Dental Care Professionals Research Articles

H1N1 Influenza: Assessment of knowledge and awareness of private dental health professionals of a Tricity.

Background:Influenza like Swine flu virus has posed a greater risk of occupational transmission to dental professionals as it can spread through the aerosols.Aim:To assess knowledge and awareness of private dental health care professionals regarding swine flu of a Tricity in India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 255 private dentists practising in the Tricity. A self-administered, anonymous, multiple choice type questionnaire was administered to gather information. The questionnaire contained 12 questions on knowledge and awareness regarding swine flu keeping in view the time constraints. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and student t-test.Results:Awareness regarding mode of transmission of swine flu were reported positively by 88.5% of subjects. About 24.6% of subjects reported about having encountered a swine flu patient at their clinic. Preventive measures to prevent spread of swine flu were known to 71.2% of subjects. Statistically significant association of mean knowledge scores was noted with education level (P = 0.015) and working profile (P = 0.017) of the subjects.Conclusion:The results of the present review showed that some knowledge gaps existed among dentists regarding some important aspects of swine flu. Therefore, there is an urgent need for training and continuous education programs regarding infectious diseases.

Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults.

Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults.

Sepsis: the applicability to dental care professionals.

This discussion paper gives an overview of current understanding around sepsis with the aim of raising awareness. NICE requires all healthcare professionals, including dental care professionals to be trained in identifying people who may have sepsis. Enhancing knowledge about sepsis will help the dental team to educate their patients about sepsis, recognise the pathognomonic warning signs and the need for rapid treatment. This paper describes the multiple missed opportunities to diagnose sepsis in a baby and it is hoped the impact of reading this from the mother's perspective will reduce the risk of this happening again.

The dental management of a mouth cancer patient.

Dentists and dental care professionals have a key role to play in the journey of the mouth cancer patient. Involved in the prevention, diagnosis and delivery of oral healthcare before, during and following mouth cancer treatment, dental professionals are essential to the delivery of patient care. This article will explore and consider the priorities of dental pre-assessment and the subsequent delivery of oral healthcare in the context of the different oncology treatment strategies utilised and in end-of-life care. The significant side effects of radiotherapy will be reviewed and clinical dental considerations presented using the existing evidence base and available guidelines. Ensuring mouth cancer does not result in dental disease is an important role for all members of the dental community.

Educational aspects of oral cancer.

The incidence of oral and oropharyngeal cancer is rising in the UK, its aetiology is changing and early detection and referral saves lives. This article covers how and to what depth oral and oropharyngeal cancer is taught to dental students and other preregistration dental care professionals and examines the threats in the current climate to that education. It also discusses the knowledge of oral and oropharyngeal cancer among general dental practitioners and argues that further continuing professional development regarding the changing aetiology and epidemiology of oral and oropharyngeal cancer is desirable. The article concludes that current levels of education before registration must be maintained so that dentists and dental care professionals can take full advantage of continuing professional development and are able to detect oral and oropharyngeal cancer, refer for specialist treatment and provide appropriate preventive advice to their patients. In this way the potential of all dental professionals to save lives will be maintained.

Speech and the dental interface

This article outlines how sounds are produced and how speech and language develop, in the child. The assessment of speech by a speech and language therapist is briefly described. It then discusses the evidence for an impact of occlusion, and the loss or absence of teeth on speech. In summary, there is a possibility that the loss, absence or malalignment of teeth may affect speech, but unfortunately the evidence base is weak. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental care professionals should understand the development of speech and how dental health potentially affects speech.

OA117] Improvements and challenges in postgraduate radiation protection training for dental staff

Purpose Dental practitioners and other registered dental care professionals in the UK undergo regular update training on radiation protection matters as part of their CPD requirement. If assessments are not made as part of the update training session, it is difficult to demonstrate that real learning has taken place. It is also difficult to know whether there are areas of the training that prove difficult for participants to understand. The purpose of the study is to see whether this situation can be improved by the use of both pre-and post- training session testing. Methods Training sessions for dental practitioners and other registered dental care professionals were provided by the author as a series of 5, 1-h lectures designed to cover a defined syllabus. Prior to the start of the training session, participants completed a short 10-question multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ). At the end of the session, participants then completed a longer 30-question MCQ. The questions on the pre-session test were a sub-set of the post-session test. Many questions on both tests were designed to have more than one correct answer, and participants were informed of this beforehand, both on the test sheets and by verbal reminder. No fixed time limit was given for the completion of the questionnaires. The pre- and post-training session MCQs have been used at eight training sessions with a total of approximately two hundred participants. Results > 85% of participants demonstrated an increase in their percentage test scores, with a mean increase in percentage score of 18%. Differences between pre- and post- course test scores were significant at p 0.01, assessed using the Wilcoxon Rank-sum test. Individual question scores were also analysed and demonstrated that certain questions generated more incorrect answers than others. Conclusions The use of both pre- and post-course testing for dental radiation training courses can demonstrate that learning has been effective. The analysis of individual question scores can shine a light on those areas where learning has not been as effective and thus help with the delivery of future courses.

CPD changes imminent for dental care professionals

CPD changes imminent for dental care professionals

Do exposures to aerosols pose a risk to dental professionals?

BackgroundDental care professionals are exposed to aerosols from the oral cavity of patients containing several pathogenic microorganisms. Bioaerosols generated during dental treatment are a potential hazard to dental staff, and there have been growing concerns about their role in transmission of various airborne infections and about reducing the risk of contamination.AimsTo investigate qualitatively and quantitatively the bacterial and fungal aerosols before and during clinical sessions in two dental offices compared with controls.MethodsAn extra-oral evacuator system was used to measure bacterial and fungal aerosols. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of bacterial species and fungal strains was performed and strains of bacteria and fungi were identified based on their metabolic properties using biochemical tests.ResultsThirty-three bioaerosol samples were obtained. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation showed that during treatment, there is a significant increase in airborne concentration of bacteria and fungi. The microflora included mainly gram-positive organisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus spp.), gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria and those creating endospores as well as non-porous bacteria and mould fungi (Cladosporium and Penicillium).ConclusionsExposure to the microorganisms identified is not a significant occupational hazard for dental care professionals; however, evidence-based prevention measures are recommended.

Perceived oral health and its association with symptoms of psychological distress, oral status and socio-demographic characteristics among elderly in Norway

BackgroundThere is poor knowledge about the extent to which psychological distress influences oral health in older people in Norway. The aim of this study was two-fold: i) to describe the oral health of Norwegian elderly and their levels of psychological distress; and ii) to examine the relationship of psychological distress with self-rated oral health, while controlling for oral status and socio-demographic characteristics, in Norwegian elderly.MethodsData were retrieved from a national cross-sectional survey conducted by Statistics Norway in 2012 and included information about self-rated oral health, psychological distress (measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25; HSCL-25), gender, age, civil status, smoking, self-reported number of teeth present and dental attendance for 949 non-institutionalised adults aged 65 years or older. Logistic regression was used to establish whether psychological distress predicts self-rated oral health, controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and oral status.ResultsAround 27% of the elderly reported having poor oral health, and 8 % had a HSCL-25 mean score ≥ 1.75, which indicates higher levels of psychological distress. Among the symptoms listed in the HSCL-25, the most frequently reported problems were lack of energy (1.7 ± 0.8) and difficulties falling and staying asleep (1.6 ± 0.7). The likelihood of reporting poor oral health was independently associated with having a mean HSCL-25 score ≥ 1.75 (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.14–3.15), even when smoking (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.17, 2.87) and having fewer than 20 teeth (OR = 3.49; 95% CI = 2.56, 4.76) were taken into account.ConclusionMost of the Norwegian elderly in our sample perceived themselves to have good oral health and reported relatively low levels of psychological distress. Higher levels of psychological distress can influence the oral health of the elderly independently of other factors such as smoking and having reduced number of teeth. Dental care professionals should consider screening their elderly patients for psychological distress and individualise the information about dental care for this specific population.

Trends in annual dental visits among US dentate adults with and without self-reported diabetes and prediabetes, 2004-2014

BackgroundThe authors assessed the trends of annual dental visits in dentate adults with diabetes or prediabetes or no diabetes, and assessed whether the racial and ethnic disparities in dental visits changed from 2004 through 2014. MethodsData for this analysis came from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a US health survey that looks at behavioral risk factors that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in cooperation with state health departments. Respondents indicated whether they had a dental visit in the past 12 months. Weighted proportions were calculated for annual dental visits in adults by diabetes status, and trends were assessed by racial and ethnic groups. ResultsFrom 2004 through 2014, the proportion of annual dental visits declined from 66.1% to 61.4% (trend P = .02) in the diabetes group, 71.9% to 66.5% (trend P = .01) in the no diabetes group, and 66.0% to 64.9% (trend P = .33) in the prediabetes group. Age, income, and health insurance were moderators of the association between diabetes status and dental visits. Overall, the racial and ethnic disparity in dental visits did not change significantly during the period. ConclusionsDental visits and services were less frequent in people with diabetes and prediabetes. Racial and ethnic disparities in use of dental services persisted during the observed period. Practical ImplicationsAll patients, especially those with diabetes, are encouraged to visit a dentist at least annually. It is important for health care providers, such as primary care physicians and dental care and public health professionals, to make concerted efforts to promote oral health care in diabetes management. Improving access to dental services is vital to achieving this goal.

Infection Control in Orthodontics: A Review

Dental care professionals are at an increased risk of cross infection while treating patients. This occupational potential for disease transmission become evident initially when one realises that most human microbial pathogens have been isolated from oral secretions. Because of repeated exposure to micro-organisms in blood and saliva, incidence of certain infectious diseases has been significantly higher among dental professionals than observed for general population.

Criteria for quality assessment and labor payment for dental care professionals

Internal regulatory documents of the medical organization reflecting the calculation of incentive payments and a personalized assessment of the quality of dental care were analyzed. It is found that until now the new system of wage payment has not solved the problem of stimulating dental care professionals depending on the results of their work and needs to be changed. The applied criteria of quality assessment and the intensity of labor must have measurable parameters that exclude subjective appraisal; the integrative coefficient of labor quality must be created. A transparent mechanism of wage payment is also needed in order to motivate staff highly to achieve the qualitative and quantitative indicators of labor that are incorporated in it by the medical organization authority and are related with their work goals. Every criterion outlined in the 'Regulation on Inner Control of the Quality and Safety of Dental Care' should reflect the intensity and quality of dental services and correspond with the criteria of the incentive premiums calculation, that have been prescribed in the 'Wage payment regulations'.

An overview of evidence-based dentistry and randomized controlled trials: Importance in the current orthodontic research

Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) was developed to help dental care professionals in incorporating the current, valid, and bias-free research into their clinical practice. It is equally important to review and critically appraise the evidence before its adoption into clinical decision-making. In orthodontics, as there are emerging innumerable appliances, materials, and treatment approaches, there is an urgent need to conduct new trials to determine their effectiveness. Recently, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered as the most powerful and strongest research design for the comparison of various treatment interventions. This article gives a brief overview about EBD and RCTs and their importance in the field of orthodontics.

Oral health challenges in pregnant women: Recommendations for dental care professionals

Pregnancy is a dynamic state leading to several physiological transient changes in the body systems including the oral cavity. In order to maintain good oral health, the dental treatment should not be withheld. The dental management of pregnant patients involves special considerations. This review article discusses common dental problems a pregnant woman faces along with the relevant treatment implications, the risks of various medications to both mother and foetus and common dental problems a pregnant women faces. In addition, the management of related dental problems in the pregnant patients and appropriate scheduling of dental surgical procedures during pregnancy has been discussed.

Creating research and development awareness among dental care professionals by use of strategic communication: a 12-year intervention study

BackgroundDespite the availability of contemporary research advances, only a limited fraction is implemented into dental practice. One possible way to facilitate this process is to stimulate the research and development (R&D) awareness and interest with aid of strategic communication.MethodsThe aim of the study was to analyse the role of a strategic communication in R&D awareness and interest among dental care professionals (DCP) over a 12-year period. A second aim was to compare the findings with those from primary care professionals (PCP). The project had a prospective design and the intervention was conducted through established oral, written and digital channels. The outcome was captured by two validated questionnaires submitted after 7 and 12 years, respectively. An additional Questionnaire file shows the details [see Additional file 1]. The material consisted of 599 health care professionals (205 DCP; 394 PCP) that responded to the first questionnaire and 526 individuals (195 DCP; 331 PCP) who responded to the second. All were employed by the primary care organization of Region Halland located in southwest of Sweden. The majority were women (≥ 85%) and the mean age at the first questionnaire was 49 years (SD 8.5). Longitudinal analyses were applied to those individuals that responded to both surveys after 7 and 12 years (n = 248). Comparisons between DCP’s and PCP’s were processed with Chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests.ResultsStrategic communication contributed to increase the R&D awareness and interest among the dental personnel. The created interest was reported stronger among the DCP when compared with PCP at both surveys (p < 0.05). The longitudinal findings confirmed a long-term interest among the DCP’s. Direct and indirect communication facilitated R&D interest in both groups. The most powerful channels were the written “Research bulletin” and peer inspiration.ConclusionStrategic communication can be employed as a scientific tool that may contribute to the creation of a long-term R&D awareness and interest among dental care professionals.

The Graduating European Dentist-Domain I: Professionalism.

This position paper outlines the areas of competence and learning outcomes of "The Graduating European Dentist" that specifically relate to Professionalism. Professionalism is a commitment to a set of values, behaviours and relationships, which underpin the trust that the public hold in dental care professionals. Shortcomings within this domain are often responsible for patient dissatisfaction, concern and complaint-and emphasis is placed on the importance of embedding these values from an early stage within the curriculum.

Changing Health Professionals' Attitudes and Practice Behaviors Through Interprofessional Continuing Education in Oral-Systemic Health.

Integration of oral-systemic science into clinical care holds promise for improving patient outcomes and presenting opportunities for individuals in various health care professions to learn with, from, and about each other. The aim of this study was to examine whether an interprofessional continuing education program dedicated to oral-systemic health improved participants' attitudes toward interprofessional education and collaboration between dental and non-dental health care professionals and whether it influenced the physicians' practice of screening for debilitating oral diseases. The study took place in 2014 and used a mixed-methods approach, consisting of Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) surveys conducted before, immediately after, and six months after the intervention, as well as surveys of self-reported practice behaviors and semi-structured interviews. A total of 231 health care professionals participated in the lectures and roundtable discussions. Of those, 134 responded to the pre-program survey (58% response rate), 110 responded to the post-program survey (48% response rate), and 58 responded to the survey six months after the program (25% response rate). The participants' median total RIPLS score at baseline was 76.5, which increased significantly immediately following the program (81.0) but returned to baseline six months later (76.5). Participants' RIPLS domain scores also increased significantly by profession from before to after the event, with effects returning to baseline after six months. Significantly more physicians reported screening for caries and periodontal disease after the intervention. An overall theme of "learning with, from, and about each other" was drawn from the interviews with 15 participants. The physicians took away a message of "just look in the mouth," while the dental professionals reported feeling valued as members of the health care team. Although reported improvements in oral-systemic health practice immediately after the intervention were encouraging, further research is necessary to understand why collaborative behaviors were not sustained.

Rural placement experiences in dental education and the impact on professional intentions and employment outcomes-A systematic review.

The availability of clinical dental services in rural locations is a major concern for many countries as dental care professionals gravitate to work in metropolitan areas. This systematic review examines the literature on Rural Placement Programs within dentistry and their impact on workforce intentions and employment outcomes. The review provides a detailed analysis of the methodological characteristics of the literature, considers the quality of the evidence and compares the outcomes within an international context. The systematic review identified published literature between 2005 and 2016 from databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, NursingOVID and Cochrane. The PRISMA protocol was adopted for the development of the study, and the Health Gains Notation Framework was implemented to assess the quality of the selected research papers. Eleven studies considering Rural Clinical Placement Programs met the inclusion criteria. The studies were from Australia, South Africa, United States, Thailand and India. The evidence in this review indicates that well-designed, financially supported programmes that provide a perceived valuable clinical experience, good supervision and professional support in a rural environment can lead to dental students stating increased intentions to working in a rural location. However, there was a lack of evidence and research into whether these rural intentions result in positive action to take up employment in a rural location. The evidence suggests that well-prepared rural clinical placements, which have experienced clinical supervisors, good professional student support from the dental school, provide a valuable clinical experience and are sufficiently funded, can increase intentions to work in a rural location upon graduation. However, there is a lack of evidence in dentistry into whether intentions translate into practitioners taking clinical positions in a rural location. Future research should be planned, which will undertake longitudinal cohort studies to identify factors that have an important influence on rural job choice.

The new enhanced CPD changes

Enhanced CPD changes will take place on 1 August 2018 for dental care professionals. What does it mean for you?