Dental Auxiliaries Research Articles

SWOT analysis of the dental hygiene profession in Pakistan—past, present, and future

BackgroundPakistan faces a significant burden of oral diseases, which can be effectively reduced through preventive measures. Dentistry in Pakistan predominantly focuses on corrective dental procedures, increasing the treatment costs and widens disparities in oral healthcare access. To address this gap and meet the country’s oral health needs, Aga Khan University initiated a Dental Hygiene program aimed to expand and diversify the oral health workforce and improving access to quality care in various healthcare settings. Due to limited awareness of this profession in the country, the program encounters significant challenges.AimThis article aims to present a SWOT analysis of the Dental Hygiene profession in Pakistan and propose evidence-based strategic changes to address these challenges and improve future outcomes.MethodsA SWOT analysis was conducted to identify the internal strengths, weaknesses, external opportunities, and threats related to the Dental Hygiene profession, gathering both quantitative and qualitative data through a survey of relevant stakeholders (Consultants, Dental hygiene graduates, dental auxiliaries, fresh dental graduates, and prospective students) using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap).ResultsA total of 267 respondents participated in the survey, providing insights into the current state of the Dental Hygiene profession.ConclusionThe analysis reveals that the Dental Hygiene profession in Pakistan requires robust advocacy, increased collaboration with dentists, opportunities for higher education, and the establishment of proper legislative frameworks to prevent professional transgression beyond the scope of practice.

Dental auxiliaries’ knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding noma prevention: A cross-sectional study in Northwestern Nigeria

Objective: The objective is to evaluate dental auxiliaries’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices for the prevention of noma disease. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over 6 months. After obtaining ethical clearance from the Sokoto and Zamfara State Ministries of Health, all consenting dental assistant staff who met the selection criteria were administered a validated questionnaire containing 17 questions assessing the respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. They were recruited using a self-administered questionnaire. The overall score was classified as “low” if the average score was 50% or less (50% or less), satisfactory (51%–69%), or good (70% or more). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 software. Results: A total of 149 respondents returned the questionnaire, of which 80 (53.7%) were men and 69 (46.3%) were women. The mean ± standard deviation age of respondents was 27.37 ± 7.00 years, with a range of 20–58 years. The age of respondents was divided into four groups, and the majority of 112 respondents (75.2%) were in their 30s. The majority of respondents, 141 (94.6%), know about the prevention of noma disease. The total respondent score was 1827 points (72.1%), which was evaluated as “good.” Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental auxiliaries in the field of noma prevention are good. Dental auxiliaries, if supervised and appropriately trained, can play a role in noma prevention by actively participating in and disseminating information on specific preventive measures such as scaling and polishing.

Knowledge, Practices, and Nasal Carriage Rate of MRSA Amongst Dental Professionals

Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) against common antibiotics has been increasing given the rampant use of antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is particularly important because it has been reported to present in hospital-acquired as well as community-acquired infections. Our aim was to study the types and subtypes of MRSA isolated from nasal swabs taken from volunteering dental school students and to assess and analyse the knowledge of dental health care workers (DHCWs) on MRSA and prevention of its infection. A total of 100 participants, which included staff, students, and dental auxiliaries, from the School of Dental Sciences, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Deemed to Be University, Karad, India, were included in the study which was conducted from June 2020 to 1 June 2021. All the participants completed a survey and underwent collection of nasal swabs. The samples were cultured and underwent microbiological and molecular analysis for MRSA. The questionnaire was sent out electronically via SurveyMonkey. Sixty-three percent of the participants were female. The majority were undergraduate students (66%) and younger than 25 years (77%). The prevalence of MRSA in the sample was the MRSA type SCCmec type V (54.8%). The survey reports a lack of knowledge amongst dental students on MRSA and prevention of its infection. The majority (69%) of participants had not heard of MRSA infection and had inadequate knowledge of MRSA infection. Only 29% of the participants think that a healthy person may have MRSA without feeling ill. Eighty-five percent of the participants reported that they have written polices and guidelines to control MRSA. Eighty-five percent of the participants indicated that they are less confident in their knowledge on MRSA infection control protocols, and 94% mentioned that the dental clinics have written guidelines for hand hygiene. DHCWs have limited knowledge of MRSA infection, emphasising the need for appropriate clinical training. Academic institutions should promote effective infection control training to protect students, faculty, and other employees.

Worldwide prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dental health care personnel - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one such common disorder among dental health care personnel caused due to the entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. We aimed to evaluate the pooled estimates of the CTS among dental healthcare personnel. Methods: We systematically reviewed the existing literature from six databases till January 1st, 2022. Studies reported in English along with the prevalence of CTS or where prevalence could be calculated were included. Independent screening of title and abstracts, and the full text was done by two examiners. Information collected was authors, year of publication, geographic location, type of dental healthcare personnel, sample size, distribution of age, sex, CTS, method of diagnosis, and risk of bias. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled estimates. Results: Thirty-seven studies yielded 38 estimates. A total of 17,152 dental health care personnel were included of which 2717 had CTS. The overall pooled prevalence of CTS among the included studies was 15%, with a high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled estimates of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.52 -1.02; I2= 69.71). The pooled estimates among the dentist and dental auxiliaries were 20% and 10%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of CTS with self-reported measures, clinical examination and NCS were 21%, 13% and 8% respectively. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence estimates were significantly associated with publication year (coefficient: 0.006; 95% CI= 0.002-0.01). Conclusion: One out of seven dental health care personnel may be affected by CTS. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel.

Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Professionals, Students and Dental Auxiliary Staff Towards Needle Stick Injury and Sharp Injuries

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dental professionals, students and auxiliary towards needle stick and sharp injury. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was carried out among 200 dental practitioners, students, and auxiliary staff using OpenEpi calculator. Final data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. RESULT: The result revealed that 97% of the participants had an understanding of NSI and the risks associated with it and about 87.5% participants were found to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. In addition to that, 72% of dental healthcare workers especially the auxiliary staff (96.3%) had experienced needle stick injury and 97% of the subjects were found to have a habit of recapping the needle after use. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of dental practitioners especially the auxiliary staff concerning needle stick injury was found to be inadequate. More awareness should be raised regarding NSIs for the dental healthcare workers and practicing of universal guidelines must be emphasized greatly. KEYWORDS: Needle stick injury and sharp injuries

Expanding the functions of dental assistants in Bulgaria and perceptions about their role in the Bulgarian healhcare workforce

The study queries a sample of dentists and dental assistants in Bulgaria about their understanding and perceptions of Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries (EFDA). The study considers whether expanding the skillset of dental assistants to function in specific scenarios without personal supervision by the dentist may be a viable strategy to address various oral health inequities in the country. An anonymous survey was conducted among 103 practicing dentists and 100 dental assistants throughout the country. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions that probed respondents' understanding about the duties performed by EFDAs and their potential to increase productivity and efficiency of the dental workforce. Sociological (poll) and statistical (alternative analysis) methods were used in the survey. The majority of respondents were female. Most worked in the larger cities. One worked in a village. Most were ethnic Bulgarians and none were Roma, reflecting the racial imbalance in the national workforce. Two-thirds (67%) believed that dental assistants with appropriate training are capable of doing expanded dental procedures without personal supervision by a dentist. The majority (83.7%) believed that EFDAs could improve efficiency of a dental practice, while 58.1% indicated that with appropriate training, they could perform expanded duties as well as the dentist. However, only one third believed that EFDAs could increase practice output (38.9%); enhance the quality of the dentist's work (37.4%); or decrease patient anxiety (31.5%). Though most respondents (78.3%) believed that a patient would not be receptive to an EFDA placing a restoration without personal supervision by the dentist, two thirds of respondents (66.5%) would like to see dental assistants trained to perform expanded duties otherwise reserved for dentists. Most respondents felt that EFDAs could help to build a well-functioning dental team. Most respondents believed that EFDAs can benefit the efficiency of a practice, suggesting that Bulgarian dental professionals would respond favorably to enhancing the skillset of assistants with expanded functions. The study suggests they are skeptical about "general" versus "personal" supervision. EFDAs may potentially provide improved access by underserved communities, while building a more inclusive oral healthcare workforce reflective of the population.

Worldwide prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dental health care personnel - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one such common disorder among dental health care personnel caused due to the entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. We aimed to evaluate the pooled estimates of the CTS among dental healthcare personnel. Methods: We systematically reviewed the existing literature from six databases till January 1 st, 2022. Studies reported in English along with the prevalence of CTS or where prevalence could be calculated were included. Independent screening of title and abstracts, and the full text was done by two examiners. Information collected was authors, year of publication, geographic location, type of dental healthcare personnel, sample size, distribution of age, sex, CTS, method of diagnosis, and risk of bias. The random effect model was used to estimate the pooled estimates. Results: Thirty-seven studies yielded 38 estimates. A total of 17,152 dental health care personnel were included of which 2717 had CTS. The overall pooled prevalence of CTS among the included studies was 15%, with a high heterogeneity. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in the pooled estimates of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.52 -1.02; I 2= 69.71). The pooled estimates among the dentist and dental auxiliaries were 20% and 10%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of CTS with self-reported measures, clinical examination and NCS were 21%, 13% and 8% respectively. Meta-regression showed that the prevalence estimates were significantly associated with publication year (coefficient: 0.006; 95% CI= 0.002-0.01). Conclusion: One out of seven dental health care personnel may be affected by CTS. No significant difference was seen in the prevalence of CTS between male and female dental healthcare personnel.

The knowledge, attitude and practice level of dental auxiliaries regarding oral health care for pregnant patients in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

Background :The purpose of this research was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental auxiliaries related to oral health care for pregnant patientsin the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods:A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire survey was conducted. The knowledge, attitude, and practice were rated using the Likert scale out of 5. Knowledge and practice were categorized using bloom's cut off point methods (80% and above isgood, and less than 80% is bad) . Concerningattitude, (80% and above is positive, and less than 80% is negative) The questionnaires were sent to all dental hygienists and assistants (N=358), and responses were collected from 218. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was utilised to conduct statistical analysis. Result s :Out of the 358, 218 responded (response rate = 61%). More than half of the respondents showed relatively good knowledge (57.3%). Most respondents had a positive attitude (89.4%). Regarding practice, approximately two-thirds had a good practice (67.4%). The knowledge score of hygienists was significantly higher than dental assistants, and respondents with experience in treating pregnant patients had significantly higher knowledge scores than others who did not have experience in treating pregnant patients. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between practice scores and education. Conclusion s :The findings suggest the need to establish continuous education programs and for dental hygienists and dental assistants to adopt the best practice guidelines on perinatal oral health.

John Vivian Bingay OBE (1899-1973) and the New Cross School for Dental Auxiliaries.

It is easy to forget some of the people who helped to develop the dental care services. One person who should be remembered is Jack Bingay. He was a towering figure in the public dental services from just before to well after World War II. Jack was the first Director of the School for Dental Auxiliaries.

Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Practice in Kerala, India: A Qualitative Study

Background: Dentistry in India is facing many challenges owing to the increase in the number of dentists and meager job opportunities. As a majority of dental procedures are aerosol generating, the pandemic caused a huge impact on dental practice and education. Further, the risk of transmission of SARCoV-2 virus is high as the dentists work in close contact with the oral cavity. Thus, this study aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on dental practice in Kerala. Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted among 31 dentists and 6 key administrative officials in Kerala through in-depth interviews, strictly adhering to the COREQ guidelines. The interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed manually. Results: Following inductive thematic analysis, seven themes emerged on “Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry;” (1) Negative Impact of COVID-19 on Private Dental Clinic’s Income, (2) Negative Impact of COVID-19 on Government Dental Health Centers, (3) Negative Impact of COVID-19 on choice of Dental treatment Procedures, (4) Negative Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Education, (5) Positive impact of COVID-19 on Private Dental Clinics, (6) Positive Impact of COVID-19 on Professional Dental Associations, and (7) Positive impact of COVID-19 on dental health-care planning and timely implementation to assure the quality of care in future. Conclusion: A secured financial mechanism for dental practitioners, strong dental administration setup, increasing the quality of dental care by continuing the existing COVID treatment practices and improving the quality of dental education by implementing a strict protocol for conducting online classes, and employing more dentists, and dental auxiliaries in government health-care centers were identified as the measures to safeguard dentistry, especially during a pandemic.

Histopathological and risk factor analyses of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer in a proactive screening in northeastern Thailand

BackgroundLip and oral cavity cancer has been reported as the 10th most common cancer in Thailand. Recently, a screening program for oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer was conducted in the northeastern Thailand which took into consideration a total of 371,911 people who resided in the provinces of Buriram, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Surin.MethodsA total of 330,914 subjects were consecutively screened for risk factors of oral cancer by village health volunteers (VHVs) using a questionnaire (S1). Then, 186,710 subjects with one or more risk factors for oral cancer were referred for oral screening by dental auxiliaries or dentists at sub-district level hospitals (S2) where 86,941 subjects were subsequently screened. Afterwards, 1576 subjects with suspicious oral lesions for OPMDs or oral cancer attended local hospitals for further investigation and treatment. Oral medicine specialists, oral surgeons, and local dentists at the district level hospitals performed biopsies and the samples were sent for histopathological analysis. The objectives of the study were to report the histopathology findings from the biopsies obtained from these subjects and the associated risk factors.ResultsOut of 427 subjects who received biopsies, complete diagnostic results were obtained from 409 patients (462 specimens). The 5 most common histopathological results from these specimens were mild epithelial dysplasia (27.3%), fibroepithelial hyperplasia (14.5%), oral lichen planus/oral lichenoid reactions (11.5%), moderate epithelial dysplasia (8%), and acanthosis with or without hyperkeratosis (5%). Oral squamous cell carcinoma was detected in 14 subjects and 11 other forms of oral cancer were revealed. Among the analyzed risk factors, habitual betel quid chewing was established as a statistically significant risk factor associated with OPMDs and oral cancer.ConclusionThe most frequently observed histopathological results of clinically suspected oral cancer and OPMDs included mild epithelial dysplasia, fibroepithelial hyperplasia, oral lichen planus/oral lichenoid reactions, moderate epithelial dysplasia, and acanthosis with or without hyperkeratosis. Betel quid chewing habit was found to be associated with OPMDs and oral cancer.

Hand Hygiene and Cross Infection Control among Dental Auxiliaries working in Private and Public Dental Institutes of Punjab

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge attitude and practices of dental assistants regarding hand hygiene and cross infection control in public and private dental institutes. Methods: Survey was carried out on 240 subjects working in five private and two public dental institutes using online questionnaires developed by the authors, and distributed via E-mail and WhatsApp. The target population were dental assistants and hygienists. Survey included a confidentiality and consent statement. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 20. Results: There were 240 respondents and majority were male. 71.3% of the participants received formal training in hand hygiene. 51.7% were aware of the presence of cross infection manual at workplace, however, fewer were aware of it contents. There was a significant difference between auxiliaries of private and public dental institutes when it comes to wearing gloves without washing hands, usage of alcohol rub and following recommended steps of hand washing. The auxiliaries of public institutes were performing hand washing before touching the patients only. Majority of the respondents especially from public institutes (38.3%) believe that hand should be dried using paper towel. Conclusion: Auxiliaries of private institutes were more aware about hand hygiene. Public institutes’ auxiliaries were lacking in knowledge and practice especially when it comes to usage of alcohol-based rub, washing hands before wearing gloves and performing hand hygiene before and after touching the patients. Regular workshop and courses should be done to keep their adherence to quality hand hygiene especially in public institutes. Keywords: American Dental Association, Center for Disease Control, Cross Infection, Dental Assistants, Hand Hygiene, Hygienists, World Health Organization

Analysis of Trends in Demographic Distribution of Dental Workforce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dental professionals are playing an imperative role in the healthcare system. It is important to distribute the dental workforce across the country. Therefore, this study aimed at analyzing the recent distribution of the dental workforce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and determining the current dentist-to-population ratio in the KSA. This is a cross-sectional study focused on the dental workforces working in the KSA between 2015 and 2020. Complete data of dentists working in the KSA with different professional ranks were obtained. The data were stratified by gender, professional rank (Saudi and non-Saudi), area of working (13 provinces in the KSA), and sector of working (public and private). A complete list of all dental universities was obtained to identify the increasing number of dental institutes at this current moment. In addition, the dentist-to-population ratio was also evaluated based on the current inhabitant in the KSA and the total dental surgeons. There are a total of 27181 dental surgeons and 8022 dental auxiliaries registered in different specialties as of 2020. Saudi citizens are holding the majority of the posts in both dentist and dental auxiliary categories. The percentage of males and female is slightly higher in dentists and dental auxiliaries, respectively. It also indicated that where most of the dental personnel work in the private sector, dental auxiliaries work in the public sector. Moreover, the highest number of dental workforces is identified in the Riyadh region among all the 13 provinces. Based on the databases, the current dentist-to-population ratio is 1 : 1288.16. In conclusion, the number of dental professionals is ample; however, rural areas lack specialists. Saudi dentists are progressively replacing foreign dentists in different professional ranks working in the KSA.

Integrating Oral Health into Primary Health Care: A Systematic Review of Oral Health Training in Sub-Saharan Africa.

BackgroundGlobally, oral health training has shown positive influence on knowledge, competency and practices for both oral and non-oral health-care workers towards integration of oral health into primary health care (PHC). Sub-Saharan Africa has very divergent social-cultural-political-economic settings. Since healthcare is contextual, it is necessary to review oral health training programs in this region to establish if their formulation, implementation and evaluation are context-reliant.ObjectiveTo assess if oral health trainings aimed at integrating oral health into PHC in sub-Saharan Africa were context-reliant.MethodologyThe reviewers searched five electronic databases and WHO sites. Selection of publications was done using the PRISMA framework. Oral health training programs for oral and non-oral health-care workers in sub-Saharan Africa published in English language between year 2001 and 2020 were included in the study.FindingsOnly 4 (0.8%) of the original 512 publications for oral health-care workers and 9 (1.5%) of the 613 for non-oral health-care workers publications met the inclusion criteria. Countries established and/or increased number of dental schools, 1 university adopted competency-based curriculum and 2 introduced community rotations. Dental auxiliaries varied by cadre, training duration and scope of practice. Non-oral health-care workers training programs used diverse approaches like pre-service, workshops and printed materials. Target groups for the trainings varied from nurses, traditional healers, health promotion officers to community health volunteers. Evaluations were done mainly using pre-post or quasi-experimental studies. Outcomes of interest varied from level of knowledge, services provision, early childhood caries, oral health seeking behavior and oral hygiene practices.ConclusionOral health training for integration of oral health into PHC in sub-Saharan Africa varied by targeted cadre, training methods and evaluation method and scope. It was thus context-reliant. More programs are necessary to accommodate other training approaches, evaluation methods and other health-care cadres in the region.

The knowledge, attitude and practice level of dental auxiliaries regarding oral health care for pregnant patients in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

Background:The purpose of this research was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental auxiliaries related to oral health care for pregnant patientsin the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire survey was conducted. The knowledge, attitude, and practice were rated using the Likert scale out of 5. Knowledge and practice were categorized using bloom’s cut off point methods (80% and above isgood, and less than 80% is bad).Concerningattitude, (80% and above is positive, and less than 80% is negative) The questionnaires were sent to all dental hygienists and assistants (N=358), and responses were collected from 218. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was utilised to conduct statistical analysis. Results: Out of the 358, 218 responded (response rate = 61%). More than half of the respondents showed relatively good knowledge (57.3%). Most respondents had a positive attitude (89.4%). Regarding practice, approximately two-thirds had a good practice (67.4%). The knowledge score of hygienists was significantly higher than dental assistants, and respondents with experience in treating pregnant patients had significantly higher knowledge scores than others who did not have experience in treating pregnant patients. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between practice scores and education. Conclusions: The findings suggest the need to establish continuous education programs and for dental hygienists and dental assistants to adopt the best practice guidelines on perinatal oral health.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability in Dental Auxiliaries in Pakistan. are we Ready Yet

Objective: This study provides evidence of the willingness among dental auxiliaries to vaccine acceptance. The data will help in awareness and control of spread of COVID-19. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2021 to April 2021. The sample size was kept at 385, with 95 % confidence and 5% margin of error, out of which 340 responded. The sample population was selected via convenience sampling technique. Dental auxiliaries practicing within Pakistan for more than two years within an age range of 20 to 64, were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the questionnaire's responses, with the results being presented as frequencies and percentages and level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: 340 dental auxiliaries participated in the study. 62.4% were in age range 18-34 years. 72.6% were males and 27.4% females.90% participants were educated till grade 11 or above. 66.2% participants were not willing to get vaccinated and 5.3% were not sure if they want it or not. Participants of older age groups were more hesitant in receiving vaccine. Conclusion: The findings of this research show high hesitancy rates for receiving COVID-19 vaccine among dental auxiliaries in Pakistan. Efforts should be made to educate people on scientific evidence basis and social media sites spreading misinformation should be banned. Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccine, Willingness, Hesitancy, Dental Auxiliaries, Dental assistants

The knowledge, attitude and practice level of dental auxiliaries regarding oral health care for pregnant patients in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Background : The purpose of this research was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental auxiliaries related to oral health care for pregnant patients in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods:A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire survey was conducted. The knowledge, attitude, and practice were rated using the Likert scale out of 5. Knowledge and practice were categorized using Bloom's cut off point methods (≥80% is good, and <80% is bad) . Concerning attitude, (≥80% is positive, and <80% is negative). The questionnaires were sent to all dental hygienists and assistants (N=358), and responses were collected from 218. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was utilixed to conduct statistical analysis. Results:Out of the 358, 218 responded (response rate = 61%). More than half of the respondents showed relatively good knowledge (57.3%). Most respondents had a positive attitude (89.4%). Regarding practice, approximately two-thirds had a good practice (67.4%). The knowledge score of hygienists was significantly higher than dental assistants, and respondents with experience in treating pregnant patients had significantly higher knowledge scores than others who did not have experience in treating pregnant patients. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between practice scores and education. Conclusions:The findings suggest the need to establish continuous education programs and for dental hygienists and dental assistants to adopt the best practice guidelines on perinatal oral health.

Rate of Compliance with Infection Control Practices while Taking Dental Radiographs in a Dental Health Care Center, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Infection control guidelines are aimed at preventing cross-contamination in clinical settings. Radiographs are indispensible part of oral diagnosis and assessing prognosis. Strict adherence to infection control protocol while taking dental radiographs are mandatory.Aims and Objectives: To assess the rate of compliance with infection control practices while taking dental radiographs in the dental clinic center of a teaching institution in Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: An observational study was undertaken for the infection control practices in the dental radiology wing of a university teaching center in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from dental faculty, dental assistants, and dental students working in dental clinics. Both pretested questionnaire and by direct observation of infection control practices was used for data collection. Chi-Square test for categorical variables and Independent samples t-test for compare mean self-reported infection control practice scores were used. Binary logistics regression was used to identify the factors influencing participant's compliance with infection control practices. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: 129 participants were included in this study, among those 26 were faculty, 19 were dental auxiliaries and 84 were dental students. On direct observation, the overall compliance rate was 79.5%; Dental auxiliaries have the highest compliance rate (94.5%) followed by dental faculty (88.5%) and students (68.6%). Binomial logistic regression predicted that females had 2.94 times more compliance than male counterparts, which is statistically significant.Conclusion: Students and faculty need continuing dental education programs for reinforcement on infection control practices.

Dental auxiliaries in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria; oral hygiene practices and dental service utilization

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Objective: This study was aimed at determining the oral self-care practices and dental service utilization among dental auxiliaries in teaching hospitals in Nigeria, and also to assess the dental utilization of their relatives.&#x0D; Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional multicenter study conducted among dental auxiliaries from three teaching hospitals in Nigeria, namely; University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Idi-araba, Lagos State and University College Hospital, (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on participants’ sociodemography, oral hygiene practices and dental service utilization. The self-rated oral health status was used to assess their oral health behavior (frequency of brushing, regular check-up and fluoride application). Statistical analysis was done using the IBM SPSS version 20.0. Statistical significance level was considered at p ≤ 0.05.&#x0D; Results: A total of 101 participants were enrolled into the study, consisting of dental nurses (16[15.8%]), dental technicians (21[20.8%]), dental technologists (46[45.5%]) and dental therapists (18[17.8%]). The mean age of the participants was 35.12 ± 8.89 years. Female: Male ratio was 2.26: 1. Most (90.1%) of the study participants rated their oral hygiene as excellent. Slightly over half (57.4%) brushed twice daily; 25% of the dental nurses, 52.4% of the dental technicians, 58.7% of the dental technologists and 88.9% of the dental therapists, this was statistically significant (p=0.002). Frequency of dental check-up for six months among the participants was low (31.7%). Only 31 (30.7%) of the participants had scaling and polishing done in the last 6 months. More of the dental nurses (93.8%) and technicians (71.4%) had invited their relatives for scaling and polishing compared to the other dental auxiliaries (p=0.0019).&#x0D; Conclusion: Even though the dental therapists had better tooth brushing practices in this study, the oral hygiene practices and utilization of dental services by the dental auxiliaries were generally less than optimal. There was a disparity between the self-rated oral health status and oral health practices of the dental auxiliaries. There is need for better motivation of dental auxiliaries towards optimal oral hygiene behavior.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Pilot Model for Community Based Oral Cancer Screening Program: Outcome from 4 Northeastern Provinces in Thailand.

Management of advanced-stage oral cancer adds a great burden to individuals and health care systems. Community-based oral cancer screening can be beneficial in early detection and treatment. In this study, a novel oral cancer screening program was conducted utilizing an existing network of health care personnel, facilities, and digital database management for efficient coverage of a large population. The screening program considered 392,396 individuals aged ≥40 from four northeastern provinces in Thailand. Three levels of screening were performed: S1 by village healthcare volunteers to identify risk groups, S2 by dental auxiliaries to visually identify abnormal oral lesions, and S3 by dentists for final diagnosis and management. A total of 349,318 individuals were interviewed for S1, and 192,688 were identified as a risk group. For S2, 88,201 individuals appeared, and 2969 were further referred. Out of 1779 individuals who appeared for S3, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) were identified in 544, non-OPMDs in 1047, doubtful lesions in 52, and no results in 136 individuals. Final treatment was carried out in 704 individuals that included biopsies of 504 lesions, exhibiting 25 cancerous lesions and 298 OPMDs. This study is so far one of the largest oral cancer screening programs conducted in Thailand and showed effective implementation of community-based oral cancer screening.