Pediatric Dentistry Research Articles

Application of principles learned in a prevention-focused pediatric dental residency curriculum to professional practice.

This study examined whether pediatric dentists who participated in a pediatric dental residency program focusing on disease prevention and management training and screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) were applying these principles to their professional practice upon graduation. Using a cross-sectional study design, a one-time-only online survey was disseminated to 75 pediatric dentists who graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles's training program between 2012 and 2022. The 21-item survey included questions on demographics, patient population characteristics, and application of preventive dentistry and SDOH to their professional practice. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess survey items. The survey response rate was 64%. Over two-thirds (67%) of alumni reported accepting Medicaid, 34% saw patients in a medically underserved area and all reported seeing children with special needs in their practice. Strategies used to address SDOH in their practice included providing anticipatory guidance (98%) and educating families on oral disease prevention and screening for SDOH (96%). Alumni accepting patients with Medicaid/public health insurance were more likely to address SDOH in their practice, such as assisting patients with filling out Medicaid paperwork (p<0.05), conducting outreach to underserved communities (p<0.05), and using interpreters in their practice (p<0.01) in comparison with alumni not accepting patients with Medicaid/public health insurance. This study demonstrated that a pediatric dental residency program may be successful in training residents to educate children, families, and special needs patients on disease prevention and management in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner and screen for SDOH during patient visits.

Effectiveness of a message service on child oral health practice via a social media application: A randomized controlled trial.

Early establishment of healthy oral health behaviours is important to reduce early childhood caries risk. Two-way social media applications can economically assist caregivers. To evaluate the effectiveness of a LINE™ messaging service (MS) on promoting good oral health behaviors in Thai children. One hundred and ninety caregiver-child dyads (children aged 6-36 months) who attended a university dental hospital and two other hospitals were randomly assigned to receive age-appropriate dental health education via MS or through traditional on-site visits. Infographic posters, video clips, and supportive messages were delivered weekly to the MS group. Parental oral health knowledge and children's oral health status and practice were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. The MS group showed significantly better scores in feeding habits (p = .034) and toothbrushing practice (p = .007). Parental knowledge increased in both groups; however, knowledge increased significantly in the control group (p = .001). Both groups exhibited improvements in the debris score but not in caries progression. The caregivers rated both methods as high to the highest satisfaction. The MS yielded comparable outcomes to traditional dental visits in promoting oral health behaviours.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Hong Kong Kindergarten Children Receiving Silver Diamine Fluoride Therapy.

The objective of this prospective 12-month observational study is to examine the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Hong Kong young children aged 3-4 years old receiving silver diamine fluoride (SDF) therapy for carious upper anterior primary teeth. A parental questionnaire was used to collect each child's sociodemographic background and oral health habits at baseline. Data on parents' satisfaction with their child's dental aesthetics were collected at baseline and during a 12-month visit. The Chinese Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (C-ECOHIS) was used to measure OHRQoL. A trained dentist performed examinations and recorded caries experience (dmft) and oral hygiene (visible plaque index) at baseline and 12 months. SDF was applied to the carious lesions. Out of 286 invited children, 248 (87%, 248/286) participated, and 211 (85%, 211/248) attended the 12-month examination. All SDF-treated carious lesions were discoloured at the 12-month examination. Regression analysis showed that the baseline C-ECOHIS score was associated with dmft (p < 0.001). The baseline and 12-month C-ECOHIS scores were 4.6 ± 5.5 and 5.0 ± 5.6, respectively (p = 0.42). The scores for parental satisfaction with dental aesthetics at baseline and 12 months were 59% to 46% (p < 0.001). Satisfaction was negatively associated with the number of discoloured upper anterior teeth (p < 0.001). In conclusion, SDF discoloured the carious upper anterior teeth of the Hong Kong kindergarten children. However, the discoloured lesions had no significant effects on the OHRQoL of these children. However, more parents became dissatisfied with their child's dental aesthetics after SDF therapy. Hence, clinicians should inform parents well before they perform SDF therapy on children.

An investigation of the association between parenting style and child’s dental caries: a cross-sectional study

To investigate the association between parenting style and child’s dental caries. Parents presenting with their children to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for an initial exam or re-care appointment completed a demographic survey and the parenting styles and dimensions questionnaire. Recruitment of subjects started in May 2019 and ended in February of 2020. Child’s decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index, diet score, sex, and age were recorded, as were parent’s race, education level, and form of payment. Adjustment for confounders was done using multivariable negative binomial regression. The sample size was 210 parent/child dyads. In the multivariable analysis, parenting style and child’s dmft were not significantly associated (p > 0.05). Parents with an education level less than high school (p = 0.02) and at the high school graduate level (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with children who had higher dmft, compared to parents with a college degree or higher. Children with excellent diet scores had significantly lower dmft than children with a diet score in the “needs improvement” category (p = 0.003). There was no significant evidence that parenting style is associated with child’s dental caries. Parent’s education level and child’s diet score were significantly associated with child’s dmft, less than high school (p = 0.02) and at the level of high school graduate (p = 0.008). Pediatric dental professionals should be aware of these risk indicators.

Smile Innovations: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Dentistry : A Narrative Review

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies play a significant role and significantly impact various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, sciences, and smart cities. AI has the potential to improve the quality of patient care and treatment outcomes while minimizing the risk of human error. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the dental industry, just like it is revolutionizing other sectors.. This review delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within the realm of pediatric dentistry. As technology continues to advance, AI-driven solutions are increasingly shaping the landscape of dental care for children. From early diagnosis of dental issues to personalized treatment plans and patient education, AI offers a myriad of opportunities to enhance the delivery of pediatric dental services. This article examines the current state of AI applications in pediatric dentistry, highlighting key developments, challenges, and future prospects. By exploring the intersection of AI and pediatric dental care, this review aims to provide insights into how emerging technologies can optimize oral health outcomes and promote smiles for generations to come

Health and oral health literacy: A comprehensive literature review from theory to practice.

Health literacy (HL) refers to an individual's ability to access, understand, and apply health information to make informed decisions about their health. On the contrary, oral health literacy (OHL) focuses on an individual's ability to understand and utilize oral health information to maintain good oral health. This study presents a comprehensive literature review that explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of HL and OHL. A comprehensive search was conducted using keywords on the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The existing literature on various aspects of HL, including the most common used definitions of HL, conceptual frameworks, and consequences of limited health and OHL, was summarized. Additionally, the review discussed the significance of HL and OHL. Also, the relation between parent level of OHL and children's oral health was described. It further highlights modern approaches that have been shown in previous studies to improve the OHL of primary caregivers. Understanding the significance of HL and OHL is crucial in developing effective interventions that can address disparities and improve oral health outcomes for individuals of all backgrounds.

Restoration of fractured anterior tooth with monochrome composite resin in pediatric dental patient

Direct restoration with monochromatic composite resin is a treatment option for teeth with coronal fracture after dentoalveolar trauma. This restorative material, in principle, is capable of mimicking the color of the dental substrate. This study aimed to report and discuss the technique of direct restoration with monochromatic composite resin, in a child patient. An 8-year-old male patient attended the Emergency Room of the Baby Clinic of the State University of Londrina for immediate treatment after dentoalveolar trauma that resulted in enamel and dentin fracture, without pulp involvement. As a procedure, restoration was performed with glass ionomer cement and referral to the institution's Dental Residency program. In this service, after case planning, the restoration of the coronal fracture of the substrates was performed with the insertion of multiple increments of the Vittra APS Unique (FGM) composite, with the aid of a silicone guide prepared based on a waxing model to facilitate the reestablishment of the palatal surface form and anatomy. In the clinical follow-up evaluation, the aesthetic and functional results obtained were considered highly satisfactory by patients, relatives and dental clinicians. Thus, it can be concluded that the option for monochromatic composite resin is a viable alternative to make it easier for the dental clinicians to perform the procedure and reduce the clinical time, a relevant fact because it is a case of caring for a pediatric dentistry patient.

Impact of dental caries and Self-perceived oral health on daily lives of children and mothers in rural Egypt: a household survey

BackgroundThe present study assessed the impact of oral health on the daily lives of children and mothers living in a rural area in Northwestern Egypt.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey including children between 6 and 12 years old and their mothers was conducted in rural Egypt, 2019–2020. Data were collected using clinical examination and interview-based questionnaires of children and mothers. Three binary logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the dependent variables (oral health impact (yes, no) on avoiding smiling, chewing problems, and missing school (children) and avoiding social events (mothers)), and the explanatory variables: oral health (clinically-assessed caries experience and self-reported oral health) controlling for sociodemographic profile (child age and sex, mother’s education), daily toothbrushing and village of residence.ResultsA total of 211 households with 355 children and 211 mothers were included (91.5% response rate). About 54% of the children were girls, mean (SD) age = 8.7 (2.05) years and 82.3% did not brush their teeth daily. Mother’s mean (SD) age was 31.70 (5.45) years. Because of dental problems, 31.3% of children reported chewing difficulties, 31% avoided smiling compared to 76.3% and 43.6% of mothers. Also, 30.4% of children missed school and 76.8% of mothers reported reduced participation in social activities. In children, the number of decayed anterior teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of avoiding smiling (AOR = 1.22, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.44). In mothers, a greater number of posterior missing teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of chewing difficulties (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.45), and a greater number of all missing teeth was associated with significantly higher odds of reduced participation in social events (AOR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.30, 1.57). Good/ very good reported oral health in children and mothers was associated with lower odds of avoiding smiling and chewing problems (p < 0.05).ConclusionDecayed anterior teeth in children have a negative impact on smiling whereas missing teeth in mothers affect the ability to chew food and socialize. The psychological, functional, and social impacts of caries in this rural setting needs to be mitigated by improving oral health literacy and access to care.

Evaluation of The Role of Music and Bach Flower Remedies in The Management of Anxious Pediatric Dental Patients: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Objective: Dental fear and anxiety describe negative feelings towards the dental environment, particularly significant in pediatric dentistry due to their cognitive, behavioral, and physical impacts on children. Managing this anxiety through positive dentist-child relationships and behavioral guidance techniques is crucial. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of passive distraction using music and Bach flower remedy in reducing dental fear and anxiety in children aged 6-8 years. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical study included 12 children (n=4 for each group) aged 6-8 years, randomly assigned to Group 1 (control), Group 2 (Bach flower remedy), or Group 3 (passive distraction with music) for treating superficial dentin caries in primary teeth without local anesthesia. Dental fear and anxiety levels were assessed using objective (heart rate, oxygen saturation, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) and subjective (Facial Image Scale and Venham’s Picture Test) measures before and after treatment. Results: The study included 12 children (6 female, 6 male) with a mean age of 7.3±0.8 years. In Group 2, heart rate significantly decreased after treatment (97.8 ± 10.1 to 90.5 ± 8.8, p.05). Conclusion: In this study, although passive distraction with music and Bach flowers did not have a significant effect on physiological and projective measurement tools in children with dental fear and anxiety, a decrease in heart rate was observed in children exposed to Bach flowers.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Saudi Parents' Perceptions Toward Their Children's Oral Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) markedly affected all aspects of life. Pediatric dentistry and oral health of children faced a challenging situation during the pandemic. Aim This study aimedto assess the attitude of Saudi parents toward their children's oral health and dental treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This online-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire adopted from previous studies with some modifications. It was distributed among 385 Saudi parentsrecruited through social media. It included questions regarding demographic data, parents' attitudes toward their children's dental care and dental visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, their fear level and willingness to take their children to dental appointments, and the parent's perception of dental clinics with regard to the COVID-19 spread. Descriptive statistics and the chi-squaretest were used; statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Results Different levels of fear of the pandemic were expressed by Saudi parents, with 42 (10.9%) showing maximum fear while 36 (9.3%) reported no fear. Although about half of the parentsstated that their children experienced dental pain during the pandemic, only 97 (25.1%) looked for dental care and were assisted. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between the fear level with the family income and parents' willingness to take their children to dental appointments. Conclusions COVID-19 has hada great impact on parents' attitudes towards their children's oral health. A high percentage of Saudi parents' stated that they would take their children to dental clinics during the pandemic only for urgent treatment and severe pain.

Oral Health in Children With Mental Health Problems

Despite the often-neglected association between mental health and oral health, their significant interaction highlights the necessity for integrated health care approaches, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as children with disabilities and patients with mental illness. This delineates the unique challenges faced by children with neurodevelopmental disorders and congenital syndromes, necessitating tailored interventions and heightened awareness among caregivers and health care providers. Further, maternal mental health has emerged as a pivotal determinant of oral health outcomes in children, underscoring the need for comprehensive support systems. Acknowledging and mitigating oral health implications within mental health frameworks is important to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals with mental health conditions. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(8):e235–e239.]

Differences in the Oral Health of Children With Medical Complexity

ObjectiveChildren with medical complexity (CMC), a subgroup of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) with the most serious medical conditions and disabilities, are at risk for negative effects from poor oral health. CSHCN have high rates of poor oral health, including cavities. This study aimed to compare oral health status between CMC and CSHCN. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional analysis of the 2016–17 National Survey of Child Health data. CMC and CSHCN were identified using validated algorithms. The primary outcome was oral health status; secondary outcomes included dental service use. Bivariate analyses compared the prevalence and service use by medical complexity status. Multivariable logistic regression assessed oral health outcomes by complexity, adjusting for influencing variables. ResultsOf 16,178 CSHCN ages 1 to 17 years, 6% were CMC and 94% were non-CMC CSHCN. Compared to CSHCN, CMC had a higher prevalence of fair/poor teeth conditions (19% vs 9%; P < 0.001) and higher odds for fair/poor teeth conditions after adjusting for socioeconomic factors (aOR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.01–2.34). There was no statistically significant difference between groups when assessing cavities, toothache, or receipt of most preventive dental services. ConclusionsOne in 5 CMC are reported by caregivers as having poor oral health, including cavities, despite high rates of receiving preventive dental services. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors, medical complexity remained associated with fair or poor teeth conditions. Understanding potentially modifiable targets could further help families of CMC prioritize dental needs and potentially reduce negative effects on overall health.

DENTAL REHABILITATION BY THE OCCLUSAL MATRIX TECHNIQUE USING PROVISIONAL RESTORATOR: Case report of a pediatric patient from the city of Mato Verde - MG

The occlusal matrix technique allows the recording of anatomical details of the remaining tooth structure before starting cavity preparation, enabling the reestablishment of the original tooth morphology by means of an occlusal matrix. The objective of this study was to report a clinical case of dental rehabilitation by the occlusal matrix technique using a temporary restorative in pediatric dentistry. This research is an observational descriptive study (committee, nº 6.906.292). The work was conducted in the city of Mato Verde, Minas Gerais, at Faculdade Verde Norte (FAVENORTE). A 7-year-old female patient, together with her guardian, attended the FAVENORTE Dentistry clinic for dental care, complaining that her tooth had some “dark spots”. During the clinical examination, it was observed that tooth 46 had an active carious lesion on the occlusal surface in a region of pits and fissures with shadowing in the underlying dentin (ICDAS – Score 4), but with relatively intact occlusal anatomy. Interproximal radiographic examination showed that the carious lesion was in the dentin, but not close to the pulp. Due to the preservation of the occlusal anatomy of the tooth, the proposed treatment for the patient was the use of the occlusal matrix technique, selective removal of carious tissue, and restoration with composite resin, aiming to restore form and function. The occlusal matrix technique has proven to be an effective and efficient approach in the rehabilitation of carious lesions on occlusal surfaces, especially in pediatric patients. The technique allowed the faithful reproduction of the original anatomy of the tooth, which is essential for the maintenance of masticatory function, esthetics and occlusal integrity.

Evaluating the Success of Preformed Resin Bonded Composite Strip Crowns for the Primary Central Incisor in Restoring Carious Primary Canine Teeth: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background Restoration of primary canine teeth in pediatric dentistry requires a balance of functional, biological, and esthetic factors. Stainless steel crowns, while effective for posterior restorations, often have patient acceptance issues due to esthetic limitations. Resin-bonded composite strip crowns have gained traction for anterior restorations due to their superior esthetic qualities and repairability. However, their long-term performance in primary canines characterized by unique morphological and functional demands has not been thoroughly evaluated. This study investigates the efficacy of resin-bonded incisor strip crowns in primary canines over three years, assessing their functional durability, biological integrity, and esthetic performance to provide a comprehensive evaluation of their long-term success in this application. Methods This retrospective observational study, conducted from September 2023 to December 2023 at the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, received ethical approval from the Institutional Human Ethical Committee (IHEC/SDC/PEDO-2103/23/131). Dental records from January 2020 to December 2020 were reviewed by two investigators to identify children aged six years or younger who had undergone pulpectomy in primary canine teeth and were restored with resin-bonded incisor strip crowns. Exclusions included records with missing contact details or post-treatment radiographs. The purpose was to ensure a three-year review period when contacting patients in 2023. Eligible parents were contacted by phone, informed about the study, and invited for a review. Informed consent was obtained in person. Children with exfoliated primary canines and those whose parents did not sign the consent form were excluded. The restored crowns were evaluated using World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria across functional, biological, and esthetic domains by two calibrated examiners. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBMSPSSStatistics for Windows, Version 24 (Released 2016; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), with categorical variables expressed as n (%), inter-examiner reliability assessed by Cohen's kappa, and chi-square test used for goodness of fit, setting significance at 95%. Results Of the 92 primary canines restored with resin-bonded incisor strip crowns, 60 children were evaluated. The retention rate at the three-year follow-up was 50 (83.3%). Functional evaluation revealed that 48 (80%) of crowns maintained surface texture, 42 (70%) preserved form and contour, and 52 (86.6%) demonstrated acceptable occlusion and wear. Biologically, 55 (91.7%) of the crowns had no secondary caries, and 56 (93.4%) had no dental hard tissue defects at the margin. Esthetically, 48 (80%) of crowns retained surface texture, 46 (76.6%) had a satisfactory color match, and 45 (71.6%) exhibited minimal marginal staining. Statistical analysis confirmed significant results for all functional and esthetic parameters (p < 0.05). Conclusion The technique of placing incisor strip crowns in the place of primary canines can be recommended considering its maintenance of functional, biological, and esthetic properties.

Cytotoxic Effect of Two Different Concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite: An In-Vitro Study.

Introduction The endodontic treatment of primary teeth presents considerable complications due to their distinct anatomical properties. In order to achieve a successful endodontic treatment, certain factors must be assessed. These factors include a precise diagnosis, thorough cleaning, and a reliable disinfection protocol. Although sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been effective as an irrigation agent in primary teeth, it is important to recognize that higher concentrations of NaOCl might possibly inflict toxic harm on the periapical environment if they penetrate the tooth's apical foramina. Since primary teeth are important, pediatric dentists must choose an appropriate NaOCl concentration for root canal irrigation, as higher concentrations can be toxic. Thus, the current investigation examined the cytotoxicity of two different NaOCl concentrations at various volumes. Methods To evaluate the cytotoxicity potential, a culture ofnauplii (brine shrimp) was prepared and subjected to testing. For the test, 5, 10, 20, and 40 µL of 1% and 3% NaOCl were added to the brine shrimp culture at different concentrations, and saline was used as a control. After a span of 24 hours, the total number of alive nauplii was duly noted. Results After 24 hours, nauplii showed no mortality in the control group. For 1% NaOCl, mortality ranged from 10% to 20% across volumes, with no significant differences (p = 0.193). In contrast, 3% NaOCl caused significantly higher mortality: 20% at 5 µL, 30% at 10 and 20 µL, and 60% at 40 µL (p = 0.007). Tukey's analysis revealed no significant differences for 1% NaOCl (p > 0.05) but significant differences for 3% NaOCl at 40 µL (p < 0.05). Conclusion Based on the results of the present study, it was observed that a 1% NaOCl solution exhibited a lower level of toxicity in comparison to a 3% NaOCl solution. These findings highlight the importance of using lower concentrations of NaOCl for endodontic irrigation in pediatric dentistry to reduce the risk of tissue damage and ensure safer outcomes for young patients.

Percentage Of Dentists And Dental Practices Affiliated With Private Equity Nearly Doubled, 2015-21.

Over the course of the past twenty years, private equity (PE) has played a role in acquiring medical practices, hospitals, and nursing homes. More recently, PE has taken a greater interest in acquiring dental practices, but few data exist about the scope of PE activity within dentistry. We analyzed dentist provider data for the period 2015-21 to examine trends in PE acquisition of dental practices. The percentage of dentists affiliated with PE increased from 6.6percent in 2015 to 12.8percent in 2021. During this period, PE affiliation increased particularly among larger dental practices and among dental specialists such as endodontists, oral surgeons, and pediatric dentists. PE-affiliated dental practices were more likely to participate in Medicaid than practices not affiliated with PE. Future research should investigate whether PE's role in dentistry affects the affordability and quality of dental services.

From Concept to Clinical Practice: A Review of Autotransplantation Techniques and Their Impact on Dentistry.

The goal of autotransplantation of teeth (ATT) is to provide the patient with a functioning tooth to replace a missing one. In dentistry, this surgery has gained significant approval and popularity; nonetheless, there is still a shortage of thorough evidence about its long-term effects. Tooth transplantation has a rich historical pedigree, and the main factors determining its success are the extra-alveolar period, proper splinting, periodontal ligament treatment, and root growth stage. With its high reported survival rate, autotransplantation is a potential therapeutic option, especially when it comes to replacing damaged anterior maxillary teeth. Collaboration between orthodontists, pediatric dentists, restorative dentists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons is necessary for the successful execution of this treatment. The extra-alveolar period, proper splinting, periodontal ligament treatment, and the stage of root growth are the main factors that determine success. Although there are many applications for autotransplantation, a good functional and cosmetic result depends on careful patient selection and a proper surgical approach. It is not practical to replace lost teeth in children and teenagers with bridgework or implants as this may interfere with the proper development of the alveolar process and other facial bones. As such, these techniques are not recommended. Alternatively, implanting a tooth from the same person without fully forming its roots might be a good substitute. This method promotes improved mastication, speech, dentofacial development, aesthetics, and arch form integrity by enabling unhindered alveolar growth and root development. Although tooth autotransplantation has not been widely used in clinical dentistry, it is currently seen as a viable option that can replace traditional prosthetics and implant rehabilitation in both financialand medical terms. This review examines several benefits, possible iatrogenic harms, side effects, and important variables that might affect the result of the transplant, in addition to suitable criteria for the best-case selection. It also offers recommendations based on the literature.

Dental care for patients with down syndrome: A survey for dentists of the college of the balearic islands.

Down Syndrome (DS) presents with systemic, craniofacial and oral alterations accompanied by different levels of intellectual disability and because of this, they frequently require professional dental care. Objective: This work aims to know the dental care patients with DS receive from dentists in the Balearic Islands. An 11-question survey was carried out via email from the College of Dentists of the Balearic Islands. The researchers conducted the survey based on previous researchs. The first three questions refered the professional´s profile (age, sex and years since graduation) and the restant 8 were focused on the academic training and dental care provided to patients with DS. 129 surveys were collected. 40.45% were between 34-43 years old, 67.84% were women, and 32.16% were men. 33.30% had been in professional practice for between 15-24 years, followed by those with 4-14 years with 27.33% and those with 25-34 years with 24.04%. 81.64% received undergraduate academic training, and 60.72% completed training after graduating. 57.17% believe that patients with DS should be treated by a dentist specialised in special patients, 20.67% by a pediatric dentist, and 18.87% by a general dentist. 63.40% perform sealing, fillings or dental extractions, 60.6% perform oral examination, oral cleaning and give prophylaxis instructions, and 26.72% state that they perform endodontic treatments. Significant differences were found between some of the variables analysed and the age, sex, academic training or professional scenario of the professionals. Post-graduate training increases the likelihood that dentists will feel comfortable with sealing-filling-extraction treatments by 7.48 times and endodontic treatments by 3.26 times. Key words:Down Syndrome, Trisomy 21, Surveys and Questionnaires, Dental Care for Children, Oral Health.

Association of Fear and Anxiety Scales in Pediatric Dental Patients Using Brainwave Entrainment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Dental fear and anxiety are significant issues among pediatric patients, often complicating dental treatments. Various tools measure these emotional responses, including subjective scales such as the Visual Facial Anxiety Scale (VFAS) and Children Fear Scale (CFS), and objective scales such as Venham's Anxiety Scale (VAS) and FranklBehavior Rating Scale (FBRS). This study explores the association between these measures in children subjected to brainwave entrainment (BWE) therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the association between subjective and objective fear and anxiety measures in pediatric dental patients within both the brainwave entrainment (BWE) intervention group and control group. Methods This randomized controlled trial included pediatric participants aged seven to 12 years reporting to the department for dental treatment. Participants were randomized into two following groups: an experimental group receiving BWE therapy and a control group receiving traditional behavioral management. Fear and anxiety levels were measured using subjective and objective scales before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation to examine the associations between these scales, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results Post-intervention analysis revealed significant correlations between subjective and objective measures of fear and anxiety in both groups. In the BWE group (N=126), there was a moderate positive correlation between the VFAS and VAS (rho=0.540, p<0.001) and a strong negative correlation between the CFS and FBRS (rho=-0.666, p<0.001).The control group (N=126) showed stronger correlations, rho=0.778 for anxiety scales and rho=-0.817 for fear and behavior scales (p<0.001). Combined data analysis from both groups (N=252) confirmed strong correlations. Conclusion This study found a significant association between subjective and objective measures of fear and anxiety in pediatric dental patients within both the brainwave entrainment (BWE) intervention group and control group. Thereby proving that self-reporting behavioral scales are useful for quickly assessing anxiety in pediatric dental settings.

Efficacy of computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery system on pain in dental anesthesia: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

Computer-controlled local anesthesia delivery (CCLAD) is an innovative electronic injection device that represents a cutting-edge approach to dental anesthesia. This system is promising for painless anesthesia using controlled anesthetic injections. This review aimed to compare the discomfort experienced by patients during local anesthesia using a traditional syringe and the CCLAD system and evaluate the potential of the CCLAD system as a painless dental anesthesia solution. The inclusion criteria for this study were based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The study population, including children and adults, underwent dental anesthesia using the CCLAD system, ensuring a comprehensive and representative sample that instills confidence in the validity of the results. Fourteen clinical trials were included in the analysis after they fulfilled the eligibility criteria. We found that using computer-assisted anesthetic equipment not only led to a significantly lower pain perception score, but also had a profound positive impact on patient behavior. Patients using the CCLAD device exhibited more cooperative and helpful conduct, indicating the system's effectiveness in improving patient comfort and experience and reassuring the audience about its positive impact. In conclusion, using a computer-assisted anesthetic device such as the CCLAD system significantly reduced pain perception scores and improved patient behavior, making them more cooperative and helpful. These findings offer hope for pediatric dentistry and apprehensive adult patients, suggesting a more comfortable and less daunting dental experience with the CCLAD system.