Day one core competencies in veterinary dentistry.

This article describes the core competencies recommended for inclusion in the veterinary curriculum for all veterinary graduates based on the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Competency-Based Veterinary Education document. General practice companion animal veterinarians are frequently presented with patients having dental, oral, or maxillofacial pathology, and veterinary graduates will be relied upon for recommendations for the maintenance of oral health, including the prevention of periodontal disease, identification of endodontic disease, and knowledge of developmental defects. These recommendations should be made for all veterinary patients starting at a young age. These core competencies can apply to many companion species, but mainly are focused on the dog and cat. Because periodontal disease is the most common abnormality observed in dogs and cats, the first key step is taking a few seconds during examination of every patient of any age presented for any reason to examine the oral cavity. Although dental, oral, and maxillofacial pathology is often diagnosed after imaging and evaluation under anesthesia, the first step is observation of dentition and gingivae during the conscious exam to assess periodontal health status. The physical exam of the oral cavity may reveal oral behavior (eg, observation of uncomplicated crown fractures due to chewing on hard objects), which will permit recommendations for enhanced prevention by daily oral hygiene or professional treatment. There are now many involved dental and surgical treatments available, some of which require specialist-level instrumentation and expertise. General practitioners should be able to competently perform the following immediately upon graduation from veterinary school: For patients for whom the owner's reason for the veterinary visit is not dental, oral, or maxillofacial disease, obtain a brief (1 or 2 questions) history of the oral health of the patient. On lifting the lip of every patient, recognize presence or absence of accumulated dental plaque or calculus on the crowns of the teeth, presence or absence of gingival inflammation or ulceration, and presence or absence of other dental, oral, and maxillofacial pathology. On anesthetized patients that have dental, oral, and maxillofacial pathology for which professional treatment is indicated, be able to obtain and interpret appropriately positioned and exposed dental radiographs. When the presence of dental, oral, and maxillofacial pathology is recognized, determine whether each tooth present in the mouth does or does not require professional treatment beyond dental subgingival and supragingival scaling and polishing. List the indications for tooth extraction, know indications for potential oral/dental treatments beyond subgingival and supragingival scaling and polishing or extraction, and determine whether the professional treatment that may be indicated, such as root canal treatment or mass resection of oral tissues, requires referral for specialist-level expertise and instrumentation. Complete a thorough periodontal evaluation and therapy with periodontal probing, including professional subgingival and supragingival ultrasonic scaling with polishing under anesthesia. Demonstrate the ability to extract teeth indicated for extraction, using gentle and appropriate techniques that will risk minimal injury to the jaws and oral soft tissues and reduce postoperative patient pain. Provide appropriate postoperative care, including recognition of when postoperative analgesia and possibly antibiotic administration are indicated.

Aspectos Éticos de la Protección Radiológica en Procedimientos de Radiología Dental / Ethical Aspects of Radiological Protection in Dental Radiology Procedures

Se sabe de los beneficios que la radiología dental ha significado para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas en todo el mundo, sin embargo, también conocemos los riesgos asociados a su uso. Para disminuir estos riegos, diferentes organizaciones a nivel internacional han desarrollado un SISTEMA DE PROTECCIÓN RADIOLÓGICA (SRP) basado en los principios de: Justificación, optimización y limitación de dosis, los cuales a su vez han evolucionado en base al desarrollo de la ciencia, los valores éticos, y la experiencia acumulada en la práctica cotidiana de los profesionales de la protección radiológica. Al revisar la normativa que regula el uso de las radiaciones ionizantes en Chile, analizamos que no se tienen en cuenta los aspectos o valores éticos al momento de hablar y aplicar el SPR en procedimientos de radiología dental. Por todo lo anterior, el objetivo del presente trabajo de revisión narrativa fue elaborar un nuevo documento de consulta para los odontólogos, que contenga de manera resumida y con definiciones precisas, los principales aspectos a tener en cuenta a la hora de comprender como funciona el SPR y los valores éticos que lo fundamentan, ayudando de esta manera a resolver objetivamente los juicios de valor que se pueden presentar durante la solicitud, ejecución e interpretación de los procedimientos de radiología dental.

The benefits of dental radiology that improve the quality of life of populations worldwide have been well established. However, the risks associated with its use are also known. With these risks in mind, various international organizations have developed a Radiological Protection System (RPS) based on the principles of: Justification, optimization and dose limitation, which in turn have evolved based on science, values ethics, and the experience accumulated during the daily practice by radiation protection professionals. While reviewing the standards that regulate the use of ionizing radiation in Chile, we observed that ethical aspects or values are not taken into account when applying the RPS in dental radiology procedures. In light of these findings, the objective of this narrative review was to develop a new consultation procedure for dentists, which contains the main aspects to consider when understanding how SPR works, in a summarized precise form, as well as the supporting ethical values. Thereby helping to resolve the value judgments that may arise during the performance and interpretation of dental radiology procedures.

Protección Radiológica en Radiología Dental / Proteção Radiologica em Radiologia Dentária / Radiation Protection in Dental Radiology

Resumen El uso de rayos X juega un papel esencial en el diagnóstico y planificación de tratamientos dentales. Los avances tecnológicos de los equipos de rayos X han contribuido al mayor uso de este tipo de radiación en la práctica odontológica. Aunque la exposición a la radiación es baja en estos procedimientos, todavía existe un riesgo que debe reducirse al mínimo necesario a fin de obtener una imagen adecuada para el diagnóstico y a la vez evitar efectos nocivos para el paciente y el personal involucrado. Debido al alto y creciente número de radiografías dentales, el hecho de que niños y adolescentes sean el foco de la mayoría de estas, la subestimación de la cantidad de exámenes radiológicos reportados y la supuesta baja conciencia de estudiantes y profesionales de la odontología sobre los peligros del uso indiscriminado de los rayos X, es necesario adoptar medidas de protección radiológica para mitigar los efectos biológicos radioinducidos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo revisar los principios básicos de la radioprotección que deben considerarse en la práctica dental, con el fin de garantizar el menor daño posible a trabajadores ocupacionalmente expuestos, pacientes y miembros del público.

Resumo O uso dos raios X desempenha um papel essencial no diagnóstico e planejamento de tratamentos dentários. O avanço tecnológico nos equipamentos de raios-X tem contribuído para o aumento do uso deste tipo de radiação na prática odontológica. Embora a exposição à radiação seja baixa nestes procedimentos, ela representa um risco e deve ser reduzida ao mínimo valor necessário para se obter a imagem adequada para o diagnóstico, evitando efeitos nocivos ao paciente e ao pessoal envolvido. Devido ao elevado e crescente número de radiografias odontológicas, ao fato de crianças e adolescentes serem o foco de grande parte delas, a subestimação do número de exames radiológicos notificados e a suposta baixa conscientização de estudantes e profissionais da odontologia sobre os perigos dos uso indiscriminado de raios-x, é precisa a adoção de medidas de radioproteção para mitigar o risco de efeitos nocivos radioinduzidos. Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar os princípios básicos da radioproteção a serem considerados na prática odontológica, a fim de garantir o menor prejuízo possível para trabalhadores ocupacionalmente expostos, pacientes e membros do público.

Abstract The use of X-rays plays an essential role in the diagnosis and planning of dental treatments. Technological advances in X-ray equipment have contributed to the increased use of this type of radiation in dental practice. Although radiation exposure is low in these procedures, there is still a risk. The reduction of the risk to the minimum value possible is necessary to obtain an adequate image for the diagnosis and avoiding harmful effects on the patient and the personnel involved. Due to the high and growing number of dental X-rays, the fact that children and adolescents are the focus of most of them, the underestimation of the number of radiological examinations reported and the supposed low awareness of dental students and professionals about the dangers the indiscriminate use of X-rays, it is necessary to adopt radioprotection measures to mitigate the risk of harmful radioinduced effects. This article aims to review the basic principles of radioprotection to be considered in dental radiology, in order to ensure the least possible damage to occupationally exposed workers, patients and public members.

Niveles de Referencia para Diagnóstico Locales en Procedimientos Radiográficos Dentales Periapicales. Primeros valores para Chile / Local Diagnostic Reference Levels for Periapical Radiographs. First Values for Chile

La información que aportan los procedimientos de radiología dental, tanto en la evaluación, como en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de patologías y/o alteraciones dento maxilofaciales, hace que correspondan al tipo más frecuente de estudio radiológico. Sin embargo, existe un escaso conocimiento en nuestro país respecto de los niveles de dosis que se imparten en dichos procedimientos, haciendo necesaria su determinación para maximizar el beneficio derivado de los mismos y minimizar el riesgo radiológico para los pacientes. El presente estudio determinó el nivel de referencia para diagnóstico (NRD) local en la radiografía periapical de Molar maxilar e Incisivo, para ello se realizaron simulaciones de los procedimientos radiográficos en un maniquí antropomorfo seccional y se determinó el valor de Kerma aire en la superficie de entrada con retrodispersión mediante dosimetría termoluminiscente. Los NRD locales determinados en la radiografía periapical de Molar maxilar fueron 5,6 mGy para adultos y 4,0 mGy para niños; mientras que en la radiografía periapical de Incisivo fue de 9,2 mGy para pacientes adultos y 1,8 mGy para niños. Los resultados obtenidos buscan orientar la ejecución de futuras investigaciones en el área y aportar información del nivel de radiación en estos procedimientos, con lo que se espera promover una cultura de radioprotección y motivar la optimización de las dosis registradas.

The information provided by dental radiology procedures, both in evaluation, as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies and / or dentomaxilofacial alterations, makes them the most frequent type of radiological study. However, there is a meager knowledge in our country regarding dose levels applied in such procedures, making their determination necessary to maximize the benefits and to minimize the radiological risk to patients. The present study determined the local diagnostic reference level (LDRL) for the periapical radiography of the Maxillary molar and Incisive. Simulations of radiographic procedures were performed and the value of air Kerma at the entrance surface with backscattering, was estimated using thermo luminescent dosimetry. The LDRL determined in the maxillary molar periapical radiography was 5.6 mGy for adults and 4.0 mGy for children; while on the incisive periapical radiography it was 9.2 mGy for adult patients and 1.8 mGy for children. The results obtained seek to guide the execution of future research in the area and provide information on the radiation doses delivered in these procedures, which is expected to promote a radiation protection culture and motivate the optimization of the registered doses.

Niveles de Referencia para Diagnóstico en Procedimientos Radiológicos Dentales: Una Guía Práctica / Diagnostic Reference Levels in Dental Radiological Procedures: A Practical Guide

RESUMEN: Las exposiciones médicas con radiación ionizante son actualmente la principal fuente de exposición a la radiación artificial a nivel global, entre ellas, los exámenes dentales corresponden a uno de los más frecuentes. Para prevenir dosis innecesariamente altas a los pacientes durante estas exposiciones, la Comisión Internacional de Protección Radiológica (ICRP) recomienda la utilización de Niveles de Referencia para Diagnóstico (DRLs), como una herramienta efectiva de ayuda a la optimización de la protección radiológica en la exposición médica de pacientes. Dado que la legislación de Chile aún no ha incorporado el uso de los DRLs, el presente trabajo de revisión tuvo como objetivo analizar la publicación N° 135 de la ICRP para generar un documento que sirva de guía para los odontólogos, explicando de manera didáctica y en un lenguaje sencillo, pero técnico, los principales aspectos a tener en cuenta para establecer los DRLs en procedimientos de radiología dental.

SUMMARY: Currently exposure to ionizing radiation is currently the main source of exposure to artificial radiation worldwide, with dental examinations being one of the most frequent events. In order to prevent exposure of unnecessarily high doses in patients, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommends the use of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs), as an effective tool to help maximize protection from radiation during medical exposure of patients. Given that the Chilean legislation has not yet incorporated the use of DRLs, the purpose of this study was to analyze publication N° 135 of the ICRP to generate a document, to serve as a guide for dentists, didactically outlining in simple but technical language, the main aspects to consider when establishing DRLs in dental radiology procedures.

Challenges for the dental radiology clinic in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This letter addresses the challenges for the dental radiology clinic in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the use of teleradiography and mobile devices, as well as the proper care in disinfecting these equipments. As there are still no specific therapies for COVID-19, biosafety measures that promote containment and prevent the spread of the virus are crucial to stop the outbreak and control a possible new infectious peak.

The Innovative and Sustainable Use of Dental Panoramic Radiographs for the Detection of Osteoporosis.

This bibliometric study evaluated the scientific impact of papers dealing with osteoporosis detected by dental panoramic radiographs by performing citation analysis and cited reference analysis. Retrospective data was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database and imported into VOSviewer, CRExplorer, and CitNetExplorer for analyzing semantic contents, cited references, and temporal citation network. The 280 relevant papers identified were cited 4874 times, having an h-index of 38 and 17.4 citations per paper. The top five major contributing countries were Japan (n = 54, 19.3%), USA (n = 43, 15.4%), Brazil (n = 38, 13.6%), Turkey (n = 38, 13.6%), and the UK (n = 32, 11.4%). Citation per paper correlated with publication count among the authors and institutions. Mandibular cortical width was the most frequently used and most cited measurement index. References published during the 1970s and 1980s have built the foundation for the development of research that investigates the potential associations between osteoporosis and radiographic measurements on panoramic radiographs. Osteoporosis detection by dental panoramic radiographs is a perennially investigated research topic with global contributions. Panoramic radiographs are considered early detection and screening tools for osteoporosis by worldwide research.

Seguridad y Protección Radiológica en Procedimientos Imagenológicos Dentales / Safety and Radiological Protection in Dental Imaging Procedures

RESUMEN: Los procedimientos de imagenología dental son el tipo más frecuente de estudio radiológico y aportan información esencial para apoyar la evaluación, diagnóstico y tratamiento de patologías y/o alteraciones dentomaxilofaciales. La presente revisión narrativa, muestra los procedimientos de radiología dental, define conceptos asociados a la protección radiológica en éstos y entrega una guía con recomendaciones para mejorar la seguridad y protección radiológica del paciente y del operador, en esta clase de procedimientos imagenológicos. Comprender que bajo el actual sistema de protección radiológica, es el Odontólogo quién debe justificar la realización o no de un tipo de procedimiento radiológico, teniendo presente los costos económicos y sobre todo los costos en términos de dosis para el paciente.

ABSTRACT: Dental imaging procedures are the most frequent type of radiological study and provide essential information to support the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of pathologies and / or dentomaxillofacial alterations. The present narrative review shows dental radiology procedures, defines concepts associated with radiological protection in these and provides a guide with recommendations to improve the safety and radiological protection of the patient and the operator in this kind of imaging procedures. Understanding that under the current system of radiological protection, it is the dentist who must confirm the realization or not, of a type of radiological procedure, keeping in mind the financial costs, and above all, consequences to the patient in terms of dose used in the procedure.

Dental radiology: an adjunctive aid in age estimation

The concept of using radiographic methods for age estimation has kindled so much interest in the field of forensic dentistry in past few decades. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the different dental radiographic methods for age estimation and their significance in the field of forensic dentistry. Methodology:- 64articles were collected after an extensive literature review. Literature survey of these articles was done.Conclusion:-Radiographic methods play an indispensible role in age estimation specifically in living persons because of their non-invasive and non-destructive nature. This review paper focus on different radiographic methods and new developments available for radiological dental age estimation and their effective aid in identification and crime investigation.

Identification of a Carbonized Body Using Implanted Surgical Plates: The Importance of Computed Tomography.

In addition to clinical examination, forensic odontologists can use diagnostic imaging as an auxiliary method for identification. This paper reports a case where forensic odontologists from the Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medicine Institute in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) positively identified a carbonized and partially calcined body using oral and maxillofacial imaging. The cadaver showed several metallic plates fixed with metallic screws on bones of the neurocranium and viscerocranium. Family members provided spiral computed tomography scans of the skull and a panoramic radiograph that were acquired after an accident that required surgical procedures. Comparative analysis between the clinical exam and the maxillofacial images demonstrated complete coincidence, confirming the victim's identity. Dactyloscopy, which is the most commonly used method of identification, was not possible because of the body carbonization. Thus, diagnostic imaging, especially computed tomography, was essential for elucidation of this case.

Radiografia intraoral de toda a boca / Full mouth X-ray / boca

Doenças da cavidade oral são frequentes e quando deixadas sem tratamento estão associadas a desconforto e dor podendo contribuir para outras doenças, locais e sistêmicas. Uma vez que a maior parte do dente está abaixo da linha da gengiva e nem todas afecções envolvendo a raiz e os tecidos de suporte do dente fiquem evidentes à inspeção visual ou até mesmo ao exame clínico da cavidade oral, se a radiografia intraoral de toda a boca não for usada na rotina de todos pacientes odontológicos muitas afecções podem não ser diagnosticadas e seus portadores em muitos casos permanecerão com desconforto e dor, mesmo tendo passado por um tratamento odontológico. O presente artigo tem por objetivo relatar casos clínicos que refletem situações do cotidiano da prática da odontologia veterinária onde a realização da radiografia intraoral de toda a boca foi determinante na identificação e avaliação de afecções com importância clínica para os pacientes, e alertar os que militam nesta área que quando escolhem não realizar a radiografia intraoral de toda a boca assumem o risco de deixar para trás afecções que causam dor e desconforto para os pacientes.(AU)

Dental diseases are very common and when left untreated are associated with discomfort and pain contributing to local and systemic diseases. The bulk of the tooth, i.e. root and most of the periodontium, can only be visualized by means of radiographs. Consequently, some pathologies will remain undiscovered if clinical examination does not involve full-mouth radiographs and the patients will stay with painful conditions, despite having undergone dental treatment. The main goal of this paper is to report cases of the daily practice of veterinary dentistry where the full-mouth x-ray was crucial in identifying and evaluating disorders clinically important for patients, and to warn veterinarians that when they choose not to perform full-mouth radiographs, they leave behind painful pathology.(AU)

Las enfermedades dentales y cuando no se tratan están asociadas con malestar y dolor que contribuy en a enfermedades locales y sistémicas. La raíz y la mayor parte del periodonto, sólo pueden ser evaluados por medio de radiografías dentales. En consecuencia, un importante porcentaje de patología dental y periodontal permanecerá sin ser diagnosticado si el examen clínico no se complementa con un estudio radiográfico intraoral completo y el paciente quedará en condiciones dolorosas, a pesar de haber sido sometidos a un tratamiento dental. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es reportar los casos de la práctica diaria de la odontología veterinaria, donde la radiografía intraoral completa fue crucial en la identificación de afecciones clínicamente importantes para los pacientes, y para advertir a los veterinarios que cuando no se elige realizar la radiografía intraoral completa, es probable que deje na tras una afección dolorosa.(AU)

Development and evaluation of a learning object focused on factors that might interfere on the radiographic image / Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um objeto de aprendizagem sobre fatores que interferem na imagem radiográfica

Considering the difficulties to obtain good quality dental radiographic images taken by dental students, this study aimed to develop and to evaluate a Learning Object (LO), where the student is able to use a computer to simulate radiograph expositions, modifying the factors that interfere with the radiographic image quality. This study was exploratory and descriptive. For that, 48 periapical radiographs were obtained from the posterior region of a dried bone human jaw with different combinations of kVp/mA, film speed, focal distance, and time of exposition. Each radiograph received a "label" according to the factors used and also with a comment making a value judgment regarding its quality, its applicability for the diagnosis, and, if necessary, suggestions or questions about the required adjustments. In the LO screen students could simulate different situations (combination of factors) until obtaining the best result. Dental students (n=64) were divided into two groups. During the first week both groups participated in a theoretical lecture, and, subsequently, answered a test/assessment on the subject. In the following week Group 1 students solved practical exercises related to the subject, in the laboratory, and answered a second test/assessment. Students from Group 2 performed the activity with the LO in the laboratory. At the end of the activity, they also answered the test/assessment, and an open-ended questionnaire to evaluate the activity. At week3 the same activities from the week before were repeated, reversing the classes, and, then, a third test/assessment was applied. Statistical tests showed that there were no statistical differences in the groups' performance in any of the different moments of the evaluation. The use of the LO did not improved significantly the frequency of students' correctness (number of correct responses) in the tests/assessments. However, the LO methodology was considered very good, because, according to the participants, it was a tool that stimulates learning. The use of the LO, in addition to the practical exercises, contributed to the learning process on the factors that might interfere on the radiographic image (AU).

Considerando as dificuldades apresentadas pelos estudantes de odontologia na obtenção de imagens radiográficas de qualidade, o presente estudo teve por objetivos desenvolver e avaliar um objeto de aprendizagem (OA) no qual o usuário possa simular exposições radiográficas, modificando os fatores que interferem na qualidade da imagem radiográfica. Para este estudo exploratório descritivo, 48 radiografias periapicais foram obtidas da região posterior de uma mandíbula humana seca, com diferentes combinações de kVp/mA, sensibilidade do filme, distância focal e tempo de exposição. A cada imagem foi atribuído um texto sobre sua qualidade, aplicabilidade ao diagnóstico e, se necessário, sugestões ou questões sobre ajustes requeridos. Na tela do OA os estudantes podem simular situações combinando os diferentes fatores até que obtenham o melhor resultado. Para a avaliação do OA, 64 alunos de graduação foram divididos em dois grupos. Todos os alunos participaram da aula teórica e realizaram um teste. Na semana seguinte o Grupo 1 executou exercícios práticos e o Grupo 2 utilizou o OA, ambos respondendo a um segundo teste. Na terceira semana os grupos inverteram as atividades e foi aplicado o terceiro teste. Um questionário aberto foi respondido por todos os alunos com intuito de avaliar qualitativamente o OA. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante quanto aos acertos nos testes entre os grupos. O OA não melhorou o desempenho dos estudantes em testes, porém foi considerado como uma metodologia muito boa, que estimula o aprendizado. A utilização do OA somou-se aos exercícios práticos, melhorando no aprendizado dos fatores que podem interferir na imagem radiográfica (AU).

Radiografia intraoral de toda a boca / Full mouth X-ray / boca

Doenças da cavidade oral são frequentes e quando deixadas sem tratamento estão associadas a desconforto e dor podendo contribuir para outras doenças, locais e sistêmicas. Uma vez que a maior parte do dente está abaixo da linha da gengiva e nem todas afecções envolvendo a raiz e os tecidos de suporte do dente fiquem evidentes à inspeção visual ou até mesmo ao exame clínico da cavidade oral, se a radiografia intraoral de toda a boca não for usada na rotina de todos pacientes odontológicos muitas afecções podem não ser diagnosticadas e seus portadores em muitos casos permanecerão com desconforto e dor, mesmo tendo passado por um tratamento odontológico. O presente artigo tem por objetivo relatar casos clínicos que refletem situações do cotidiano da prática da odontologia veterinária onde a realização da radiografia intraoral de toda a boca foi determinante na identificação e avaliação de afecções com importância clínica para os pacientes, e alertar os que militam nesta área que quando escolhem não realizar a radiografia intraoral de toda a boca assumem o risco de deixar para trás afecções que causam dor e desconforto para os pacientes.

Dental diseases are very common and when left untreated are associated with discomfort and pain contributing to local and systemic diseases. The bulk of the tooth, i.e. root and most of the periodontium, can only be visualized by means of radiographs. Consequently, some pathologies will remain undiscovered if clinical examination does not involve full-mouth radiographs and the patients will stay with painful conditions, despite having undergone dental treatment. The main goal of this paper is to report cases of the daily practice of veterinary dentistry where the full-mouth x-ray was crucial in identifying and evaluating disorders clinically important for patients, and to warn veterinarians that when they choose not to perform full-mouth radiographs, they leave behind painful pathology.

Las enfermedades dentales y cuando no se tratan están asociadas con malestar y dolor que contribuy en a enfermedades locales y sistémicas. La raíz y la mayor parte del periodonto, sólo pueden ser evaluados por medio de radiografías dentales. En consecuencia, un importante porcentaje de patología dental y periodontal permanecerá sin ser diagnosticado si el examen clínico no se complementa con un estudio radiográfico intraoral completo y el paciente quedará en condiciones dolorosas, a pesar de haber sido sometidos a un tratamiento dental. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es reportar los casos de la práctica diaria de la odontología veterinaria, donde la radiografía intraoral completa fue crucial en la identificación de afecciones clínicamente importantes para los pacientes, y para advertir a los veterinarios que cuando no se elige realizar la radiografía intraoral completa, es probable que deje na tras una afección dolorosa.

Avaliação da utilização de aparelhos de raios-x em consultórios odontológicos em Belo Horizonte, Brasil / Evaluation of the use of x-ray equipment in dental offices in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento teórico e a prática radiológica dos cirurgiões dentistas no município de Belo Horizonte. Materiais e Métodos: Foi aplicado questionário para 256 dentistas registrados em Belo Horizonte, selecionados aleatoriamente, enfocando aspectos relacionados ao conhecimento teórico e à prática radiológica na clínica odontológica. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise de frequência e análise bivariada. Resultados: Dos entrevistados, 53,9% possuíam aparelhos de raios-X. Destes, 19,6% não conheciam o tipo de aparelho que utilizavam. Os profissionais com até 20 anos de formatura apresentaram maior conhecimento sobre as técnicas radiográficas e sobre as medidas de radioproteção e biossegurança, porém mostraram menor conhecimento sobre as características do aparelho que utilizavam. Por outro lado, os profissionais formados há mais de 21 anos demonstraram maior conhecimento sobre a aparelhagem e menor conhecimento em relação às técnicas radiográficas, medidas de radioproteção e biossegurança. A câmara portátil foi o ambiente de processamento mais utilizado. Conclusão: Detectou-se que a prática radiológica apresenta problemas diferenciados, sugerindo a necessidade de melhorias na formação e atualização profissionais.(AU)

Aim: To evaluate the theoretical and practical radiological knowledge of dentists in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was applied to 256 randomly selected, registered dentists in Belo Horizonte, focusing on aspects related to theoretical knowledge and radiologic practice. Data were analyzed using frequency and bivariate analyses. Results: Of the respondents, 53.9% had x-ray equipment. Of these, 19.6% did not know what type of device they used. Professionals who had graduated up to 20 years prior showed a greater knowledge about radiographic techniques, the procedures of radioprotection, and biosafety, but showed less knowledge about the characteristics of the instruments they used. On other hand, trained professionals who had graduated more than 21 years prior, demonstrated greater knowledge about the equipment and less knowledge in relation to radiographic techniques, radioprotection, and biosafety. The portable developing chamber proved to be the most widely used processing environment. Conclusion: It could be observed that radiological practice presents specific problems, suggesting the need for improvements in both professional training and post-graduate studies.(AU)

Radiographic image quality after interruption of the fixing stage to view the image with a viewbox / Qualidade da imagem radiográfica quanto ao tempo de leitura em negatoscópio com interrupção da etapa de fixação

Purpose: To evaluate the quality of radiographic images with regard to the time during which the fixing stage was interrupted to allow a preliminary reading of the image in the viewbox. Methods: Radiographs were taken with 130 Insight periapical films, including a step-wedge and lead plate. The films were distributed into 13 groups according to the time taken for reading in a viewbox: 0 (control), 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 s. During processing using the temperature-time method, the films in the experimental groups were removed 5 s after immersion in the fixer, placed against the light of a viewbox for the studied times and then re-immersed in the fixer to complete the fixation process. Base-plus-fog density and the densities of the first and last degree of the step-wedge were measured immediately and after six months to calculate the contrast. Results: There were no significant differences with regard to the base-plus-fog density or the contrast values of the experimental groups when compared with the control group. Conclusion: It was concluded that interrupting the radiograph fixation process to read the image in a viewbox does not interfere with the base-plus-fog density or with the radiographic contrast, even six months after they were taken.

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da imagem radiográfica quanto ao tempo de leitura em negatoscópio com interrupção da etapa fixação. Metodologia: Foram radiografados 130 filmes periapicais Insight com um penetrômetro e placa de chumbo. Os filmes foram distribuídos em 13 grupos de acordo com o tempo de leitura em negatoscópio: 0 (controle), 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 e 150 s. Durante o processamento pelo método temperatura-tempo, nos grupos experimentais, após 5 s de imersão no fixador, os filmes foram removidos, postos contra a luz de um negatoscópio durante os tempos estudados e imersos no fixador para completar o processo de fixação. Foram mensuradas, imediatamente e após seis meses, as densidades base e velamento e as densidades do primeiro e último degrau do penetrômetro para o cálculo do contraste. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa em relação aos valores de densidade base e velamento e de contraste das radiografias dos grupos experimentais comparando-os com o grupo controle. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que, durante o processamento das radiografias, os tempos de leitura em negatoscópio não interferiram na densidade base e velamento, nem no contraste radiográfico, mesmo após seis meses de seu arquivamento.