Dental Group Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences of a Group of Turkish Dentists regarding Child Abuse

Child abuse is a universal problem with critical lifelong effects. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, experiences of dentists regarding child abuse and to increase relevant awareness of them. A self-administered questionnaire with 48 questions about dentists’ personal and educational information and their level of knowledge, attitudes, experiences on child abuse was implemented. Out of targeted 305 participants, 183 (60.0%) returned completely filled out questionnaires. Majority of participants knew signs and symptoms of child abuse. Of the participants, more than half were well-informed on what to do, however, one quarter had no knowledge about where to report in case of child abuse. In identifying child abuse, 39.3% of the participants found themselves inadequate. The most commonly stated reason for low rate of reporting was hesitancy to identify the case as abuse, and all participants needed more training. Only 12 (6.6%) participants suspected a case of child abuse. Dentists who had children and were long-time experienced and generalist did not have sufficient knowledge about legal obligations, signs and symptoms of child abuse (p<0.05). Arrangements and training programs to increase knowledge, awareness, and responsibility levels of dentists about child abuse appear to be a critically important topic.

Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance among Dental Professionals: A Multi-Country Survey.

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the acceptance rate and associated factors of COVID-19 vaccines among dentists and dental students in seven countries. Material and Methods: A structured questionnaire prepared and guided by the report of the SAGE Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy was distributed among groups of dentists and dental students in seven countries across four continents. Results: A total of 1527 subjects (850 dentists and 677 dental students) participated in this survey. Although 72.5% of the respondents reported their intention to accept COVID-19 vaccines (dentists: 74.4%, dental students: 70.2%), there was a significant difference in agreement between dentists/dental students across countries; generally, respondents in upper-middle-, and high-income countries (UM-HICs) showed significantly higher acceptance rates compared to those in low- and lower-middle income countries (L-LMICs). Potential predictors of higher vaccine acceptance included being a dentist, being free of comorbidity, being well-informed about COVID-19 vaccines, having better knowledge about COVID-19 complications, having anxiety about COVID-19 infection, having no concerns about the side effects of the produced vaccines and being a resident of an UM-HIC. Conclusion: The results of our survey indicate a relatively good acceptance rate of COVID-19 among the surveyed dentists and dental students. However, dentists and dental students in L-LMICs showed significantly lower vaccine acceptance rates and trust in COVID-19 vaccines compared to their counterparts in UM-HICs. Our results provide important information to policymakers, highlighting the need for implementation of country-specific vaccine promotion strategies, with special focus on L-LMICs.

Safety of COVID-19 vaccine delivery by dentists: An observational cohort study

Background/purposeAlthough many coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine injections have been administered worldwide, the safety of this practice remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the rates of complications associated with COVID-19 vaccines administered by dentists with those of vaccines administered by nurses. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of a vaccination program delivered by dentists. Materials and methodsThis observational cohort study included 537 recipients of the second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, delivered as an intramuscular injection to the upper arm deltoid muscle by dentists or nurses at the study site. Vaccine recipients were divided into two groups according to the vaccination administrator (dentist vs. nurse groups). The rates of complications associated with intramuscular injection technique (numbness in the hand or arm at the time of the injection, vasovagal reflex at the time of the injection, vaccine-related shoulder injury, and prolonged numbness) were examined. ResultsA total of 125 vaccine recipients were included (nurse group, n = 84; dentist group, n = 41). The overall incidence rate of complications was lower in the dentist group (2.4%; 1/41) than in the nurse group (8.3%; 7/84). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.3). ConclusionThis study suggests that the safety of COVID-19 vaccine administration is comparable between dentists and nurses.

Do Tooth Loss and Dentures Cause Body Image Disturbance?

To investigate the psychologic morbidities associated with tooth loss despite treatment with technically successful dentures. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study compared the psychologic disturbance and functional difficulties in two groups: individuals with tooth loss who wore optimal-quality removable dentures (test group), and individuals with tooth loss who did not wear dentures (control group). The questionnaire used was developed and validated previously. The short-form revised Eysenck personality questionnaire was also used to assess the relationship with personality traits. A total of 138 participants were recruited (denture group = 70; control group = 68). There was a significant difference in body image dissatisfaction between the groups (χ2 = 7.72, P value = .005). The denture group had 5.75-times higher probability than the control group of suffering from body image disturbance. Older patients were predicted to have 75% less probability of body image disturbance (OR = 0.25), and men were predicted to have up to 70% less disturbance (OR = 0.3). As for psychologic morbidities, participants in both groups presented with somatic symptoms related to depression or anxiety, which were nearly double that expected in the general population (15.7% and 7.8%, respectively). Furthermore, participants who complained about body image impairment were more likely to have higher scores on the neuroticism scale (OR = 3.64). Tooth loss and dentures could be associated with body image dissatisfaction and psychologic morbidity. Planning for patient-centered care is paramount prior to extracting any teeth and providing replacement options.

Providing ambulatory healthcare for people aged 80 and over: Views and perspectives of physicians and dentists from a qualitative survey.

People aged 80 and over frequently face complex chronic conditions and health limitations, including oral health problems, which are primarily addressed by ambulatory (i.e., outpatient) healthcare. This demographic development is expected to affect the provision of care. However, few studies have investigated physicians' and dentists' views across the various medical disciplines in non-institutional settings. This study investigated how healthcare providers perceive caring for very old people, and how they feel healthcare should be designed for this patient group. A qualitative online survey comprising nine open-ended items was conducted among physicians and dentists practicing in the ambulatory healthcare sector in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Apart from child and adolescent healthcare, no medical specialties were excluded. The results were analysed using Kuckartz' approach of structuring qualitative content analysis. A descriptive codebook was developed first. After coding all the material, recurring patterns between the topics were investigated and compared between two groups of participants, physicians and dentists. N = 77 cases were included in the analysis, from which n = 21 originated from the field of ambulatory general practice care and internal medicine, n = 19 from specialties (e.g., neurology, urology), and n = 37 from dentistry. Caring for patients aged 80 and over was perceived as challenging because of complex health conditions and treatments such as multimorbidity and polypharmacy, and patients' cognitive and physical limitations. In characterizing good care in older age, both groups found individual care important, as well as empathetic interactions and good collaboration in networks of healthcare providers. Inadequate reimbursement and limited resources and time were the most important barriers to providing good care, while one of the most important facilitators was healthcare providers' attitude and motivation. Physicians' and dentists' conceptions of good healthcare are in line with the conceptualization of patient-centred care. However, the transfer in everyday care delivery is hampered by the current design of healthcare structures. Healthcare providers feel overstrained by the increasing demands placed on them. Adaptations for improvement should focus on building strong networks of cooperating health professions, especially including dental care, and local social support structures.

Knowledge and attitude to dental implant placement amongst a group of Nigerian dentist.

The perceptions and experiences of dentists from different specialties on the use of dental implant and its applications can be instrumental in its use exhaustively. To determine the opinions and experiences of a population of Nigerian dentists towards dental implant. Data for the study were collated using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed the familiarity of the participants with various implant systems, their designs, sizes and loading as well as the provision of replacement for missing teeth. The estimated functional life of an implant was reported to be less than 5 years by 2.5% of the respondents; 5 to 10 years by 11.3% of the respondents; 10 to 20 years by 26.3% and more than 20 years by 28.7% of the respondents while 31.3% had no idea about the estimated functional life of an implant. Exposure and experience with dental implants were low as only 30.0% of the respondents had attended any dental implant course/training with 95.0% of the respondents expressing the opinion that they did not have enough training in dental implantology. The exposure and experience with dental implants was low among the respondents.

Selected issues in, civil and labour liability of medical professions in Poland. Analysis of the jurisprudence and proposals for changes.

The article presents the legal liability that may be borne by medical professionals, with particular emphasis on a group of doctors and dentists. The paper discusses the evidentiary and procedural aspects of civil and labour liability, together with relevant courtroom examples. Each of the above-mentioned types of liability has been commented taking into account the fundamental principle for the medical professions: provision of services in accordance with the current medical knowledge.
 The systematically increasing number of compensation suits and long-lasting court proceedings, which do not always end in a positive decision for the defendant, i.e. a member of the medical personnel or a healthcare entity, prompts to seek other solutions to the dispute. The authors of the article indicate the need to develop a new, systemic solution to these issues based on a single structure, uniform procedures and premises for determining the right to compensation.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Molar-Incisor Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation among a Group of Egyptian Dentists Hypomineralisation among a Group of Egyptian Dentists (Observational Cross-Sectional Study) (Observational Cross-Sectional Study)

Introduction: Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is one of qualitative DED. MIH is increasing dramatically in the new generations, which is considered to be challenging for the majority of dentists. MIH was found to be prevalent in 14.2% of the world's population, with the high incidence 18% in South America and the least (10.9%) in Africa. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of graduated Egyptian dentists' group regarding MIH condition and compare the outcome information among different dental specialists. Material and methods: A google based questionnaire based on previously validated published papers distributed electronically through different social media by direct message or public social media link. Eligibility criteria including Graduated Egyptian licensed dentists excluding students, interns and other medical specialties. Model answer prepared by researchers in 3 rounds based on most recent published papers. Results: 416 participants enrolled in this study with response rate reach to 16.7% for direct message and 1.4% for public share link. 79.1% of PDs, 45.8% of GPs and 45.0% of other specialties are familiar with both MIH condition and terminology. A prevalence of 10-20 % was notice by participants during their practice (21.9% PDs, 22.0% GPs and 22.2 other specialties). Most of participants believe that there is a lack of information regarding MIH between Egyptian dentists. The majority of the participant used Full coverage for posterior teeth and composite resin for anterior teeth as treatment choice. 53.1% of PDs are encountered MIH in monthly bases. Conclusion: MIH is a clinical problem that Egyptian dentists well recognize and frequently encounter in clinical practice. There is a need to include MIH in academic curriculum to increase the awareness regarding the condition and clinical management.

A comparative evaluation of neurophysiological activity, active tactile sensibility and stereognostic ability of complete denture prosthesis, and implant-supported prosthesis wearer-A pilot study.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant-supported prosthesis in completely edentulous participants in terms of osseoperception ability, neural activity, and stereognostic ability in comparison to removable prosthetic options. A total sample of 18 patients, irrespective of gender and age were allocated into three groups according to the three-treatment protocol (upper and lower complete denture, upper complete denture opposing lower implant-retained overdenture, implant-supported fixed prosthesis in both arches). Four weeks after completion of the treatment procedure active tactile sensibility (ATS) was checked by using varying thicknesses (12, 40, 80, 100, 200 μ) of articulating foils and papers. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed to record neurophysiological activity in cerebral cortex in all the participants. Various forms of test pieces (heat cure acrylic resin) were used to evaluate stereognostic ability. Data regarding the neurophysiological activity were analyzed by using Krushkal-Wallis test and p ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data from stereognostic ability test procedure and ATS were compared by using chi-squared test and p ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Statistically significant difference was found in between the articulating foils in terms of true negative responses as the foil thickness increased in participants wearing complete denture in both the arches (p=0.004) and implant-supported fixed prosthesis in both the arches (p=0.010). Participants in implant-supported fixed prosthesis group showed significantly more activation in primary motor cortex (right side), somatosensory cortex (left side), angular gyrus (both sides), temporal lobe (left) compared to other groups. No significant difference found in thalamus and premotor cortex region in between the participants of different groups. No statistically significant difference found in between the groups in terms of true responses identifying correct shapes. Mean number of correct responses in stereognostic ability test were 4.16 (83.33%), 3.5 (70%), 3.83 (76.66%) for participants of complete denture group, upper complete denture opposing lower implant retained overdenture group, and implant-supported fixed prosthesis group, respectively. Primary motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and other regions of brain were diffusely activated in participants wearing implant-supported fixed prosthesis in both the arches. Less number of false responses were recorded in participants of implant-supported fixed prosthesis group and upper complete denture opposing lower implant-retained overdenture group in ATS test compared to participants wearing complete denture in both the arches.

The Awareness, Anxiety and Depression Levels of Dentists and Dentistry Patients Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic which started in late 2019 has had significant effects on all areas, especially the health sector. The purpose of this study is to investigate the awareness, anxiety and depression levels of dentists and orthodontic and dental patients regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was an online survey study including 679 individuals at the ages of 12-60 consisting of dentists and dentistry patients (female, n=395; male, n=284). The survey was consisted of 3 parts. The first part consisted of a set of questions on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge levels on the COVID-19 pandemic and attitudes and perceptions regarding infection control, sterilization at dental clinics. The second and third parts consisted of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Depression Severity (PHQ-9) questionnaires examining psychological status in the pandemic period. The level of significance was accepted as p<0.05. Results: While the rate of experiencing occupational future anxiety in the dentists was significantly higher than that in the patients, the rate of making plans for the future in the patient group was significantly higher in comparison to the dentists. The rates of thinking that the risk of disease during dental procedures is high were significantly different between the dentist and patient groups. There was also a significant difference between the groups in terms of their GAD-7 scores, where the scores of the dentists were found to be lower than those of the patients. Conclusıon: Both the patient and dentist groups had moderate levels of generalized anxiety disorder and depression, while these levels were higher among the patients. There was almost a consensus between the patients and dentists on the idea that the risk of infection is high during dental procedures. Because of the pandemic, the dentists experienced concerns during treatment, and the vast majority performed only emergency treatments.

EVALUATION OF THE LEVELS OF PROFESSIONAL SATISFACTION AMONG BULGARIAN GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONERS: A PILOT STUDY

Background: In dental practice, the degree of professional satisfaction depends on a number of factors such as the duration of experience,personal characteristics of workers, factors of the working environment,income, socio-cultural factors such as the organization of the healthcare system and the attitudes of patients to dentists etc. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the levels of job satisfaction of Bulgarian general dental practitioners. Materials and Methods: Subjects of observation in the study were 80 Bulgarian general dental practitioners. . The technical observation units in this study were individual and group practices for dental care located on the territory of Bulgaria. Results: 90.8% of all respondents were satisfied with their practice of dental medicine. The highest percentage of lack of professional satisfaction was registered in the group of general dentists with over 30 years of experience - 6.6% versus 1.3% for the group with up to 10 years and the group up to 30 years. Conclusion: Bulgarian general practitioners are with high average professional satisfaction and self-esteem from the practice of dental medicine - 90.8%.

Difficulties encountered during the pandemic reported by dentists

To evaluate the economic and psychological repercussions, among other difficulties encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in a group of dentists. Cross-sectional descriptive observational study. An online questionnaire was applied to dentists from the "Rigoberto Caballero" Central Police Hospital (HCPRC) of Asunción-Paraguay that was distributed between July and September 2021. It consisted of 32 closed questions distributed in 5 sections: sociodemographic data, economic effects of the pandemic, psychological effects, contagion, and experiences with respect to the clinic. The data were analyzed with the Epi Info version 7 program and the results are represented in tables, the Fisher's exact test and the Chi-square test were also used. 78 dentists participated, 78.2% female, 56.4% from the 35-45 age group. 88.5% reported a decrease in income in private practice and the majority had to resort to another source to be able to cover daily expenses. Most reported having suffered symptoms of anxiety and depression during the pandemic and felt the need to consult a psychiatrist. It was reported an increase in the demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and an increase in its costs. Almost half of all dentists reported getting COVID-19. The pandemic had a considerable impact on HCPRC dentists, causing financial problems, psychological repercussions and difficulties with prices and a shortage of PPE.

Analysis of the residual monomer content in milled and 3D-printed removable CAD-CAM complete dentures: an in vitro study

ObjectiveThe study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the elution of methylmethacrylate from CAD-CAM manufactured removable complete dentures (RCDs) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). MethodsThirty-two RCDs were manufactured following either the CNC-milling (Milled: n=8) or the 3D-printing (n=24) protocols. The 3D-printed dentures were further categorized into three groups based on their post-production rinsing cycles [Extended wash cycle (EWC), Standard wash cycle (SWC), and SWC with an additional Durécon coating (SWC2)]. HPLC was used to evaluate the methylmethacrylate concentrations (MMCs) eluted from the dentures in each group for different time periods (1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours). Mean and standard deviations were calculated for the MMCs; data was verified for normal distribution, ANOVA and post hoc tests were applied for statistical analyses (⍺=0.05). ResultsThe HPLC revealed that all the denture groups recorded some amounts of MMCs, with significant differences [F (3, 31) = 23.646, p<0.0001]. The milled denture group had the highest MMCs at 24 hours when compared to the EWC (p<0.0001), SWC (p=0.001), and SWC2 (p<0.0001) denture groups. SWC had a higher MMC than EWC (p=0.032) and SWC2 (p=0.015). No differences were found in MMCs when comparing EWC and SWC2 (p=0.989). ConclusionMethylmethacrylate concentrations were significantly lower in 3D-printed RCDs than in milled RCDs when using the resins employed in this study. Furthermore, the MMCs can be further decreased in 3D-printed RCDs when coated with an additional thin protective layer (Durécon) by following the manufacturer-recommended rinsing protocol or when an extended isopropanol wash cycle is adopted.

The accuracy of a novel 3D digital evaluation method of intraoral fitness for removable partial dentures

With the development of three-dimensional (3D) scanning and measurement technologies, the internal adaptation of restorations was measured by the 3D analysis method. The purpose of this study was to explore a novel 3D digital evaluation method to assess the intraoral fitness of removable partial dentures (RPDs) and evaluate the accuracy of this novel digital method in vitro. A 3D digital method to evaluate the clinical fitness of RPD was introduced. A standard stone cast of a partially edentulous mandible simulating the oral tissues and a corresponding RPD were used to evaluate the accuracy of this novel digital method (3D analysis on duplicated polyether cast) and another reported 3D digital evaluation method (3D analysis on RPD directly) for intraoral fitness of RPD in vitro. 12 polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) replica specimens were fabricated in each method in vitro, and the thicknesses of these PVS replicas were measured by 3D analysis on duplicated polyether cast (named Polyether group), 3D analysis on RPD directly (named Denture group), and 3D analysis on the stone cast (named Stone group), respectively. The thicknesses of PVS replicas were compared with analyses of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the accuracy of these methods (α = 0.05). The accuracy based on the mean thickness of the PVS replicas of Polyether group were better than that of Denture group (P < 0.05) and had no statistical difference with that of Stone group (P > 0.05). 3D analysis on duplicated polyether cast has comparable trueness and precision to 3D analysis on the stone cast and is feasible for evaluating clinical fitness of RPD.

Long-term adverse events of three COVID-19 vaccines as reported by vaccinated physicians and dentists, a study from Jordan and Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Assessment of safety of COVID-19 vaccines is an ongoing process. This study aims to explore long-term adverse events reported by physicians and dentists who received at least two COVID-19 vaccine doses. A group of physicians and dentists were invited to complete a validated questionnaire that was composed of items on: socio-demographics, medical history, administered vaccines, and long-term adverse events (LTAE). Data of a total of 498 practitioners were included. Age ranged from 22 to 71 years (mean age= 35.75 ± 11.74) with a female majority (N = 348, 69.9%). The most frequently administered vaccines were Pfizer-BioNtech, Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines. A total of 80 (16.0%) participants reported LTAEs which were mainly fatigue, menstrual disturbances, myalgia, arthralgia, dizziness, and headache (N = 32, 15, 8, 6, 4, and 4, respectively). There was no statistically significant association between LTAEs and: age, gender, or medical history (P > .05). The collective symptoms of fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, dizziness, and headache were significantly associated with Sinopharm vaccine (P = .04). This was further confirmed by general linear multivariate model analysis. Less than 20% of COVID-19 vaccine recipients may complain of LTAEs that are mostly fatigue-related. It seems that factors such as age, gender, and medical status play a negligible role in development of these AEs. On the other hand, Sinopharm vaccine showed the highest significant association with these AEs followed by AstraZeneca vaccine.

Loss of pulp vitality correlated with the duration of the interim restoration and the experience of the dentist: A retrospective study

Statement of problemThe second most common biological complication in fixed prosthodontics is loss of pulp vitality, which may lead to restoration loss. While reasons for loss of pulp vitality are unclear, 2 potential contributing factors, duration of the interim restoration and operator experience, have not been fully investigated. PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate whether the duration of the interim restoration or the experience of the dentist was correlated with loss of pulp vitality. Material and methodsFixed prosthetic restorations placed between 2005 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Abutment teeth supporting single-unti or multiunit restorations were evaluated regarding loss of pulp vitality. The Mann-Whitney U test and simple logistic regression were used, with α=.05 for the subsequent multiple logistic regression. The experience of dental professionals was defined by the number of treatments performed and coupled with failure rate by using an analysis of variance. ResultsOne hundred seventy-four dentists made 15 879 restorations, of which 1136 failed during the observation period, a failure rate of 7.2%. Two hundred fifty restorations were randomly selected from the failed restorations, and a corresponding 250 restorations were randomly selected from nonfailed restorations for the control group. Increased duration with interim replacement was linked to a higher risk of loss of pulp vitality (P<.001). Failure rate in the dentist group varied from 0% to 100%. No significant differences in failure rate were found among dentists who did few restorations and those who performed larger numbers of restorations. ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that operator experience does not affect failure rate. However, extended time with an interim restoration was a contributing factor to the loss of pulp vitality.

The Use of Modern Technologies by Dentists in Poland: Questionnaire among Polish Dentists.

Background: From one year to another, dentists have access to more procedures using modern techniques. Many of them can improve the effectiveness of dental procedures and frequently facilitate and accelerate them. Objectives: Technically advanced devices are an important part of modern dentistry. Over the years, there were developed technologies like ultrasounds, lasers, air abrasion, ozonotherapy, caries diagnostic methods, chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR), pulp vitality tests, computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the requirement of Polish dentists for such technologies. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was posted on a social media group of dentists from Poland. 187 responses were obtained. Results: It turned out that almost every respondent uses ultrasounds, but other technologies are not as popular. 43% use CCLAD, 33% use diagnostic methods, 28% use air abrasion, 25% use dental lasers, 21% use CMCR, 18% use pulp vitality tests and 6% use ozonotherapy. The most common reason for not using the aforementioned technologies were their high cost and the sufficient effectiveness of raditional methods. There was a correlation between use of a dental laser and CCLAD and size of office, CMCR use and dentists’ work time and air abrasion use and gender. Many dentists claim that they will try one of the modern technologies in the future. Conclusions: It can be concluded that Polish dentists tend to use ultrasounds and CCLAD more than any other technology. In the future this may change, so more studies in this topic are needed.

Life Satisfaction of US-trained Dental Specialists in Taiwan

ObjectiveA large number of residents in US advanced specialty education programmes are foreign-trained dentists. When faced with the career dilemma of applying for US residency training, foreign-trained dentists may wonder whether it is worth proceeding along that path. In addiditon, studies capturing benefits from receiving US residency training are rare. Therefore, this study compared the life satisfaction amongst 3 dentist groups in Taiwan (ie, US-trained specialists, Taiwan-trained specialists, and general dentists).MethodsCross-sectional surveys were distributed to dentists currently residing in Taiwan. Participants were surveyed about demographic information, career-related information, and life satisfaction. Life satisfaction was measured with a structured Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Nonparametric bivariate analyses and multivariable adjusted generalised linear model (GLM) were used to examine the differences between mean SWLS scores and examined variables. We included 134 US-trained specialists, 134 Taiwan-trained specialists, and 134 general dentists matched for age, sex, and marital status.ResultsWith the mean age of 51.4 ± 10.8 years old, specialists had significantly higher mean life satisfaction scores than general dentists. US-trained specialists had significantly higher mean life satisfaction scores than Taiwan-trained specialists when health and family relationships were not considered. Career-rated factors (eg, spending more clinical hours with patients, having more expenses related to continuing education, publishing more peer-reviewed articles, and being a frequent speaker) were not associated with better life satisfaction.ConclusionsUS-trained specialists were more likely to be satisfied with their lives than Taiwan-trained specialists and general dentists. However, health and social relationships contribute more to dentists’ life satisfaction than do career-rated factors.

Application of the dental trauma guide of the international association of dental traumatology in a group of paraguayan dentists

To evaluate the application of the dental trauma guide according to the International Association of Dental Traumatology in a group of Paraguayan dentists from April to May 2021. The was a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study. A group of Paraguayan dentists with internet access accepted to participate in the study. The measurement instrument was a closed questionnaire from Google Forms, distributed by instant messaging (WhatsApp) from January to April 2021. Based on the Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries by the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT), the questionnaire includes 20 questions on the assessment of clinical and radiographic signs, determination of treatment variables, differentiation of the type of treatment, biological consequences of trauma, materials and splint time, and postoperative indications and medication. 230 dentists participated; the mean age was 33 (SD = 6.4) years, 70.43% were women, 30.87% were general dentists, and 70.87% were practicing exclusively in private practice. 68.70% responded that they were familiar with the management and treatment of dentoalveolar trauma, while 70.87% had not heard or read about the IADT dental trauma guide. Regarding the level of knowledge, 60.00% scored an average mark. Most of the dentists surveyed had moderate knowledge regarding the evaluation and management of traumatic dental injuries.

The referral pattern of patients to periodontists by general dentists

Objective: The successful periodontal therapy needs a proper relationship between general dentist and periodontist.The aim of this study was to determine the referral pattern of patients to periodontists by general dentists in Yazd,Iran, by means of a questionnaire. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out inthe form of a survey among 145 licensed general dental practitioners in Yazd, Iran. A questionnaire comprising ofseven questions with sub-questions was prepared. Results: 89% of dentists have referred patient to periodontist.Gingival recession was the most frequent reason for referring (69.7%) and the least was gingival bleeding (13.1%).The most frequent surgical procedure for what patients have been referred were peri-implantitis therapy and ridgeaugmentation. Referral status to periodontist for female dentists was 95.9% and for male dentists was 81.7%. Thenumber of referred patients form the dentists who were practicing simultaneously at both private and public clinicswas higher than those who were practicing only at private or public clinics. The most referral percentage was inthe group of dentists with less than 5 years of experience with a slight difference from those with more than 10years of experience. Only 26.1% of the respondents have participated in retraining programs. Conclusion: Thereis a need for general dentists to consider the primary signs of periodontal disease and necessity of referring thepatients in early stages more serious, to provide an optimal long-term outcome for patients.KEYWORDSDentist; Periodontal disease; Referral.