Dental Dams Research Articles

Biomechanical and Physical Characteristics of Dental Dam Sheets Used for Absolute Isolation.

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of dental dam sheets used for absolute isolation and to correlate the mechanical parameters with cost. Twenty-one dental dam sheets were tested: ALLPRIME; Madeitex; Sanctuary non-latex, Sanctuary latex black, green, and blue; Nic Tone blue and black; Mk Life; Elastidam; Bassi; Pribanic; Care; OK; MDCDental; Keystone; Dura Dam; Flexidam; Sanctuary blue; Nic Tone blue; Ehros; and USE. The thicknesses of the dental dam sheets were measured using a digital micrometer (Mitutoyo). The dental dam sheets (n=15) were prepared by cutting the samples with dimensions of 80 × 10 mm with a 1.7 mm hole made at the center of each specimen, following the ISO 9001 standard. The specimens were tested using a universal testing machine (Emic) at a speed of 500 mm/min until rupture to calculate rupture force (RF, N), elongation (%), and ultimate tensile strength (UTS, MPa), their thickness (mm) was measured using a digital micrometer, and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy were performed to analyze the structure and composition. The radiopacity was measured using digital radiography. Thickness, UTS, RF, and elongation data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). The Flexidam dental dam had the largest thickness (0.5 mm), while Nic Tone had a median thickness of 0.3 mm; the RF value (41.3 N) was higher for the thicker dental dams. The other dental dams had RF values ranging from 19 to 30 N. The highest elongation was obtained for the non-latex Sanctuary dental dam (600 mm). The Bassi dental dam had the highest UTS value (15 MPa), and medium and small particles were observed in most of the gums. A loss of continuity was detected in the structure of Sanctuary green and blue media. The predominant elements in the sheets were carbon, magnesium, sulfur, silicon, and calcium. The UTS, RF, and elongation varied substantially, indicating insufficient standardization of dental dam sheets. Nonetheless, most of the tested dental dams exhibited mechanical and physical properties suitable for clinical use. The correlation between the cost and mechanical properties of the dental dams was very low.

How materialities and space–time travellings in class can breathe new life into Swedish secondary school Natural Science sexuality education

In this study, we investigate the phenomenon of Swedish Natural Science sexuality education. These classes tend to provide factual knowledge, focus on the negative outcomes of sexuality, be heteronormative and include little time for discussion—like much school sexuality education across the world—and this study aims to contribute ideas about new becomings of Natural Science sexuality education. Baradian theorising was used to explore how materialities and space and time travels within the classroom can challenge often-dominant perspectives. Data were produced in a secondary school and consist of teacher-researcher discussions and participatory observations in class. A futuristic case introduced students to spaces, times and materialities that not only helped the group move beyond a medical focus but also made the sexuality education more student centred. The participating teachers suggested imaginary lust-oriented scenarios for the 15–16-year-old students as an entrance to more preventive messages in teaching. A taken-for-granted heterosexual premise was also challenged with gender-neutral words and pronouns, an exercise on how to use both condoms and dental dams, and a time travel into future possibilities for reproduction and parenting. The acknowledgement of spacetimematter intra-activity in teaching thereby enabled new becomings of Swedish Natural Science sexuality education. However, although this study suggests how dominant medical and heterosexual perspectives can be challenged, it also made visible the absence of cultural, religious, asexuality and disability perspectives in Swedish sexuality education.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Services for Women Experiencing Homelessness: A Safety-Net Health System Quality Improvement Initiative.

Consistent use of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention methods is proven to decrease transmission of STIs. Yet, rates continue to rise within the US, particularly among high-risk populations. Women experiencing homelessness may face barriers to access reproductive healthcare. This quality improvement (QI) initiative sought to examine perceived barriers to STI prevention and opportunities for expanding STI prevention services and education for women experiencing homelessness. Surveys were administered during a one-day health event in August 2023 at a clinic that predominately serves persons experiencing homelessness in North Texas. Respondents included adult, non-pregnant, English-speaking, individuals assigned female at birth with a history of homelessness. Demographic characteristics, sexual history, participants' knowledge of STIs, and perceived barriers to obtaining sexual health care were gathered. Participants had the opportunity to suggest methods for improving access to STI care. Among participants (n = 36), over half (59%) were tested for STIs within the past year. Most preferred condoms for STI prevention. The average knowledge score among questions about STI transmission and methods of prevention was 65%, with the lowest scores observed among trichomoniasis (39% correct), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP; 31%), and dental dams (25%). Common barriers included cost (33%) and side effects (33%). One-third (36%) of participants reported no barriers to the use of prevention products. Findings highlight the need for educational opportunities among this population to increase knowledge of STI transmission and prevention. Patients may benefit from clinicians emphasizing education and increasing the visibility of services.

Oral Sex, Oral Sex Protective Barriers, And Oral Cancer: A Triple Concern

Oral sex refers to sexual activities involving the stimulation of the genitalia by the use of the mouth, tongue, teeth, or throat. Oral sex is practiced by people of all sexual orientations, and it is practiced in various forms: cunnilingus (oral-vaginal contact);fellatio(oral-penile contact); and anilingus (oral-anal contact).Over 35% of the global adult population have engaged in an oral sex activity at least once in their lifetime. Individuals who engage in oral sex are more vulnerable to various sexually transmitted oral infections, including oral gonorrhoea and oral HPV infection. These infections can result in severe health consequences, including oral cancer.Nonetheless, sexually transmitted oral infections could be avoided by using oral sex protective barriers such as cling films (aka saran wraps), dental dams, and tongue condoms. If oral sex protective barriers are used appropriately, the infections can beavoided. Unfortunately, the global use rate of these protective barriers is very negligible. For example, evidence has shown that just less than 10% of adolescents and young adults in the USA used condom at their last oral sex experience. Overall, the issue of oral sex, oral sex protective barriers, and oral cancer is a triple concern of global health significance; this commentary offered recommendations on how to address the triple concern.

A Qualitative Evaluation of the Acceptability of Shigellosis Prevention Recommendations Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Shigellosis is diarrheal disease caused by highly infectious Shigella bacteria. Shigella can spread in multiple ways, including sexual contact. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are particularly at risk for shigellosis. To evaluate the acceptability of 3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-developed behavioral recommendations for the prevention of sexually transmitted shigellosis, virtual in-depth interviews were conducted among 26 gay or bisexual men in March to May 2021. Participants had a median age of 25 years; 65% were non-Hispanic White, 12% were Hispanic White, 12% Asian, 4% Hispanic Black, and 8% multiracial/other. Respondents indicated willingness to engage in certain prevention behaviors (e.g., washing hands, genitals, and anus before and after sex), but were less willing to engage in behaviors that were viewed as outside social norms or difficult to practice (e.g., dental dams for oral-anal contact; latex gloves for fingering or fisting). Respondents thought recommendations may be more feasible if knowledge of shigellosis was greater; however, some perceived that the severity of shigellosis is low and did not warrant the effort of engaging in prevention behaviors. Educational efforts to increase awareness of shigellosis and other enteric diseases spread through sexual contact are needed and public health practitioners should consider the acceptability of how realistic it is for individuals to engage in certain prevention behaviors. Rather than recommending behaviors that do not have buy-in, it may be more efficacious to focus recommendations on adopting behaviors reported as acceptable to the target audience.

Risk of STIs contracting through orogenital contact and prevention measures

Oral health is essential during oral sex, and poor oral health can increase the risk of transmitting infections and pathogens. Infections can be transmitted through contact with seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, anal secretions, saliva, and other bodily fluids. The use of condoms or female condoms during oral sex can reduce the risk of STI transmission, especially through contact with semen or vaginal secretions. Gentle barriers such as latex female condoms, plastic films, or dental dams can also be used to protect mucoumembranes from direct contact with a partner. In addition to protective equipment, maintaining oral health, regular dental visits, and being careful with oral contact if there are injuries, sores, or lesions in the mouth can reduce the risk of transmitting infections. Education and information about safer sex practices are also important in helping people make informed decisions and take care of their sexual health.

How Brazilian oral health care workers face COVID-19

Aim: To investigate surveillance, biosafety, and education strategies of Brazilian oral health care workers (OHCWs) during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study covering OHCWs from a single multicenter research centre. A self-administered and validated online questionnaire was used for data collection, including the following variables: sociodemographic, medical history, biosafety, professional experience, surveillance, and education. Results: The sample consisted of 644 OHCWs (82.5% dentists, 13.2% dental assistants and 4.3% technicians), most without comorbidities (84.8%), from the public (51.7%) and private (48.3%) health systems, in 140 cities of a southern state. The most prominent measures of surveillance were waiting room distancing and visual alerts, symptom assessment, and availability of guidelines on COVID-19. Regarding biosafety measures, the lowest adherence was related to intraoral radiographs (2.7±1.4; 95%CI: 2.6–2.9), use of dental dams (2.1±1.4; 95%CI: 2.0–2.2), and availability of high-power suction systems (2.5±1.7; 95%CI: 2.3–2.6). Among OHCWs, 52.6% received guidance on measures to take during dental care in the workplace. Continuing education was mainly through documents from non-governmental health authorities (77.4%). Conclusion: Surveillance and biosafety measures were adopted, but activities that reduce the spread of aerosols had less adherence. These findings underscore the importance of considering dental practices, and surveillance and education strategies to formulate policies and relevant support to address health system challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. A coordinated action of permanent education by policymakers is necessary.

(064) “Condoms and Sexual Health Practices, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Students”

Abstract Introduction Sexual wellbeing is a large aspect of college students’ health that continues to be minimally addressed on university campuses. Considering the topic of STIs, it is estimated that people ages 15-24 accounted for almost half of the 26 million new sexually transmitted infections that occurred in the United States in 2018 (CDC, 2018). While there is information on condom and contraceptive usage for college students, there is not much data on the usage and beliefs surrounding condoms and sexual health practices. To further explore the sexual health practices at a university, a mixed-method study was conducted by the Sexual and Reproductive Health Lab during the 2020-21 school year. The study included a survey (n=580) and focus group discussions (n = 16) designed to answer the research questions 1) to what extent are condoms being used by students and 2) what are students’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about condoms and sexual health? Results from the study indicated that while 69% of students engage in sexual activity, sex-based differences are apparent in the desire to use condoms, condoms are only used for vaginal sex, and barrier methods other than external condoms are not being used. Further, conversations prior to sex surrounding STI status and testing are limited. Future interventions are necessary to ensure that current limitations to best safe sex practices are improved through more inclusive sexual education and access to sexual health resources. Objective 1. Describe the factors that students consider when electing whether to use a condom by examining scenarios in which they are used frequently, which partner uses one, and why these scenarios elicit use. 2. Identify what type(s) of sexual acts condoms are currently being used for within the Cal Poly student population in comparison to guidelines for best sexual health practice by asking directly about patterns of use for penetrative vaginal, penetrative anal, and oral sex. 3. Discuss the ways in which health services at the University can better support the specific needs of Cal Poly students by gauging knowledge and certain perceptions on sexual health behaviors and contraceptive use, ultimately using the data to identify areas in which university services can target informative and preventive campaigns and provide access to relevant resources. Methods One-on-one in person or virtual interviews were conducted and asked students about their sexual histories to reveal their experiences using protection, initiating STI status conversations, and circumstances where protection is or is not used. Questions were then asked to evaluate student perceptions of “cleanliness” and clean status conversations. After, the interviews were transcribed via Microsoft Word and NVIVO is being used to code the data. Open coding of the data was first done to create codes and themes of the data and once codes were created, axial coding was done to interpret the data. Results Emerging data from the ongoing study reveals some important trends. Perhaps the most notable emerging finding centralizes on the role of trust in influencing a student’s decision to use a condom, engage in an STI status conversation, and ask for proof of status. Many participants also mentioned trust as a key factor. Another emerging finding reveals that students do not share a universal definition of the word “clean”, but instead the semantic value ranges from the physical environment to personal hygiene habits, to STI status. Furthermore, the use of the word “clean” to describe STI status was nor preferred by the general student population as they believe it propagates the stigma surrounding sex and STIs and implies people are dirty. Conclusions As we have uncovered, students do seem to have some understanding of safe sex practices. In addition, plenty of free barrier methods like condoms and dental dams are available across campus. Therefore, the issues related to lack of conversation and condom use, and subsequent rising rates of transmission, cannot be attributed to lack of knowledge or resources. Other factors, then, appear to be impeding adherence to sexual health best practices. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.

Experiences with Cling Film and Dental Dam Use in Oral Sex: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

This study aimed to conduct a mixed-methods SR of the literature investigating the experiences (knowledge, attitudes, practices, and effects of use) concerning dental dam and cling film use. The SR methodology was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for SRs and Meta-analysis framework, the Cochrane Handbook for SR of Interventions, the Joanna Briggs Institute guideline for conducting mixed-methods SRs, and the PICO (population, intervention (or exposure), comparison, and outcome) framework. Using a set of inclusion criteria, relevant studies in the literature were obtained for the review from 11 electronic databases, Teesside University Library, websites of multilateral health organisations, and reference lists of eligible literature. The included literature was appraised for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool version 2018 and the AAOCDS Tool. Only those studies in the literature with sufficient quality were finally included for data extraction (using an adapted version of the JBI Quality Assessment and Review Instruments) and synthesis. Best evidence synthesis was performed for the quantitative data, while meta-aggregation was performed for the qualitative data. The synthesised data were then configured using the segregated approach. A total of 529 studies from the literature were obtained from the searched databases, while only four were obtained from the other sources. After de-duplication, screening, and quality appraisal, a total of 17 studies were found eligible and included in this review. Sixteen studies were non-grey literature while, one was grey literature, and only a few reported a finding on cling film and heterosexual populations. A total of 5516 adolescents and adults were investigated in the analysed literature. Overall, the reported knowledge of dental dams was generally poor, while no study reported knowledge of cling film. The attitudes towards dental dams/cling film were complex and predominantly negative, with very few participants using dental dams/cling film for oral sex. No study reported any finding on the effect(s) of dental dam/cling film use. In conclusion, there is a need for robust and strategic public health interventions for sexual health and safer oral sex practices.

Penn State acoustic wave kits (PAWKits)

The increasing prevalence of blended resident and distance education courses makes it difficult to implement in-class demonstrations or hands-on activities to enhance learning. Our objective here is to develop and evaluate the use of at-home activity kits in fundamental acoustics and vibration courses for graduate students. First-generation PAWkits includedfive1-ft PVC pipes, four PVC couplers, a PVC end cap, a PVC T-branch, two dental dams, a tuning fork, a bluetooth speaker with passive radiator, a lapel microphone, a thick string, a thin string, ten magnets, four magnetic hooks, four springs (two spring constants), and an alligator clip. The total cost of the kit per student was estimated at $66 plus shipping. The first-generation PAWkit was designed for five main activities includingmeasuring directivity of the speaker and tuning fork, waves in pipes including T-branch and low-pass filters, waves in membranes, waves in strings, and mass-spring vibration systems. Activities were tested across two required Penn State first-year required courses for graduate students. PAWkits are currently being evaluated through student surveys and, in the future, by tracking the performance of Ph.D. students on the qualifying exam. [Work supported by Penn State Leonhard Center Seed Grant.]

Online Questionnaire-Based Study to Evaluate the Attitudes and Use of Rubber Dental Dams by Saudi Dental Practitioners.

BACKGROUND A dental dam is a protective sheet with an aperture and is used to prevent the spread of infection during dental procedures. This study aimed to use a 2-part online questionnaire to evaluate the attitudes and use of rubber dental dams by 300 Saudi dental interns, general dental practitioners, residents, specialists, and consultants in prosthodontics, endodontics, and restorative dentistry. MATERIAL AND METHODS The 17-item validated questionnaire consisted of 5 questions on demographics, 2 on knowledge, 6 on attitudes, and 4 on perceptions. It was distributed through Google Forms. The chi-square test was used to determine the associations between the study variables and perception questions. RESULTS A total of 41.67% participants were specialists/consultants, among which 59.2% were in the prosthodontics specialty, 12.8% in endodontics, and 28% in restorative dentistry. Most participants (84.67%) stated the necessity of using rubber dams during post and core procedures. A total of 53.67% had received enough training for using rubber dams during their undergraduate/residency education. The majority of participants (41%) also preferred using rubber dams during the prefabricated post and core procedures, and 28.33% stated that the remaining tooth structure was one of the major reasons for not using rubber dams during the post and core procedures. CONCLUSIONS Workshops and hands-on training should be conducted among dental graduates to instill a positive attitude regarding the use of rubber dams.

Paradigm Shift in Design of Tongue Condoms for Genitals or Anal Foreplay and Oral Intercourse: The Game Changer ApproachPhase four Category

Paradigm Shift in Design of Tongue Condoms for Genitals or Anal Foreplay and Oral Intercourse: The Game Changer ApproachPhase four Category

Low protein, powder-free dental dams.

Low protein, powder-free dental dams.

Attitudes towards and use of dental dams by final-year dental students in Chongqing, China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo investigate the current and intended future use of dental dams (DDs) and attitudes regarding DD use among final-year dental students at two levels (undergraduate and college) in dental schools...

Sexual behaviors of women who have sex with women: A qualitative explorative study

Sexual transmitted infections (STIs), including the human papillomavirus, are transmissible by female-to-female sexual contact, even though a common misperception is that women who have sex with women (WSW) are at lower risk for STIs. This study sought to further understand current sexual behaviors and protective mechanisms utilized by WSW. Incorporating a grounded theory approach, nineteen (N = 19) semistructured telephone interviews were conducted among WSW from four regions of the United States. Findings indicate that WSW were engaging in risky sexual behaviors due to limitations in knowledge, aversion to dental dams, gender bias, and perceived emotional connection. Implications suggest comprehensive sexuality education and community-based risk reduction education programs.

Dental dams in dermatology: An underutilized barrier method of protection.

Dental dams are a barrier method of protection, which may help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. Despite their relative simplicity of use, data on dental dams are limited and patients infrequently utilize this method of barrier protection because of the lack of awareness, perceived barriers to procurement and accessibility, and unfamiliarity on the part of health educators. Nevertheless, increased knowledge of dental dams may be beneficial especially in high-risk populations, where sexually transmitted infections are more common and remain a significant cause for morbidity. This article aims to increase awareness and knowledge of dental dams, as well as provide an informational guide on their procurement and use that may be helpful to dermatologists when counseling patients.

LGBTPQ Youth Negotiating Access to Sexual Health Education and Resources in a Rural South African University

ABSTRACT This article draws on sexual citizenship theory to analyze how some lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual and queer (LGBTPQ) youth in a low socio-economic rural South African context negotiate access to inclusive sexual health education programmes and resources. Participants are students aged 19 to 32 years old at a South African university. Using in-depth individual interviews, participants reflected on their experiences of sexual health education when they were still at school. The findings show the continuing silencing of sexual health issues concerning LGBTPQ youth in South African schools. Disadvantaged by the lack of sexual health education programmes in schools, findings show how the students sought LGBTPQ centered knowledge through self-study and other ways to empower themselves with information on sexual health matters. Participants also reflected on accessing the student health clinic at the university where they are students. Accessing condoms, lubricants, dental dams and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains a challenge. Implications suggest ways of improving the provision of LGBTPQ inclusive sexual health education programmes and resources in poor rural contexts in South Africa.

Sexual Behavior and High-Risk HPV Infection in the Head and Neck

In the second half of the 20th century, the sexual revolution went hand in hand with changes in common sexual practices. At the turn of the millennium, an increase in the detection rate of HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPC) in the USA was observed for the first time. An increase in the OPC was also observed in Europe. It was shown that this increase was due to HPV-positive OPC. However, the detection rate of the HPV-positive OPC has national and regional differences. Within Europe, the highest detection rate is in Northern Europe (56,5 %), followed by Central Europe (37,6 %). An association between patients with OPC and ≥ 6 sexual partners (OR = 1,25) and ≥ 4 oral sex partners (OR = 2,25) has been described. An HPV infection is usually asymptomatic and eliminated by the immune system within a few months. The persistence of the virus is oncogene. Smoking favors virus persistence, which is why the combination of smoking and oral sex with ≥ 5partners is a particular risk factor. It was also examined whether partners from patients with cervical cancer have an increased oropharyngeal HPV infection rate. There was no definite declaration on this, but further investigations are required. Oral condoms or dental dams are suitable for the prevention of an oral HPV infection. The studies regarding the effectiveness of HPV vaccination for the prevention of an OPC are poor. Authors described a significantly lower detection rate of oral HPV infection in vaccinated people than in non-vaccinated people (0,11 % vs. 1,61 %; p = 0,008).

Sexual practices of female sex workers in Melbourne, Australia: an anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire study in 2017-18.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among FSW at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between September 2017 and March 2018. Participants were asked about current sexual practices with male clients in an average working week. The frequency and proportion of each sexual practice was calculated. There were 180 questionnaires included in the analysis. The median age of the FSW was 28 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 25-34). Most FSW (80.6%) worked in brothels. In an average working week, FSW had a median of 10 (IQR: 7-20) male clients. The most common sexual practices included: vaginal sex (98.3%), fellatio (97.2%), cunnilingus (92.2%) and tongue-kissing (83.7%). FSW had a median number of 10 (IQR: 6-18) vaginal, 10 (IQR: 5-18) fellatio, 7 (IQR: 2-10) cunnilingus and 6 (IQR: 2-10) tongue-kissing clients. Consistent condom use with all clients was highest for vaginal sex (97.1%), followed by anal sex (92.3%), then fellatio (78.9%). Only 3.1% used dental dams consistently for cunnilingus. Consistent condom use with all clients was high among FSWs, especially for vaginal and anal sex. However, one-fifth of FSW had condomless fellatio during an average working week. Tongue-kissing was more common than previously published. Peer-led sexual health education on safe sex practice for FSW is of high importance.

Barriers to Purchasing Condoms in a High HIV/STI-Risk Urban Area.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified Atlanta, Georgia as a high-risk environment for STI/HIV infection. Condoms are an inexpensive and effective method for preventing STI/HIV infection. The majority of individuals acquire their condoms through purchase, rather than through free condom distribution programs. However, individuals purchasing condoms in stores encounter numerous barriers. This study assessed the environmental and physical barriers surrounding condom purchases in stores in downtown Atlanta. The findings revealed a combination of high environmental and physical barriers, low visibility of condoms in stores and limited selection of safer sex supplies. In the most densely populated area of the city, stores which sold condoms were few (n = 25), equating to 1 store per ~ 7000 people. In 80% of stores, personnel were required in order to access the condoms. In 28% of stores, condoms were hidden underneath the counter. The majority of stores offered only one brand of male condoms with a limited selection of lubricants and no dental dams or internal condoms. Barriers and discomfort surrounding purchasing condoms can contribute to embarrassment, which has a negative impact on condom acquisition and ultimately on condom use. Efforts must be made to lower barriers in Atlanta and make condoms more readily available to high-risk populations. Community advocacy has been effective in removing barriers to condoms. Access can furthermore be improved by: installing condom vending machines in public locations, offering self-check-out in stores that do not have physical barriers and encouraging individuals to order condoms online.