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Background: Quality of patient care will improve when dental professional practices are based on evidence. The present study was aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitude of private dental practitioners in Al-Kharj regarding evidence-based dentistry. Methodology: The study sample consisted of 180 private dental practitioners in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information regarding knowledge and attitude toward evidence-based dental practice (EBDP). Data were collected by direct personal contact and information was collected on the same day. Results: Awareness of EBDP among private dental practitioners was 67.8%. Also, 31.1% of subjects told that they practice EBD in decision-making about patient treatment. Only 16.7% of study subjects were aware of the Cochrane database, whereas 34.1% were aware of the evidence-based pyramid. Also, 91.7% thought that they needed to be trained regarding EBD. Conclusion: Awareness of EBDP is low among private dental practitioners but the majority of dentists think they need training regarding evidence-based dentistry.
RESUMO
Objectives: Although childhood intoxication is avoidable, it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to assess the patterns and outcomes of acute pediatric intoxication in Aljouf, KSA. Methods: A retrospective record-based descriptive study was conducted at the Prince Mutaib bin Abdulaziz hospital, and the Maternity and Children's hospital in Aljouf, KSA. All cases of acute intoxication in children younger than 18 years of age from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021 were included. Data analysis included demographic characteristics; year and month of intoxication; place, time, form, and route of toxic agent exposure; manner of intoxication; toxic agent/agents involved; intoxicated child's status upon arrival at the hospital; clinical presentation; treatment; admission history; and outcome. Results: A total of 540 cases were reported. Most (79%) acutely intoxicated children were in 1 to <6 years of age. The highest frequency of reported acute pediatric intoxication was 23.9% in 2017. Pharmaceutical drugs were responsible for most reported cases (41%). Most children were asymptomatic (84%) at the time of admission. Among symptomatic children, GIT clinical manifestations were the most reported symptoms. Forty percent of the children were admitted to the inpatient ward. Interestingly, 29.4% were discharged against medical advice. Approximately 43% showed complete recovery. The logistic regression model of predictors of accidental intoxication indicated that only age and residence in urban vs rural areas had a statistically significant relationship. Conclusions: Acute pediatric intoxication is a problem in Aljouf, KSA. Caregivers' awareness of the potentially hazardous toxic agents and risk factors for pediatric intoxication should be enhanced, and effective prevention strategies should be implemented to decrease the incidence of pediatric intoxication.
RESUMO
The choice of a pediatric dentist is a crucial decision for parents, influenced by a variety of factors. This study aimed to investigate the key determinants that guide parents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in their selection of a pediatric dentist. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a diverse participant pool. The survey captured demographic information, history of dental visits, parents' level of concern about dental treatment for their children, and the importance of specific factors in the choice of a pediatric dentist. The survey was completed by a balanced representation of different age groups and genders. Most participants from Riyadh and other regions had a history of dental visits. Parents' concern about dental treatment varied based on the number of children they had. The most significant factors influencing the choice of a pediatric dentist were the quality of the dental unit's disinfection process, the dentist's ability to communicate with the child and manage uncooperative behaviour, and the dentist's experience. The least influential factors were the proximity of the dental office to the child's school, the dentist's gender, and the number of pediatric dentists in the practice. This study provided valuable insights into the factors that influence parents' decision in choosing a pediatric dentist in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data helps dental professionals understand parents' priorities and improve their services accordingly to meet patient needs and expectations.
