Dental Attitudes Research Articles

Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists and Dental Students Towards Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists and Dental Students Towards Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Painless Anesthesia in Pediatric Dentistry: A Review

Pain management is one of the most commonly faced problem for dentists while handling of pediatricpatients. A positive dental attitude can be instilled in a child if pain is handled properly. In recent times,various advancements and research have been made in the field of local anesthesia. These techniques alongwith the conventional ones can be utilized for better handling of pain and to get better apprehension frompatients. This review article is to discuss recent advancements in painless anesthetic techniques and toimprove the quality of treatment regarding pain in pediatric dentistry. As management of pain is of paramountimportance to instill a positive attitude about dentistry in children.

Awareness about harmful effects of aerosol contamination among dental students

Possible mechanisms for the transmission of disease in the dental office include close communication with body fluids of patients, interaction with surfaces and instruments which have already been besmirched by the patient, and also interaction with unavoidable particles from patient which have been dispersed airborne. This survey was performed with purpose of assessing the awareness about harmful effects of aerosol contamination in clinical practice among the dental students. A Questionnaire containing ten questions about the awareness and attitudes of dental students toward the harmful effects of aerosol contamination in clinical practice. Then this questionnaire was piloted and distributed to 100 dental students, and information about the opinions and attitudes of dentists aerosol contamination.salivary transmission of aerosols, procedures causing aerosol contamination, use of rubber dam in preventing contamination and use of personal protection equipments were obtained. The collected data were statistically analysed. 87% of the students were aware of harmful effects of areosol contamination.78% were aware of the salivary transmission of aerosol contamination. The awareness about harmful effects of aerosols is adequate among dental students. It is conceivable to limit the hazard with generally basic and reasonable safety measures.

Attitudes to dental visits in a child population attending public dental health care in Jönköping, Sweden-trends over 40years.

To study attitudes to dental visits in a child population attending public dental health care between 1973 and 2013. Random samples of individuals aged 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20years took part in cross-sectional studies based on clinical parameters and a questionnaire, all repeated every 10years using the same study design. One question related to dental attitude; "What do you feel at the prospect of an appointment with a dentist?". The affirmative answers were full of expectation, unaffected, ill at ease, frightened and sick, representing positive, neutral and negative attitudes. During the same 40-year period, a dental health care system based on prevention and regular dental appointments was reinforced. In preschool children, the most pronounced change was an increase in the number of children reporting full of expectation during the study period. In 10-, 15- and 20-year-olds, there was an increase in unaffected and a decrease in ill at ease over time. A reduction in frightened was only seen in the 20-year-olds. Despite a simultaneous dramatic decline in caries and a reduced need for operative dental treatment, the dental attitudes were fairly constant during the 40-year period. The moderate shifts to more positive or neutral dental attitudes were merely seen during the first 10 or 20years. After this, the changes in answers were limited. This leads to the assumption that factors other than dental treatment experiences have an impact on dental attitudes in children.

Nivel de conocimiento y actitud de los dentistas sirios sobre la nueva pandemia de coronavirus: estudio transversal

Objetive: An outbreak of a novel and alarmingly coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was announced in China in December 2019, which later affected about 180 countries worldwide. Thus, this study aims to assess the awareness and attitude of dentists towards COVID-19 in Syria. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire was an online survey; it contained 19 questions formulated based on the information given by WHO and CDC for COVID-19. Study participants were dentists practicing in Syria. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic and published on the internet into multiple platforms. Results: 7233 dentists responded to the questionnaire; 64% of the participants were females. The majority of the respondents were general practitioner (78%), nearly half of the respondents had been practicing dentistry for at least 2-4 years (51%). The majority of the respondents has knowledge about COVID-19 and was aware it is contagious. Over half of the Syrian dentists received their information about COVID-19 from social media platforms (55%). Even though the majority of the dentists were aware that the incubation period could last up to 14 days, nearly half of the participants were not aware that symptomless patients can spread the virus (49%). Conclusions: Syrian dental practitioners were aware of COVID-19 definition, incubation period and prevention measures in the dental clinic. However, they had limited attitude regarding COVID-19 symptoms, mode of transmission and management.

Geriatric psychology: A prosthodontist outlook- Let’s read the mind

With the advancement in health and medical field person life expectancy has increased. Thus, in India as being developing country two-third of population is elderly. With the increase in the life span, chronic disease plays significant role and the dental diseases are the most prevalent chronic condition. Diagnosis and treatment planning for the elderly must include considerations of the biological, psychological, social and economic status of the patient in addition to the obvious dental problems. By breaking down the patient psychology to its component parts, it is easier to obtain a clear picture of this special cohort of patients. Considering the increase in number of geriatric edentulous patients, knowledge will help the prosthodontist serve the geriatric population better. Theoretical approaches are now replaced by practical approach of patient management. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the psychological factors involved in the dental treatment and methods to develop a right dental attitude. Keywords: Geriatric, Mental health, Oral diseases, Prosthodontist.

How evidence-based is dentistry anyway? From evidence-based dentistry to evidence-based practice.

Since its beginnings in the mid-1990s, evidence-based dentistry (EBD) has gradually gained acceptance into the understanding of dental practitioners. Despite this, most treatment provided by dentists cannot truly be described as being based on experimental evidence. The aim of this paper is to explore the reasons why EBD has not yet reached its full potential. The weakness of evidence produced, as well as the attitude of dentists towards EBD, will be examined. The role of the trusted source in disseminating information will be discussed and examples are given of how this concept could be used to further integrate evidence into everyday practice. Suggestions will be made regarding how research waste can be cut by producing less but more relevant research. Furthermore, realistic ideas on how EBD can be utilised in practice will be provided with the aim to shift towards the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP).

The Relationship between Patient’s Dental and Oral Health Attitude Towards Patient’s Obedience during Multivisit Treatment

Background: Caries is the world's number one chronic disease and the prevalence increases in modern times. However, most people ignored and chose dental care when they feel pain. It will worsen the condition of the tooth until require multivisit treatments. The number of visits required for multivisit treatments resulted incomplete treatment due to patient’s non-obedience. One of the factors that affect obedience is attitude. One's attitude towards something will determine someone's behavior towards the same thing. Purpose: To determine the relationship between patient’s dental and oral health attitude towards patient’s obedience during multivisit treatment. Method: Analytical observational study with cross-sectional study conducted on 30 patients who came to Conservative Dentistry Unit, Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dental Medicine, UniversitasAirlangga, Surabaya during September-November 2018. The data about the attitude was obtained from questionnaire, while collecting cards of patient’s status and direct interviews of the operators conducted to obtain data about patient’s obedience. Result: Based on the results of Spearman Correlation with α=0,05 obtained p-value=0,364 (p>0,05). It suggests that there was no significant relationship between patient’s dental and oral health attitude towards patient’s obedience during multivisit treatment. In addition, test results of the relationship between unexamined variables with obedience obtained p-value=0,010 (motivation), p=0,017 (desire), p=0,004 (perception), and p=0,009 (financing). This suggests that there was a significant relationship between motivation, desires, perceptions, and financing with obedience. Conclusion: There is no relationship between patient’s dental and oral health attitude towards patient’s obedience during multivisit treatment. However, other factors found associated, namely motivation, desires, perceptions, and financing.

Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists and Patients Toward Use and Health Safety of Dental Amalgam in Saudi Arabia.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess: (1) the perceptions of dentists in Saudi Arabia concerning the amalgam controversy, (2) their attitude toward the ethical responsibility of patient information, and (3) patients’ knowledge and attitude toward the use of dental amalgam. Materials and Methods A total of 1,139 dentists were sampled on convenience by electronic survey. The questionnaire contained questions about the safety of dental amalgam, use of amalgam, case selection, alternate materials, and informing their patients about risks of amalgam. Also, 425 patients were sampled on convenience and information collected on their knowledge about amalgam and its acceptance in their oral cavities. Results A total of 201 dentists and 425 patients participated in the study. A total of 60% of dentists and specialists declared it safe. A total of 32.4% (31) of general dental practitioners and 41% (43) specialists considered it a moral obligation to inform patients about the potential health risks associated with amalgam. Mercury toxicity was identified as the most common health hazard. About 57.3% dentists and 36.2% specialists opted for superior longevity as the principle advantage. Majority of patients (52.2%) in Saudi Arabia had no knowledge about dental amalgam. While 23.1% (98) had concern about poor color, 8.7% (30) knew it contained silver while only 7.8% (27) patients were aware of its mercury content. Conclusion Majority of dentists in Saudi Arabia found it safe to use amalgam while the patients had little knowledge about the possible issues with amalgam. It is recommended to improve public awareness about impact of mercury containing products on the environment.

Clinical Behavior Guidance for Children in Dentistry

Behavior management is an integral component of pediatric care. It is the ability to guide children through their dental experience to meet their immediate dental needs, to plant seeds for future dental needs and to promote positive dental attitudes. A positive first dental experience paves the way for good oral health practice and success in future dental visits. It is therefore critical to understand children’s behavior and fundamentals for success in clinical pediatric dental care by all providers, including general and family dentists.

The long-term influence of orthodontic treatment on dental knowledge and behaviour: An Australian cohort study

ObjectivesFixed orthodontic treatment (FOT) typically lasts 14–33 months, with regular appointments at short intervals to monitor changes, adjust appliances, and remotivate patients to maintain excellent oral hygiene standards to prevent dental disease. Past experiences are important influencers of dental attitudes and self-care dental behaviours in adulthood. Since FOT comprises a high frequency of appointments compared to other dental visiting, we hypothesised that previous FOT enhances dental knowledge and behaviour in later life. MethodsThis cohort study followed-up 30-year-old participants who originally took part in an oral epidemiological study when aged 13-years. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, dental health behaviours, dental knowledge (prevention of caries and periodontal disease, including questions about popular myths) and FOT. Data analysis comprised un/adjusted binomial logistic regression and multivariate generalised linear regression. ResultsData for 448 participants (56 % female, 35 % received FOT) were analysed; adjusted models controlled for sociodemographics and baseline malocclusion severity. There was no association between FOT and regular toothbrushing (Exp B: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.87–2.10), flossing (Exp B: 1.18, 95 % CI: 0.48–2.90), dental attendance within last 2 years (Exp B: 0.96, 95 % CI: 0.62–1.49) or a non-emergency dental visit (Exp B: 1.01, 95 % CI: 0.51–1.99). Non-FOT participants placed importance on a calcium-rich diet preventing caries (Exp B: 1.99, 95 % CI: 1.14–3.50, P < 0.05), while those with a baseline definite malocclusion had higher levels of knowledge about dental visiting compared to those with minimal or more severe malocclusions (P < 0.05). ConclusionPrevious FOT appears to have limited impact on dental knowledge and may not affect long-term dental behaviours. Clinical significanceThis 17-year follow-up study examined the influence of previous fixed orthodontic treatment on dental knowledge and behaviour later in life. Although patients have numerous and regular appointments during the course of orthodontic treatment, this does not seem to impact on either dental knowledge or behaviour in adulthood.

Dentists’ attitudes towards the phase-down of dental amalgam in Ireland

##Aim This study aimed to explore the attitudes of dentists in Ireland towards the phase-down of dental amalgam in relation to the Minamata Convention on Mercury. ##Methods A cross-sectional survey design was adopted using a quantitative 53-question survey piloted and distributed to dentists working in general dental practice. ##Results The study had a response rate of 11.8% (n=285). The study found a high level of awareness regarding recommended guidelines concerning the Minamata Convention on Mercury, with 96% of participants reporting that they were aware of the recommendations. Over half of the participants (61%) reported that they felt the phase-down was a good idea. ##Conclusions Training and remuneration were identified as the main barriers to a total phase-out of dental amalgam in Ireland in the future.

Osteoporosis risk assessment in primary dental care—The attitudes of Swedish dentists, patients and medical specialists

To explore and identify the attitudes of dentists, patients and medical specialists regarding implementation of osteoporosis risk assessment into Swedish primary dental care. Osteoporosis is a major health problem leading to fragility fractures. As shown in academic-based research, dental radiological examination can be used for osteoporosis risk assessment. A substantial number of patients undergo radiographic examinations in primary dental care each year, but little is known about implementation of osteoporosis risk assessment in this setting. A qualitative research approach using focus group discussions and manifest content analysis was applied. Five focus groups with dentists and representatives from patient support groups and a single individual interview with one medical specialist were included in the sample. From the manifest content analysis, three categories emerged: (a) barriers to change in practice, (b) benefits to change in practice, and (c) needs and requirements prior to change in practice. Most participants felt that there was insufficient knowledge of osteoporosis as well as a heavy existing workload. A concern was expressed about medical practitioners' willingness to take on responsibility for patients referred by dentists. Representatives from patient support groups highlighted a lack of knowledge about osteoporosis among both the general public and the medical professionals. Clear guidelines and improved communication channels between stakeholders would have to be established to ensure a smooth treatment path for patients. Despite interest in osteoporosis risk assessment in primary dental care, there are political, workflow and educational barriers that must be overcome for successful implementation.

Oral care for patients in the palliative stage of life - do you care?

In this questionnaire study, the attitude of dentists and students regarding the provision of oral care to palliative patients was investigated. The extent to which they would like to be involved in the care for this patient group was also investigated. The results showed that both research groups had relatively little affinity with palliative patients. In general, however, they do consider oral care to be important for this group and believe a dentist can play a role in the quality of life. About one third of both research groups, nevertheless, preferred not to be involved in the provision of oral care often. Besides, when it comes to providing oral care in nursing homes or at patients' homes, approximately one third of the respondents were not very willing or not willing at all to make house calls. Dentists and students are aware of the importance of oral care in the palliative stage of life, but they do not (yet) want to be responsible for the oral care themselves.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Dentists toward Adhesive System Selection: A Cross-sectional Study from Palestine.

Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes and knowledge of dentists in Palestine toward selecting adhesive agents for different clinical procedures and to investigate whether the time of clinical practice influences their choices.Materials and Methods:A questionnaire was randomly sent by e-mail to 500 dentists registered with the Palestinian Dental Association. The questionnaire consisted of nine close-ended questions. The first two questions focused on demographics, whereas the other questions aimed to evaluate the respondents’ knowledge toward selecting adhesive agents for different restorative procedures.Statistical Test Used:Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 16.0 (IBM, Armonk, New York). Descriptive analysis was obtained and the frequency of distribution was calculated in percentages. Nonparametric chi-square test was used to analyze the difference in the distribution of the preference of different bonding choices overall for every treatment scenario. Fisher’s exact test with the Monte Carlo method was used to verify the association between the adhesive agent of choice and years of experience.Results:The response rate was 74%. The respondents’ choices were significantly different in all suggested treatment procedures (P < 0.05). A correlation was found between time since graduation and the choice of adhesive agent (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Irrespective of restorative treatment scenario, respondents’ selection of adhesive agents diverged from recommendations made by the literature. Further efforts should be made to improve the level of knowledge of general dentists on this topic.

Bacterial contamination of dental unit waterlines: knowledge and attitude among dental practitioners

Context Knowledge and attitude of dentists about dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) is of considerable importance as they along with patients are regularly exposed to water and aerosols generated from the dental unit. Aims The aim was to assess the knowledge and attitude toward contamination of DUWLs among interns and postgraduate students at a dental teaching institute in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Settings and design A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted during December 2018 at a dental teaching institute in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Participants and methods A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect desired information from postgraduates and interns. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS (v21.0 IBM) software. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethical Board before the start of the study. Results Results showed that postgraduates had higher statistically significant mean±SD knowledge score (8.53±2.04) compared with interns (7.56±2.29) (P=0.02). The mean±SD knowledge score of male (7.70±2.19) and female (8.27±2.23) was found to be statistically nonsignificant (P=0.16), and the difference in mean±SD attitude score based on their clinical experience (amid their period of internship and postgraduation) was found to be statistically significant (P=0.03). Conclusion The participants who responded to this survey generally did not have enough knowledge about disinfection or testing of DUWLs. However, they were concerned about the well-being of the patient and were ready to adopt an effective method of DUWL disinfection in the future. Conducting workshop or continuing dental education programs on disinfection of DUWL may improve the attitude toward disinfection of DUWLs.

Factors associated with the dental health status of health promotion students in the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the dental health status of public health promotion graduate students. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 67 graduate public health promotion students. A self-administered questionnaire on dental health knowledge, attitudes, and practices was administered, in addition to a dental caries examination. The data were collected during 5 days (from June 5 to 9, 2017). Statistical Test Used: Statistical analysis was performed using both chi square and multiple logistic regression tests with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Tooth (DMF-T) index of the students was higher (4.7) than that of the national DMF-T index in 2013. Most of the students (86.6%) had a low level of knowledge of dental health. About half had negative attitudes toward dental health care, as well as a high number of caries. About three of every four students had inadequate dental health care practices. Although the students knew about a free dental clinic at the university, only one-eighth of the study group used this clinic. The respondents who had an inhibiting social environment were 41.8%, whereas 23.9% of them had a supporting social environment. There was a significant correlation between an inhibiting social environment and dental health status (P = 0.036; odds ratio [OR] = 0.347; 95% CI = 0.1–0.9). A multivariate test showed that the students with a supporting social environment had an OR of 2.949. Thus, students without a supporting social environment had a 2.95 higher probability of having a high number of dental caries. Conclusions: Factors associated with the dental health status of public health promotion graduate were identified.

Discrimination of people living with hiv/aids: a survey with dentists in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract Background Despite several decades of fighting HIV infection, discrimination against people living with this infection persists, even among health professionals. Understanding the determinants of discriminatory attitudes of dentists is a first step towards access to oral health care and improved care for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Objectives To analyse the determinants of discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV among dentists in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dentists in Abidjan in 2016. In addition to socio-professional characteristics, a questionnaire collected information on their knowledge about HIV (transmission, hiv-related oral diseases) and their individual perception (fear of being contaminated, cross-contamination...). The chi2 test for independent sampling was used to identify factors associated with discriminatory attitudes (threshold α = 5%). Results A total of 120 dentists were interviewed: 61.3% from the public sector; 56.7% men; 54.2% in couple; 53.3% had participated in continuing education on HIV; 29.2% did not know HIV-related diseases and transmission modes and 69.2% reported fear of being infected during care; 44.2% reported informing staff of the patient’s HIV status. The proportion of dentists with discriminatory attitudes was estimated at 69.2%. The main associated factors were: female gender (p = 0.001), living in couple (p = 0.000), lack of knowledge of the risk of HIV transmission after a blood exposure accident (p = 0.000), the law protecting people living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire (p = 0.009) and fear of being infected (p = 0.000). Conclusions The results of this study show that the determinants of discriminatory attitudes among dentists result from their lack of knowledge of the disease, justifying the need to strengthen their continuing education on HIV/AIDS infection. Key messages Dentists discrimination towards people living with HIV infection result from their lack of knowledge about the infection. It’s essential to strengthen their knowledge about HIV in order to improve access to care for people living with HIV.

Translation and validation of the Revised Dental Beliefs Survey (DBS-R) in China

ABSTRACT Patient perceptions of behaviours and attitudes of dentists are associated with dental fear and poor dental attendance in Western countries. However, there is a paucity of research exploring patient perceptions of the dentist in China. One reason for this may be the lack of a valid and reliable scale in Chinese (Standard Mandarin) to measure this. This study aimed to translate the Revised Dental Beliefs Survey (DBS-R) into Chinese and then explore the reliability and validity of this measure (both the short and longer versions) in a Chinese population. We translated the DBS-R using the forwards-backwards method and pilot tested it on a small sample of adults in China. Following this, 480 Chinese adults completed the newly translated scale, as well as well as a standardised dental anxiety questionnaire (the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale Chinese version) to test convergent validity. 109 participants completed the DBS-R again 2 weeks later for test-retest reliability. Both versions of the Chinese DBS-R were internally consistent and demonstrated convergent validity; test-retest reliability was also good. Both versions of the scale performed similarly, but for now we would suggest the 28-item version may be superior as items relating to the technical competence of the dentist appear important to Chinese adults.

BABIES LIKE BEASTS. WHAT ABOUT DENTIST

Introduction: Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is an alternative or complementary typeof therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve apatient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. AAT involves the interactionbetween a patient and a trained animal that has been specially educated in this therapy.The animals that conduct AAT are called therapy animals which are now-a-days used inPediatric dental clinic as an aid to improvechild behaviour.Aim: To evaluate the acceptance of Dentist, Parents and child to therapy pets, child’schoice of pet and to analyse attitude of dentist towards animal-assisted therapy in thepaediatric dental set-up as an aid to improve behaviour of the child during the dentaltreatment.Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 60children and their parents and 108 dentist. Chi-square test was used to determine theassociation of independent variables with each of the main outcome of interest.Results: The consent to the presence of pet was given by 56.67% parents(p=0.0359,Significant) Children who chose dog as their preferred pet were 46.67% thosewho chose cat as their preferred pet were 25% (p=0.049, Significant) Almost 76%Dentist agreed that AAT helps in behaviour management for Pediatric dentist(p=0.0001,S)Conclusion: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) can prove to be a good behaviourmanagement technique and can be a part of the exclusive Pediatric dental clinic. Keywords: Animal-assisted therapy, Pediatric Dentist