Dental Area Research Articles

Delivering oral surgery training in a primary care clinic

AbstractAimTo describe the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Dental Service's experience of the oral surgery training of two general dental practitioners (GDPs).Materials and methodsCambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust Dental Service has previously presented the results of a 12‐month clinical attachment to develop the skills of a referring general dental practitioner in oral surgery. We now describe our experience of further oral surgery training of two general dental practitioners who benefitted from a 6‐month programme. This included one half day per week of “hands on” oral surgery experience and the development of a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competence.ResultsOur results led us to conclude that a 6‐month training programme in a primary care clinic can develop trainees with appropriate skills to safely provide the full range of oral surgical treatment that is appropriate to deliver in a primary care setting.ConclusionGDPs can be taken from low confidence and over referral to high confidence, low referral rate and the ability to take a lead in this area of clinical dentistry within their own practices. We would like Health Education England/LETBs to consider training in primary care when planning oral surgical training at all levels.

Minimizing digital data loss

Clinical photography has now reached all areas of dentistry, with camera equipment and photography skills being present in many practices. Whilst taking good photographs is just one part of improving record-keeping, the other part, which is arguably the more, important aspect, is to store securely this vast amount of data that is created. This article intends to explore the options available to practices to store the data securely and recommends the easiest and most effective ways available today. CPD/Clinical Relevance: With clinical photographs becoming ever more important in the field of dentistry, correct storage and use of camera equipment is important.

Nanotechnology in dentistry: prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

Nanotechnology has rapidly expanded into all areas of science; it offers significant alternative ways to solve scientific and medical questions and problems. In dentistry, nanotechnology has been exploited in the development of restorative materials with some significant success. This review discusses nanointerfaces that could compromise the longevity of dental restorations, and how nanotechnolgy has been employed to modify them for providing long-term successful restorations. It also focuses on some challenging areas in dentistry, eg, oral biofilm and cancers, and how nanotechnology overcomes these challenges. The recent advances in nanodentistry and innovations in oral health-related diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic methods required to maintain and obtain perfect oral health, have been discussed. The recent advances in nanotechnology could hold promise in bringing a paradigm shift in dental field. Although there are numerous complex therapies being developed to treat many diseases, their clinical use requires careful consideration of the expense of synthesis and implementation.

Dental Students’ Learning Experiences and Preferences Regarding Orofacial Pain: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Pain is a global health problem, the effects of which range from diminished quality of life to pain management costs and loss of work and productivity. Pain in the head and neck region is defined as a separate entity: orofacial pain (OFP). However, some graduates from dental schools have reported feeling less competent in their ability to diagnose OFP than in other areas of dentistry. The aims of this study were to assess how students at one U.S. dental school had learned about OFP and to identify the teaching methods and venues they would like to see enhanced in the school's OFP curriculum. A cross-sectional four-question survey was administered to 140 dental students in their third and fourth years; the survey had a response rate of 53%. Most students reported having gained their OFP knowledge mainly in dental school, and 91.9% selected didactic courses as the main teaching method in which they had learned about this topic. Clinical education was the main teaching venue these students said they would like to see enhanced in order to gain more knowledge in most forms of OFP; this result aligned with their learning preferences in general. These findings may help dental schools design their OFP curricula to take account of students' preferences as well as practical limitations regarding availability of clinical experiences.

Calling yourself a specialist: Things to consider

Calling yourself a specialist: Things to consider

Book review: Grey areas in restorative dentistry

Book review: Grey areas in restorative dentistry

Perfil profissional do egresso do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontopediatria da Faculdade de Odontologia da USP-São Paulo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o atual local e tipo de atuação profissional do egresso do programa de pós-graduação em Ciências Odontológicas com área de concentração em Odontopediatria da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo (campus São Paulo) – FOUSP. Para tanto, a relação dos egressos dos cursos de mestrado e doutorado na área de concentração em Odontopediatria da FOUSP foi solicitada junto à coordenadoria do programa de pós-graduação da instituição. A partir de então, o local e tipo de atuação profissional exercidos por cada um dos egressos foram avaliados por meio da Plataforma Lattes (Curriculum Lattes - CL) desde a conclusão do curso de pós-graduação por cada um deles, considerando as atualizações feitas até o mês de setembro de 2012. Para avaliação dos resultados foram considerados o gênero do participante, data de matrícula no curso de pós-graduação, data de defesa da dissertação e/ou tese, data de atualização do CL, local e tipo de atividade profissional exercida atualmente (docência ou clínica). Partindo de um total de 65 egressos (54 do gênero feminino e 11 do masculino), 44 exercem atividade relacionada à docência, sendo que a maioria deles atua em São Paulo e atualiza o CL frequentemente. As atividades clínicas foram pouco relatadas no CL.

3D stereophotogrammetry facial analysis of Angle I subjects: gender comparison

Objective The aim of this study was to establish reference parameters for facial analysis in subjects with Angle’s Class I occlusion by means of stereophotogrammetry, comparing men and women. Material and method Twenty-six healthy young adults with Angle’s Class I occlusion volunteered to participate in the study, 15 males and 11 females, ages between 18 and 30 years old (22 years ± 5). These subjects were clinically examined to verify their type of occlusion. Twenty-five landmarks were performed in soft tissue, and those subjects underwent image capturing by the stereophotogrammetry technique, using the apparatus Vectra (M3-Canfield®). The following variables were measured in those images: naso-labial angle (C-Sn-Ls); (N-Prn-Pg); (N-Sn-Pg); mentolabial (Li-Ps-Pg); growth angle (T-Go-Pg), cheek area (T, Zy, Chk, Ch, Gn, Go), hemifaces' areas (T, Zy, Ft, Tr, N, Prn, C, Sn, Ls, Sto, Li Ps, Gn, Go), lip area, bilaterally (Ls, Cph, Ch, Li, Sto), and linear measurements of the lips and jaw. Result and conclusion The data were compared between genders (Student's t-test), and no statistically significant differences between groups (p>0.05) were found. Despite the limitations of this study, it is possible to conclude that, as there were no differences between men and women for the studied variables (angular, linear, and area), the data of the total sample (Class I) should be used as reference parameters in future studies. Additionally, the 3D stereophotogrammetry technique has proven to be a new possibility for facial analysis, which might be employed in several areas of dentistry.

Future Excellence--Everyone's Responsibility.

How many times have you been told, ‘‘Change is hard’’? Nowadays, it has become cliche and using that phrase risks turning off an audience. But, consider the following, ‘‘Change is hard, and triple change is exponentially harder.’’ I’m taking the risk that this phrase might keep you reading for at least a few lines. There are major areas in dentistry that are undergoing vast changes and the seasoned members of the profession must continue to look for ways to proactively engage them.

Glove perforations after dental care

OBJECTIVE: To assess surgical and procedure glove perforations after dental care. METHODS: A total of 279 pairs of gloves pairs were analyzed, 36 surgical and 243 procedure gloves used in the dentistry specialties surgery, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. A diluted alkaline solution of fuchsine in water was used for analyzing the gloves. Each glove was filled with 500 ml of the solution and manually pressed at the height of the wrist for two minutes. Statistical analysis included the chi-square test at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Of the 279 study gloves, 106 had been perforated, corresponding to 38%. Most perforations occurred in the dominant hand, mainly in the finger area. Most procedures that caused perforations lasted more than 40 minutes, and most were in the area of cosmetic dentistry. CONCLUSION: There were a considerable number of perforations in the study gloves, which can increase the risk of cross-infection between students and patients.

Reduction of Salivary Streptococcus mutans Colonies in Children After Rinsing with 2.5% Green Tea Solution

Dental caries is a problematic area in pediatric dentistry, with Streptococcus mutans as the dominant bacterial cause. Green tea solution and chlorhexidine were effective in reducing the number of Streptococcus mutans. But study about the differences of these two materials has not been done. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine differences in the effectiveness of rinsing with 0.2% chlorhexidine and 2.5% green tea solution in reducing the number of Streptococcus mutans. Methods: This study is quase experimental study with cross-over design. Thirty children aged 6-12 years with poor OHI-S index were participated. Samples of saliva were taken respectively before rinsing for 3 seconds with 0.2% chlorhexidine solution and a solution of 2.5% green tea and 15 minutes followed 30 minutes after rinsing intervention. Saliva samples were taken to the laboratory then the number of Streptococcus mutans count were evaluated. The statistical analysis were performed by SPSS version 18.0 with ANOVA, t-paired and LSD test. Results: ANOVA test result showed that the decrease generated by each mouthwash is a significant reduction. T-paired test result showed that there is no difference in the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies significantly between chlorhexidine and green tea solution at 15 minutes dan 30 minutes after rinsing. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between chlorhexidine and green tea solution in reducing the number of Streptococcus mutans. DOI: 10.14693/jdi.v21i3.211

Administration of intravenous sedation with midazolam by dentists is unsafe

In the December issue of the Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Tandheelkunde (Dutch Journal of Dentistry) in 2014, an article was devoted to the use of light sedation with midazolam by dentists. A number of dentists who are active in the area of Special Dentistry (anxiety management, care of the disabled) and a anesthesiologist offer a response to the article and argue that the administration of intravenous sedation with midazolam by dentists is unsafe.

DİŞ HEKİMLİĞİNDE FOTODİNAMİK TEDAVİ

In this review, history, action mechanism, usage areas in dentistry, and side effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT), is considered as a solution to “resistance” problem resulting from antibiotic treatments, was investigated in the light of literature

Dental Stem Cells: A Perspective Area in Dentistry

In recent years, stem cell research has grown exponentially due to the recognition that stem cell-based therapies have the potential to improve the life of patients with wide range of conditions, they provides promising methods in vitro as well as in vivo in animal models which make speculation about a future application in human dentistry reasonable. Based on their ability to repair and/or rescue injured tissue and restore organ function even partially, multiple types of stem/progenitor cells have been speculated. Some dental tissues are rich source of mesenchymal stem cells which are suitable for tissue engineering applications. Because they have the potential to differentiate into several cell types, including odontoblasts, neural progenitors, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. Based on that, an innovativation for generation of clinical material and/or tissue regeneration carried out. Mesenchymal stem cells were founded in dental tissues, including dental pulp, dental papilla, and dental follicle, exfoliated deciduous teeth and periodontal ligament. They can be isolated and grown under defined tissue culture conditions, and used in tissue engineering, including, dental tissue, nerves and bone regeneration.

Harvesting dental stem cells - Overview.

Dental stem cells have recently become one of the widely researched areas in dentistry. Ever since the identification of stem cells from various dental tissues like deciduous teeth, dental papilla, periodontal ligament and third molars, storing them for future use for various clinical applications was being explored. Dental stem cells were harvested and isolated using various techniques by different investigators and laboratories. This article explains the technical aspects of preparing the patient, atraumatic and aseptic removal of the tooth and its safe transportation and preservation for future expansion.

Orthodontic Management of Periodontally Compromised Diabetic Individual with Missing Central Incisor

The successful use of dental implants to replace missing teeth has become one of the most evolving areas of clinical dentistry in recent times when aesthetic dentistry is increasingly gaining prominence and treatment modality as implants are gaining acceptance as a comfortable and permanent prosthodontic solution for missing teeth especially the anterior region. This case report presents the case of a 47 year old medically compromised male with periodontal breakdown and missing central incisor treated successfully with an interdisciplinary approach to restore optimal facial aesthetics using implant supported prosthesis.

An insight into the future beckons of maxillofacial prosthodontics: Anaplastology

It is the god given right of every human being to appear human. Few areas of dentistry offer more challenges to the technical skills or greater satisfaction for the successful rehabilitation of function and esthetics in the patient with gross anatomic defects and deformities of the maxillofacial region. Although remarkable advances in the surgical management of oral and facial defects, but cannot be satisfactorily repaired by plastic surgery alone. Hence, the demand for maxillofacial prosthetic devices for the rehabilitation of patients with congenital or acquired defects has intensified in recent years. This paper gives an insight into the latest innovations and improvisations in the field of maxillofacial prosthodontics.

Cone beam computed tomography and applicability in Dentistry – literature review

An appropriate treatment planing is essential for successful rehabilitation in Dentistry. The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) represents a valuable resource in dental practice because it allows the establishment of a precise treatment plan by means of diagnostic imaging. Objective: To review the literature on CBCT. The history of development of this technique, its benefits and its applicability in different areas in Dentistry will be considered. Literature review: The CBCT offers advantages over the quality and quantity of anatomical data and promises less distortion of the image with low doses of radiation. It has been established as a valuable technique in the dental specialties. Conclusion: The use of CBCT as a diagnostic method must have precise and appropriate indication to provide adequate cost-benefit effectiveness in the patient’s treatment.

Plasma in dentistry

This review describes the contemporary aspects of plasma application in dentistry. Previous studies on plasma applications were classified into two categories, surface treatment and direct applications, and were reviewed, respectively according to the approach. The current review discussed modification of dental implant surface, enhancing of adhesive qualities, enhancing of polymerization, surface coating and plasma cleaning under the topics of surface treatment. Microbicidal activities, decontamination, root canal disinfection and tooth bleaching were reviewed as direct applications with other miscellaneous ones. Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma was of particular focus since it is gaining considerable attention due to the possibility for its use in living tissues. Future perspectives have also been discussed briefly. Although it is still not popular among dentists, plasma has shown promises in several areas of dentistry and is now opening a new era of plasma dentistry.

Teaching Dental Students About Patient Communication Following an Adverse Event: A Pilot Educational Module

Adverse events are an important but understudied area in dentistry. Most dentists will face the issue of an adverse event several times in their clinical careers. The authors implemented a six-hour pilot educational module at one dental school to improve fourth-year dental students' knowledge and confidence in communicating with patients about adverse events. Based on results from the twenty-nine students who completed both the pre- and posttests, the module significantly increased the students' knowledge of the key concepts involved in adverse events. However, the module did not improve the students' confidence that they would be able to implement these communication skills in clinical situations. Based on these results, this article discusses how future educational efforts can be modified to better prepare students for the communication challenges associated with adverse events.