Dental Assistants Research Articles

Interventions and evaluation to improve oral health in patients with stroke: a scoping review

Objectives: This scoping review aimed to identify and analyze intervention strategies and assessment methods for oral hygiene management (OHM) and oral function management (OFM) in patients with stroke admitted to general wards, with the goal of providing directions for future research. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search on studies published over the past 10 years across databases, including Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PubMed, and ProQuest. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: In the OHM studies (N=7), oral hygiene care was primarily provided by nurses, dental assistants, and nursing care aides. Oral hygiene was assessed using plaque and gingival bleeding indices with products such as electronic toothbrushes and mouth rinses. In the OFM studies (N=11), care was provided by speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and dental hygienists. Assessment tools included the Functional Oral Intake Scale, the PenetrationAspiration Scale, and Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Studies. Conclusions: Improving the oral health of patients with stroke requires both hygiene and functional management. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method that provides specialized oral care tailored to the hospitalization environment and the specific conditions of patients with stroke.

DEVELOPMENT OF ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR COMPLETE DENTURES TREATMENT

Based on data from the Basic Health Research 2018, indicate a correlation between age and tooth loss, yet denture utilization remains comparatively low. Dental therapists are primarily responsible for enhancing oral health by preventing, treating, and managing dental problems. While authorized to collaborate with dental specialists in providing medical dental procedures. However, in many clinical settings, dental therapists are often relegated to the role of dental assistants. This limitation can be attributed to the lack of integrated dental care models for complete denture cases within specialized prosthodontic services. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of developed dental and oral health care model on patients with complete denture care on changes in the behavior of dental therapists in implementing the model. This study employs a quasi-experimental research design with a pretest-posttest design (non-equivalent control group). The research was conducted the entire population of 12 dental therapists at the prosthodontic clinic of the dental and oral hospital were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received socialization on an oral health care model. Knowledge, attitude, and skills were assessed through questionnaires and observational methods both before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed statistically using paired t-test, and independent t-test. Its model is effective in behavior changes: improving knowledge (p-value 0.025; ? 7.50), attitudes (p-value 0.012; ? 7.33), skills (p-value 0.002; ? 26.67). Development of a dental and oral health care model in patients with complete denture care is effective in changing the behavior of dental therapists.

Imbalances in the oral health workforce: a Canadian population-based study

BackgroundIn Canada, a new federal public dental insurance plan, being phased in over 2022–2025, may help enhance financial access to dental services. However, as in many other countries, evidence is limited on the supply and distribution of human resources for oral health (HROH) to meet increasing population needs. This national observational study aimed to quantify occupational, geographical, institutional, and gender imbalances in the Canadian dental workforce to help inform benchmarking of HROH capacity for improving service coverage.MethodsSourcing microdata from the 2021 Canadian population census, we described workforce imbalances for three groups of postsecondary-qualified dental professionals: dentists, dental hygienists and therapists, and dental assistants. To assess geographic maldistribution relative to population, we linked the person-level census data to the geocoded Index of Remoteness for all inhabited communities. To assess gender-based inequities in the dental labour market, we performed Blinder-Oaxaca decompositions for examining differences in professional earnings of women and men.ResultsThe census data tallied 3.4 active dentists aged 25–54 per 10,000 population, supported by an allied workforce of 1.7 dental hygienists/therapists and 1.6 dental assistants for every dentist. All three professional groups were overrepresented in heavily urbanized communities compared with more rural and remote areas. Almost all dental service providers worked in ambulatory care settings, except for male dental assistants. The dentistry workforce was found to have achieved gender parity numerically, but women dentists still earned 21% less on average than men, adjusting for other characteristics. Despite women representing 97% of dental hygienists/therapists, they earned 26% less on average than men, a significant difference that was largely unexplained in the decomposition analysis.ConclusionsAccelerating universal coverage of oral healthcare services is increasingly advocated as an integral, but often neglected, component toward achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. In the Canadian context of universal coverage for medical (but not dentistry) services, the oral health workforce was found to be demarcated by considerable geographic and gendered imbalances. More cross-nationally comparable research is needed to inform innovative approaches for equity-oriented HROH planning and financing, often critically overlooked in public policy for health systems strengthening.

Stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about obesity among dental team members.

Weight stigma is prevalent within healthcare settings and is an aspect of the lived experience of people living with obesity. There is international evidence of weight stigma in the dental setting, where currently there is also evidence indicating limited training amongst dental professionals regarding obesity or obesity-related stigma. There has been Australian research and none have included dental support staff. This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs of dental professionals (registered general dentists, oral health therapists) and support staff (dental assistants, dental receptionists) working in private and public regional practices in New South Wales and specialists in Special Needs Dentistry across Australia toward people living with obesity. An anonymous electronic validated survey was administered through REDCap™ to assess stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs held amongst respondents in relation to people living with obesity. Fifty-three participants completed the survey (n=33 clinicians, n=20 support staff). The majority 47/53 (88.7%) held positive attitudes toward people living with obesity. Of the clinicians, 15/33 (45.5%) reported 1hour or less and 14/33 (42.4%) reported two to 5hours of obesity-related education. 14/20 (70%) of the support staff reported no prior education or training about obesity. Of responses reflecting weight stigma, only three clinicians reported negative reactions toward the appearance, or discomfort during examination, of a patient with obesity, or a perception of laziness, compared with normal weight individuals. A higher proportion 4/20 (20%) of support staff reported responses indicating negative attitudes for people with obesity compared with normal weight individuals. Survey responses reflected evidence of weight stigma in both dental professionals and support staff. Professional development targeting weight stigma reduction in the dental setting is needed for both clinicians and support staff.

Quality Assessment of Periapical Radiographs Taken by Dental Assistants Using the Recent Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP) Guidelines.

Periapical radiographs play a pivotal role in dentistry, offering invaluable insights essential for various dental procedures. This study aims to systematically assess the quality of intraoral periapical (IOPA) radiographs evaluating adherence to the recent guidelines established by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP). A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University College of Dentistry (UCD), employing a non-probability consecutive sampling technique to acquire a calculated sample of 300 IOPA radiographs from the operative, oral surgery, and oral radiology departments. Two senior faculty members evaluated the radiographs according to the recent two-tier grading system outlined in the FGDP guidelines. The study revealed that 197 (65.67%) of the assessed radiographs were diagnostically acceptable, while 103 (34.33%) were deemed diagnostically unacceptable. Contrast problems emerged as the most prevalent issue, accounting for 85 (28.3%) of the cases. Other common problems included incorrect film positioning in 66 (22%), incorrect vertical cone angulation in 37 (12.3%), incorrect horizontal cone angulation in 11 (3.7%), and incorrect processing in 15 (5%) of the IOPA radiographs. This study revealed that approximately two-thirds of the IOPA radiographs were deemed diagnostically acceptable. However, contrast issues emerged as the predominant concern affecting image quality. These findings highlight the critical importance of continuous quality improvement initiatives in radiographic practices to enhance diagnostic precision and ensure optimal patient care.

Impact of Direct Observation on Hand Hygiene Compliance in a Dental University Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections in dental settings. Despite its importance, the hand hygiene compliance rates remain unclear, particularly in dental university hospitals where teaching, research, and clinical practice intersect. This study aimed to establish a baseline of hand hygiene compliance rates in a dental university hospital, evaluate the effectiveness of direct observation in improving compliance, and compare practices among different categories of healthcare workers. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Kanagawa Dental University Hospital from April 2022 to March 2023. The design included four blinded direct observations to establish baseline compliance rates, followed by educational training and four unannounced explicit observations. Compliance was assessed based on the World Health Organization's "Your 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene: Dental Care," adapted for dental outpatient services. The study focused on hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and compliance rates were calculated for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and trainee dentists. Monthly consumption of hand sanitizer per patient was tracked from January 2019 as a secondary measure. Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact test, unpaired t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results The baseline hand hygiene compliance rate was low at 15.6%, with the highest compliance (25.0%) for "After touching patient surroundings." Post-intervention, the overall compliance rate increased significantly to 36.0% (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in moments "After body fluid exposure risk" (11.1% to 31.3%, p = 0.004), "After touching a patient" (12.0% to 52.9%, p = 0.006), and "After touching patient surroundings" (25.0% to 73.3%, p = 0.001). Dental hygienists, assistants, and trainee dentists showed significant increases in hand hygiene compliance, while dentists did not. Hand sanitizer consumption increased significantly from 2019 (2.38 ± 0.29 mL per patient) to 2020 (3.47 ± 0.49 mL, p < 0.001) and remained elevated through 2023. Conclusions This study revealed low baseline hand hygiene compliance in a dental university hospital setting. While direct observation and education led to significant short-term improvements, especially among allied health professionals, the disconnect between observed compliance rates and hand sanitizer consumption suggests these changes may not represent sustainable behavioral shifts. The varying improvement rates among different healthcare workers and the challenges in maintaining long-term adherence highlight the need for tailored, continuous interventions in dental education and practice settings to enhance hand hygiene compliance.

Augmenting patient monitoring during intravenous moderate sedation with artificial intelligence: A pilot study.

A precordial stethoscope (PS) is essential for ensuring clear breath sounds during open airway sedations. However, a traditional PS limits the ability of new users to simultaneously listen to heart and lung sounds alongside experienced practitioners, hindering their learning and development. Bluetooth speaker systems allow for multiple providers but amplify all noise. An artificial intelligence (AI) PS has the potential to selectively reduce ambient noise, allowing multiple providers to monitor concurrently and provides a visual representation of the sound waves.The study looks at the benefits of AI PS in teaching in the dental setting. A questionnaire was created to compare the new AI PS to a conventional PS during intravenous moderate sedation in a dental clinic setting. Sixteen individuals involved in sedations (four dental attendings, seven dental residents, and five dental assistants), were polled with a 100% response rate. 75% of participants agreed that clarity was improved using the AI PS and 81.25% of participants agreed that breath sounds and loudnesswere improved using the AI PS. 93.75% reported the AI PS was beneficial in allowing attendees to concurrently monitor a sedation case alongside dental residents. 100% of assistants reported that the AI PS benefited from their participation in sedation cases. As technology advances, it is important that we as providers continue to evolve and consider implementing AI to improve our ability to monitor patients and enhance educational experiences for dental resident trainees.

COVID-19 deaths in dental occupations and other healthcare occupations among U.S. decedents in 2020.

Early studies during the COVID-19 pandemic suggested dental occupations were among the highest risk for exposure to SARs-CoV-2 because of multiple factors increasing exposure, including close proximity to unmasked patients and performance of aerosol-generating procedures. However, to date, few studies have investigated COVID-19 deaths in United States dental occupations, and compared COVID-19 deaths among healthcare occupations. We analyzed 2020 mortality data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics' National Vital Statistics System. Multivariable logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for COVID-19 as the underlying cause of death in relation to occupation in working-age decedents (≤65 years), after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, and medical conditions associated with severe COVID-19. Dental occupations did not have significantly higher risk for COVID-19 death when compared to all other occupations combined. Among healthcare occupations with frequent, direct patient- or client interactions, LPNs and LVNs, and speech and language pathologists had significantly elevated adjusted ORs for COVID-19 death when compared to dentists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants. Similarly, nurse practitioners had significantly higher ORs for COVID-19 mortality than dentists or dental hygienists, and approached significance when compared to dental assistants. Conversely, massage therapists and other health diagnosing and treating practitioners had significantly lower adjusted ORs for COVID-19 death compared with dental occupations. Our study highlights potential differences in work-related transmission of SARs-CoV-2 and subsequent COVID-19 deaths in healthcare occupations, and furthers a previously limited understanding of COVID-19 deaths in healthcare occupations in 2020, before COVID-19 vaccine availability. Our results indicate that dental occupations were not among the highest, nor lowest risk, healthcare occupations for COVID-19 deaths in 2020, despite their known risks of direct exposure.

The Ergonomic Intervention for Musculoskeletal Diseases and Pain among Oral Health Therapist

Musculoskeletal diseases and pain (MSDs) is commonly occurred among oral health therapist due to improper working positions. This condition can lead to work-related accidents, lower job satisfaction, and increased healthcare costs. In order to address this issue, ergonomic interventions encompassing cognitive, physical, and organizational aspects have been recommended to prevent the occurrence of MSDs. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions, specifically using the "EI" model, in alleviating MSDs among oral health therapists. The quality assessment related to pain utilized a validated standardized instrument. A purposive sample of 64 oral health therapists, working as dental assistants in Semarang, Indonesia, participated in the study. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire incorporating the Nordic Body Map to identify the presence of pain. Additionally, a physiotherapist conducted an objective examination, assessing pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The results of the pain complaints test, as indicated by the Nordic Body Map, revealed a significant p-value of 0.001, with ∆ mean = 2.19 for the intervention group and 0.91 for the control group. Similarly, the pain level test using the Visual Analog Scale demonstrated a p-value 0.001, with ∆ mean = 30.38 for the intervention group and 14.91 for the control group. This suggests that the ergonomic model "EI" was significantly effective in reducing complaints of MSDs among oral health therapists.

The Use of Different Dental Notation Systems among Dental Practitioners in Benghazi

Dental notation systems (DNSs) play a crucial role in dentistry, facilitating accurate communication and efficient record-keeping. In this study, we explore the use of different dental notation systems among dental professionals in Benghazi. Background: As the Dental notation systems utilize symbols and abbreviations to represent specific teeth, these systems enable effective communication between dental professionals, laboratory technicians, and dental assistants. Aim: To assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of DNSs by the dentists in Benghazi dental clinics and to know the most common types of DNSs used in Benghazi dental clinics Materials &amp; method: A cross-sectional survey. a self-completed structured questionnaire containing yes or no questions was randomly distributed to Benghazi dentists during the summer 2023. The survey comprised of the gender, and experience. The remaining part focused on the questions related to most commonly used and understandable Tooth numbering system. Results 69 responses on the randomly distributed questionnaire to dentists were received. 91.3 % 0f participants were females and only 8.7% were males. The results revealed that the participants used Palmer system very common 63.8% and 72.5% for primary dentition and permanent dentition respectively Conclusion: The most common type is Palmer system for both primary and permanent teeth but there is shift toward electronic communication which favors the FDI system. Clarity, consistency, and ease of use remain critical considerations for effective dental notation. Keywords: Notation, Tooth numbering system (TNS), FDI, Palmer, Universal system

A RETROSPECTIVE CLINICAL AUDIT OF QUALITY OF INDIRECT DIGITAL INTRAORAL RADIOGRAPHS TAKEN BY STUDENTS AND DENTAL ASSISTANTS IN AN UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL CLINIC

Background: Intraoral radiographs are essential diagnostic tools in dentistry. Ensuring their quality is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This study compared the quality of radiographs produced by undergraduate dental students and qualified dental assistants to identify common errors and assess improvements following feedback and interventions. Methods: This retrospective, observational study compared the quality of digital bitewing and periapical radiographs taken by students and assistants across two audit cycles, with feedback provided between cycles. The radiographs were assessed using a modified quality assessment scale based on the Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP, UK) guidelines. Data were collected from the radiology imaging software, and a total of 100 intraoral digital radiographs were analyzed for each group in both cycles. Results: Initially, radiographs from both groups had issues, primarily positioning errors. After providing feedback and additional training, significant improvements were observed from Cycle 1 to Cycle 2. Dental assistants had a higher percentage of acceptable periapical radiographs, while students excelled in bitewing radiographs. Both groups demonstrated marked improvements, reflecting the effectiveness of the interventions. Conclusions: Continuous training, feedback, and quality assurance measures are vital for improving radiograph quality. A multifaceted approach, including updated equipment and adherence to quality control protocols, can significantly enhance patient care. The study highlights the importance of regular calibration and training for dental professionals to maintain high standards in radiographic practices. Further research is recommended to identify additional strategies for improving radiographic quality.

Radiological safety perspectives among undergraduate dental students, interns, and dental assistant certificate students at Taibah University Dental College and Hospital, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Background: Dental imaging accounts for &lt;1% of human exposure to ionizing radiation from of all types of medical imaging. Radiation-induced damage to cells has deterministic and stochastic consequences. The international commision for radiological protection recommends that any radiographic examination must be justified. However, studies measuring dental assistant (DA) knowledge and attitude towards radiation protection measures are lacking. Aim: Our study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes toward radiation protection measures among clinical dental students, interns, and DA certificate students. Settings and Design: The study was a cross-sectional observational analytical online questionnaire-based study. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire distributed over undergraduate students, DA certificate students, and dental interns. Statistical Analysis: Stata/BE 18.0 for Mac was used, Chi-square tests with a P &lt; 0.05 indicating a significant difference in knowledge between groups. Results: A questionnaire was distributed to 203 of the participants. The average overall correct responses 46.14%. However, the DA student average correct answers were 38.71%. Conclusion: Students must improve their knowledge about radiation protective measures through educational sessions or pamphlets, particularly the DA. Radiology lectures should cover new safety precautions such as as low as diagnostically acceptable, shielding, and radiation to pregnant mothers, while incorporating national guidelines and recommendations.

Dental Service Cost Analysis Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing

This research has the objective to analyze dental service costs of the case study dental clinic using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC). The study was conducted in teaching clinic where dental services were provided by undergraduate-level dentistry students under the supervision of the teachers of Dentistry Faculty, and where there were also dental assistants on hand to provide service support. The research studied only five treatment procedures with a maximum frequency of service use, cumulatively totaling 80%, according to the Pareto principle. The research started from studying various activities in the processes of providing each category of dentistry service. Then, the dental service costs using TDABC were analyzed by estimating from two key parameters: the capacity cost rate and the time taken for each activity of the treatment procedure. The study found that Sealant Compounds, Tooth Extraction, Preventive Resin Restoration, Composite Fillings and Stainless Steel Crown had treatment costs of 623, 594, 669, 642 and 761 Thai Baht/treatment respectively. This research enabled the case study dental clinic to identify its costs for each treatment procedure, and also calculate profit and loss by comparison with income from service users. These data could also be used to determine more appropriate service charges for each category of treatment.

Analysis of sterilizer allocation and related factors in dental health-care settings in Yunnan Province, China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo investigate the status and related factors of sterilizers in dental health-care settings in Yunnan Province, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the health administrative department to formulate regional quality control programs and systems, proposing reasonable suggestions for optimizing the allocation of sterilizer resources in Yunnan’s dental health-care settings, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2600 dental health-care settings in Yunnan Province in March 2020. Uni-variable linear regression, multi-variable linear regression, curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were used to understand the relationship between dental units and sterilizers.ResultsA total of 2600 dental health-care settings were included. The disinfection and sterilization work were mainly completed by the dental department in 1510(58.1%) institutions. 44(1.7%) institutions were not allocated sterilization equipment, and 1632 (62.8%) had only one sterilizer. The median allocation of sterilizers was 1.0. Uni-variable linear regression showed significant differences in covariates such as dental unit, dental handpiece, disinfection equipment, dentist, and dental assistant, which were more sensitive (p < 0.001) and statistically significant. The adjusted model was more stable in the multi-variable linear regression, and the differences in covariates between different settings were statistically significant. Curve fitting revealed an S-shaped curvilinear relationship between the number of dental units and sterilizers in oral healthcare settings.ConclusionThe disinfection and sterilization work was mainly completed by the dental department in dental health-care settings in Yunnan Province. Sterilizer allocation increases with the number of dental units, but some institutions have insufficient allocation of sterilizer and manpower resources, resulting in certain risks of infection control. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen supervision, inspection and regional quality control work in infection control of dentistry.

Evaluation of Forensic Luminol in Detection of Blood Stains in Instruments Following Dental Treatment.

Background Saliva and blood, being biological materials with a high potential for infectious transmission in dental environments, pose significant risks to dental professionals, assistants, and patients alike. Therefore, practitioners must adopt stringent security measures to ensure patient care, considering all parties as potential carriers of microorganisms capable of causing infectious diseases. Currently, various methods of disinfection and sterilization are employed to maintain the aseptic chain effectively. Having reliable methods for detecting substances in liquids, particularly body fluids, is crucial and highly convenient. Luminol, a chemiluminescent agent widely used in forensic science for detecting minute traces of blood that are invisible to the naked eye, presents itself as a valuable tool. Blood, a major bodily fluid often present in instruments following dental procedures, underscores the importance of its detection. Hence, in this study, luminol was utilized to detect blood traces in dental instruments following dental treatment, both before and after sterilization or disinfection. Objective Blood and saliva splashes, together with highly contagious aerosols, are always a part of dental procedures. The objective of the current study is to detect traces of blood stains on face shields, surgical instruments, and endodontic files using luminol before and after sterilization. Materials and methods Sample size calculation was done with G*Power software (Version 3.1.9.4, Düsseldorf, Germany), and a total of 30 instruments were selected for the study. In the present study, a total of 30 items were collected and utilized, including 14 instruments used after implant placement, 12 endodontic files employed after root canal treatment, and four face shields utilized during these procedures. Meanwhile, a freshly prepared luminol solution was applied to these instruments, and they were viewed in a dark environment both before and after sterilization procedures. Luminescence generated by luminol was observed in the instruments, indicative of the presence of blood not visible to the naked eye. Statistical analysis for both groups was done with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 16.0 (Released 2007; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Intragroup comparison was done using the Friedman test, and intergroup comparison was done using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Blood stains and chemiluminescence were visualized in two out of 10 endodontic files (one #15 K-file and #20 K-files) and two out of four face shields. The intragroup comparison was done using the Friedman test, and it was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Intergroup comparison was done using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and was found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion Following sterilization and disinfection, there were no visual blood stains or chemiluminescence. Therefore, luminol was found to be effective in detecting blood stains in endodontic files, surgical instruments, and face shields, as well as in validating the sterilization and disinfection processes. Hence, sterilization in dentistry stands as a critical measure to guarantee patient safety, halt the dissemination of infections, and uphold exemplary clinical care standards.

Comparative Analysis of Texan CTE and Australian VET Programs

Texas is facing a worker deficit crisis for the nearly 1 million “middle skill” jobs requiring applicants to possess industry-based certifications earned through technical training and learning- think plumbers, dental assistants, estheticians, and mechanics. Since our society heavily depends on the contributions of middle-skilled workers for proper functioning, the recent deficit in qualified applicants has elicited significant operational disruptions throughout Texas. Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a secondary school framework that aims to “provide individuals with rigorous academic content and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers.” CTE is just one of the many avenues of advancement Texas schools are pursuing in hopes of graduating a new generation of career-ready citizens who can resolve the middle-skill worker crisis. However, CTE is far from perfect, and Texas could benefit greatly from referencing successes of international vocational frameworks to inform their curriculum decisions and revisions. This research outlines a comparative analysis of Texan CTE and Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) conducted using data from three avenues of query: subject matter expert interviews, CTE student survey results, and scholarly references. This analysis concluded that CTE is designed to expose students to diverse postgraduation career options, while VET places focus on students earning industry-based qualifications via on-site experience. In other words, CTE offers exploration of a breadth of vocational offerings, while VET offers depth of tangible outcomes for students in desired middle-skill industries. In reflecting on these discoveries, Texas would benefit from integrating aspects of the Australian School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) model into its present CTE framework to simultaneously address the middle-skilled worker crisis while providing students with a more fruitful and flexible educational experience.

To Restrain or Refrain: Determination of Parental Attitude towards the Child’s Experience with Protective Stabilization

ABSTRACT Background: To overcome disruptive behavior of children, pediatric dentists rely on various behavior management techniques. When dental therapy is pertinent and nonaversive techniques like tell-show-do, voice control, and positive reinforcement are ineffective; the role of advanced behavior guidance techniques like physical restraints and protective stabilization is of paramount importance. Aim: The study was carried out to elicit parents’ opinion and record their response to their children’s experience who underwent dental treatment with an extra assistant for protective stabilization. Materials and Methods: Response was elicited to a questionnaire from 50 parents of children lacking cooperative ability and were exposed to an extra assistant for protective stabilization during various dental procedures. Results: The dental assistant was most preferred as the extra assistant to provide active stabilization. An overwhelming 98% of the parents agreed to protective stabilization with an extra assistant as advantageous and a good 88% of the parents recommended its use for further appointments of their children. Conclusion: Majority of the parents approved protective stabilization with an extra assistant in future appointments of their children.

Attitude and performance in controlling dust particles from dental prosthesis and appliance adjustment: a survey of dentists and dental assistants

ObjectivesTo assess the attitude and practices of dentists and dental assistants in managing dust particles generated during dental prostheses or appliances grinding and polishing.Materials and methodsData were collected from 207 dentists and 125 dental assistants through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included adjusted prosthesis types, self-protective methods, types and frequency of protective device use, and reasons for non-frequent use.ResultsProtective grinding devices, including dust protective boxes and mounted plastic sheets, were commonly used for substantial acrylic resin adjustments, while air blowing was preferred for minor adjustments. Post-COVID-19, there was a 3-fold increase in the use of protective grinding devices among dentists and a 1.3-fold increase among dental assistants. During try-in procedures, dentists commonly rinsed prostheses with water rather than using disinfectants. Non-frequent users adopted self-protection methods, such as face shields and air filters. Surgical drapes and high-volume evacuators were used for patient’s protection.ConclusionDespite an increased tendency of the use of protective grinding devices following COVID-19, a significant number still report infrequent use. Identified protective devices in this study have drawbacks not fully meeting dentists’ expectations. Invention of a more user-friendly device is necessary to ensure regular use, preventing potential toxicity from dust particles.

Prevalence of Neck Pain in Dental Surgeons

Background: Cervical pain, or cervicalgia, is increasingly recognized as a significant occupational hazard among dental surgeons. The demands of dental practice, including prolonged static postures and repetitive motions, have been implicated in the development of musculoskeletal disorders, with a notable impact on the cervical spine. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical pain among dental surgeons and identify associated risk factors, focusing on the impact of work-related postures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 dental surgeons from June to December 2022, employing non-probability convenience sampling. Participants were recruited from Farooq Hospital (Westwood branch), Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, and Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Inclusion criteria targeted dental surgeons aged 20 to 35 years, excluding those over 35, dental assistants, other medical doctors, and individuals with cervical spondylosis. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with quantitative variables presented as means, standard deviations, ranges, and histograms, and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study found that 83% of the participating dental surgeons experienced neck pain, attributable to faulty work postures. The age distribution of participants was primarily within the 20-25 age group (65.6%), and a significant majority were females (62.2%). Regarding pain intensity, 50% reported mild pain, 27.8% moderate pain, and 5.6% severe pain, with 16.7% reporting no pain. Conclusion: The high prevalence of cervical pain among dental surgeons underscores the critical need for ergonomic intervention and awareness in dental practice. Implementing ergonomic principles and promoting a better understanding of occupational health risks can potentially reduce the incidence of cervical pain and improve the overall well-being of dental professionals.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental health professionals toward dental impression disinfection protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia– a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDespite the updated guidelines on dental impression disinfection protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to such procedures has not been studied among dental health professionals in Saudi Arabia. Understanding DHPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 is crucial in assessing a willingness to adhere to the recommendations provided by health authorities in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 via dental impressions impacting patient safety and infection control measures. Hence, this study aimed to assess dental health professionals’ (DHPs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward dental impression disinfection protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted from 14 December 2022 to 21 March 2023 among practicing dentists, dental assistants (DA), dental laboratory technicians (DT), and dental hygienists in Saudi Arabia. A validated and reliable questionnaire that consisted of 38 items along with demographic variables was prepared to collect the data. Using Google Forms, a questionnaire link was prepared and shared on the social media platforms of DHPs in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive analysis was conducted to report the percentages and frequencies. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were analyzed using an Independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation tests.ResultsA total of 718 DHPs voluntarily participated in the survey. Most of the DHPs exhibited average knowledge 392 (54.6%), neutral attitudes 393(54.7%), and adequate 549 (76.5%) practice towards dental impression disinfection protocol. The mean knowledge score differed significantly across nationality (p = 0.013), type of DHPs (p < 0.001), qualification (p = 0.045), and experience (p = 0.028) of the study participants. Significant differences in attitude towards impression disinfection were observed in different age groups (p = 0.002), qualifications (p = 0.015), and experiences (p = 0.024) of the DHPs. Similarly, practice varied across different age groups (p = 0.010), nationality (p = 0.013), type of DHPs (p = 0.019), qualification (p = 0.044), experience (p = 0.041), and COVID-19 Infection (p = 0.006). Moreover, a significant positive correlation between knowledge-attitude (r = 0.258, p < 0.01), knowledge-practice (r = 0.283, p < 0.01), and attitude-practice (r = 0.196, p < 0.01) was observed.ConclusionDHPs considered in this study demonstrated average knowledge and attitudes toward impression disinfection, requiring improvement through continuous dental education and training. However, they displayed acceptable dental impression disinfection practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is highly recommended that continuing education programs should mainly reinforce the knowledge of sodium hypochlorite, iodophor, and phenolics and their concentrations to be used as an impression disinfectant. Additionally, it should focus on techniques of disinfecting elastomeric, hydrocolloid, zinc oxide and eugenol, and impression compound materials to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 based on Saudi ministry of health guidelines.