Dental Patients' Medical Information Disclosure and Sociodemographic Determinants: A Cross Sectional Study.

Objective: To evaluate the patient's willingness to declare their medical history to their dentists against demographic and medical information. Methods: A self-administered structured questionnaire regarding common chronic condition and pregnancy awareness and attitude toward medical information disclosure to their dentists was designed employing a five-point Likert-type scale. The questionnaire was distributed to among sample of adults. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and P values. Results: A total of 573 questionnaires were completed. Only 61.3% were willing to share their medical history with the dentist and 76.1% will disclose previous complications of their condition in the dental office. Two third 71.9%of the sample will disclose about medications and 76.1% will disclose pregnancy month. There was lack of education regarding health conditions, 73.3% did not receive any information about their medications. While 72.8% did not receive any information regarding complications of their disease and 76.3% were not told what to do if complication arises. Conclusion: The population's willingness to reveal their medical information in the dental office is crucial. Though was within acceptable limit but still deficient. Age, education, occupation and marital status have a significant effect on disclosing and awareness. Educating patients and raising their awareness may aid in reducing emergencies, errors, and legal issues in the dental office.

Knowledge and Practice of COVID-19 Infection Control Among Dental Students and Interns: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the knowledge and practice of dental students and interns regarding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) based on academic level and university. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among interns and dental students using self-administered, structured questionnaire regarding knowledge and clinical practice with respect to COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 126 completed questionnaires were received. A majority of the study participants (98.4%) stated they were aware of the COVID-19 infection control policies. Most participants (83.3%) had attended training or lectures about COVID-19. Most of them stated that the N59 mask is the best mask against the disease (81.7%). Significant variations between academic years and genders were revealed regarding the clinical practice. Uncertainty existed regarding quarantining, preprocedural mouth wash, and handwashing versus desensitizing. CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge of the participants was reasonable. Areas of deficiency in knowledge were observed among junior dental students. Further training in infection control measures and formulation of new guidelines are recommended to increase the knowledge and preparation of dental students regarding COVID-19 in dental settings, as well as reduce the transmission of infection.

Public Attitudes Toward Chairside Screening for Medical Conditions in Dental Settings.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the public's attitudes and knowledge toward chairside dental screening and laboratory investigations based on demographic data. METHODS: A self-administered structured questionnaire regarding chairside screening was designed employing a 5-point Likert-type scale. The questionnaire was distributed to among sample of adults. Data were collected and statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and P values. RESULTS: A total of 573 questionnaires were completed. Most respondents were willing to have a dentist conduct screening for diseases, in particular blood measurement (89%), hypertension (85.7%) and lab result discussion (83.1%), having medical condition did not affect the willingness. The lowest reported willingness was to undergo biopsy (54%) and hepatitis screening (67.6%) Age, education, hospital, and prior chairside screening were found to be significant factors for willingness. CONCLUSION: The population's willingness to undergo chairside medical screenings in the dental office is crucial for the implementation of this strategy and to deliver a holistic approach to treating patients' medical conditions.

Public Perception and Viewpoints of Dental Radiograph Prescriptions and Dentists' Safety Protection Practice.

PURPOSE: The exposure of patients to ionizing radiation used in dentistry comes with a subtle risk of a stochastic effect, but there is tremendous benefit obtained from radiographic investigation for diagnosis, management, and monitoring of the treatment offered. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the viewpoint of the population concerning the prescriptions and practices in dentistry associated with dental radiographs and the safe use of ionizing radiation in dental clinics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Validated and pretested structured self-administered questionnaires with 11 items were used. An electronic version of the questionnaire was created using Google Forms and distributed online through social media outlets. A total of 437 patients completed the questionnaire which contains questions about their demographic data and their perception of the practice of dentistry regarding hazard from dental radiographs. The collected data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Up to 88.6% of the study participants underwent dental radiography for various dental treatments. A majority of them relied on the dentist for the type of requested radiograph, 40% of them reported that dentist never explained the hazards associated with radiography. More than half of the participants (55%) never or hardly ever asked about safety measures before undergoing radiography. Most of the participants approved of radiography and never refrained. CONCLUSION: There is a spectrum of perceptions by the population. Continuous patient education is recommended to enhance awareness regarding this matter. Community perception assists in correcting wrong beliefs and ensuring improvement.

Self-perception, knowledge, and awareness of halitosis among female university students.

BACKGROUND: Halitosis or oral malodor is defined as an unpleasant breath odor. It can become a serious problem affecting individuals' social communication and self-confidence. Furthermore, it is a discomforting issue for the people around the person affected, because they consider it embarrassing to inform the person of the problem. AIM: This study was designed to measure self-perception, knowledge, and awareness of halitosis among female university students in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was implemented with 392 volunteer participants who responded to a questionnaire on their self-perception, knowledge, and awareness of halitosis. RESULTS: The response rate was 89.1% (392/440). Self-perception of halitosis was low (21.4%), whereas a larger percentage (78.1%) indicated noticing people with bad breath. Most participants (80.4%) thought that the gastrointestinal tract is the primary source of halitosis. Seventy-seven percent preferred using personal methods such as mouthwash and chewing gum to treat oral malodor. According to 82.1% of respondents, a dentist is the most appropriate professional to treat halitosis. CONCLUSION: The investigation revealed low self-perception and limited knowledge regarding halitosis. Therefore, the role of dentists in informing and educating their patients concerning oral malodor should be enhanced. Public education about the causes of and possible ways of managing bad breath should be increased.