Variables influencing students' course quality evaluation: A cross-sectional study for a bachelor's degree dental program.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and predict variables that influence the Students' Course Evaluation Surveys (SCES) in a bachelor's degree of dental medicine and surgery program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Faculty of Dental Medicine for the academic year 2021-2022 were analyzed including 39 course reports, students' course evaluation surveys, students' academic performance data, and the program specification. The survey contains 24 statements that evaluate five main domains of the courses, which are course syllabus, staff performance through the course, course learning resources, course execution, and course quality. RESULTS: Chi-squared Test revealed no significant association between the total average students' evaluation score of the course against factors such as student's level, term, main mode of instruction, course category, department, and course director's gender, academic experiences, and nationality. On the other hand, pairwise comparisons revealed that grades from A+ to C were predictors of the total average SCES scores (p ≤ 0.004). Using the Paired Samples T-Test, the student's evaluation scores for their course were found to be significantly higher for females than males (mean ± SD = 50.56 ± 24.3 vs. 41.00 ± 26.3, p = 0.042). Using Pearson correlations, results showed a significant association of total average students' course evaluation scores against factors such as average course syllabus, staff performance, course learning resources, course execution, and course quality (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Average course syllabus, staff performance, course learning resources, course execution, and course quality are major predictor variables that influence SCES scores in the examined program. Enhancing these domains will be of great importance to improve the quality of the courses at the dental bachelor level.

Radiological assessment of the inferior alveolar canal and mental foramen using cone beam computed tomography for pre-operative evaluation of surgeries in the mandible: A single-center five-year retrospective study.

Introduction: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) plays a significant role in studying the anatomical structures of the mandible. Aim: This retrospective study aimed to assess the role of CBCT at the pre-assessment stage of mandibular surgery. Materials and methods: A total of 250 CBCT images were collected. The inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and mental foramen (MF) were measured bilaterally to the mandibular teeth apexes, including molars, premolars, and canines, to the buccal, lingual cortical bone, and to the inferior border of the mandible. Results: There were no differences in the average number of extracted teeth between the right and left sides (P-value > 0.05, median = three teeth). It was noticed that the average measures of each point of the IAC and MF on the right side were closely matched to the similar point on the left side (P-value > 0.05). T-tests showed that there were differences between males and females on the M2 and M3 on the right side (P-value < 0.05) and on the M1, M2, and M3 on the left side (P-value < 0.05). Using one-way ANOVA tests, results showed that there were some differences in measures at P0 (F = 3.376, P-value = 0.003), P4 (F = 3.782, P-value = 0.001) on the right side, and at P3 (F = 5.620, P-value = 0.019) on the left side of the mandible. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in IAC and MF positions between the right and left sides. However, between males and females, MF measurements showed significant differences on some points on the right and left sides. Although the history of extracted teeth showed no statistically significant difference in the location of IAC and MF, the number of extracted teeth showed an effect in the IAC position on the right and left sides, but not with the MF.

Oral flora and functional dysbiosis of cleft lip and palate patients: A scoping review.

AIMS: This scoping review aimed to conduct an assessment of the current literature on specific ecological changes in the oral microbiota of individuals living with cleft lip and/or palate. METHODS: All studies that assess oral microbiota and ecological changes distinct of individuals living with cleft lip and/or palate were included. Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were used, using planned search keywords. Included articles were grouped into cohort, cross-sectional, case-control, and retrospective reviews. RESULTS: A total of 164 eligible title articles were recognized. Of these, 32 full-text studies were included in the present review. All the included articles were published between 1992 and 2022. These studies were two retrospective studies, two review studies, and the remaining (n = 28) were observational studies. CONCLUSION: The oral flora of cleft lip and/or palate patients has been shown in scientific studies to have an increased frequency of potentially pathogenic fungal and bacterial colonization, particularly Candida species, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacili and Streptococci mutans. This may influence oral diseases and post-operative repair complications, potentially necessitating further surgical intervention.

Transient elastography and platelet count as noninvasive predictors of gastroesophageal varices in patients with compensated hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis.

Background: Early detection of esophageal varices (EV) before the first attack of bleeding is crucial for primary prophylaxis. The current work aims to investigate the use of a combination of FibroScan and platelet count as noninvasive means to identify EV in patients with compensated cirrhosis. Methods: Sixty-two patients with compensated hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis were divided into two groups with and without EV. All patients were exposed to complete history, physical examination, laboratory, and endoscopic evaluation. FibroScan was performed for all patients, and the two groups were compared. Results: A statistically significant higher mean liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (KPa), lower mean platelet count to splenic diameter ratio (PSR), and higher mean fibrosis-4 (FIB4) score were noticed in those with EV with P < 0.0005. A cutoff value of ≥23.1 for LSM, ≥3.71 for FIB4, and ≥130 mm for splenic diameter have a sensitivity of 94%, 97%, and 97% and a specificity of 81%, 81%, and 68%, respectively, in the detection of varices. Platelet count of ≥112,500 (×103/dl) and of ≥771.33 for PSR have a sensitivity of 84% and 77% and a specificity of 87% and 90%, respectively, to rule out the presence of varices. LSM, FIB4 score, and splenic diameter are predictors of the presence of varices where platelet count and PSR are negative predictors. Conclusion: The combination of LSM by transient elastography (TE), PSR, or platelet count can be used to detect a relevant category of patients with compensated cirrhosis who have a very low possibility of EV where endoscopy can be avoided.

Dental management of Kartagener syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Kartagener syndrome (KS) is recognized as an inherited, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a combination of chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and situs inversus. It affects one in 12,500-50,000 live births worldwide. AIM: This paper aims to discuss the dental management of patients diagnosed with KS. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old male with KS manifests by impaired cilia motility which increases the risk of a frequent lung infection. The dental examination revealed that the patient required comprehensive oral hygiene care which included patient education and nonsurgical periodontal therapy under local anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Dental care providers should ask affected patients with KS about their signs and symptoms of cardiac and pulmonary disease and seek consultation with their attending physician regarding these health concerns before the initiation of general anesthesia and perhaps conscious sedation administration. Patients with KS with emerging cardiac and/or respiratory impairment should be referred promptly for medical assessment.

Multiple Sclerosis-A Demyelinating Disorder and Its Dental Considerations-A Literature Review with Own Case Report.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune condition that primarily affects the myelin sheath covering the neurons of the central nervous system, including those of the brain and spinal cord. Although the etiology is not completely understood, various factors, such as genetic infections and environmental background, play a role in the pathogenesis. Repeated active episodes of MS characterized with marked inflammation results in the scarring of particular nerve segments, and eventually results in functional impairment over a period of time. Based on the clinical course of the disease, four clinical types of MS have been identified, with the relapsing-remitting type being the commonest. MS is known to occur more commonly in females in the age group of 20-40 years. Dysarthria, fatigue, muscle spasm, and numbness are the common presenting symptoms of MS. Diagnosis is generally achieved with MRI brain scans, showing demyelination plaques and lumbar puncture. Treatment of MS's acute phase includes high doses of corticosteroids; whereas preventive treatment of MS includes the prescription of immunosuppressive therapy, including biologics. A large group of MS patients present with oral manifestations, including dysphagia, dysarthria, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disturbances, facial palsy, and chronic periodontal diseases. Other typical oral manifestations seen in MS patients include trigeminal neuralgia, paresthesia, or orofacial pain. Dental treatment and following drug prescription needs to be tailored to each patient, as there is a possibility of drug interactions. This paper presents a comprehensive, updated review of MS, with emphasis on oral manifestations and dental considerations. Additionally, it presents a case of a 40-year-old female diagnosed with MS that was presented to a dental hospital. The report discusses the oral manifestations and dental management.

Dental considerations for head and neck cancer: A clinical review.

Introduction: Radiotherapy is one of the treatment modalities for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). However, it leads to the development of chronic and acute side effects. These side effects impact negatively on the patient's quality of life and oral functioning. This clinical review aims to provide basic information about HNC, understand the impact of radiotherapy on oral health, and explain the role of dental care providers for HNC patients during the pre-and post-radiotherapy time. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched using defined keywords. The main inclusion criteria were any studies describing "dental management of patients with head and neck cancer" and "dental management of patients treated with radiotherapy." Results: Thematic analysis was used to summaries the findings of the included studies (n = 102) into main headings and subheadings. All studies were published between 1970 and 2023. Conclusion: The number of HNC patients is increasing. This necessitates the need for raising the awareness of dental care providers to the side-effects of HNC therapy which includes treatment with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery. Dental care providers should understand the common side-effects and their treatments besides their role in the pre- (i.e., dental extraction of teeth with poor prognosis and maintaining good oral hygiene) and post- (i.e., oral rehabilitation and post-HNC dental care) radiotherapy dental care.

National and international guidelines on the replacement of missing teeth with dentures for head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy: A rapid review.

Background: Replacement of missing teeth is not a straightforward task in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients post-radiotherapy. There is debate regarding the best way to care for these patients as it has been reported that using dentures by HNC patients after receiving treatment with radiotherapy might initiate the development of osteoradionecrosis. Aim: This rapid review aimed to collate and compare the national and international guidelines for the use of dentures following radiotherapy for HNC patients. Materials and methods: Three steps were included in data collection of this rapid review (first step; identification of dental and relevant non-dental associations/societies, second step, identification of national and international guidelines regarding the dental management of HNC patients, and third step; identification of recommendations about the replacement of missing teeth in HNC patients). Results: In the 193 countries recognized by the United Nations, there were 238 relevant societies found, from those 175 confirmed that they do not have clear guidelines. Only 32 associations/societies (all in either Europe and North America) recommend guidelines for their dentists (N = 12 guidelines) about the dental management of HNC patients and show their position regarding the use of dentures for HNC patients after receiving treatment with radiotherapy. Conclusions: There are very few guidelines and those that do exist differ, lack detail, and rarely go beyond routine advice. Accordingly, clear, detailed, and evidence-based guidelines are required to inform the management of patients with missing teeth following radiotherapy for HNC patients.

Pentoxifylline and tocopherol (vitamin E) with/without clodronate for the management of osteoradionecrosis: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is not a straightforward task, and it is unpredictable. However, a combination of pentoxifylline; an antioxidant drug, and tocopherol (vitamin E) works as a potent antifibrotic agent and have shown recently both significant and impressive results. AIMS: This scoping review aims to investigate the most prescribed regimen of pentoxifylline and tocopherol with/without clodronate for the management of ORN. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were used to retrieve eligible studies using planned search keywords. PROSPERO and Cohcarne library were also searched for ongoing or published systematic reviews, respectively. Included articles were grouped thematically according to the type of studies and accordingly they were summarized. RESULTS: A total of 27 articles met the inclusion criteria and included in the data analyses. All the included articles were published between 1997 and 2020. Of these 27 included studies, two were randomized control trials, two were systematic reviews, six were retrospective studies, five were observational studies, seven were narrative reviews, four were case reports, and lastly one was an in-vitro study. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment by PENTO (800 mg of pentoxifylline + 1000 IU of tocopherol) once daily for an early established ORN or PENTOCLO (PENTO regimen + 1600 mg of clodronate) once daily for the refractory/severe cases of ORN appears to be the most prescribed regimen used for the treatment of ORN using these drugs. These drugs appear safe, effective and inexpensive for the treatment of ORN.

The association between dental arch length and oral health-related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy.

AIMS: To assess the association between length of dental arch and oral health-related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy. METHODS: Thirty head and neck cancer participants reported their oral health-related quality of life using the oral health impact profile-14 instrument and their global self-rating of general and oral health. All patients had received chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The length of dental arch was assessed in three tooth relational categories: canine-to-canine, shortened (premolars to premolars), and long (molars to molars) dental arches. Inclusion of participants for any of the three categories required verification of opposing teeth relationship with Shim Stock paper. RESULTS: Out of 30 head and neck cancer patients, eight (27%) had a canine-to-canine dental arch, 14 (46%) had a shortened dental arch, and eight (27%) had a long dental arch. The median oral health impact profile-14 scores for participants respectively with the canine-to-canine dental arch was six (IQR = 9.25), seven (IQR = 8) for participants with shortened dental arch, and 11 (IQR = 12.5) for participants with long dental arch. There were no significant differences in oral health impact profile-14 scores between the three-tooth relational groups (Kruskal-Wallis H = 0.769, df = 2, P-value = .681). Similarly, there were no significant differences between three-tooth relational groups on the self rating of general (Chi-squared = 1.714, df = 2, P-value = .424) and oral health (Chi-squared = 1.393, df = 2, P-value = .498). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, no association was found between the length of dental arch and oral health-related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy. Other factors such as dry mouth, oral mucositis, loss of taste, and trismus should be considered as contributory factors to reduced oral health-related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy, particularly in relation to eating difficulties.

Oral health characteristics of patients living with intellectual disability at transition phase from pediatric dental service to adult dental service: A systematic review.

AIM: A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the available literature to ascertain the oral health characteristics of patients living with intellectual disability when they transfer from pediatric dental service to adult dental service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The electronic search was performed between June 2020 and July 2020 using the following databases: MEDLINE and EMBASE. Cochrane database, gray literature, and Google Scholar were also searched. References of articles obtained from the electronic searches were scanned through. Journals and regulation agency websites were also hand searched. This systematic review used a defined search strategy keywords for all the electronic databases. The strength of evidence in these studies was evaluated using the British Medical Journal quality assessment tool. RESULTS: The search process identified 45 eligible articles. Of these, 35 studies were excluded, and 10 observational studies were included. CONCLUSION: It seems that a considerable percentage of patients living with intellectual disability in their transition phase, aged between 18 and 25 years, have a high prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease when compared to the general population.

Negative Impacts of Psychiatric Medications on Oral Health: A Literature Review.

Evidence reveals that people with mental illnesses have a greater risk of experiencing oral diseases such as dry mouth and dental caries and have greater oral treatment needs. This is related to multifactorial causes such as factors related to the condition itself, symptoms, side effects of polypharmacy, and a lack of accessibility to dental services. This article aims to provide a summary of the reported prevalence of the most common mental illnesses in Saudi Arabia (SA), such as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorders, and dementia. The article further aims to review the negative impacts of anti-psychotic medications on oral health and the role of dentists toward people with mental illnesses. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using the following keywords: special care dentistry, schizophrenia, OCD, bipolar disorder, and dementia. The main inclusion criteria were any studies describing "dental management of patients with mental illnesses" and "dental management of patients treated with anti-psychotic medications." Thematic analysis was used to summarize the findings of the included studies into main headings. Forty-eight articles/studies discussed dentistry, people with mental illnesses, and/or the negative impacts of psychotic medication on oral health. All studies were published between 1991 and 2021. In SA, the number of people with mental illnesses is increasing. Therefore, it is crucial for the dental team to understand the negative impacts of anti-psychotic medications on oral health, such as dry mouth and the increased risk of dental caries. This necessitates the need for regular dental visits and patient education on how they can mitigate the side effects of anti-psychotic medications on oral and general health.

Impact of Dentine Pretreatment with Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors on Bond Strength of Coronal Composite Restorations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of In Vitro Studies.

OBJECTIVES: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes participate in collagen matrix degradation, including in dentine, potentially compromising bond strength. Therefore, MMP inhibitors have been hypothesized to improve restoration bond strength and stability. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the influence of different MMP inhibitors applied as dentine surface pretreatments on the immediate (24 hours) and longer term (months) bond strength of direct coronal composite restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic literature review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. A systematic literature search of three databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Google Scholar) was conducted independently by two reviewers from inception to April 2022. An adapted quality assessment tool was independently applied by two reviewers for risk of bias assessment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: RevMan v5.4 software was used for meta-analyses. A random-effects model was used to generate mean differences with 95% confidence intervals for treatment and control comparisons. The Q-test and I2 -test were used to test for heterogeneity. The proportion of total variance across studies attributable to heterogeneity rather than chance was calculated. Overall effects were tested using the Z-test, while subgroup differences were tested using Chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Of 934 studies, 64 studies were included in the systematic review and 42 in the meta-analysis. Thirty-one MMP inhibitors were reported, three of which were included in the meta-analysis: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 0.3 M carbodiimide (EDC), and 0.1% riboflavin (RIBO). Pretreatment with 2% CHX for 30 and 60 seconds did not significantly improve bond strength compared with controls either immediately or after long-term ageing. However, pretreatment with 0.3 M EDC and 0.1% RIBO (but not CHX) significantly improved bond strength compared with control groups both immediately and over time. Most studies showed a medium risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: These in vitro findings pave the way for rationale clinical trialing of dentine surface pretreatment with MMP inhibitors to improve clinical outcomes.

Incorporation of MMP inhibitors into dental adhesive systems and bond strength of coronal composite restorations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

Purpose: To systematically review in vitro studies that incorporated MMP inhibitors into adhesive systems in terms of the effect on immediate and aged bond strength of dental composite to dentine. Materials and methods: Independently, two reviewers conducted an electronic search in three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P), up to 6 March 2022. Results: The search resulted in 894 papers, 33 of which were eligible to be included in the review; of those, 13 fulfilled the meta-analysis eligibility criteria. Nineteen inhibitors were used among the studies, and those included in the meta-analysis were 2%, 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 5 µM GM1489, and 0.5%, 1% benzalkonium chloride (BAC). In the meta-analysis, while above inhibitors showed no adverse effect on bond strength, 0.2% CHX and 5 µM GM1489 caused a significant increase in immediate and 12-months bond strength. All other inhibitors resulted in a significant increase in bond strength at six months of ageing. Conclusions: Incorporation of MMP inhibitors into the adhesive system has no unfavourable effect on immediate bond strength but a favourable effect on longer-term bond strength. Additionally, inhibitors other than CHX could have similar or better effects on bond strength.

Burnout assessment among academic dental staff during COVID-19: Data from Arab countries.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify factors that were associated with high burnout and investigate the prevalence of burnout among academic dental staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among academic dentists who are working in multiple dental schools in Arab countries. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to assess participants' work-related burnout. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors that increase the risk of burnout among academic dentists. RESULTS: Of the 254 participants who took part in the study, 141 were males (55.5%). The average age of the participants in the study was 42.1 years (standard deviation = 10.0). The prevalence of burnout among participants was 44.9% (n = 114). Using a fully adjusted logistic regression model, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.09, p = 0.008) and gender (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31-0.94, p = 0.03) were significant variables associated with high overall burnout. Female individuals had a substantially reduced risk of experiencing high personal burnout than male participants (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.98, p = 0.043) in the personal burnout subdomain. While in the patient's burnout subdomain, age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08, p = 0.048), type of speciality (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.02-5.83, p = 0.044), and teaching place (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.21-5.11, p = 0.013) were associated with higher burnout. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that gender and age are characteristics that increase the risk of higher burnout among academic dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does smoking explain the association between use of e-cigarettes and self-reported periodontal disease?

OBJECTIVE: Many studies have been conducted to understand the association between e-cigarette use and different periodontal parameters, but the effect of conventional smoking in explaining this association remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to assess the association between e-cigarettes and self-reported periodontal disease, and whether smoking status explains this association. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on secondary data analysis of 8,129 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2015 -2018. E-cigarette use and smoking status were collected through questionnaires. Self-reported periodontal diseases and bone loss were derived from the 8-item CDC/AAP questionnaire. The associations between e-cigarette use and self-reported periodontal diseases were tested in logistic regression models adjusting for demographic factors, socioeconomic indicators, smoking status, diabetes and dental visits. Additionally, to test the effect of smoking on the relationship, three fully adjusted logistic regression models stratified by smoking status were constructed. RESULTS: E-cigarettes ever users and current users had higher odds of self-reported periodontal disease (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.73) and bone loss (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.49) respectively compared to non-users after adjusting for smoking and potential confounders. In the regression models stratified by smoking status, e-cigarette was only significantly associated with self-reported periodontal disease variables among current smokers, but not among previous or never smokers. CONCLUSION: E-cigarette use is associated with self-reported periodontal disease. However, smoking status appears to explain the relationship between e-cigarette use and periodontal disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This population-based cross-sectional study shows that e-cigarette use is associated with self-reported periodontal disease. Smoking status appears to explain the association. Dental professionals should consider the effect of conventional smoking and comprehend the risks of e-cigarette on oral health and its benefits when used as a smoking cessation aid.

Factors determining the need for general anesthesia to deliver dental treatment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Aim: To investigate factors determining the need for general anesthesia (GA) to deliver dental treatment for adult people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Methods: This study involved a retrospective review of medical records of adult patients with IDD who received dental treatment under GA at Tabuk Specialist Dental Center, Saudi Arabia, between 2018 and 2020. Demographic characteristics and dental-related details, level of cooperation, and methods of delivering dental treatment were collected. Results: A total of 86 adult patients with IDD were included. The mean age of the study participants was 34.8 years (standard deviation [SD] 6.5), and the majority were males (n = 47, 54.7%). Eighteen patients had aphasia (20.9%), 16 had epilepsy (18.6%), and 10 had cerebral palsy (11.6%). Most dental treatments delivered were complex dental treatments (n = 39, 45.3%) followed by dental extraction (n = 25, 29.1%), and non-surgical periodontal therapy (n = 22, 25.5%). Females had higher odds of undergoing GA compared to males (Odds ratio (OR) =6.79, 95% Confidence intervals (CI): 1.62-28.41). Furthermore, patients who had aphasia had higher odds of undergoing GA compared to patients who had no medical conditions (OR = 14.03, 95% CI: 1.05-186.7). Conclusion: Being female or having aphasia are independent factors related to the need for GA to deliver dental treatment for Saudi adults with IDD.

People with congenital bleeding disorders perspectives on why dentists refused to treat them: An exploratory qualitative study using a card sorting technique.

AIMS: This qualitative study aimed to assess people with congenital bleeding disorders (CBDs) perspectives on why their dentists refused to treat them. METHODS: Using validated and reliable questions, people with CBDs were asked about their attitude toward dental visit and teeth brushing, perceived thought about dentists' knowledge and skill in treating them, perceived dental anxiety, and perceived barriers toward receiving dental services. Free text responses were added to report reasons of why people with CBDs could not brush their teeth sometimes and why the dentists refused to treat them. An open card sorting method was used to analyze participants free text reports. RESULTS: A total of 30 participants were recruited for the purpose of this qualitative study (70% adults and 30% children). Hemophilia A affected the majority of both groups. The majority of participants (n = 20, 67%) reported that they have been refused to be treated by their dentists (71% of adults versus 56% of children, as reported by their parents, p-value = 0.398). Adult participants reported that they have been refused to be treated by dentists due to fear of dentists from uncontrolled gingival bleeding, their dentists' beliefs that no dental treatment required for them, their thoughts that their dentists will refuse to treat them and difficulty of accommodating the dental visit with other medical appointments. Parents of children reported other reasons such as parents did not ask for dental treatments, difficulty of dental treatment to dentists, young age of patient, and poor accessibility to dental services due to long waiting list. Fear of adult participants from uncontrolled gingival bleeding (n = 4, 57%) and poor compliance of children toward teeth brushing (n = 2, 29%) were the reasons behind why they could not brush their teeth sometimes. CONCLUSIONS: Among several reported reasons, fear of dentists from uncontrolled gingival bleeding was the most reported reason of why dentists refused to treat adults with CBDs. While other reasons were reported by parents of children with CBDs such as parents did not ask for dental treatment to their children, difficulty of dental treatment to dentists, young age of patients, and poor accessibility due to long waiting list.

Prevalence and risk factors of oral mucositis in paediatric patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: A complete understanding of oral mucositis (OM) is crucial to develop appropriate interventions to aid in the successful overall health outcome of paediatric patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). AIMS: This study aimed at determining the prevalence and severity of OM and at identifying the predictive factors that might aggravate OM at one-week, two-week and three-week post-HSCT. METHODS: This retrospective, hospital-based study reviewed the medical records of 170 paediatric patients, summarising the patients' characteristics using descriptive statistics. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the development of OM. RESULTS: At one-week post-HSCT, 41% of 140 patients (n = 49) had developed OM, this was reduced at two-week (n = 36, 33%) and three-week (n = 13, 19%) post-HSCT. Univariate logistic regression revealed that patients with cancer (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05-0.54; p-value = .003) had a significantly lower prevalence of OM. Younger patients with an average age of 7.9 years old (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75-0.97; p-value = 0.013) and the presence of GvHD (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.03-5.45, p-value = 0.042) were significantly related to a higher prevalence of OM. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed that the risk of OM is lower in patients with cancer compared to those with immunodeficiency syndromes or hereditary blood diseases (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.04-0.77; p-value = .021). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a significantly lower prevalence of OM in patients with cancer compared to other conditions and that young recipients and those who developed GvHD were more likely to have OM.