Determinants of Dentist-Patient Relationships: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: The dentist-patient relationship (DPR) is considered to be a key element in dental clinical settings. This scoping review aimed to examine the extent of previous research on DPR, focussing on its determinants for the reification of the construct. METHODS: This research was directed by the guidance for systematic scoping reviews from the Joanna Briggs Institute. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were based on participants of general adults and dentists, the concept of determinants of DPR, and the context of dental health care encounters. A literature search was performed in 6 major electronic databases in July 2023. Key information from included articles was extracted to chart the results, mainly to identify the determinants of DPR. Each determinant of DPR was classified according to the conceptual model of DPR. RESULTS: A total of 1727 records were initially identified, and 16 articles were included in the review. Nine studies used a quantitative method and 7 were nonempirical articles. All but 2 articles were from the perspective of patients. Factors were grouped into 6 main domains: dentist, patient, society/environment, clinical structure, clinical process, and outcome. Amongst the 6 domains of DPR, most determining factors were related to the clinical process. "Communication" was most frequently counted, at 8 times, followed by "trust" (frequency, 6). At the patient level, "dental fear/anxiety" was frequently used to measure DPR. CONCLUSIONS: Previous literature about DPR indicated a few common and dentistry-specific determinants from the patient perspective. Further studies are encouraged to develop a more comprehensive framework and evaluation scale of DPR.

Frequency and features of medical emergencies at a teaching dental hospital in Saudi Arabia: a 14-year retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the nature, frequency, and characteristics of medical emergencies occurring at the King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The incident reports of medical emergencies recorded at the King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital from January 2008 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The annual/overall incidence of medical emergency events was calculated per 100,000 patients. The following characteristics of the patients/events were evaluated: age, gender, operator, procedure, location, timing of treatment, administration of local anesthesia, past medical history, symptoms, diagnosis, outcome, and disposition. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations of these characteristics with two outcomes: syncope and transfer to the emergency room (ER). RESULTS: The incidence of emergency events was 17.4 per 100,000 patients. Syncope and hypoglycemia were the most common emergencies. Most incidents recovered, with only 13% requiring transfer to the ER. Undergoing no procedure and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 2,3 were associated with syncope. Undergoing a general dental procedure, ASA class 2,3, and a diagnosis other than hypoglycemia and syncope were associated with transfer to the ER. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of medical emergencies was low. Dental practitioners need to remain aware of the contributing factors, such as past medical history and anxiety, but medical emergencies can occur in healthy individuals as well. Preparation of the dental office, training of the personnel, and proper recording of the events are essential components of a well-established medical emergency protocol in dental institutions.

Knowledge of ocular infections among the dental practitioners across India: a cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Ocular issues such as impaired vision, ophthalmia, orbital cellulitis, and blindness are not common with dental infections. However, there is absence of set guidelines in prevention and management of ocular issues arising from dental infections. Hence the knowledge and vantage point of the dentists with respect to ocular complications arising from dental infections was evaluated. OBJECTIVE: This study reviews the knowledge of dentists with association of eye infection due to dental contamination. METHOD: A cross sectional survey using standardized questionnaires were sent suing social media platform among the academicians and practicing dental clinicians. All the questionnaires were content validated by three ophthalmologists. Descriptive statistics was scrutinized and tabulated by employing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL). Chi square tests was used. RESULTS: About 69.1%(65) and 30.9%( 29) of BDS and MDS grduates have experienced ocular complications because of dental contamination. This distribution showed no statistical significance (p = 0.25). 73.8% (183) and 28.2%( 65) had compliance with the eye protection, 77.7% (160) of BDS graduates and 22.3% (46) of MDS graduates preferred safety eye wear. This distribution showed statistical significance (p = 0.00). About 76.2% (279) of BDS graduates and 23.8%( 67) of MDS graduates faced ocular infections because of different types of splashes which included water, blood and saliva. (p = 0.23) CONCLUSION: This study puts an emphasis on the knowledge assessment among the dental practitioners on the importance of preventive barriers, and how special protective gear is required for doing cases undergoing dental treatment.

Current status of biomedical waste management practices and barriers among private Jordanian dental clinics: A cross-sectional investigation of the capital Amman.

Biomedical waste management (BMWM) is vital in facilitating safe providing of healthcare. Developing countries suffer from the impact of mishandled biomedical waste (BMW) on the general public in addition to healthcare practitioners. Thus, this study aims to investigate the awareness and compliance of dental facilities to BMW regulations. Through a questionnaire designed as per the WHO guidelines on BMWM, we randomly recruited a total of 421 dental facilities representative of Jordan's capital. Mean BMWM practice scores were relatively high for the studied sample (0.748 ± 0.12). Nonetheless, while collection, transportation and storage standards were acceptable, those pertaining to segregation and disposal demonstrated lack of compliance to BMWM safety measures. An alarming number of participants dispose of infectious waste (40%), extracted teeth (48.5%), expired pharmaceuticals (44.4%), liquid chemicals (53.2%), X-ray films (35.0%) and solutions (48.7%) in the general trash or draining system. Such is attributed to either lack of resources, lack of proper equipment or poor awareness with BMWM guidelines. Moreover, it appears that location of the clinic (p < 0.001), occupation (p = 0.026) and presence of regulatory instructions (p = 0.048) were associated with higher BMWM scores. Overall, dental practitioners require proper training in terms of handling hazardous dental, chemical and radioactive wastes. Moreover, regulatory bodies should actively enforce regulations and monitoring, update current compliance legislations and subsidize eco-friendly practices.

Dental needs and conditions of individuals with Lowe syndrome: An observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Lowe syndrome (LS) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and eyes, predominantly in males. The aim of this study was to examine dental conditions, dental treatments, and access and/or barriers to care for those with LS compared to healthy individuals. METHODS: Surveys assessing dental conditions, dental treatments, and access and/or barriers to care were administered to families in the Lowe Syndrome Association and families with healthy children who had dental appointments at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) pediatric dental clinic. One parent or a guardian of pediatric patients with LS or not at TUSDM was asked to complete an online survey. RESULTS: One hundred and eight surveys were obtained (n:58 from the LS group and n:50 from the healthy group). The LS group was significantly more likely (p < .05) to report "crooked/misaligned teeth," "difficult time chewing," "bad breath," and "mouth cysts" and was significantly less likely to report 6-month examination, "cleaning," and "filling." The LS group reported significantly greater difficulty locating a dentist. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that individuals with LS are more vulnerable to developing severe dental conditions and experiencing difficulties in accessing dental care than healthy individuals. Additionally, those who present with this syndrome may be less likely to receive specific necessary dental treatments. As a result, it is essential to offer appropriate dental care and support to individuals with LS to guarantee they achieve optimal oral health.

Knowing Dental Students' Discourses on Situational Planning in Integrated Clinic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Objective: Dentistry from the Universidade Federal de Alfenas who were enrolled in the seventh period and who took the Integrated Clinic I Discipline (ICID) in the emergency remote learning model (ERLM). Material and Methods: This is a qualitative and descriptive study. The information was collected through questionnaires applied by the Professors during the ICID. Subsequently, the professor evaluated the treatment developed in virtual form by each student regarding its logical sequence and the most appropriate treatment for each case. The results of the answers were transcribed and submitted to lexicographical textual, Descending Hierarchical Classification, and Similitude analysis in the Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires (IRAMUTEQ) program. Results: The students described the online situational treatment planning in five essential steps: adequacy of the oral environment, restorative need, prosthetic need, rehabilitation by prosthesis on the implant, and corrective orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: It was observed that the students who enrolled in ICID presented well-integrated planning during ERLM, despite the COVID-19 pandemic hindering these students' contact between theoretical teaching and the integrated practices in dentistry offered by the educational institution.

Dental staff and patient attitudes about nicotine replacement therapy samples in dental care: A National Dental Practice-Based Research Network study.

OBJECTIVES: Cigarette smoking negatively affects oral health. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT; e.g. nicotine patch or lozenge) and brief interventions (e.g. Ask-Advise-Refer; AAR) can improve cessation outcomes but are underutilized. NRT sampling (NRTS) increases NRT utilization by providing patients with samples of NRT as part of routine healthcare. Ask-Advise-Refer is a brief intervention where practitioners: ask patients about tobacco use, advise those using tobacco to quit and refer to the state quit line. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore dental care practitioners' and patients' attitudes and experiences regarding tobacco cessation treatment and perceptions of two brief intervention models, assessed separately: NRTS and AAR. METHODS: Twenty-four dental care practitioners and nine patients, recruited through the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network, participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. Interviews assessed experiences with tobacco use intervention and attitudes towards NRTS and AAR. Thematic analysis identified emergent themes related to feasibility and acceptability of NRTS and AAR. RESULTS: Practitioners varied on how they address tobacco use, from systematically to idiosyncratically. Some practitioners recommend NRT; few had prescribed it. Practitioners had favourable attitudes towards AAR and NRTS, with most believing that both interventions would be acceptable and feasible to implement. Concerns regarding AAR were time and patient resistance to discussing tobacco use. Concerns regarding NRTS were patient resistance to using NRT, side effects or medication interactions, and capacity to provide follow-up. Patients reported that oral health practitioners generally ask about tobacco use but do not provide interventions. Patients were open to discussing their tobacco use with practitioners and had favourable attitudes about NRTS. CONCLUSIONS: This formative work suggests that NRTS and AAR may be feasible to implement in dental care settings. Future studies are needed to assess the effectiveness and implementation potential of NRTS in dental care settings.

Long-term effects of a community-based oral health intervention for young children in the Netherlands: A 5-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess whether referral of parents of 6 months old children by a well-child care (WCC) clinic medical practitioner for an early first dental visit combined with the Non Operative Caries Treatment and Prevention (NOCTP) approach in dental practices was effective to maintain oral health in children. METHODS: The study was conducted as a quasi-experimental comparative pre-post trial with a baseline measurement before the intervention. In total 1347 children were allocated at the age of 6 months and 306 children (intervention group: n = 166; care as usual (CAU) group: n = 140) underwent an oral examination at 5 years of age and their parents completed a questionnaire. Nonparametric tests and Hurdle models were used to determine differences in caries experience between the intervention and CAU groups. RESULTS: Children in the intervention group had significantly lower caries experience (d1,2,3 mfs) than children in the CAU group (Median = 2 vs. 5, r = .15, p < .01). Children in the intervention group had significantly fewer inactive caries lesions compared with children in the CAU group (Median = 2 vs. 3, r = .18, p < .001). No differences were found for dentin caries experience and also no differences for active caries lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Referral of parents of newborns for a preventive first dental visit by a WCC medical practitioner combined with NOCTP in dental practices may offer a new opportunity to reduce enamel caries lesions in young children.

Legionella pneumophila Presence in Dental Unit Waterlines: A Cultural and Molecular Investigation in the West Bank, Palestine.

A Legionella pneumophila bacterium is ubiquitous in water distribution systems, including dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). Legionellosis is atypical pneumonia, including Legionnaires' disease (LD) and the less acute form of Pontiac fever. Legionellosis occurs as a result of inhalation/aspiration of aerosolized Legionella-contaminated water by susceptible patients, health workers, and dentists. In this study, we undertook to determine the prevalence of Legionella in water and biofilm samples from Tap and DUWLs collected from five sites of dental clinics and faculties across the West Bank. Water samples were tested for physical and chemical parameters. The study samples included 185 samples, 89 (48%) water samples, and 96 (52%) biofilm swabs, which were analyzed by cultivation-dependent analysis (CDA) and by the cultivation-independent technique (CIA). Also, partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene for fifteen L. pneumophila isolates was performed for quality assurance and identification. L. pneumophila was isolated from 28 (15%) of 185 samples using CDA and was detected in 142 (77%) of 185 samples using CIA. The abundance of culturable L. pneumophila was low in DUWL of the sampling sites (range: 27-115 CFU/Liter). PCR was 5× more sensitive than the culture technique. L. pneumophila Sg 1 was detected in (75%) of the isolates, while (25%) isolates were L. pneumophila Sg 2-14. All fifteen sequenced Legionella isolates were identified as L. pneumophila ≥ 94.5%. The analysis of phylogenetic tree showed that L. pneumophila branch clearly identified and distinguished from other branches. These results show that DUWLs of the examined dental clinics and faculties are contaminated with L. pneumophila. This finding reveals a serious potential health risk for infection of immunocompromised patients and dentists' post-exposure.

Comparative Assessment of Oral Health Attitudes and Behaviors of First-Time and Previous Dental Patients Undergoing Exodontia Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Private Dental Clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Background: The COVID-19 lockdown affected oral health behaviors. This study aims to assess and compare the oral health attitudes and behaviors of first-time and previous patients undergoing dental extractions during the COVID-19 pandemic at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged 18-65 years undergoing dental extractions at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Four hundred and eighty patients were selected using a convenient sampling methodology. A structured, close-ended questionnaire investigated demographic information, tooth extraction attendance, and oral health attitudes and behaviors using 20 items Hiroshima University Dental Behavioral Inventory (HUDBI). Results: A total of 480 exodontia patients [282 (58.8%) males and 198 (41.2%) females] participated in this study. All patients used a stiff-bristled toothbrush and were concerned about their teeth' color and bad breath. Similarly, all the participants did not feel brushed unless they used strong strokes, and the dentist told them to brush very well. An overall mean HUDBI score of 6.34±1.12 was observed. Patients with a primary education (5.61±0.79), income ≤5000 SAR (6.00±0.92), residing in rural areas (5.84±0.93), and government employees (5.62±0.96) exhibited lower HU-DBI scores compared to their counterparts. The study revealed a significant variation in HUDBI scores across different demographic factors, including education, income, residence, occupation, and reason for extraction (p<0.001). The HUDBI score of first-time attendees to dental extraction (5.88±1.03) was found to be significantly poorer than to those of previous attendees (6.63±1.09), (p<0.001). Conclusion: Patients who underwent dental extractions at private dental clinics in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, during the post-lockdown COVID-19 pandemic exhibited average oral health attitudes and behaviors. Oral health attitudes and behaviors differed by socioeconomic status. Patients undergoing dental extractions for reasons other than dental caries and periodontal diseases and first-time attendees demonstrated poor oral health attitudes and behaviors.

Does glaze firing affect the strength of advanced lithium disilicate after simulated defects?

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of glazing on strength repair of lithium disilicate glass-ceramics after defect incorporation in different production processing phases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bar-shaped specimens (1 × 1 × 12 mm, n = 280; 20/group) made from different lithium disilicate ceramics (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar, "LD" or advanced lithium disilicate CEREC Tessera, Dentsply Sirona, "ALD") were exposed to 7 different protocols: crystallized without (c) and with glaze layer (cg), with a defect incorporated before crystallization without (ic) and with glaze layer (icg), with a defect after crystallization without (ci) or with glaze layer (cig), and defect incorporated after the glaze layer (cgi). The flexural strength was determined using the three-point bending test. Analysis of indented areas and fractured specimens was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Flexural strength data were evaluated by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey tests (α = 5%). RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant influence of ceramic (p < 0.001; F = 55.45), protocol (p < 0.001; F = 56.94), and the interaction protocol*ceramic (p < 0.001; F = 13.86). Regardless of ceramics, defect incorporation as final step resulted in the worst strength, while defects introduced before crystallization did not reduce strength. Glaze firing after defect incorporation led to strength repair for ALD, whereas such an effect was not evident for LD. CONCLUSIONS: The advanced lithium disilicate must receive a glaze layer to achieve its highest strength. Defects incorporated in the pre-crystallized stage can be healed during crystallization. Defects should not be incorporated after glazing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical adjustments should be performed on pre-crystallized or crystalized restorations that receive a glazer layer afterwards.

Satisfacción del usuario en la atención odontológica comunitaria en Reynosa, Tamaulipas / User ́s satisfaction of community dental care in Reynosa,Tamaulipas

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de satisfacción en la atención recibida por los usuarios de la Clínica Odontológica de la Universidad México Americana del Norte (CO-UMAN) Allende. Material y método: El estudio fue descriptivo, observacional, transversal y prospectivo; se aplicó una encuesta de opinión a 200 pacientes, seleccionados mediante muestreo por conveniencia en 2019, sobre la estructura, proceso y resultados de la atención; así como bio-demográficos de cada paciente. Resultados: Predominaron pacientes con edades entre 21 y 60 años (71%), mujeres (63%), casados(as) (45%), empleados(as)/amas de casa (57%) y baja frecuencia de enfermedades concomitantes (10%). A mayor edad hubo mayor frecuencia de enfermedades concomitantes (r=0.26; p<0.05) y satisfacción en el servicio (r=0.26; p<0.05); con otras enfermedades concomitantes la satisfacción del paciente fue menor (r=-0.39; p<0.05). Los pacientes indican que hay más satisfacción (de 2.6 a 5.4 veces) al recibir un servicio adecuado o mejor. La satisfacción del paciente y la calidad de la atención de la clínica se asoció positivamente (p<0.05) con los trámites sencillos, trato por parte del odontólogo; confianza en la calidad de los servicios recibidos; relación costo/beneficio; puntualidad en la atención y efectividad del tratamiento odontológico recibido. Los coeficientes canónicos estandarizados indicaron mayor contribución en la satisfacción del usuario: las instalaciones e infraestructura de la clínica (0.479); atención del personal y proceso administrativo (0.543); atención del odontólogo (0.700); confianza en la atención y percepción del servicio recibido (0.660) y pobre relación con edad (0.078), género (0.030), estado civil (-0.040) y ocupación del paciente (0.065). Conclusión: No obstante que la cantidad y calidad del servicio de la CO-UMAN se ha incrementado y mejorado sustantivamente, es necesario desarrollar un plan de mejora continua para alcanzar estándares de calidad total.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the level of satisfaction in the care received by the users of the Dental Clinic of the Universidad México Americana del Norte (DC-UMAN) Allende. Material and method: The study was descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and prospective. In 2019, an opinion survey on the structure, proceedings, and results of the care, as well as bio-demographics of each patient was applied to 200 patients selected by convenience sampling. Results: Patients aged between 21 and 60 years (71%), women (63%), married (45%), employees/housewives (57%) and a low frequency of concomitant diseases (10%) predominated. At an older age, there was a higher frequency of concomitant diseases (r=0.26; p<0.05) and satisfaction in the service (r=0.26; p<0.05); with other concomitant diseases, patient satisfaction was lower (r=-0.39; p<0.05). Patients indicated that there is more satisfaction (from 2.6 to 5.4 times) when receiving an adequate or better service. Patient satisfaction and the quality of clinic care were positively associated (p<0.05) with simple procedures, treatment by the dentist, confidence in the quality of the services received, cost-benefit ratio, punctuality in the care and effectiveness of the dental treatment received. The standardized canonical coefficients indicated a greater contribution to user satisfaction from the facilities and infrastructure of the clinic (0.479), staff attention and administrative process (0.543), dental care (0.700), trust in care and perception of the service received (0.660) and poor relationship with age (0.078), gender (0.030), marital status (-0.040), and occupation (0.065) of the patient. Conclusion: Although the quantity and quality of the DC-UMAN service has increased and improved substantially, it is necessary to develop a continuous improvement plan to achieve total quality standards.

Clínicas Integradas em Odontologia, desafios, oportunidades e perspectivas: uma revisão de literatura

As clínicas integradas em Odontologia constituem em um desafio para o ensino superior na formação do profissional, que deverá aprender a tratar as condições orofaciais de seu paciente de forma diferenciada no futuro próximo, aliando cada vez mais a Odontologia e as novas tecnologias. Objetivou-se com este estudo de revisão discutida entender o conceito de clínica integrada e suas perspectivas em consonância com as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais. Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico sistematizado nos bancos de dados eletrônicos: Lilacs, PubMed e Scielo. Os termos em português e inglês "Educação em Odontologia" (Dental Education), "Clínicas Odontológicas" (Dental Clinics), "Graduação" (Undergraduate Program), "Prestação Integrada de Cuidados de Saúde" (delivery of health care, integrated) e "Currículo" (Curriculum) foram utilizados como palavras-chave. Foram eleitos 23 artigos para esta revisão e extraídas as ideias principais dos textos tendo como base as metodologias utilizadas e os principais resultados. Os autores foram unânimes em ressaltar que as clínicas integradas em Odontologia exercem influência na formação e no preparo do egresso generalista através do treinamento sobre um planejamento global, inter e multidisciplinar como pilar essencial para um currículo integrativo e inovador.

ntegrated clinics in Dentistry present a challenge for higher education in the training of professionals, who must adapt their approach to treating orofacial conditions in the near future, increasingly incorporating Dentistry and new technologies. This review study aimed to comprehend the concept of integrated clinics and its alignment with the National Curricular Guidelines. A systematic bibliographic survey was conducted in the following electronic databases: Lilacs, PubMed, and Scielo. The search employed keywords in both Portuguese and English, including "Education in Dentistry" (Dental Education), "Dental Clinics", "Graduation" (undergraduate program), "Integrated Provision of Health Care" (delivery of health care, integrated), and "Curriculum." Approximately 23 articles were selected for this review, and the primary ideas within the texts were extracted based on the employed methodologies and the principal results. The authors unanimously emphasized that integrated dentistry clinics significantly impact the training and preparation of generalist graduates. This influence stems from emphasizing global, inter, and multidisciplinary planning as an indispensable foundation for an integrative and innovative curriculum.

COVID-19 and Dentistry: Enhancing Knowledge and Attitudes towards Infections, Immunity, and Vaccination.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every part of human life, including healthcare systems, and presented societies with hitherto unheard-of concerns [...].

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Dental Preferences of Patients at Private University Hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Studies that particularly look into how the pandemic has affected Saudi Arabian patients' dental preferences are scarce. The majority of the research done so far has focused on the pandemic's broad effects on oral health rather than the specific changes in patient preferences for dental care. Therefore, the primary goal of the study was to examine how patients at a private university dental hospital underwent dental procedures both before and after the pandemic. The study is a retrospective analysis of patient data from March 2019 to February 2022 obtained from electronic hospital records (Dentoplus). The data extracted information pertaining to the number of patients and their periodic visits. The data was examined via statistical tests. At 0.05, the significance level was chosen. According to the research, compared to non-lockdown times, lockdown times saw a considerable drop in the number of patients scheduling appointments. There was also a significant decrease in the number of first-time patients during lockdown periods. The study also revealed a significant increase in the number of cancelled appointments and patients who discontinued treatment during lockdown periods. The age and gender of the patients did not have a significant effect on these findings. The study's findings suggest that dental professionals need to be aware of these changes in patient behavior and adapt their services accordingly. Dental clinics may need to focus on promoting their services and ensuring that patients feel safe and comfortable seeking dental care during the pandemic.

Produtividade dos estudantes de Odontologia na clínica integrada em duas universidades do Sul do Brasil / Productividad de los estudiantes de Odontología en la clínica integrada en dos universidades del sur de Brasil / Productivity of dental students in integrated clinics attwo universities in Southern Brazil

Este estudo avaliou e comparou a produtividade clínica dos estudantes de Odontologia em duas instituições de ensino privadas, com diferentes tempos de experiência no modelo de clínica integrada, preconizado pelas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN). Asuniversidades utilizam o modelo de clínica integrada desde 2001 [A] e 2009 [B], com cursos de graduação de 5 anos e 4 anos, respectivamente. O estudo foi realizado no período de fevereiro a dezembro de 2019. Foram incluídos dados relativos a 205 estudantes (56 da universidade [A] e 149 da [B]) matriculados nas clínicas de baixa/média (n=99) e alta complexidades (n=106). Avaliou-se a quantidade de procedimentos realizados por nível de complexidade nas duas instituições. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes de Mann-Whitney e qui-quadrado (α=0,05). O número de procedimentos analisados foi de 9706, sendo 4693 na instituição [A] e 5013 na [B]. Nas duas instituições a quantidade de procedimentos curativos (54,8%) foi significativamente maior que a de procedimentos de diagnóstico e atenção à saúde (45,2%) (p<0,001). Nas clínicas de baixa/média complexidade foram observadas diferenças estatísticas na quantidade de procedimentos e/ou na quantidade de estudantes que não realizaram determinados procedimentos clínicos. Nas clínicas de alta complexidade foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre as instituições na quantidade de procedimentos e/ou na quantidade de alunos que não realizaram determinados procedimentos específicos de Dentística, Cirurgia, Periodontia e Prótese. A instituição com maior tempo de experiência no modelo de clínica integrada apresentou melhores resultados nas especialidades de Dentística, Endodontia e Prótese (AU).

Este estudio evaluó y comparó la productividad clínica de estudiantes de odontología de dos instituciones de enseñanza privadas, con diferentes tiempos de experiencia en el modelo clínico integrado, recomendado por las Directrices Curriculares Nacionales (DCN). Las universidades han utilizado el modelo clínico integrado desde 2001 [A] y 2009 [B], con carreras de grado de 5 y 4 años, respectivamente. El estudio se realizó de febrero a diciembre de 2019. Se incluyeron datos de 205 estudiantes (56 de la universidad [A] y 149 de la [B]) matriculados en clínicas de baja/media (n=99) y alta complejidad (n=99) n=106). Se evaluó el número de procedimientos realizados por nivel de complejidad en ambas instituciones. Los datos fueron sometidos a las pruebas de Mann-Whitney y chi-cuadrado (α=0,05). Elnúmero de procedimientos analizados fue de 9706, 4693 en la institución [A] y 5013 en la [B]. En ambas instituciones, el número de procedimientos curativos (54,8%) fue significativamente superior al de procedimientos diagnósticos y asistenciales (45,2%) (p<0,001). En las clínicas de baja/media complejidad se observaron diferencias estadísticas en el número de procedimientos y/o en el número de alumnos que no se sometieron a determinados procedimientos clínicos. En las clínicas de alta complejidad se observaron diferencias estadísticas entre las instituciones en cuanto al número de procedimientos y/o el número de alumnos que no se sometieron a determinados procedimientos en Odontología, Cirugía, Periodoncia y Prótesis. La institución con mayor experiencia enel modelo de clínica integrada presentó mejores resultados en las especialidades de Odontología, Endodoncia y Prótesis (AU).

This study assessed and compared the clinical productivity of dental students in two private teaching institutions, with different lengths of experience in the integrated clinical model, recommended by the National Curriculum Guidelines (DCN). The universities have used the integrated clinical model since 2001 [A] and 2009 [B], with 5-year and 4-year undergraduate courses, respectively. The study was carried out from February to December 2019. Data were included for 205 students (56 from [A] and 149 from [B]) enrolled in low/medium (n=99) and high complexity clinics (n=106). The number of procedures performed by level of complexity in both institutions was assessed. Data were submitted to Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests (α=0.05). The number of procedures analyzed was 9706, 4693 in institution [A] and 5013 in [B]. In both institutions, the number of curative procedures (54.8%) was significantly higher than that of diagnostic and health care procedures (45.2%)(p<0.001). In low/medium complexity clinics, statistical differences were observed in the number of procedures and/or in the number of students who did not perform certain clinical procedures. In high-complexity clinics, statistical differences were observed between the institutions in terms of the number of procedures and/or the number of students who did not perform certain specific procedures in restorative dentistry, surgery, periodontics and prostheses. The institution with the longer experience in the integrated clinic model presented better results in the specialties of restorative dentistry, endodontics and prosthesis (AU).

Fluorescent Marker as a Tool to Improve Strategies to Control Contaminated Surfaces and Decrease Danger of Cross-Contamination in Dental Clinics, during and beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an increased threat to dental personnel and patients. Close encounters with patients' breath and saliva and the use of intraoral rotating instruments which disperse microscopic airborne particles both increase the possibility of environmental infection. In this study, fluorescent marker (FM) was used to assess and enhance surface cleanliness in the dental clinics and public areas of a major dental school. Initially, 574 surfaces in various areas of a dental school were marked with FM for 3 consecutive months to monitor the surface cleanliness. The initial evaluation results were visually presented to both students and para-dental and cleaning personnel during a designated educational session, and were used to stress the importance of preventing cross-contamination. Following educational intervention, 662 surfaces were re-examined for an additional 3 months, using the same method. A significant improvement in the surfaces' cleanliness (ANOVA, F(1) = 10.89, p < 0.005) was observed post-intervention. The results were more prominent in students' clinics, which were the students' cleaning responsibility. The results show that fluorescent markers can serve as an educational tool to improve strategies to control contaminated surfaces in large clinics, such as dental schools. Their use can substantially decrease the hazard of cross-contamination during the pandemic and beyond.

Management of Dental Patients With Mental Health Problems in Special Care Dentistry: A Practical Algorithm.

Introduction Individuals with mental health problems have poor oral health affecting their quality of life with an increased burden on their well-being. Dentists find treating them challenging due to a lack of training and awareness in modifications of dental care delivery in special needs patients. Also, polypharmacy is common in psychiatric care, further complicating dental care while prescribing routine medications as potential drug interactions must be considered.  Methods Due to a lack of clinical practice guidelines in the literature and the absence of guidelines issued by dental governing bodies, we attempted to consolidate the existing challenges and propose a model for managing psychiatric special needs patients. Results and discussion Based on the current evidence, we hereby recommend 'psychiatric dental consultation liaison' (PDCL) services as the acceptable framework for the management of dental patients with mental health problems in special care dentistry. Conclusion PDCL services will favour both dentists and patients as it includes psychiatric consultation and interventions that will result in the positive execution of comprehensive dental treatment care.

An Outlook on Dental Practices to Avoid the Oral Transmission of COVID-19.

The oral microbiome plays an important role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis, whereas its association with SARS-CoV-2 infection remains under investigation. Since the oral path is one of the transmission routes for COVID-19, we attempt to show the relationship between the oral microbiome, COVID-19 infection, and oral hygiene. We highlight the importance of oral hygiene to control the infection, especially for ICU cases with COVID-19. Moreover, we present the current strategies adapted by in-person dental clinics to overcome the spread of COVID-19. New emerging policies and protocols suggested during the pandemic and their future implementation to minimize virus transmission are also summarized in this review.