Bachelor Of Dental Surgery Research Articles

Tobacco Use Cessation: Attitudes of Dental Fraternity of Moradabad City (India)

Background:The issue of tobacco control had almost unanimous support among public health professionals. It is therefore apparent that the dental care system should be involved in tobacco prevention and tobacco cessation.Objective:To assess dental students’ and practicing dentists’ perceptions of tobacco cessation content in curriculum and attitudes concerning their professional responsibility to help users quit tobacco.Methods:The study was conducted with Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) 3rd year students, Interns and practicing dentists of Moradabad city (India). A 17-item questionnaire focused on attitudes of dental fraternity, professional responsibilities, effectiveness and scope of Tobacco Use Cessation (TUC) practice in dental setting.Results:Statically significant difference is seen among responses of dental fraternities, with students having less positive attitudes than practicing dentists (p < 0.001).Conclusion:Attitudes of the participants appear to be positive and encouraging, but they feel unprepared and needed further training in TUC.

Measuring the impact of practice-based research networks on member dentists in the Collaboration on Networked Dental and Oral Health Research, CONDOR

ObjectivesThe National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research funded three practice-based research networks (PBRNs), NW-PRECEDENT, PEARL and DPBRN to conduct studies relevant to practicing general dentists. These PBRNs collaborated to develop a questionnaire to assess the impact of network participation on changes in practice patterns. This report presents results from the initial administration of the questionnaire. MethodsQuestionnaires were administered to network dentists and a non-network reference group. Practice patterns including caries diagnosis and treatment, pulp cap materials, third molar extraction, dentine hypersensitivity treatments and endodontic treatment and restoration were assessed by network, years in practice, and level of network participation. Test–retest reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated. Results950 practitioners completed the questionnaire. Test–retest reliability was good–excellent (kappa>0.4) for most questions. Significant differences in responses by network were not observed. The use of caries risk assessment forms differed by both network participation (p<0.001) and years since dental degree (p=0.026). Recent dental graduates are more likely to recommend third molar removal for preventive reasons (p=0.003). ConclusionsPractitioners in the CONDOR research networks are similar to their US colleagues. As a group, however, these practitioners show a more evidence-based approach to their practice. Dental PBRNs have the potential to improve the translation of evidence into daily practice. Designing methods to assess practice change and the associated factors is essential to addressing this important issue.

Advice and guidance on the admissions process to uk dental schools

Students looking to read dentistry can be overwhelmed by the information and requirements presented to them by dental schools, career advisors and the printed literature. In the UK, there are currently 16 dental schools which provide a dentistry degree. While there are variations in the specific aspects of the dental courses at each school, there are common principles and generic application requirements that apply. This paper provides a guide to facilitate applications and inform potential students, career advisors and dentists. The information presented has been gathered from UK dental school websites and university prospectuses and corroborated through contact with university admissions offices. This paper is relevant to dental practitioners who are often asked to provide advice on applications to dental schools by potential students.

A needs assessment for a master&amp;rsquo;s program in dental public health in Jeddah Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThe Faculty of Dentistry at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is planning a master’s program in dental public health (DPH) to address the lack of adequate DPH professionals in the country. A needs assessment survey or situational analysis is typically recommended as the foundation of any curriculum development process. We conducted this survey to understand the level of DPH expertise existing in the country, to identify needs and gaps, and to explore perceptions in the area of DPH.MethodsA DPH competency based survey was emailed to all onsite Saudi faculty members, all DPH practitioners in Jeddah city, and a random sample of dental interns (n = 122). The questionnaire collected information about participants’ demographics, knowledge of DPH, preferred method for gaining knowledge about DPH, perceptions about a new master’s program in DPH, preferred teaching and delivery methods, prerequisite education, and self-assessment of participants’ own DPH competency levels. Descriptive statistics, chi-square or Fisher’s exact statistics, and proportional odds ratios were calculated to analyze data.ResultsThere was a total of 105 respondents (86.1%). About 98% had some knowledge of DPH. The most preferred method to gain knowledge on DPH was seminar series (47.6%). The most preferred methods for teaching instruction were using a “list of discussion topics” and “providing examples,” and the most preferred method for delivery of coursework was “face-to-face classroom activities with online readings and assignments.” The most preferred prerequisite education was having a bachelor’s degree in dentistry. Most participants considered themselves as having moderate experience and basic range of knowledge of DPH practices and competencies.ConclusionThe survey has helped assess the participants’ views on the need for a graduate program in DPH. It is a preliminary step in designing a well-structured program, which will address the needs and gaps in oral public health in the country and inform the development of course content.

Interprofessional Education: The Oral Physical Examination for Medical Students [by Doctors of Dental Medicine

Abstract This module contains nine PowerPoint presentations and accompanying materials, and is intended to provide a self-contained, self-directed, individually-paced, interactive instructional ove...

Awareness of Basic Life Support Among Staff and Students in a Dental School

To assess and compare the knowledge of basic life support (BLS) among third, fourth and fifth (III, IV and V) year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) clinical students, dental interns, postgraduate students and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) faculty of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. A BLS questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was used to assess the levels of III, IV and V years BDS clinical students, dental interns, postgraduate students and BDS and MDS faculty of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS version 12.0) was used to analyze the statistical data. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 338 respondents took part in the study. When gender comparison was done with correct knowledge responses, statistically significant differences were noted for Q6, Q9, Q12, Q13, Q15 and Q17. For age groups and educational qualifications, significant difference was observed for all questions. It was noted that III, IV and V year undergraduate clinical students and half of interns had adequate knowledge when compared to postgraduate students (6.9%), BDS tutors (0.00%) and MDS staff (10.7%). The study concludes that there is a significant lack of knowledge among postgraduates students BDS and MDS faculty, regarding BLS when compared to III, IV and V year's clinical BDS students and dental interns. This study emphasizes the need for all health care professionals to regularly update the knowledge and skills regarding BLS.

Career in dentistry: By choice or chance-reasons for choosing dentistry among the first-year dental students of a college in India

Objective: To determine the factors that lead to the choice of dentistry as an occupation among the first-year dental students in a private dental college in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 100 first year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of total eight close-ended questions, which included demographic (age and gender) and career choice-related items. Data was collected, analyzed, and was represented as numbers and percentage. Results: The response rate was 100%. Majority of the students (80%) chose dentistry as a professional career as compared to the 20% who got in by chance. About 72% of them chose dentistry because of their interest, 13% because they were unable to procure a seat in medicine and 10% due to family influence. Majority of them (85%) had undergone career guidance courses in school and were told about various career options. On completion of their undergraduate course in dentistry, 73% preferred to pursue post-graduation and 23% desired to establish private practice. Conclusions: The first years of A. B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore have chosen dentistry as a professional career mostly due to their personal interest and influence of family and friends.

Oral disease – often overlooked

Oral disease – often overlooked

Relationship of selection criteria to subsequent academic performance in an Australian undergraduate dental school

In 1998, in addition to previous academic achievement, an aptitude test (UMAT) and a structured interview were introduced into selection for the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), the undergraduate dental course at the University of Western Australia. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the combination of school-leaver dental students' entry scores, some demographic characteristics and subsequent student performance in the undergraduate course. Three hundred and ninety-eight school-leavers who enrolled in the BDSc from 1999 through 2011 were studied. Regression models were constructed comprising entry scores, gender and age as predictors in relation to subsequent academic performance. The main outcome measure was the weighted average mark (WAM) for each of five academic year levels as well as results in specific units, defined as either 'knowledge' based or 'clinically' based. Of the variables studied, previous academic performance and female gender had the strongest relationship with yearly WAM for Years 1 through 4 and for both 'knowledge' based and 'clinically' based units. The interview score showed a strong relationship in the major clinical years and in a range of 'clinically' based units. UMAT scores were less consistent in relationship to WAM. These results support assessment through a highly structured interview together with prior academic achievement as an evidence-based approach to selection of students for this undergraduate dental course.

Interprofessional education accreditation standards in the USA: A comparative analysis

Interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) will play a prominent role in the future of health professions' education and healthcare delivery in the USA and internationally. To assess the accreditation mandate for IPE in the USA, content analysis of IPE-related accreditation statements for all practice-level degrees in dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, psychology, public health and social work was performed. Eighteen keywords were used to locate potentially relevant IPE statements within each accreditation document. Identified statements were independently categorized by each author into one of three mutually exclusive categories: accountable, non-accountable or non-applicable (κ = 0.79; 95% CI 0.69–0.89). Eighteen of 21 accreditation documents analyzed contained applicable IPE statements. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education documents contained 77% (46/60) of accountable IPE statements. Two-thirds (14/21) of documents contained two or fewer accountable IPE statements. Statement categorization using inductive methodology identified four IPE student competency and organizational structure/process domains, respectively. Collectively, US health professions' graduates are not required to complete IPE and, therefore, may not be prepared for IPCP. US accrediting bodies are encouraged to collaborate to create a common IPE accreditation standard.

Avaliação de Técnicas de Clareamento de Consultório com e sem o Uso de Luz (Laser/Led)

Current research compared two dental bleaching techniques with regard to bleaching and to dental sensitivity degrees. Ten volunteers, involved in the process according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, received a bleaching application of the upper and lower dental arch. Gel from hydrogen peroxide 35% (Whiteness HPMaxx - FGM) was applied by LED (Ultrablue Lazer System IV - DMC Equipments) to the patient’s right side. Three successive applications were carried out every 15 min, totaling 45 min. Bleaching gel Calcium Blue 35% (FGM) was applied to the left superior and inferior dental arches of the patient and kept on the vestibular surfaces during 45 min without any light source. Color scale classical Vita - VITAPAN® and digital images was employed for color evaluation prior to bleaching and after seven days. VAS questionnaire was used to measure sensitiveness prior to bleaching and after seven days of bleaching. Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant color difference between the groups, with or without the light activation of the bleaching gel. Sensitiveness was similar to both groups. Results show that bleaching techniques with or without light provided similar results with regard to bleaching. Patients considered sensitiveness as slight or nil and showed that the method is safe with regard to post-bleaching sensitiveness.

Information‐Seeking Behaviors of Dental Practitioners in Three Practice‐Based Research Networks

Research on the information-seeking behaviors of dental practitioners is scarce. Knowledge of dentists' informationseeking behaviors should advance the translational gap between clinical dental research and dental practice. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to examine the self-reported information-seeking behaviors of dentists in three dental practice-based research networks (PBRNs). A total of 950 dentists (65 percent response rate) completed the survey. Dental journals and continuing dental education (CDE) sources used and their influence on practice guidance were assessed. PBRN participation level and years since dental degree were measured. Full-participant dentists reported reading the Journal of the American Dental Association and General Dentistry more frequently than did their reference counterparts. Printed journals were preferred by most dentists. A lower proportion of full participants obtained their CDE credits at dental meetings compared to partial participants. Experienced dentists read other dental information sources more frequently than did less experienced dentists. Practitioners involved in a PBRN differed in their approaches to accessing information sources. Peer-reviewed sources were more frequently used by full participants and dentists with fifteen years of experience or more. Dental PBRNs potentially play a significant role in the dissemination of evidence-based information. This study found that specific educational sources might increase and disseminate knowledge among dentists.

Dr G Herbert Hanson In Memory – An appreciation

The orthodontic profession lost a great visionary and inventor when Dr G Herbert Hanson passed away on May 15, 2012 at the age of 78. In the world of orthodontics many referred to Herb as ‘‘The Father of Self-Ligation.’’ He devoted practically his entire 50 year professional life to the development and refinement of the self-ligating SPEED Appliance. It is thus not a strange phenomenon that his appliance is now widely emulated; he truly made an enormous contribution to the orthodontic profession. Dr Hanson was born in Redditt, Ontario, Canada. He lived with his parents in various wilderness locations on the Canadian National Railway Northline where his early education was largely by correspondence with classes occurring one week per month in what was known as the ‘‘school car’’; a modified railway coach. In subsequent years, he attended schools in both Canada and the USA until his family settled in Southern Ontario. He obtained degrees in Dentistry and Orthodontics at the University of Toronto. Throughout his professional career, Dr Hanson acknowledged his good fortune of having studied under Prof E Harvold and Prof D Woodside; both of whom had a profound influence on his orthodontic formation. It was during his orthodontic graduate program, after observing a clinical instructor ‘‘steel tie’’ upper and lower arches, that Dr Hanson became convinced of the need for a self-ligating bracket. To enhance his understanding of metal working and metallurgy, he worked during his summers at the International Nickel Company, INCO. In 1970, Dr Hanson purchased drafting equipment and began work on the design of prototypes for a new edgewise appliance. Although his primary goal was to eliminate the need for ligation, he was particularly focused on designing an appliance that would cooperate with the archwire in corrective tooth movement —the so called ‘‘Active’’ or ‘‘Inter-Active’’ self-ligating bracket. This was to become the SPEED appliance. Dr Hanson approached Strite Industries Limited in 1975 to manufacture his appliance. With the help of this company they began the laborious task of design optimization. The first SPEED Spring Clips were ‘‘hand formed’’ by Dr Hanson from segmented watch springs. Brackets were welded ‘‘by hand’’ onto bands and placed selectively on patients to determine the viability of the evolving design. The design was first introduced to the profession in 1978 at the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists Meeting. More than 600 patients had undergone full treatment with the SPEED appliance in Dr Hanson’s private practice at the time of its commercial introduction in 1980. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Dr Hanson spent much of his free time conveying, through lectures and journal articles, the merits of self-ligation and the SPEED design. He retired from private practice in 2002 but remained engaged in orthodontic product development throughout his retirement. Like all true inventors, Dr Hanson preferred the workshop to the limelight and was most at home tinkering with his various patented inventions. He will be remembered as a kind, generous and loving gentleman who showed great enthusiasm for life and his profession. He enjoyed nature hikes, classical music and spending time with family. He is survived by his beloved wife Evelyn and his children Karen, Eric, and Christine. The author wishes to thank Mr Richard Strite of Cambridge, Ontario, for sharing his personal experiences from his long professional relationship with Dr Hanson.

Is the surgical profile of trainees applying for a second degree in dentistry changing?

Introduction: Since its inception in 2006, the Dental Programme of Medical Graduates at Kings College London has offered the only 3 year dental degree, along with a 4 year graduate programme. As such it represents a significant portion of trainees undertaking a second degree in dentistry. Recent changes in surgical career pathway requirements have raised questions about the amount of surgical experience candidates require before entering specialist training. We sought to assess if prior surgical experience is falling in candidates applying for a second degree in dentistry.

Shared learning for oral health therapy and dental students: enhanced understanding of roles and responsibilities through interprofessional education

To enhance interprofessional learning outcomes, The School of Dentistry at The University of Queensland redesigned first-year curricula. Courses for Bachelor of Oral Health (OHT) and Bachelor of Dental Science (DS) students were combined, and learning content created to support the development of skills, knowledge and attitudes required for the oral healthcare team to work effectively in providing the best possible care for patients. Over a 2-year period, all commencing OHT and DS students were invited to participate in this study. One cohort (n = 93) was enrolled into a traditional, discipline-specific programme (TRAD), whereas the other cohort (n = 93) experienced an integrated learning programme (INT) with combined courses for OHT and DS students. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and a modified dental and dental care professional roles and responsibilities (DRR) survey were completed to determine students' awareness of dental professionals' roles and responsibilities, and their attitudes to interprofessional education and teamwork. Following completion of 1 year of learning, both INT and TRAD cohorts showed similar levels of readiness for shared learning. At the commencement of the second year of the study programme, however, there was a significantly better understanding of shared care amongst INT students. This study provides initial support for the integrated learning approach adopted by this university. The INT cohort had significantly improved understandings of the roles and responsibilities of dentists and oral health therapists. The results of this study have been used to refine ongoing curriculum developments.

Il ruolo dell’odontoiatra nella medicina estetica: norme e indicazioni

ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to evaluate the roles played by dentistry graduates in Aesthetic Medicine interventions involving the face and the lips and to analyze age-related esthetic changes in the perioral structures. Materials and methodsWe briefly review the treatments in which dentists are involved, including the injection of fillers or botulinum toxin, and the professional liability and insurance issues related to these interventions. Results and conclusionsIn the last decade, there have been dramatic increase in both the supply and demand for Aesthetic Medicine interventions involving the face and the lips, but clear laws regulating the roles of dentists in this professional activity are lacking. In response to this situation, the presidency of the Italian Board of Dentists Board expressed its opinion on the lawfulness of such treatment by dentists in June 2010. The authors maintain that individuals holding graduate degrees in dentistry and prosthodontics from Italian universities are competent to perform Aesthetic Medicine treatments within the limits prescribed by the current law.

Dentists' knowledge, attitudes and practices toward patients with epilepsy in Hyderabad city, India

AimThe present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices about epilepsy among a group of dentists in Hyderabad city, India. Materials and methodsAll dentists registered with the local Dental Association branch were eligible to participate in this questionnaire study. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics were used. Multiple group analysis was done using Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann Whitney U Test was used for two-group comparison. The variables were taken as significant at a p value of 0.05. ResultsA total of 217 respondents with mean age of 33.16±10.4years participated in the study. Most respondents possessed a post-graduate (Master of Dental Surgery — MDS) degree (59.4%). A convulsion or shaking was identified as the most familiar recognizable symptom of epilepsy. 84.3% of the dentists would not object to their children having association with patients with epilepsy, and 61.3% would not object to their relative marrying a person with a history of epilepsy. A large number of dentists (178; 82%) were confident to treat a person with epilepsy. 95.3% assumed that they have an ethical responsibility to treat this population. None of the practice-related questions showed any significant difference with respect to different age groups, gender or the education levels (BDS/MDS). ConclusionOur study reflects that this group of Indian dentists has a fairly high knowledge and positive attitudes toward patients with epilepsy. This encouraging approach and confidence among dentists may positively influence patients with epilepsy to seek dental care.

Companion interview

Abstract Cecilia Gorrel is both a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a veterinary surgeon and as such has been very well-placed to develop veterinary dental care at her Petdent referral service.

Commentary on “Potential to improve oral health care through evidence, protocols, and payment models”

The first half of the paper presents compelling arguments on why we should adopt risk- and evidence-based dental treatment which we agree with. It also identifies real obstacles which need solutions that are universally agreed to. Only the dental profession can create: a single, commonly accepted and validated risk assessment tool for dental caries as well as one for periodontal disease; diagnostic codes to communicate risk status to payers to reduce misuse of benefits (as described for fluoride); scientific studies that demonstrate a correlation between the frequency of dental prophylaxes and a reduction in dental caries – the same for the frequency of examinations; and clinical management pathways tied to risk status. Academic institutions should already be training all dentists in risk- and evidence-based methods so that we do not need special certificates when a dental degree or continuing education credit for license renewal should suffice. The lack of these things, and not dental plan administrators or payers, is the real barrier to creating risk- and evidence-based dental benefits. It is important to understand that most programs such as the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program are not insurance programs. They are state-funded entitlements that often contract with third parties to provide administrative services such as processing claims which the state pays. The fee schedules, and exclusions and limitations, such as how often topical fluoride will be paid as a benefit, are determined by the state. But even if the state (or insurance company) wanted to make the benefits more evidence-based, the dental profession has not yet created the necessary things identified above. Plan administrators are often caught between the payers of benefits, who are trying to lower their costs, and providers of care, who are trying to increase their revenues. Additionally, the state and national governments are trying to lower Medicaid costs. Any changes to existing reimbursement will have to benefit these parties as well as patients. While academic papers have value, we believe that successful real-world models are more compelling. We suggest that dentists and payers who believe in this approach sit down together and create a solution. If dentists believe that their protocols for delivering care based on evidence and risk status will allow them to redistribute funds spent on unnecessary care to more beneficial care for the same or lower cost, then they should create that program. We also suggest creating something like an Accountable Care Organization with a form of global payment reimbursement. You could take a population of children, determine what was paid during the prior 12 months, and tie that to the global payment. Such a program could eliminate the unnecessary care and use those funds to provide additional preventive services to higher-risk children. If all parties are really serious about finding a solution, they can make it happen. The author has declared no conflict of interest relevant to the submitted work.

Emerging from an undergraduate dental degree program

Emerging from an undergraduate dental degree program