relataram nunca ter atendido um PNE (54,8 %) e,destes, 67,7% não se sentem preparados para este atendimento. A maioria dos discentes (84,7%) e docentes (53,8%) aprova a obrigatoriedade da disciplina de PNE na estrutura curricular. Insegurança foi a reação mais comum dos discentes ao atendimento odontológico fictício a um paciente PNE. Entre os docentes participantes do estudo, 73,1% informaram já ter atendido PNE. Em 67,8% dos cursos de Odontologia pesquisados há oferta de disciplina de PNE. Em conclusão, a ausência de atendimento a PNE gera insegurança aos graduandos em Odontologia. A inclusão do tema PNE na matriz curricular é apoiada por discentes e docentes. A disciplinaestá presente na maioria dos cursos de Odontologia do Brasil (AU).

Dentistry undergraduates do not acquire much experience managing Patients with Special Needs (PSN) during their university training. This knowledge deficit contributes to the situation where PSNs face barriers to accessing oral health services. This study was a cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory study about the perception of Dentistry students and professors at the Federal University of Piaui (UFPI -Brazil) on whether care of PSN should be included in their course. The reactions ofstudents facing a simulated situation of dental care for PSN was also analyzed. A survey of the situation regarding PSN inclusion at other universities in Brazil was alsocarried out. Professors and students filled out questionnaires and information regarding university curriculums was collected from their websites. Descriptive data analysis was performed, and Fisher's exact test was applied. Most UFPI students reported never having treated a PSN (54.8%) and, of these, 67.7% did not feel confident to providethis treatment. Most professors (73.1%) reported having treated PSN. Most students (84.7%) and professors(53.8%) agree that Dentistry for PSN should be mandatory in the curricular structure. Lack of confidencewas the most common reaction of students to a simulation ofdental care for a PSN. Dentistry for PSN is part of the curriculum of 67.8% of the Dentistry courses surveyed. In conclusion, the lack of Dentistry for PSN during student training can makedentists-to-be unsure about how to treat PSN in real-life situations. The inclusion of dental care for PSN in the curriculum is supported by students and teachers. The topic is present in most Dentistry courses in Brazil (AU).

Avulsão de dentes permanentes e seu manejo: conhecimento de estudantesde Odontologia, Medicina e Enfermagem / Avulsion of permanent teeth and their management: knowledge of students of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing students

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento de estudantesdos cursos da área da saúde (Odontologia, Medicina e Enfermagem) de uma instituição pública de ensino superior sobre avulsão de dentes permanentes, bem como sobre as condutas de urgência a serem tomadas frente à lesão. Foram coletadas informações, por meio de um questionário estruturado autoaplicável, sobre dados pessoais, experiências anteriores, conhecimento sobre avulsão dentária e sobre as principais condutas a serem tomadas frente a este tipo de traumatismo. Foi realizada análise descritiva e análise estatística, utilizando o teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p<0,05). A amostra, selecionada por conveniência, foi composta por 390 acadêmicos daUniversidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, sendo 154 do curso de Odontologia, 93 de Enfermagem e 143 de Medicina. Menos da metade dos entrevistados relataram ter recebidoanteriormentealguma informação sobre traumatismos dentoalveolares, sendo que a maioria que recebeu informação era do curso de Odontologia (p<0,01). A maioria também não teve nenhuma experiência anterior com esse tipo de traumatismo, sem diferença entre os cursos (p≥0,05). O estudo revelou que há falta de conhecimento sobre o manejo da avulsão de dentes permanentes pelos estudantesavaliados, principalmente os dos cursos de Medicina e Enfermagem. Desta forma, existegrande necessidade dodesenvolvimento de programas de educação, informação e treinamento, que enfatizem o tratamento emergencial para avulsão dentária, dirigidos aos alunos desses cursos (AU).

The aimof the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of undergraduate students ofhealth care courses (dentistry, medicine and nursing) from a public higher education institution about theavulsion of permanent teeth, as well as on emergency procedures to be taken in the occurrenceof this type of injury. Information was collected through self-administered structured questionnairecontainingpersonal data, previous experiences, knowledge about dental avulsion and about the main proceduresto be taken in the occurrenceof this type of trauma. Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-square test. The significance level adopted was 5% (p <0.05). The sample, selected for convenience, was composed of 390 students from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 154 of them dentistrystudents,93 nursing studentsand 143 medicinestudents. Less than half of interviewees reported having previously received anyinformation about dentoalveolar trauma, and the majority who received some information were dentistrystudents (p <0.01). The majority also had no previous experience with this type of trauma, with no difference between courses (p≥0.05). The study revealed that there is lack of knowledge about the management of avulsion of permanent teeth by evaluatedstudents, especially those enrolled in medicine and nursing courses. Thus, there is great need for the development of education, information and training programs emphasizingthe emergency treatment for dental avulsion aimed at students of these courses (AU).

Prevalence of overactive bladder symptoms and their impact on health-related quality of life of medical and dentistry students: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a popular distressing health condition that has negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the inflicted individuals. This multicenter study was conducted to determine the prevalence of OAB symptoms and their impact on the HRQoL of medical and dentistry students. METHODS: This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design in the 3 main universities in Palestine. In addition to the sociodemographic, health, and academic characteristics of the medical and dentistry students, the questionnaire also contained the OAB symptom bother (6-items) and HRQoL (13-items) Short-Form (OAB-q SF) scales. Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson Chi-Square/Fisher's Exact Test, Spearman's rank correlations, and a multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Responses were collected from medical and dentistry students (n = 402). The median OAB symptom bother score was 54.1 [44.8, 81.9] and the median HRQoL score was 94.4 [88.4, 94.4]. There was a strong negative correlation between the OAB and HRQoL scores (Spearman's rho = 64.4%, p value < 0.001). OAB scores were significantly higher among dentistry students, females, who had chronic disease, and those who reported stressful life. HRQoL scores were significantly higher among medicine students, those who reported less stressful life, and those who reported satisfaction with their social life. Dentistry students, female, and those who self-reported high stress were 1.94-fold (95% CI 1.05, 3.56), 1.91-fold (95% CI 1.16, 3.14), and 1.88-fold (95% CI 1.21, 2.91) more likely to report less than optimal HRQoL compared to medicine students, male, and those who self-reported low stress, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that OAB symptoms were prevalent among medical and dentistry students across Palestinian universities. Decision makers in academia, healthcare authorities, and advocacy groups might need to design appropriate interventions to address health and wellbeing issues of medical and dentistry students. Using appropriate diagnostic procedures, reducing stress, and improving the social life might help in reducing the burden on OAB and improve the HRQoL of medical and dentistry students. More investigations should be conducted to investigate if such interventions are effective in reducing OAB symptoms and improving HRQoL.

The Development of Musculoskeletal Disorders during Undergraduate Dentistry Studies-A Long-Term Prospective Study.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) frequently occur among dental practitioners and present a significant occupational burden with an early onset in the dentists' career. This study aimed to analyze the five-year development of self-reported overall MSDs among the dentistry students during the course of their studies and to assess the possible influence of the risk as well as protective factors. The questionnaire inquiry was performed among the first-year dentistry students, regarding the occurrence of MSDs and the presence of potential risk and protective factors. The same students were followed, and they filled in the same questionnaire in the middle and at the end of their studies. A total of 73 dentistry students and 28 general medicine students participated. The occurrence of the overall MSDs statistically significantly increased from 30.1% at the beginning of the first year to 45.2% at the end of the fifth year among the dentistry students. The top-level sport was statistically significantly associated with the higher occurrence of MSDs in the fifth year and with the development of new MSDs between the first and the fifth year. This longitudinal prospective evaluation showed a significant increase in the MSDs occurrence among the dentistry students during their studies.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Knowledge, Perception and Attitudes of Dentistry Students in Austria: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Universities with dental schools are faced with complex problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dentistry students are at a higher risk of contracting infections, specifically COVID-19, due to direct contact with patients. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception and attitude regarding COVID-19 among dentistry students in Austria. METHODS: During the first lockdown in Austria, an online survey was distributed among 165 dentistry students in their clinical term at the Medical University of Vienna. The survey contained elaborative questions on the general knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19. A special focus of the questionnaire was set on the modification of the student's curriculum regarding infection control. RESULTS: In total, 77 (47%) students replied; 68 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Dentistry students were found to have good general knowledge of COVID-19 during the early phase of the pandemic. Most students (89.6%) got their information regarding the COVID-19 infection from official sources; however, 58% would like to attend further lectures on COVID-19 to expand their knowledge. DISCUSSION: The current study finds good general knowledge on COVID-19 among dental students, but some gaps regarding hygienic protocols and infection control. Students' preferences regarding modification in the curriculum suggest practical courses and lectures as a way to close COVID-19 related knowledge gaps.

Alterações posturais e capacidade para o trabalho em acadêmicos do curso de odontologia de uma instituição de ensino superior privada no sertão central cearense / Postural changes and work ability of dentistry students in a private higher education institution in the state of Ceará, Brazil

A profissão exerce influência nas condições de saúde dos trabalhadores, por isso algumas práticas no trabalho exigem cuidado. Durante a realização das práticas odontológicas, os acadêmicos e profissionais adquirem posições estáticas desconfortáveis e inadequadas por períodos de longa duração. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as condições posturais e a capacidade para o trabalho em graduandos do curso de Odontologia do Centro Universitário Católica de Quixadá/CE. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório, com abordagem metodológica quantitativa. A população constituiu-se de 147 alunos do curso de Odontologia da Unicatólica, de ambos os gêneros, no período de 2019.2 a 2020.1. A coleta de dados deu-se por meio do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho, e da avaliação postural através do Instrumento de Avaliação Postural, com o auxílio do simetrógrafo. Observou-se que desvios posturais estavam mais presentes no gênero feminino, podendo se explicar pelo seu número mais expressivo, porém não foram detectáveis relações entre a capacidade para o trabalho e as alterações posturais. Foi possível concluir que mesmo com o quantitativo de alterações posturais dos estudantes, apresentavam boa capacidade para o trabalho. (AU)

The profession influences the health conditions of workers, so some practices at work require specific care. During the performance of dental practices, students and professionals acquire uncomfortable and inappropriate positions for long periods. The aim of this study was to evaluate postural conditions and work ability in undergraduate students of the Dentistry course at the Centro Universitário Católica de Quixadá/CE, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study, with a quantitative methodological approach. The population consisted of 147 students from the Unicatólica Dentistry course, of both genders, in the period from 2019.2 to 2020.1. Data collection took place through the Work Ability Index, and the postural assessment through the Postural Assessment Instrument, with the aid of the symmetrograph. Postural deviations were more present in the female gender, which can be explained by their more expressive number, but no relationships were detected between work ability and postural changes. It was possible to conclude that even with the number of postural changes in the students, they had a good capacity for work. (AU)