Provision of Pediatric Dental Services by Pediatric Dentists Versus General Dentists: Secondary Dental Analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine whether visiting only a pediatric dentist (as opposed to visiting only a general dentist) was associated with the provision of preventive dental services for a U.S.-based pediatric population (those 18 years and younger). Methods: This study analyzed pooled Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 2018 and 2019 to compare the use of certain preventive dental services (i.e., examination, radiographs, prophylaxis, dental sealant, and fluoride treatment) among those who reported visiting a pediatric dentist versus those who visited a general dentist. Survey procedures were used in Stata 14.0 to perform multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Controlling for demographic and insurance variables, children who visited only pediatric dentists had statistically significantly greater odds of receiving radiographs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] equals 1.22; 95 percent confidence interval [95% CI] equals 1.01 to 1.48; P=0.04), fluoride treatment (AOR equals 1.57; 95% CI equals 1.30 to 1.90; P≤0.001), and sealants (AOR equals 1.63; 95% CI equals 1.24 to 2.16; P=0.001) compared to children who visited only general dentists. There was no statistically significant difference in the provision of periodic examinations and prophylaxis services. Conclusion: Based on the nationally representative data evaluated, pediatric dentists are more likely to provide more optimal preventive services than general dentists (i.e., radiographs, fluoride treatments, and sealants) to children in the United States.

Fear of COVID-19 associated with burnout syndrome in dentists of the Health Directorate of the National Police of Peru: a cross-sectional study at national level under multivariable regression model.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic, many police dentists had the crucial responsibility of ensuring law and order while providing dental care by taking government-approved health measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the fear of COVID-19 and Burnout syndrome in Peruvian dentists belonging to the Health Department of the National Police of Peru (PNP), taking into account possible confounding variables. METHODS: This cross-sectional and analytical study included 182 PNP dentists. The Fear COVID-19 Scale assessed fear of COVID-19 and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Test assessed burnout syndrome. The association between the fear of COVID-19 and Burnout syndrome (self-fulfilment) was analyzed using Spearman's Rho. A multivariable Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimation method was employed to evaluate the impact of fear of COVID-19 on the various dimensions of Burnout syndrome, considering possible confounding variables. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Under bivariate analysis, fear of COVID-19 was significantly linked with low direct intensity toward emotional exhaustion (Rho = 0.325, p < 0.001), very low direct intensity toward depersonalization (Rho = 0.180, p = 0.015), and very low inverse intensity toward self-fulfilment (Rho =-0.186, p = 0.012). Under multivariable analysis, it was observed that dentists who exhibited fear of COVID-19 were 3.4 and 3.7 times more likely to experience emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, respectively (APR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.74-6.63 and APR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.31-10.37), as compared to those who did not display fear of COVID-19. Moreover, none of the potential confounding factors were found to have a significant impact on emotional exhaustion (p > 0.05), depersonalization (p > 0.05), and self-fulfilment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fear of COVID-19 was significantly associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and inversely associated with self-fulfilment. PNP dentists who exhibited fear of COVID-19 were at greater risk for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. In developing Burnout syndrome, no significant impact was observed from factors such as age, gender, marital status, children, hierarchy, years of service, work area, private practice, work over 40 h per week, type of service, work performed, sport practice and daily exercise time.

Un "boxing" the reality: Knowledge, attitude, and perception of orthodontists, dental practitioners, and orthodontic patients toward mouthguards' wear during contact sports-A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Mouthguards (MGs) have the potential to prevent contact sport-related dental injuries. However, varying perceptions of their effectiveness persist, influencing recommendations by dental professionals. AIM: To assess the attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of orthodontists, other dental practitioners (general dentists and other dental specialists), and orthodontic patients involved in contact sports regarding the use of MGs. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was designed to collect information from dental clinicians (orthodontists and other dental practitioners) and their orthodontic patients about using MGs during sports participation. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the participants for an online survey. A total of 107 (32 males/75 females) dental clinicians and 147 (75 males/72 females) orthodontic patients (mean age 17.5 ± 5.84 years) participated in the study. Pre-validated questionnaires, specifically designed for dental clinicians and orthodontic patients, were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 28.0; SPSS). RESULTS: Nearly 50% of dental clinicians have recently recommended MGs to their patients in their clinical practice out of which 59% preferred the stock type; 33% of dental clinicians enquired their patients about involvement in contact sports during initial visits. The majority of orthodontic patients acquired knowledge about MGs through the Internet. More than half of orthodontic patients expressed unwillingness to pay for MGs, and 89% of orthodontic patients found using MGs during contact sports uncomfortable. CONCLUSION: The findings provide valuable insights into the practices and attitudes of dental clinicians and orthodontic patients regarding MGs, their recommendations, and the comfort levels associated with using them during contact sports.

Interplay between leadership and patient safety in dentistry: a dental hospital-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to study the association of leadership practices and patient safety culture in a dental hospital. DESIGN: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study SETTING: Riphah Dental Hospital (RDH), Islamabad, Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS: All dentists working at RDH were invited to participate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A questionnaire comprised of the Transformational Leadership Scale (TLS) and the Dental adapted version of the Medical Office Survey of Patient Safety Culture (DMOSOPS) was distributed among the participants. The response rates for each dimension were calculated. The positive responses were added to calculate scores for each of the patient safety and leadership dimensions and the Total Leadership Score (TLS) and total patient safety score (TPSS). Correlational analysis is performed to assess any associations. RESULTS: A total of 104 dentists participated in the study. A high positive response was observed on three of the leadership dimensions: inspirational communication (85.25%), intellectual stimulation (86%), and supportive leadership (75.17%). A low positive response was found on the following items: 'acknowledges improvement in my quality of work' (19%) and 'has a clear sense of where he/she wants our unit to be in 5 years' (35.64%). The reported positive responses in the patient safety dimensions were high on three of the patient safety dimensions: organisational learning (78.41%), teamwork (82.91%), and patient care tracking/follow-up (77.05%); and low on work pressure and pace (32.02%). A moderately positive correlation was found between TLS and TPSS (r=0.455, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Leadership was found to be associated with patient safety culture in a dental hospital. Leadership training programmes should be incorporated during dental training to prepare future leaders who can inspire a positive patient safety culture.

ERGONOMIC PRACTICE IN DENTAL CLINICS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS IN GEORGIA.

The dental profession is associated with occupational health problems. The working environment of a dentist is associated with ergonomic risk factors that can significantly reduce the dentist's working ability and even cause the termination of his/her professional activity. Numerous studies have been conducted in different countries (Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Australia, etc.) to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dentists, though no studies related to the principles of ergonomics in dentistry have been carried out in Georgia. The study aimed to assess the ergonomics of the working environment of dentists in Tbilisi (capital city of Georgia) clinics and to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among them. An observational descriptive study was conducted in April-July 2023 in Tbilisi. A special questionnaire of 40 questions was designed based on international experience. The survey was conducted by random sampling in selected dental clinics. Dentists were asked to fill out the questionnaire during their free time between patient appointments. Those who agreed to participate were provided with electronic versions of the questionnaire. Five hundred dentists were invited to participate in the survey, of whom 314 (62.8%) agreed to fill out the questionnaire. A total of 291 fully completed questionnaires were used for the descriptive statistical analysis. Our study shows that in Tbilisi clinics dentists work on average for 5-6 days (48.8% - 6 days, 37.1% - 5 days) or 40-48 hours a week. A majority of respondents said their workplace met the requirements of ergonomics (it had a good lighting, the chair had a back, instruments could be easily reached), yet most of them rarely lean on the backrest, never or rarely use the hand rest method, and never or rarely do light physical exercise during breaks. The survey shows that 53.6% of dentists most frequently suffer from pain in the back, followed by pain in the neck (50.9%), shoulders (47.9%) and lower back (47.1%). Most of them said they had to work less because of the pain. Introduction of the principles of ergonomics in dental profession is vital for preventing occupational musculoskeletal disorders. It is important to provide continuing professional development programs and information booklets for dentists and thematic online webinars for the management of dental clinics in Georgia.

Musculoskeletal disorders and risk indicators for pain chronification among German dentists: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MS) disorders in practicing German dentists and identify risk factors for pain chronification. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative, questionnaire-based study in which the validated German version of the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire was sent out to practicing German dentists. RESULTS: Of the 8,072 questionnaires sent out, 576 dentists responded (60.2% men, 39.8% women; mean [SD] age, 50 [10.1] years; response rate, 7.1%). Overall, 344 dentists had current pain at 719 pain sites (point prevalence, 59.7%). The risk of chronic pain in dentists with current MS pain was high in 28.5% (n = 98), moderate in 30.5% (n = 105), and low in 41% (n = 141). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that specialization in restorative dentistry was associated with a significantly higher risk of experiencing pain chronification (odds ratio [OR], 3.94; P = .008), followed by specialization in pediatric dentistry (OR, 0.35; P = .048). A history of current pain, particularly current leg pain, was predictive of higher chronification risk (OR, 22.0; P < .001) and neck pain (OR, 4.51; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Almost two-thirds of practicing German dentists have MS pain, and one-third of these have a moderate through high risk of developing pain chronification. These health problems have an adverse impact on their ability to successfully perform dental services, with the potential for prolonged sick leave, disability, and early retirement. Accordingly, these problems deserve greater attention from the scientific community (identification of risk factors), universities (sensitization and education), and policy makers (development and implementation of appropriate countermeasures for MS disorders in the dental profession). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Knowing the risk factors associated with acute and chronic MS pain may help dentists take preventive measures and thereby improve their physical well-being and work-related quality of life.

Professional self-determination of future dentists in the modern realities of Ukraine.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To research how the future dentists' professional self-determination (reflects the cognitive-reflexive component of higher medical education applicants' readiness to use digital technologies in their professional activities) develops within the formation of information technology competence in the modern realities of Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The author's questionnaire consisted of 15 questions. The questionnaire surveys covered 98 future dentists who studied 'Medical Informatics' and 'Information Technology in Dentistry' at the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University in the September-December 2017-2018 and September- December 2022-2023 academic years. The research results were assessed according to the algorithm described. The research used such methods as analysis, synthesis, comparison, concretisation, systematisation, and generalisation, as well as methods of mathematical statistics for evaluating data, namely correlation analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Cronbach's alpha, Fisher's test (F-test of equality of variances), Student's t-test and ranking. RESULTS: Results: The research found positive dynamics of the professional self-determination levels (in 2022 compared to 2017, the low level decreased by 20.5%, the satisfactory level - by 19.0%, the average level increased by 20.6%, the high level - by 18.9%) and their quality, which within the research increased by 39.5%. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: By forming information technology competence, future dentists changing the priorities of professional self-determination in the modern realities of Ukraine and acquiring readiness (within the cognitive-reflexive component) to use digital technologies in professional activities.

Silver Diammine Fluoride Usage in General Dentistry Offices in Louisiana.

Purpose: To evaluate the current knowledge and usage of silver diammine fluoride (SDF) by general dentists in Louisiana and to identify primary barriers to the imple- mentation of SDF. Methods: A 16-item survey was emailed to 1719 Louisiana Dental Association members to identify factors influencing general dentists' usage of SDF. Results: Eighty-two surveys were completed with a response rate of 4.8 percent, with 69 identified as general dentists. Over half of the respondents were male (53.6%) and their practice experience ranged from less than one year to 48 years. The majority were solo owners (43.5%) while 7.3 percent had jobs in the corporate setting. Most agreed/strongly agreed that their knowledge of SDF was from either dental journals or online resources, while fewer stated they were taught about SDF (25%) or used SDF (8%) in dental school. The majority knew the advantages and off-label usage of SDF. However, only 40 percent recognized that SDF was officially approved for tooth hypersensitivity only. The most reported perceived barrier to SDF implementation was not learning about SDF in dental school (36%). Conclusion: There is a lack of understanding of SDF usage among Louisiana general dentists. The main reason for not incorporating SDF into their practice is the lack of training in their dental education.

Musculoskeletal disorders and work ability among dentists and dental students in Finland.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are leading causes for long sickness absences and early retirement. Dental work is physically strenuous, and many studies have shown a relation between work-related MSDs and dentistry. However, fewer studies have focused on how these conditions affect the work ability of dentists. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reveal the relationship between MSD, work ability and sickness absences in Finnish dentists and dental students. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 1200 dental workers and students. It inquired of age, gender, use of dental loupes, physical exercise, use of health care, and site, length and frequency of musculoskeletal complaints. Work ability was assessed with four parameters: work ability score (WAS), future work ability (FWA), self-estimation of MSD-related work disability, and sickness absence days. RESULTS: The questionnaire gained 255 responses (response rate 21%). The majority (90%) of the respondents had experienced MSD during the past year but only eleven percent of them had been on sick leave. MSDs correlated significantly with WAS, FWA and MSD-related work disability. Results remained significant even age adjusted. Age was a strong predictor of declined work ability, but gender, physical exercise or dental loupe use did not have a significant impact. CONCLUSIONS: Despite all the ergonomic advances in modern dentistry, the occurrence of MSD symptoms is still high. MSDs seem to affect dentists' work ability significantly, but amount of sickness absence is relatively low, which may indicate a high level of presenteeism.

The Relationship Between Dental Provider Density and Receipt of Dental Care Among Medicaid-enrolled Adults.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to measure the association of dental provider density and receipt of dental care among Medicaid-enrolled adults. METHODS: We used four years of Indiana Medicaid claims and enrollment data (2015 to 2018) and the Area Health Resources File to examine the relationship between any dental visit (ADV) or any preventive dental visit (PDV) and three county-level measures of dental provider density (the total number of Medicaid-participating dentists, a binary indicator of a federally qualified health center (FQHC) with a Medicaid-participating dentist, and the overall county dentist-to-population ratio). RESULTS: The likelihood of ADV or PDV increased with greater density of Medicaid-participating dentists as well as dentists accepting Medicaid working at an FQHC within the county. The overall dentist-to-population ratio was not associated with dental care use among the adult Medicaid population. CONCLUSION: Dentist participation in Medicaid program may be a modifiable barrier to Medicaid-enrolled adults' receipt of dental care.

The Relationship between Professional Variables and Burnout Syndrome in Brazilian Dentists during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Burnout syndrome (BS) is a highly prevalent occupational disease among dentists who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been at greater risk of contracting the disease, generating stress and distancing. The aim of this study was to assess the association of social conditions, professional factors and perceptions of COVID-19 with Burnout Syndrome. This was a cross-sectional study of 302 Brazilian dentists working in the clinical and private sectors. The professionals completed the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory online and answered sociodemographic and professional questions and questions related to their perception of the pandemic. Poisson regression with unadjusted and adjusted robust variance was used to estimate the association between burnout syndrome (dependent variable) and the independent variables. The presence of BS was strongly associated with age, training in a private institution, professionals who claimed to have sufficient protective knowledge and fear of being contaminated by SARS-CoV-2 during patient care (p < 0.05). The findings of this study show that there has been an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the occurrence of Burnout syndrome in dentists, especially, those who worked in the public sector and those who were afraid to work with other health professionals.

Using Standardised International Oral Health-Related Datasets in 6 Countries.

INTRODUCTION: Oral diseases affect a significant proportion of the world's population, yet international comparisons involving oral health outcomes have often been limited due to differences in the way country-level primary data are collected. In response to this, the World Dental Federation (FDI) Oral Health Observatory project was launched with the goal of collecting and producing standardised international data on oral health across countries. The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to examine associations between self-reported general health and a range of factors (sociodemographics, oral health-related behaviours, oral impacts, clinical variables) using these standardised international datasets. METHODS: Dentists within FDI member National Dental Associations who chose to take part in the project were selected using a multistage sampling method. The number of dentists in each cluster was set according to the proportion of the national population living in the area, and 50 patients per dentist were systematically approached to take part. Patients and dentists completed 2 separate questionnaires on a mobile app. Ordinal logistic regression (conducted in December 2022) was used to analyse the linked patient and dentist data from 6 countries: China (n = 2242); Colombia (n = 1029); India (n = 999); Italy (n = 711); Japan (n = 1271); and Lebanon (n = 798). Self-reported general health was the dependent variable, with age, sex, education, self-reported oral health-related behaviours, self-reported oral impacts, and clinical variables acting as the independent variables. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a different pattern of associations in the different countries. Better self-reported general health was associated with degree-level education in all 6 countries and with reporting no oral impact and no sensitive teeth in 4 countries. Several country-specific patterns were also found, including the importance of tooth brushing in Colombia, periodontal health in Italy, and differing associations with sugary drinks consumption in India and Japan. CONCLUSIONS: These descriptive findings provide a basis for further research and, importantly, for advocacy in identifying patient oral health care needs according to both person-reported and clinical aspects. This can facilitate optimisation of service provision and potentially influence policy and investments.

Dentists' perspectives on structural and system barriers hindering oral healthcare provision in residential care facilities.

OBJECTIVES: Oral healthcare service is not well integrated with existing healthcare policy in nursing homes (NHs) globally. This qualitative study aimed to identify dentists' perspectives on structural and system barriers that hinder oral healthcare (OHC) provision to seniors in NHs in Singapore and to understand the consequences of these barriers. METHODS: Nineteen dentists (8 males and 11 females, 36.0 [IQR: 32.0-48.5] years old) were recruited through combination of purposive and snowball sampling. Four focus group discussions were conducted via teleconferencing, and each discussion had 4-5 anonymised participants. Sessions lasted 90-120 min and were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted on data collected using NVivo software (Version12, QRS International). RESULTS: Participants agreed that the current OHC system for seniors in NHs is not well developed. The challenges dentists faced were categorised in three themes: [1] general oral healthcare system level; [2] local nursing home setting level; and [3] geriatric oral healthcare education level. These challenges are complexly intertwined and have contributed to several consequences such as a shortage of dentists in NHs and their diminished motivation to serve. It has also limited the quality of dental service they are able to provide in NHs, contributing to the current poor access of dental services for seniors in NHs. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists in Singapore face many structural and systemic barriers in providing OHC to seniors in NHs, some of which are unique to the local context. Newfound understanding of these barriers and its consequences will be helpful in developing strategic approaches to overcome these challenges.

Prevalence of Occupational Contact Dermatitis Among Dental Personnel Using the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire-2002: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational skin disease (OSD), such as contact dermatitis, is widespread among dental professionals; however, reports regarding its prevalence have inconsistent findings and methodology. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-reported questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of work-related and occupational exposure-induced skin diseases. METHODOLOGY: A self-administered questionnaire, based on the validated Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire-2002, was distributed to 15 dental clinics in Israel in the first half of 2022. The questionnaire included questions about the occupation, exposure, and history of atopic disease, dry skin, and hand/arm and wrist eczema, as well as participant demographics. RESULTS: Overall, 312 dental professionals completed the questionnaires. Response rate was 80%. The lifetime prevalence of self-reported skin symptoms was 19.23%. Significant risk factors included exposure to metal objects, odds ratio (OR): 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.02, 5.78]; p < .05, dry skin (OR: 3.54, 95% CI: [1.93, 6.5]; p < .001), itching when sweating (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: [1.39, 6]; p < .05), contact urticaria (OR: 10.67, 95% CI: [4.46, 25.49]; p < .001), hay fever (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: [1.14, 4.42]; p < .05), allergic symptoms (OR; 2.33, 95% CI: [1.18, 4.58]; p < .05), and asthma (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: [2.17, 10.36]; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to use the NOSQ-2002 among dental professionals. Our study provides a better understanding of the prevalence and consequences of OSDs among dental personnel by utilizing the validated tool NOSQ-2002.

Differences in the Ratios of General and Dental Specialists in Europe.

BACKGROUND: The European Economic Area (EEA) is composed of member states with a multitude of different regions. This study aimed to analyse the ratios of general dentists and dental specialists to the total population and the proportion of dental specialists to general dentists in 24 European countries and to explore specific intranational differences within 2 countries: France and Germany. METHODS: Available official documents and webpages from the United Kingdom and 23 of the 30 countries comprising the EEA were analysed. Data were expressed as absolute values, ratios of general dentists and dental specialists in the total of population, and percentages of dental specialists/dentists. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to clarify the main ratios that distinguish France from Germany, and cluster analysis was employed to determine similar areas. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between countries, with Ireland and Austria having the lowest ratio of dentists and Romania and Greece having the highest. The Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark had the lowest ratios of dental specialists to the total population. Lithuania, Sweden, and Germany had the highest number of dental specialists. Orthodontists were the most numerous specialists (5.0% of dentists), followed by oral surgeons (2.7%). In France, differences between departments were pronounced and associated with the presence of dental schools and per capita income. In Germany, only the correlation between per capita income and the density of oral surgeons was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Diverse ratios of general dentists and dental specialists to the total population and the proportion of dental specialists to general dentists were discovered within the examined countries, and their maximum values were 2.5, 5.7, and 4.1 times the minimum values, respectively. Differences were even found within the same country, as was the case in France and, to a lesser extent, in Germany.

Conhecimento do cirurgião-dentista sobre as implicações judiciais embutidas na cirurgia estética de bichectomia / Knowledge of the dentist on the judicial implications embedded in aesthetic surgery of bichectomy

Objetivo: Analisar se os cirurgiões-dentistas têm conhecimento das implicações judiciais embutidas na cirurgia estética de bichectomia. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo no qual foi aplicado um questionário estruturado aos docentes cirurgiões-dentistas da Faculdade Maria Milza (FAMAM) que realizam bichectomia. Os dados do questionário foram organizados em forma de tabela, apresentando informações sociodemográficas e sobre o conhecimento deles em relação aos aspectos judicias embutidos neste tipo de cirurgia. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 08 cirurgiões-dentistas, docentes da Faculdade Maria Milza. A maioria era do sexo masculino, com idade entre 29 a 39 anos, com tempo de docência menor igual a 5 anos e atuando em clínica privada. A maioria afirmou estar ciente das possíveis implicações judiciais e se previnir destas, no entanto, grande parte da amostra estudada não tinha conhecimento do Código Civil Brasileiro. Conclusão: A maioria dos dentistas não possuíam conhecimento sobre o Código Civil Brasileiro, mas sabem que podem responder processos movidos pelos pacientes. Frente a isso, eles estão se protegendo de possíveis implicações de ordem judicial relacionados a cirurgia de bichectomia.(AU)

Objective: To analyze whether dentists are aware of the judicial implications embedded in cosmetic surgery for bichectomy. Methods: This is a descriptive study in which a structured questionnaire was applied to the professors-dentists at Faculdade Maria Milza (FAMAM) who perform bichectomy. The questionnaire data were organized in form of a table, presenting sociodemographic information and their knowledge in relation to the judicial aspects embedded in this type of surgery. Results: The sample consisted of 08 dental surgeons, professors at Faculdade Maria Milza. Most were male, aged between 29 and 39 years old, with less than 5 years of teaching experience and working in a private clinic. The majority claimed to be aware of the possible legal implications and to prevent them, however, a large part of the sample studied was not aware of the Brazilian Civil Code. Conclusion: Most surgeons had no knowledge of the Brazilian Civil Code, but they know that they can respond to a lawsuit brought by patients. Faced with this, they are protecting themselves from possible implications of a court order related to bichectomy surgery.(AU)

Evidence-practice gap in treatment decisions about defective composite and amalgam restorations among Brazilian dentists

Better understanding of dentists' decision-making about defective restorations is needed to close the evidence-practice gap (EPG). This study aimed to quantify the EPG about defective restorations and identify dentist factors associated with this EPG. Methods: 216 dentists from São Paulo State, Brazil, completed a questionnaire about three clinical case scenarios involving defective composite restorations with cementum-dentin margins (case 1) and enamel margins (case 2), and an amalgam (case 3) restoration. Dentists were asked what treatment, if any, they would recommend, including preventive treatment, polishing, re-surfacing, or repairing the restoration, or replacing the entire restoration. Replacing the entire restoration in any of these three scenarios was classified as inconsistent with the evidence, comprising an EPG. Bivariate analyses using Chi-square, ANOVA, or multiple comparison tests were performed (p<.05). Results: for defective composite restorations, 49% and 55% of dentists chose to replace the entire restoration for cases 1 and 2, respectively. Twenty-nine percent of dentists chose to replace the entire amalgam restoration. Dentists were significantly more likely to choose to replace the defective amalgam restoration than the composite restoration with a defect at the cementum-dentin margins or the enamel margins (both at p < .001). Female dentists were more likely to choose a conservative treatment than male dentists for cases 1 (p=.034) and 2 (p=.009). Dentists with a higher percentage of patients interested in individualized caries prevention were also more conservative in case 1 (p=.045). Conclusion: a substantial EPG regarding treatment decisions for defective restorations exists, especially for composite restorations. This study adds to the international evidence that an EPG exists in this clinical area and that global strategies need to be developed to close the gap

Número de cirurgiões-dentistas e PIB per capitanos municípios paraibanos com cursos de graduação em Odontologia / Number of dentists and GDP per capita in the municipalities of the state of Paraíba with undergraduate courses in Dentistry

O objetivo deste estudo foi relacionar a distribuição dos cursos de Odontologia, número de cirurgiões-dentistas(CD)ePIBper capita em municípios paraibanos com cursos de graduação em Odontologia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo com utilização de dados coletados diretamente dossites do Conselho Federal de Odontologia, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatísticae do Cadastro Nacional de Cursose Instituições de Ensino Superior. Todos os dados utilizados nesta pesquisa são de acesso público. AParaíba possui 16 cursos de graduação em Odontologia, distribuídos em 6 munícipios: Araruna (1; 6,25%), Cabedelo (1; 6,25%), Cajazeiras (2; 12,50%), Campina Grande (6; 37,50%), João Pessoa (4; 25,00%) e Patos (2; 12,50%).Os municípios com maiores valores de PIB per capita, como João Pessoa (R$24.319,82) e Campina Grande (R$21.077,30), apresentaram também maior número de CD, com uma correlação positiva entre os valores do PIB per capitade cada município e a quantidade de cursos e profissionais. Apesar disso, Cabedelo, município paraibano com apenas um curso de Odontologia, sendo este na rede privada, e 126 CDs em atividade, tem o maior PIB per capita do estado (R$ 42.556,16). O PIB per capita parece ser responsável pela distribuição de CDs nos municípios com cursos de graduação em Odontologia, no entanto, fatores como qualidade de vida, mercado de trabalho e saúde, tendem a exercerforte influência na distribuição destes profissionais (AU).

This study aimed at relating the distribution of Dentistry courses, number of dental surgeons (DS) and GDP per capitain municipalities of the state of Paraíbawith undergraduate courses in Dentistry. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and the National Registry of HigherEducation Courses and Institutions. All data used in this study is publicly accessible. The state has 16 undergraduate courses in Dentistry, distributed in 6 municipalities: Araruna (1; 6.25%), Cabedelo (1; 6.25%), Cajazeiras (2; 12.50%), Campina Grande (6; 37.50%), João Pessoa (4; 25.00%) and Ducks (2; 12.50%). The municipalities with the highest GDP per capita, such as João Pessoa (R$ 24,319.82) and Campina Grande (R$ 21,077.30), also had a higher number of DS, with a positive correlation between the values of GDPper capita of each municipality and the number of courses and professionals. Besides, Cabedelo, a municipality in Paraíbawith only one Dentistry course, which is in the private network, and 126 active DS, has the highest GDPper capita in the state (R$ 42,556.16) (table 2). According to the results presented in this study, GDP per capita seems to be responsible for the distribution of SD in municipalities with undergraduate courses in Dentistry. However, factors such as quality of life, labor market and health tend to strongly influence the distribution of these professionals (AU).