A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Use of Clear Aligners by General Dentists in Australia.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the investigation was to survey clear aligner therapy (CAT) use among general dentists in Australia. A secondary aim was to evaluate the factors that influenced general dentists in Australia not to provide CAT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: General dentists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency were invited to participate in a structured cross-sectional electronic survey. The survey covered demographics, preferred CAT systems and practices, relevant treatment planning and retention protocols, patient-reported CAT issues, pertinent respondent opinions, and reasons for not providing CAT. Descriptive statistics were computed via GraphPad Prism v10 (GraphPad Software Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). RESULTS: Most of the 264 (n = 172; 65.2%) respondents indicated that they provided CAT. The majority (n = 82; 58.6%) reported that they treated between 1 and 20 patients with CAT annually. Invisalign was the most used system (n = 83; 61.2%), with 55 (41.7%), indicating that they used more than one system. Most (n = 124; 98.4%) were comfortable using CAT for mild crowding, whereas 73.4% (n = 94) were not comfortable in treating severe crowding with CAT. The median (IQR) number of patients per respondent treated with extraction of a permanent incisor or premolar was 0 (0). Issues regarding tooth positions were reportedly always or mostly in need of change in the initial treatment plan by 68.7%. Problems regarding patient compliance with CAT wear protocols (n = 67; 45.6%) and the predictability of treatment outcomes (n = 31; 21.1%) were the most identified themes of the free-text comments. Over 80% of those who did not provide CAT indicated that they preferred to refer to an orthodontist for management. CONCLUSION: Almost two-thirds of the respondents provided CAT. Invisalign was the most used system. The majority use CAT combined with nonextraction treatment. Most of those who did not provide CAT preferred to refer to an orthodontist for patient management.

Comparación de la Concentración de Hipoclorito de Sodio en la Atención Dental entre Dentistas Generales y Especialistas en Endodoncia / Comparison of the concentration of sodium hypochlorite used in dental care of general dentists and specialists in endodontics

La vida útil de hipoclorito de sodio (NaOCl) es limitada, varios estudios señalan la posibilidad de discrepancias entre la concentración esperada y la concentración real en soluciones de NaOCl usadas como irrigantes endodónticos. El presente estudio investigó si existe alguna diferencia en la concentración usada por endodoncistas y dentistas generales. La solución de NaOCl es hasta la fecha, la solución de irrigación del canal radicular más utilizado, pero no existe un acuerdo general en cuanto a su concentración óptima, que varía desde 0,5 % a 5,25 %. Este estudio fue analítico experimental. El tamaño muestral fue por conveniencia. Los sujetos estudiados fueron especialistas en endodoncia y dentistas generales que se desempeñan tanto en la atención pública como privada, en la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. Participaron del estudio de manera voluntaria, para lo cual llenaron un consentimiento informado y completaron una encuesta previamente validada. Cada sujeto aportó una muestra de la solución de hipoclorito de sodio que utilizaba en su práctica clínica. Las muestras fueron recolectadas en recipientes plásticos oscuros y fueron almacenadas sin estar expuestas a la luz y refrigeradas hasta su análisis. Para el análisis de laboratorio se usó espectrofotometría, el análisis estadístico se emplearon los Test de Student y Fischer para medir si existían diferencias entre las concentraciones de hipoclorito de sodio utilizadas por endodoncistas y dentistas generales. (AU)

The shelf life of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is limited, several studies point out the possibility of discrepancies between the expected concentration and the actual concentration in NaOCl solutions used as endodontic irrigants. The present study investigated whether there is any difference in the concentration used by endodontists and general dentists. NaOCl solution is to date the most widely used root canal irrigation solution, but there is no general agreement as to its optimal concentration, which varies from 0.5% to 5.25%. This study was analytical experimental. The sample size was for convenience. The subjects studied were specialists in endodontics and general dentists who work in both public and private care, in the city of Santiago de Chile. They participated in the study voluntarily, for which they filled out an informed consent and completed a previously validated survey. Each subject provided a sample of the sodium hypochlorite solution used in their clinical practice. The samples were collected in dark plastic containers and were stored without being exposed to light and refrigerated until analysis. For the laboratory analysis, spectrophotometry was used, for statistical analysis the Student and Fischer tests were used to measure whether there were differences between the concentrations of sodium hypochlorite used by endodontists and general dentists. (AU)

Esthetic Perception of Different Clinical Situations of Maxillary Lateral Incisor Agenesis According to Populations with Dental and Non-Dental Backgrounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Treatment of unilateral or bilateral maxillary lateral incisor agenesis is challenging, time-consuming, expensive, and requires careful treatment planning, predictability, and esthetics. This review aimed to identify differences in esthetic perception among orthodontists, general dentists, differentiated dentists, and laypersons, which may interfere with treatment options. EBSCO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar were searched using keyword pairing and a Boolean expression, "(congenitally missing OR agenesis OR hypodontia) AND (maxillary lateral incisors) AND (esthetic perception OR smile) AND (laypersons OR dental professional OR general dentist OR orthodontists)." Reviews and case studies were excluded. A total of 13 studies were selected for qualitative analysis (adapted ROBINS-I) and 11 were selected for meta-analysis (p < 0.05) after being sub-grouped into "Opening vs. Closure" and "No remodeling vs. Dental remodeling vs. Dental and gingival remodeling" groups. A meta-analysis evaluated the magnitude of the difference between groups based on differences in means and effect sizes (α = 0.05; 95% CI; Z-value 1.96), revealing that the esthetic perception of maxillary lateral incisor agenesis treatment remains controversial even among professionals. Gingival remodeling was not valued compared to isolated dental remodeling. Studies lack rigorously comparable methodologies. Discussion with the patient is pertinent in doubtful situations, as the best treatment option remains unclear, and overtreatment should be avoided.

Isfahan general dentist's awareness, attitude, and performance regarding prescription of new caries prevention materials containing calcium and fluoride components.

BACKGROUND: Fluoride Ion can cause remineralization of primary caries lesions in the presence of calcium and phosphate. New compounds of calcium-containing casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), make the remineralization more effective. This research has been done to evaluate the awareness, attitude, and performance of Isfahan general dentists regarding the prescription of new caries prevention materials containing calcium and fluoride components. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional-descriptive-analytic study has been conducted on 152 general dentists in Isfahan ensuring confidentiality of information and obtaining informed consent. Isfahan general dental offices and clinics were selected using a simple random method. Data of this research were collected using a questionnaire from previous studies. The questions were divided into four sections, including demographic information, awareness, attitude, and performance towards products containing calcium and fluoride prescription. The significance level of P was considered 0.05. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, T statistical test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The mean score for dentists awareness was 46.3 (standard deviation [SD] = 15.4), the mean score of attitude was 91.4 (SD = 26.1) and the Mean Score of performance was 54.3 (SD = 27.3) (the scores range from 0 to 100). According to the Pearson correlation coefficient, there was no significant relationship between dentists' awareness, attitude besides performance, and their ages together with dentistry work experiences (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the study results, dentists' awareness of compounds containing CPP-ACP is overall average. However, attending to their positive attitudes toward this context, providing appropriate training programs seem to stimulate them for optimum cooperation as well as using these products for patients.

Orthodontists' perceptions of and adaptations to nonspecialist and direct-to-consumer orthodontic service providers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate orthodontists' perceived impacts on their practices as a result of general practitioners (GPs) and direct-to-consumer (DTC) orthodontic care providers and the adaptational changes implemented in the past 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic survey was administered to 270 orthodontists in Canada and the United States to determine demographic background, perception of perceived impact, and specific changes implemented to improve practice competitiveness. RESULTS: More experienced orthodontists (P = .0001) and males (P = .027) were more likely to indicate a perceived impact from GP orthodontics. American orthodontists were significantly more likely than Canadian orthodontists to perceive an impact from DTC providers (P = .017). There was a positive association with orthodontists' years of experience and having implemented adaptational changes to their practice for a period greater than 10 years across multiple categories. Female orthodontists were more likely to have implemented adaptational changes for a period of less than 10 years across multiple categories. CONCLUSIONS: The perceived impact of GPs providing orthodontic care was greater than that of DTC providers. American orthodontists were significantly more likely to perceive an impact from DTC providers. Orthodontists have experienced a reduction in referrals from GPs and an increase in referred case difficulty. Less experienced and female orthodontists have made the most adaptive changes to their practices in the past 10 years.

Knowledge of general dentists, endodontists and pediatric dentists about the management on dental traumas: a survey in turkey / Conhecimento de dentistas clínicos-gerais, endodontistas e pediatras sobre o manejo de traumas dentários: uma pesquisa na Turquia

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine endodontists, pedodontists and general dentists' knowledge of management of dental trauma. Material and methods: A web-based survey including 13 questions was prepared using Google forms, and a link to the survey was sent to the general dentists, endodontists and paediatric dentists via social media. The questionnaire asked for information regarding the age, gender, state of education, type of institution and knowledge levels about dental traumas. A total of 258 questionnaires were returned, and the One-Way Anova for practitioners' knowledge and the statistical analysis of the relationship between gender, vocational training and training by using Mann-Whitney U tests for participants. Results: As a result of statistical analysis, although there was no statistical difference between pedodontists and endodontists in their knowledge levels, it was found that both occupational groups had higher knowledge level than general dentists (p = 0,0001). While there was a significant difference between practitioners at university and oral and dental health hospital (p = 0.0001), there was no difference between practitioners in university hospital and private office (p = 0.065). Conclusions:In conclusion, general dentists had knowledge of inadequate dental trauma management and the knowledge level of dentists working at oral and dental hospital was lowe (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o conhecimento de dentistas clínicos gerais endodontistas, odontopediatras sobre o tratamento de traumatismos dentários. Material e métodos: Uma pesquisa na Web, incluindo 13 perguntas, foi preparada utilizando os formulários do Google. Um link para a pesquisa foi enviado aos dentistas clínicos gerais, endodontistas e odontopediatras via mídia social. O questionário solicitou informações sobre idade, sexo, estado da educação, tipo de instituição e níveis de conhecimento sobre traumas dentários. Um total de 258 questionários foram devolvidos e o One-way ANOVA foi utilizado para avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais e a análise estatística da relação entre gênero, treinamento vocacional e treinamento foi realizada utilizando o teste de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: como resultado da análise estatística, embora não tenha havido diferença estatística entre pediatra e endodontista em seus níveis de conhecimento, verificou-se que ambos os grupos ocupacionais apresentaram maior nível de conhecimento que os dentistas em geral (p = 0,0001). Embora tenha havido uma diferença significativa entre os profissionais da universidade e o hospital de saúde bucal e odontológico (p = 0,0001), não houve diferença entre os profissionais do hospital universitário e consultório particular (p = 0,065). Conclusões: Em conclusão, os dentistas clíncos-gerais tinham conhecimento de tratamento inadequado do traumatismo dentário e o nível de conhecimento dos dentistas que trabalhavam nos hospitais odontológicos era menor. (AU)

Knowledge of orthodontic treatment approach of traumatized teeth by a group of Belgian general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Traumatized teeth are more susceptible to complications during orthodontic tooth movement. The aim of this study was to explore current practices among Belgian dental practitioners regarding orthodontic treatment of children with a history of dental trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey was organized among general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists in Flanders (Belgium). Questionnaires were distributed at the occasions of annual meetings or symposia. They consisted of questions regarding exposure to dental trauma and orthodontic treatment approach for patients with a dental trauma history. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 121 general dentists, 47 pediatric dentists, and 99 orthodontists. A history of dental trauma influenced referral for orthodontic treatment by general dentists and pediatric dentists moderately (median VAS scores of 5 and 6, respectively, on a scale of 0 (not at all) to 10 (utmost)), indicating uncertainty and doubt. Additional checkups during tooth movement were usually not organized by general dentists in 33.6% and by pediatric dentists in 19.1% of cases (P = 0.006). One-third of the orthodontists (33.3%) experienced tooth loss linked to orthodontic movement of a tooth with dental trauma history in at least one patient. Only a minority of the practitioners knew of the existence of specific guidelines (7.6%, 15.6% and 22.7%, respectively, of general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists) (P = 0.007). The Dental Trauma Guide was the guideline mentioned most frequently, although this tool does not contain recommendations regarding orthodontic treatment after trauma. CONCLUSION: In the group of Belgian general dental, pediatric and orthodontists surveyed, there was uncertainty regarding the orthodontic management of patients with a history of dental trauma especially among general practitioners. Further educational training is recommended.

Preferences for peer-reviewed versus other publication sources: a survey of general dentists in the National Dental PBRN.

BACKGROUND: Medical professionals have access to a broad range of resources to address clinical information needs. While much attention is given to new sources of data such as those available on the internet, it is less clear how clinicians choose between peer-reviewed research literature and other publication-based sources. This analysis distinguishes between possible drivers of publication type preference (namely, practice setting, advanced training, professional development experiences). Dentists enrolled in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) are the population for this study. Theories of human and intellectual capital and institutional logics theory are used to understand how advanced training and other clinical experiences may explain the choices that dentists make when faced with clinical questions. METHODS: An online questionnaire was implemented with general dentists in the US National Dental PBRN. A series of logistic and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models were used to explain the use of peer-reviewed and other publications. Measures of knowledge-based human capital distinctions (advanced clinical training and research engagement, advanced professional status, personal motivation for professional advancement) were used to explain preferences for research literature as a clinical resource. RESULTS: General dentists with advanced training, as well as those with a skill advancement motivation, show a preference for peer-reviewed materials. General dentists who have been practicing longer tend to favor other dental publications, preferring those sources as a resource when faced with clinical challenges. Human capital and professional motivation distinguish the information preferences among general dentists. Further, these factors explain more variance in use of peer-reviewed materials than practice setting does. Few differences by demographic groups were evident. CONCLUSIONS: Results point to a distinct variation in the general dentistry professional community. Advanced training among general dentists, as well as the types of procedures typically conducted in their practice, distinguishes their information preferences from other general dentists, including those with more years of clinical experience.

Periodontal services rendered by general dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to determine the types of periodontal services rendered by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed on a convenience sample of 340 licensed GDPs practicing within Saudi Arabia. GDPs were asked several questions regarding the types of periodontal services offered, the level of training and education received in periodontics and the periodontal referral processes. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety GDPs responded to the survey. The most commonly rendered periodontal services by the GDPs were oral hygiene instructions (84.1%; 244/290), mouthwash prescribing (82.7%; 240/290) and scaling and root planing (72.4%; 210/290). Only 21% (59/282) of the GDPs surveyed reported providing periodontal surgical services. The most frequently rendered surgical procedures included gingivectomy, functional crown lengthening and single posterior implant. Also, 76% (220/290) of the GDPs had no continuing education (CE) credit relating to periodontics. The level of training received in the dental school seemed to be an important factor that influenced a GDP's decision to provide periodontal services. Also, 64% (184/286) of the GDPs were not routinely performing periodontal screening exams. The most common reason for not referring patients to a periodontist was practice setting's policy. CONCLUSION: Periodontal services commonly rendered by the GDPs of this survey were mostly nonsurgical in nature. The results indicate a need for formal advanced training in periodontics. GDPs should be encouraged to take periodontic CE courses.

The Extent and Scope of Prosthodontic Practice in Iowa.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this questionnaire was to ask general dentists in private practice in the state of Iowa about the extent and scope of their prosthodontic practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 22-item questionnaire was developed and tested on 5 general dentists. The Iowa Dental Association agreed to electronically distribute the survey to all general practice dentists in their database. After three rounds, a total of 289 responses were received from the 996 general dentists in the database. RESULTS: The average age of the respondents was 50.3 ± 13.2 years (range 28 to 78 years), and 56.3% were in solo practice. The respondents stated that 68.1% had made at least one set of complete dentures and 88.9% had made a removable partial denture (RPD) in the last 3 months, while 76.4% had restored a least one implant in the last 3 months and 11.6% had surgically placed one. Nearly 20% of the respondents had a digital impression scanner in their office. There was a statistically significant difference between the dentists who had made complete dentures in the past 3 months and those who had not with regard to age, gender, and years in practice (p < 0.05 for all instances). No significant difference was found between the general dentists who had made an RPD in the past 3 months and those who had not. Compared to their counterparts, general dentists who had an AEGD or GPR training (p = 0.0312), whose primary practices were in cities of 50,000+ (p = 0.0065), or had a digital scanner (p = 0.0062) and a CAD/CAM milling machine (p = 0.0504) in their office were more likely to have restored an implant in the last 3 months. Furthermore, the general dentists who had surgically placed an implant in the last 3 months were more likely to be male (p = 0.0301) or have a digital impression scanner (p < 0.0001) and/or a CAD/CAM milling machine (p = 0.0007) in their office. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of general dentists in this survey are still making complete and partial removable dentures, and a majority is using implants, while only a minority is surgically placing them. PRACTICAL  IMPLICATIONS: Although Iowa general dentists are carrying out sophisticated procedures such as implant placement and restoring implants, as well as using digital technology, there is still a need for removable prosthodontic services in their practices. Therefore, these skills will still need to be taught in dental school.

Investigation of radiation-protection knowledge, attitudes, and practices of North Queensland dentists.

AIM: Queensland has current radiation-protection guidelines; however, with the absence of data exploring compliance and implementation, the efficacy is unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes on radiation protection among private North Queensland (NQ) dentists. METHODS: A quantitative methodology was employed in an observational and descriptive study using questionnaires for data collection. RESULTS: Of the 154 questionnaires distributed, 63 were completed and returned. The respondents' knowledge concerning the technical details of their equipment was limited, with 31.5% and 47% not knowing the tube voltage and current utilized for their machines, respectively. In total, 23.8% of dentists had limited knowledge about the speed of the conventional film they used, 90.5% of respondents agreed that the role of imaging in dentistry is important, and 75.8% dentists reported the thyroid as the most important organ to protect during dental radiography. Their knowledge regarding position-distance rule was reasonably adequate; 80.3% of the dental practices appeared to follow the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency guidelines, 95.2% preferred taking radiographs if it was only urgent, and 69.8% identified a need for spreading awareness regarding radiation protection. CONCLUSIONS: An opportunity and need for further continuing education was identified among NQ dentists to ensure safety of patients.

Evidence-based care pathways for management of early childhood caries.

The purpose of this article is to provide general dentists with simple care pathways for evidence-based early childhood caries chronic disease management (ECC-CDM). Early childhood caries, defined as the presence of dental caries in children younger than 6 years old, is a chronic disease that has been traditionally managed with conventional restorative care. There are limits to the long-term success of restorative care alone, and the care pathways in the ECC-CDM model include additional treatment modalities such as fluoride varnish, silver diamine fluoride, interim therapeutic restorations, and sealants. The ECC-CDM model also pairs customized, patient-specific strategies to these treatment options. These strategies include the use of active surveillance, counseling on prevention, recall strategies to prevent disease relapse, and the option to defer restorative care. General dentists can use the care pathways in the ECC-CDM model to manage caries progression in a way that best addresses the individual needs of children.

Efficacy of titanium dioxide nanoparticle spray to disinfect mobile phones used by endodontist: A bacteriological study.

AIM: The objectives of this study were to determine the bacterial contamination of the mobile phones that were used by the endodontist in comparison with the general dentist and also to determine the usefulness of titanium dioxide nanospray (TiO2 NS) in mobile phone decontamination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples from the 60 mobile phones were taken using moist sterile swabs before, 10 min, and 1 week after the use of TiO2 NS. Before collection of the swabs, the participants' informed consent was obtained. Samples obtained were cultured on blood agar to identify bacterial isolates. RESULTS: All 60 mobile phone cultures were found to be culture positive. There was a significant reduction in the mean number of colony-forming units after decontamination with TiO2 NS (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study showed that the mobile phones may act as an important source of nosocomial pathogens and TiO2 NS would be an effective decontaminant. Therefore, it is important for dental professionals to practice routine mobile phone disinfection protocol to reduce the chances of occurrence of nosocomial infections.

Evaluación del conocimiento de tratamiento de trauma dentoalveolar entre odontólogos de hospitales públicos en Barranquilla, Colombia / Evaluation of the knowledge treatment in dentoalveolar trauma among dentists of public hospitals in Barranquilla, Colombia

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de conocimiento de los odontólogos generales de la red pública del distrito de Barranquilla acerca del trauma dentoalveolar. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo transversal, basado en encuestas dirigidas a 33 odontólogos generales de la Red Pública del distrito de Barranquilla, acerca del conocimiento en trauma dentoalveolar. La encuesta fue validada previamente por un equipo experto de odontólogos cirujanos y endodoncistas. La población diana estuvo conformada por 51 odontólogos de la red pública del distrito de Barranquilla. Se realizó un muestreo no aleatorio a conveniencia. Se efectuó un análisis descriptivo de los datos de la encuesta: promedio, mediana y moda, con el programa estadístico Microsoft Excel®. Resultados: Se observó que un 12.12 % (n=4) de los sujetos en estudio tiene un nivel de conocimiento malo, un 18.18 % (n=6) un nivel aceptable, mientras que solo un 9.09 % (n=3) tiene un nivel bueno. La categoría con más frecuencia fue la regular, con un 60.6 % (n=20). Conclusión: En este proyecto se observó que la mayoría de odontólogos generales que participaron fueron categorizados con el grado de conocimiento regular (60.6 %) y aceptable (18.18 %) de acuerdo con la escala de respuestas correctas del cuestionario aplicado. Un grado de conocimiento malo se presentó en un 12.12 %, mientras que solo un 9.09 % presento un grado de conocimiento bueno.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the degree of knowledge of general dentists in the public network of the district of Barranquilla on dentoalveolar trauma. Materials and methods: Observational study, descriptive cross-sectional, based on interviews with 33 general dentists of the public network from Barranquilla, regarding dentoalveolar trauma. The survey was previously validated by an expert team of dental surgeons and endodontists. Results: It was observed a 12.12% (n=4) of the population studied had a low level of knowledge, 18.18% (n=6) an acceptable level, while only 9.09% (n=3) had a good level of knowledge. The most frequent category was "regular" with a 60.6% (n=20). Conclusion: In this project, it was observed that most general dentists who participated were categorized with a "not to standard" level of knowledge (60.6%) and acceptable (18.18%) according to the right answer scale of the applied questionnaire. A "low" level of knowledge was present on 12.12%, while only a 9.09% had a good level of knowledge.

Survival analysis of metal crowns versus restorations in primary mandibular molars.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) versus direct restorations when placed in primary mandibular molars (teeth nos. L and S) is uncertain. The authors evaluated effectiveness by gauging longevity of treatment. METHODS: The authors obtained private dental insurance claims (2004-2016) from a national dental data warehouse. Paid insurance claims records (n = 1,323,489) included type of treating dentist, treatment placed, and patient age. RESULTS: Dentist specialty, type of treatment, and patient age were significant in predicting failure after the first restoration. The authors found high survival rates for all treatments (> 90%) after 5 years; however, as soon as within 3 years after treatment, SCCs had approximately 6% better survival. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth nos. L and S first treated with SSCs lasted longer without new treatment compared with teeth first treated with direct restorations; the difference was small. Teeth treated by pediatric dentists had better survival rates. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Primary mandibular first molars initially treated with SSCs lasted longer without new treatment compared with direct restorations. Overall dental care costs of the former were considerably higher.

Evaluation of knowledge among general dentists in treatment of traumatic injuries in primary teeth: A cross-sectional questionnaire study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to assess the knowledge of General dentist regarding the management of dental traumatic injuries of primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 general dentists were selected and a validated questionnaire was distributed among the dentist to assess their knowledge on treatment strategies regarding traumatized primary teeth. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were entered into SPSS version 20.0 for percentages. The correct answers were tested in relation to the dentists' years of experience using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Analyzing the questionnaire for knowledge, 49% of dentists answered accurately regarding avulsed primary teeth, 36% of dentists answered appropriately regarding crown and root fractures, and 55% of dentists gave appropriate answers regarding luxation injuries. Chi-square test showed a statistically significant difference only for 2 questions in relation to the dentist's years of experience (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a lack of consistency in the knowledge among general dentist regarding traumatic dental injuries of primary teeth. There is a need to create awareness and education regarding traumatic injuries of primary teeth.

Knowledge About Chronic Orofacial Pain Among General Dentists of Kermanshah, Iran.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis and treatment of chronic orofacial pain are one of the most challenging issues in dentistry. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of general dentists regarding orofacial pain in Kermanshah, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 including general dentists of Kermanshah city. A researcher-designed questionnaire was administered to collect demographic data as well as measuring knowledge of the dentists in four sections including etiology, clinical presentations, physical examination, and treatment of chronic orofacial pain. The questionnaire had acceptable validity (content validity > 0.9) and reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient= 0.857 for test re-test; Cronbach's alpha= 0.72 for internal consistency). The data were analyzed by the SPSS software (ver. 18.0) using Spearman's correlation coefficient (P < 0.05). RESULTS: There were 121 male (72.9%) and 45 female (27.1%) dentists with mean (SD) age of 40.55 (8.03) years and mean (SD) practice history of 13.28 (8.43) years. Mean (SD) knowledge score was 10.54 (2.36) (maximum possible score= 15). 48.2% of dentists had good knowledge in overall. 48.2% about etiology, 45.2% about clinical presentations, 36.1% about physical examination, and 7.8% about treatment had good knowledge. Knowledge had direct and significant relationship with age (r = 0.179; P = 0.022) and practice history (r = 0.18; P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the studied dentists did not have enough knowledge about chronic orofacial pain especially in the treatment field. Therefore, it is recommended to implement educational programs to improve their knowledge.

General dentists' use of diagnostic equipment and methods.

An accurate diagnosis is essential for making treatment decisions in dentistry. However, little research is available as to which tests are done routinely and how commonly they are performed. The purpose of this study was to investigate diagnostic methods and equipment used by general dentists in private practice in Perth. The study involved a retrospective audit of 30 patient records from seven individual general dentists working in private practices in the Perth Metropolitan area. De-identification of patient records was done prior to the researchers' visit. Radiographs were the most commonly used diagnostic tool. Percussion was also commonly employed, followed by cold pulp testing and mobility. The most commonly used tests were radiographs, percussion, periodontal probing and visual examination. The frequency of these tests differed depending on whether the patient presented with or without pain, with percussion and cold tests used more frequently when the patient presented with pain.

General dentists' awareness of how to cope with medical emergencies in paediatric dental patients.

BACKGROUND: General dentists (GDs) should be aware of the symptoms, signs, diagnoses and treatment of medical emergencies in paediatric patients. AIM: To evaluate the knowledge of GDs in coping with medical emergencies, and to identify whether they are confident to diagnose and treat medical emergencies in paediatric patients. DESIGN: The questionnaire was conducted immediately before the beginning of national dental meetings and continuing education seminars in Croatia, attended by the GDs, in order to obtain a representative sample. RESULTS: Of a total of 498 GDs who returned the questionnaire with valid data, 51.2% reported that a medical history was regularly taken. A high proportion (81.3%) of the GDs had never received any basic life support (BLS) training and education for paediatric patients during their undergraduate studies. After graduation, this value rose to 86.1% of GDs. However, more than two-thirds (68.7%) had experienced some emergency situation in their practice. The most frequent emergency was vasovagal syncope (83.6%) and the most rare was cardiac arrest (8.2%). One-fifth (20.5%) of GDs experienced some emergency but could not make a diagnosis. The more BLS training undergone by a GD, the more self-confident s/he felt in an emergency situation. CONCLUSIONS: Most GDs have a lack of knowledge to cope with medical emergencies in paediatric patients, and do not feel confident to diagnose and treat emergency situations in children. It is suggested that adequate training and education should be provided for all GDs to address this shortcoming.

A survey of various endodontic procedures related to mineral trioxide aggregate usage by members of the Australian Society of Endodontology.

This study aims to assess education on the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine among members of the Australian Society of Endodontology (ASE), a society of specialist endodontists (ED) and general dentists with an interest in endodontics (GD). The study also aims to compare the procedural preferences relating to perforation repair, apical barrier, root-end filling and regenerative endodontics. A structured online questionnaire was used, which sought details of the education in the use of MTA and the procedural steps involved in perforation repair, apical barrier, root-end filling and regenerative endodontics. Fisher's exact test was performed to compare the GD with ED. Responses were received from 208 out of 499 ASE members. Some 40% of the total respondents were ED. Almost all ED (98.8%) and some GD (39.8%) used MTA for perforation repairs. Likewise, almost all ED (96.3%) and some GD (42.7%) used MTA for apical barrier procedures. Lack of experience was more of a barrier to its use for GD (48.7%) than its high cost (31.6%). Few members used Biodentine. Significant differences exist in how MTA is used between GD and ED. Experience in handling MTA is a larger barrier to its widespread use in endodontics than its cost.