Difficulties experienced by dentists and orthodontists regarding ethical issues when announcing the diagnosis of a rare oral disease: a qualitative study in Marseille, France.

PURPOSE: It is traditionally considered that breaking bad news to patients does not represent a cause for concern for dental professionals. However, there are situations where they will be confronted with this task, as in the case of rare dental diseases. Little information is available regarding the feelings of healthcare professionals on this subject. There are no qualitative studies that explore how a diagnosis of oligodontia is announced to patients by dentists and orthodontists. The aim of our study is to explore the difficulties and ethical issues experienced by dental health professionals when they have to announce a diagnosis of oligodontia to a patient and their family. METHODS: This study relied on a qualitative research method using focus groups of dentists and orthodontists and a thematic analysis procedure. RESULTS: The difficulties experienced could be summarised within five topics: organisational difficulties, difficulties with the management of dental treatment and with the administrative management associated with this anomaly, difficulties with the content of the announcement, and relational difficulties. These could be grouped in two categories: practical difficulties and ethical difficulties. CONCLUSION: This survey allowed us to understand the difficulties encountered by dentists and orthodontists when announcing oligodontia. The participants felt uncomfortable with this task and were under stress. They reported difficulties in delivering the medical information and in adapting to the message. It is essential that dental professionals develop skills in medical communication.

[Sleep bruxism in children]. / Le bruxisme du sommeil chez l'enfant.

Bruxism is defined as repetitive activity of the masticatory muscles, characterized by clenching the teeth or teeth grinding and/or by tapping and swaying. This study investigated sleep bruxism. The etiology is multifactorial: mainly central (neuropathic disorder, anxiety) but also genetic and local (posture, mouth breathing). The diagnosis is based primarily on the anamnesis and examination of dental wear and progression over time (photos and dental castings). A diagnostic guide is proposed in this article. Frequently found in children, bruxism is not always considered pathological. The severity criteria relate intensity (number of dental attrition facets) as well as the context found in children: anxiety, ventilation disorders, and fragile dental structures. Management is multidisciplinary and depends on the etiologic diagnosis.