Dental Health Care Workers Research Articles

Analyzing the occupational exposure risks of dental healthcare workers from the perspective of repeated occupational exposure.

Healthcare workers in dental hospitals frequently experience repeated occupational exposures (ROEs). In our study, we aim to analyze these repeated exposures among dental healthcare workers (DHWs), assess the risk levels of different risk factors, and explore the significance of ROE data for infection control in dental hospitals. Based on hospital statistical data, we categorized the occupational exposure incidents at West China Hospital of Stomatology over the past seven years into initial and repeated exposures. We analyzed the association of various risk factors, including personnel types, gender, treatment locations, timing of occupational exposure, and pathways of occupational exposure, with the occurrence of repeated exposures. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21 was used to conduct chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression analysis, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Compared to students, hospital dentists with teaching qualifications exhibited a higher risk of ROEs. The risk of repeated exposure for dental students was 60% lower than that of hospital dentists (P = 0.003). However, gender, treatment locations, timing of occupational exposure, and pathways of occupational exposure did not significantly impact the repeated exposures among DHWs. Our study demonstrates that the analysis of repeated occupational exposures (ROEs) is meaningful. In our study, hospital dentists with teaching qualifications had the highest risk of ROEs, compared to dental students, hospital dental nurses, and dental nurse students. This means that among individuals who have already experienced occupational exposure, hospital dentists are more likely to experience repeated exposure. Meanwhile, gender, treatment locations, timing of occupational exposure, and pathways of occupational exposure did not have a significant impact on the occurrence of ROEs.

Cardiometabolic Morbidity (Obesity and Hypertension) in PTSD: A Preliminary Investigation of the Validity of Two Structures of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or specific PTSD symptoms may evoke maladaptive behaviors (e.g., compulsive buying, disordered eating, and an unhealthy lifestyle), resulting in adverse cardiometabolic events (e.g., hypertension and obesity), which may implicate the treatment of this complex condition. The diagnostic criteria for PTSD have lately expanded beyond the three common symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal). Including additional symptoms such as emotional numbing, sleep disturbance, and irritability strengthens the representation of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), suggesting that models with four, five, or six dimensions better capture its structure compared to the original three-dimensional model. Methods: Using a convenience sample of 58 Russian dental healthcare workers (HCWs: mean age = 44.1 ± 12.2 years, 82.8% females), this instrumental study examined the convergent, concurrent, and criterion validity of two IES-R structures: IES-R3 and IES-R6. Results: Exploratory factor analysis uncovered five factors, which explained 76.0% of the variance in the IES-R. Subscales of the IES-R3 and the IES-R6 expressed good internal consistency (coefficient alpha range = 0.69-0.88), high convergent validity (item total correlations r range = 0.39-0.81, and correlations with the IES-R's total score r range = 0.62-0.92), excellent concurrent validity through strong correlations with the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self Report (PSS-SR: r range = 0.42-0.69), while their criterion validity was indicated by moderate-to-low correlations with high body mass index (BMI: r range = 0.12-0.39) and the diagnosis of hypertension (r range = 0.12-0.30). In the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, all IES-R models were perfectly associated with the PSS-SR (all areas under the curve (AUCs) > 0.9, p values < 0.001). The IES-R, both hyperarousal subscales, and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale were significantly associated with high BMI. Both avoidance subscales and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale, not the IES-R, were significantly associated with hypertension. In the two-step cluster analysis, five sets of all trauma variables (IES-R3/IES-R6, PSS-SR) classified the participants into two clusters according to their BMI (normal weight/low BMI vs. overweight/obese). Meanwhile, only the IES-R, PSS-SR, and IES-R3 dimensions successfully classified participants as having either normal blood pressure or hypertension. Participants in the overweight/obese and hypertensive clusters displayed considerably higher levels of most trauma symptoms. Input variables with the highest predictor importance in the cluster analysis were those variables expressing significant associations in correlations and ROC analyses. However, neither IES-R3 nor IES-R6 contributed to BMI or hypertension either directly or indirectly in the path analysis. Meanwhile, age significantly predicted both health conditions and current smoking. Irritability and numbing were the only IES-R dimensions that significantly contributed to current smoking. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for assessing the way through which various PTSD symptoms may implicate cardiometabolic dysfunctions and their risk factors (e.g., smoking and the intake of unhealthy foods) as well as the application of targeted dietary and exercise interventions to lower physical morbidity in PTSD patients. However, the internal and external validity of our tests may be questionable due to the low power of our sample size. Replicating the study in larger samples, which comprise different physical and mental conditions from heterogenous cultural contexts, is pivotal to validate the results (e.g., in specific groups, such as those with confirmed traumatic exposure and comorbid mood dysfunction).

Mercury air, urine monitoring and health effects on occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers in Delhi, India.

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal with multiple uses in various medical devices. Hg is used in dentistry as a restorative material. Such use creates significant exposure to dental practitioners. Hence, it is important to assess the risk created by Hg use in healthcare. To quantify airborne Hg vapour exposure and Hg levels in dental healthcare workers, and determine the association of various symptoms and diseases to Hg exposure. Air monitoring of Hg vapours were conducted in dental clinics and amalgam rooms. Urine samples were collected from occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers and urine Hg levels were measured. A cross-sectional health survey was conducted in 23 healthcare units of Delhi to determine an association between Hg exposure and various health effects. Hg vapour concentration ranged from 0.96μg/m3 to 15μg/m3, the highest concentration was recorded in the amalgam room (15μg/m3). Urine Hg levels in healthcare workers (0.51±0.17μg/L) were higher than the control (0.29±0.05μg/L). A cross-sectional health survey revealed a significant prevalence of confusion, forgetfulness, muscle spasm, and tremors by the respondents. Hg concentration in dental clinics may hover above the prescribed safe levels posing a definitive health risk to healthcare workers. Urinary Hg measurements did not reveal an excess of body burden except in one case. Since Hg bio accumulates, it is probable as these workers grow older, they may end up with a higher body burden of Hg that may lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes.

Knowledge and Practice of Diagnostic Reference Levels, Radiation Protection, and Safety among Dental Professionals and Dental Undergraduate Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Multicentric Study

Abstract Background: Dental radiographic examinations deliver low doses of radiation with low biological risks; however, low doses can lead to a cumulative risk. Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) indicate typical practice in a country or region. Surveys to establish DRLs can help acquire dose information, and less attention to DRLs can have consequences for the patient and dental workers. This study aims to determine the knowledge and practice of DRLs, radiation protection, and safety among dental professionals and dental undergraduate students in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed among dental students, general dental practitioners, dental faculty, and radiographers from dental universities in the United Arab Emirates. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of radiation safety of 221 participants. Results: Among the surveyed respondents, 58 (26.2%) had a good level of knowledge, 94 (42.50%) had an average level, and 69 (31.2%) had a poor level. 30.3% of the respondents were aware of the DRLs in dental radiography. Only 10 survivors were able to accurately mention the national DRL for intraoral adult radiography. The level of knowledge is significantly associated with age (P &lt; 0.0001), year of experience (P &lt; 0.0001), and professional development courses (P = 0.024). Almost half had an average level of practice, 30.8% a good level and 22.6% a low level. The level of practice is influenced by age (P = 0.001), qualification (P = 0.034), and experience (P = 0.022). Conclusions: Knowledge of DRLs, radiation protection, and safety is adequate among the sample surveyed. However, translation of this knowledge into practice is lacking, which warrants the need for further training and enhancement of dental health-care workers.

Infection Control Attitude, Knowledge and Awareness Level Among Dental Students and Interns in the Removable Prosthodontic Department at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Libya

Background: Dental students have increased patient contact during their education and clinical practice, putting them, their patient population and Dental Health Care Workers (DHCW) at high risk of cross-infection. Awareness of infection control principles may help in preventing disease transmission; therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of infection control knowledge, attitude, and practice among dental students and interns in a removable prosthodontic department at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Benghazi, Libya. Materials and Methods: In May 2023, we distributed questionnaires containing 33 items to interns, 3rd-year, and 4th-year dental students at the faculty. The questions covered topics such as hepatitis B vaccination, use of personal protective barriers, knowledge of infection control protocols, and practice in the removable prosthodontic department of the faculty. Descriptive statistics were recorded using frequency and percentages. Differences in proportions were assessed using the Chi-square and Fisher exact test. All statistical analyses were performed at a p-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of four hundred and ten (410) participants responded to the questionnaire. Around 21.5% of the students had completed their hepatitis B vaccination, while 41.2% had never been vaccinated. Regarding the self-reported use of protective barriers, intern students showed a significantly higher score than did other study groups (P &lt;0.001). Moreover, the vast majority of 3rd year students reported never wearing eyewear, a face shield, or the head cap (73.2%), (81.1%), or (70.1%), respectively. About two-thirds of intern students (69.4%) showed positive attitudes toward the treatment of patients with infectious diseases. Conclusion: This study showed moderate compliance to infection control procedures among the participants, they have limited orientation and knowledge of the infection control guidelines and policies. Despite a positive attitude toward infection control measures, proper infection control practices were not consistently followed. Consequently, it is essential to take action to ensure that students understand the critical importance of practicing cross-infection control. Higher education institutions should implement effective solutions to address this issue.

RETRACTION: Nosological approaches in studying the incidence rate among dental healthcare workers

RETRACTION: F. T. Temurov, A. A. Musaeva, S. G. Masadikov, S. A. Allabergenov, and S. A. Abdukadirov, “Nosological Approaches in Studying the Incidence Rate Among Dental Healthcare Workers,” World Medical &amp; Health Policy (Early View): https://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.610.The above article, published online on 15 April 2024, in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor in Chief, Daniel Skinner, the Policy Studies Organization, and Wiley Periodicals LLC. A third party notified the journal of concerns regarding numerous misreported and irrelevant citations in the above article. In coordination with the editors, the publisher contacted the authors regarding the concerns and the authors provided a response. Further investigation found that several citations were not relevant to the study and that data were often misreported from those cited articles. The authors did not provide a compelling reason for inclusion of a majority of the erroneous citations. The editors have determined that the misreported data fundamentally compromise the conclusions of the article. Therefore, the article must be retracted. The authors disagree with the retraction.

A study on the influence of dominant sound sources on users’ emotional perception in a pediatric dentistry clinic

IntroductionSoundscape in dental clinics has varying degrees of impact on the emotions of healthcare workers and young patients. Emotions such as restlessness, anxiety, anger, and nervousness are commonly found among dental healthcare workers. Pediatric dental clinics are an important part of dental clinics, but there is a lack of research on the soundscape within pediatric dental clinics.MethodsThis study focuses on a typical pediatric dental clinic, using a combination of field questionnaires and objective measurements. It aims to determine the impact of dominant sound sources on the emotional perception (nervousness, restlessness, anger, fear, pain) and hostile emotional responses of users in the pediatric dental clinic.ResultsIn the soundscape of pediatric dental clinics for young pediatric patients, users experience negative emotional perceptions (nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, anger, fear, and pain) and emotional responses of hostility. The dominant sound sources can be divided into two categories: dental (dental drill, air-water syringe, and saliva ejector) and nondental (children crying). Under the influence of dental dominant sound sources, there was a significant negative correlation between the emotional perceptions of healthcare workers and their negative emotional perceptions (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conversely, for young pediatric patients aged 0–11 years, a significant positive correlation was observed between their emotional perceptions and negative emotional perceptions. The mean perceived degrees of nervousness and fear in young pediatric patients were 1.82 and 1.71 times stronger, respectively, than those observed in healthcare workers. Under the influence of non-dental dominant sound sources, the average degree of emotional perception among healthcare workers was 0.71 higher than that of young pediatric patients, and anxiety perception was significantly enhanced (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The mean degree of nervousness perception was 1 point higher in healthcare workers compared to young pediatric patients, restlessness perception was 1.1 stronger, and there was a presence of mild pain perception. In terms of demographic/social factors, age, occupation, and years of work significantly affected the perceptions of fear and restlessness among healthcare workers, while age had a significant impact on the emotional reaction of hostility in young pediatric patients.DiscussionThe results of this study indicate that the soundscape is an important factor in creating a comfortable treatment environment in pediatric dental clinics. Healthcare workers and young pediatric patients are significantly affected by the dominant sound sources in the clinic, and these effects are closely related to demographic and social factors such as age, profession, and years of experience. This finding can provide more targeted methods and strategies for the design and creation of soundscapes in dental clinics.

RETRACTED: Nosological approaches in studying the incidence rate among dental healthcare workers

AbstractThis paper is aimed at a comprehensive study of the incidence of dentists in the Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan using the screening study method. The study included 200 dentists from 12 outpatient clinics in Shymkent city, Turkestan region (South Kazakhstan). Data on visits to doctors in the period from 2015 to 2022 were used to investigate the incidence. The average long‐term value of morbidity coefficients among the studied medical workers was 995.9 ± 9.9 cases per 1000 people over 7 years. The analysis of the structure of diseases was carried out based on information obtained from sick leave records of the study group of dentists for the period from 2015 to 2022. The dental profession has its own characteristics; the unfavorable factors identified during the study can be divided into three groups: factors related to the treatment process; factors related to the organization of premises in dental clinics; factors related to insufficient ergonomics of dental equipment and instruments; and the quality of filling and dental materials. Six of the same classes of diseases play a leading role in the structure of diseases identified during medical examinations, but their significance is different: in the first place are diseases associated with increased psychological stress (circulatory disorders, psychoneuroses, diseases of the digestive system), diseases associated with forced working position (musculoskeletal diseases).

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Teledentistry in Periodontal Diagnosis Among Dental Interns at a College in Sebha, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

Background Teledentistry, a subspecialty of telemedicine dedicated to dentistry, has shown promise in improving access to dental care, particularly in rural and isolated areas.It integrates digital and telecommunication technology with dentistry, allowing for the remote distance exchange of relevant clinical information and digital dental imaging for dental consultation and treatment planning. Periodontal disease diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of irreversible loss of periodontal structures. Early identification of periodontal disease can be pivotal in preventing periodontal tissue destruction and tooth loss and improving the overall quality of patients' lives. Sebha is a city located in the Fezzan region of southwestern Libya. It is the capital of the Sabha District and the Sabha Governorate. The city is situated in the Libyan part of the Sahara desert and is known for its strategic location as a gateway to the Sahara desert. However, there is a lack of information on the use of teledentistry in Libya in general and the use of teleperiodontics, especially in periodontal diagnosis. Hence, the aim of this questionnaire study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practice of teledentistry among dental interns at Sebha, Libya. Materials and methods A paper-based questionnaire consisting of 28 close‑ended Likert scale questions, including sections assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of teledentistry and teleperiodontics, was administered to dental interns at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sebha University, Sebha, Libya. Results The study surveyed 42 dental interns of the Faculty of Sebha, Libya, in total, with an 82.35% response rate among them. The majority of participants (59.5%) felt that teledentistry is reliable in arriving at periodontal diagnosis. The majority of participants (64.3%%) also had acceptable levels of trust in teledentistry equipment. However, over 45% percent of dental practitioners voiced their worries about patient privacy. Most of the participants suggested using teledentistry in some form in their future practice. Conclusion Teledentistry and its branch teleperiodontics are recent developments and its penetration among dental healthcare workers, and their knowledge, attitude, and practice remain to be thoroughly understood. The changing trends in attitudes and practice as a consequence of changes in Internet and technological awareness and the effects of the pandemic warrant closer observation and study.

Being a specialist is one thing, getting a job is another

Our editor explores the enduring need for specialist dental healthcare workers and how specialists will play a key role in reducing waiting times for patients seeking dental care.

Hepatitis B and C infections among Japanese dental health workers: Insights from vaccination rates and screening results in the Oita prefecture.

This study examined the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates and vaccination rates for hepatitis B (HB) among dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) in the Oita prefecture, Japan. Hepatitis virus testing was conducted on 1920 participants (486 dentists and 1434 dental staff). Anonymous data on age, gender, occupation, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV), history of HB vaccination, and antiviral treatment for individuals with positive anti-HCV were collected. The positivity rates for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV were 0.5%, 39.7%, and 0.6%, respectively. Dentists had significantly higher rates of anti-HBs positivity (53.9% vs. 34.9%; p < .0001) and anti-HCV positivity (1.4% vs. 0.3%; p = .0080) compared to dental staff. The vaccination and non-vaccination rates among 1395 with a known HB vaccination history were 59.1% and 40.9%, respectively. Dentists had a significantly higher HB vaccine vaccination rate than the dental staff (73.6% vs. 54.0%; p < .0001). Those in the vaccination group were younger (p < .0001), had a higher proportion of males (p = .0022) and dentists (p < .0001), a lower HBsAg positivity rate (p < .0097), and a higher anti-HBs positivity rate (p < .0001) compared to those in the non-vaccination group. The positivity rate of HBsAg and anti-HBs in the unvaccinated group increased with age, with HBsAg positivity reaching 3.8% in the 70s and anti-HBs positivity reaching 40.4% in the 70s and 66.7% in the 80s. This study highlights the need to raise awareness about hepatitis prevention vaccination, particularly among dental staff, due to differences in HB vaccination rates across occupations. In particular, they indicated that elderly DHCWs may be more vulnerable to HBV infection. Regular monitoring of the vaccination rate and infection risk is crucial.

Information sharing between the dental healthcare and child welfare services regarding child maltreatment-A repeated cross-sectional study in Norway.

Little is known about dental healthcare workers reported suspected child maltreatment to and received inquiry from the child welfare services (CWS). Assess time lag differences in public dental healthcare workers' information sharing with CWS and identify sociodemographic and attitudinal covariates of information sharing with CWS in 2014 and 2019. In 2014 and 2019, a national census of 1542 and 1791 Norwegian dental health care workers, respectively, were invited to participate in an electronic survey. Of them, 1200 (77.8%) and 1270 (70.9%) replied to the questionnaires. Time trends of reported child maltreatment and received inquiries were estimated and adjusted for sociodemographics, attitudes, trust, and collaborative routines in logistic regression analyses. The likelihood of reported child maltreatment to and received inquiry from CWS was higher in 2019 than in 2014 (OR 1.4 [95% CI 1.2-1.7] and OR 1.1 [95% CI 0.9-1.4]). Significant associations occurred with sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, and collaborative routines. The likelihood of receiving inquiry about whether being employed long versus short term was higher in 2019 than in 2014. Information sharing between dental healthcare workers and CWS improved across time and might promote beneficial outcomes.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dental healthcare workers - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mounting evidence supports an association between the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the risk of infection from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in dental healthcare workers (DCW). However, the prevalence and incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the setting of dental care remains poorly characterized. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published prior to Mai 2023 providing epidemiological data for the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in DCW was performed. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The associated factors were narratively evaluated. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies. Twenty-nine eligible studies were identified including a total of 85,274 DCW at risk; 27 studies met the criteria for the meta-analysis. Among the included DCW, the overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 11.8% (13,155/85,274; 95%CI, 7.5%-17%), whereby the degree of heterogeneity between the studies was considerable (I2=99.7%). The pooled prevalence rate for dentists and dental hygienists alone was 12.7% (1943/20,860; 95%CI, 8.0%-18.0%), showing significantly increased odds of contracting a SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to dental assistant personnel, the prevalence rate for which was less than half, at 5.2% (613/15,066; OR=2.42; 95% CI, 2.2-2.7). In the subgroup of 17 studies from countries with high income there was a significantly lower prevalence rate of 7.3% (95% CI, 5%-10%) in DCW compared to the prevalence rate in low- and middle-income countries, which came to 20.8% (95% CI, 14%-29%; p<0.001). In 19 out of the 29 studies (65.5%), specific information on the use of and adherence to PPE was absent while in the reports with concrete figures the wearing of N95 (or at least surgical masks) by DCW appeared to be associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence rates. DCW were, depending in each case on their proximity to patients, at particular risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Until a significant level of vaccination protection against newer SARS-CoV-2 variants can be built up in the population, dental healthcare facilities should further maintain their focus on using PPE according to current guidelines.

Association between periodontal disease and hypertriglyceridemia: Propensity score matching analysis using the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The prevalence of periodontitis and dyslipidemia continues to increase, and several studies have reported an association between the 2. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between periodontitis and hypertriglyceridemia using propensity score matching to efficiently address confounding factors, as well as complex sample analysis with data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII (2016-2018). To match the 1:1 ratio between the groups with and without periodontitis, the propensity scores of covariates, such as age, sex, education, income, smoking, drinking, obesity, and diabetes mellitus, were calculated using logistic regression. Both results of logistic regression analysis using complex sample design for whole and matched sample after propensity score matching demonstrated a significant association between hypertriglyceridemia and periodontitis, of which the adjusted odds ratio was 1.28 (95% confidence interval = 1.10-1.50) and 1.29 (95% confidence interval = 1.09-1.52), respectively. Our findings suggest that dental healthcare workers can help raise awareness among patients with periodontitis regarding the association between periodontitis and hypertriglyceridemia, which may help them manage the condition and receive treatment.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Care Services and Practices in Jordan

Dentists and their patients are highly exposed to COVID-19 due to the close contact nature of dental procedures. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on dental care practices and services in Jordan. A mixed-method design was used; data from dentists ( N = 400) were collected using an online survey, and 15 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with dentists from public and private sectors. The findings revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted dental care practices and services. The majority of the participants reported a decline in their income and a decline in dental services demand, with a significant increase in costs for this profession. Additionally, this study showed that most participants were in a state of anxiety and fear about contracting the virus and transmitting it to their families while practising their profession that caused a change in their behaviours and attitudes. In conclusion, dental healthcare workers are at greater risk of being infected with COVID-19. There is a need to implement recommended protocols in dental clinics, it is also essential that decision makers develop appropriate interventions and measures to ensure continuity in the provision of dental services during the pandemic.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma and Its Drivers Among Dental Healthcare Providers in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Introduction HIV-related stigma and discrimination amonghealthcare providers are some of the strongest obstacles to effectively responding to HIV and achieving health-related quality of life. In the Pakistani context, HIV-related discrimination has been explored mainly among people living with HIV (PLHIV), and no study has investigated HIV-related stigma from the perspective of dental healthcare providers. Aim This study aimed to investigate the HIV-related stigma among dental healthcare workers in Pakistan and understand the factors associated with it. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of three months (December 2021 to February 2022) among 601 consenting dental healthcare providers in all public and private dental healthcare facilities in Islamabad, Pakistan. Pretested questionnaires collected information on demographics, work-related characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HIV/AIDS. HIV-related stigma was assessed through "the stigma index" developed by USAID and was measured as a continuous variable. Multivariate linear regression analysis evaluated the independent effect of different factors associated with HIV-related stigma. Results HIV-related stigma remains highly prevalent within both public and private dental healthcare facilities in ICT and among all cadres of dental healthcare providers. Among associated factors, misconceptions in HIV knowledge are highly significant (p < 0.001) and those with a higher score of incorrect HIV knowledge had higher levels of stigma. Healthcare providers who read any HIV-related manual or guidelines were found to be less stigmatized as compared to those who have not been exposed to any such literature (p=0.029). Dentists (p=0.04) showed higher levels of stigma as compared to dental assistants and dental hygienists, while employees of private hospitals (p=0.0) and private clinics (p=0.0) were far more stigmatized by HIV in comparison to dental healthcare providers in public hospitals. Conclusion This study provides the first-ever analysis of HIV-related stigma and its drivers in the dental healthcare settings in Pakistan and highlights multiple individual, clinical, and policy-level factors associated with it. In order to address this stigma, it is essential for healthcare institutions to create supportive and inclusive healthcare settings, by providing education and trainingto care providers in order to increase their understanding of the disease itself. In addition, healthcare institutions can take steps to ensure that their policies and practices are inclusive and non-discriminatory, such as implementing policies that prohibit discrimination based on HIV status and providing confidential care. On the other hand, care providers must work to recognize their own biases and strive to provide non-discriminatory and culturally sensitive care to all patients. The findings of this study could be used as a baseline and insight by organizations like the National AIDS Control Program into possible targets for future exploration and interventions to effectively reduce the stigma towardPLHIV in dental healthcare settings.

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.

More Orally Transmitted Aphorisms (OTA’s-2) in Dentistry

Background: Dentistry training is based on biomedical sciences. Previous clinical experience has produced principles that influence the practice of dentistry. Some of these oral advisories have been recorded. Aim: This article reports some more important orally transferred aphorisms (OTAs: Tapping-tooth-pain, Vertical Movement, Biopsies, Recognition, Ruboffable, ODD principle, and Show-up plaque), Assumption, and deconstructs their implications, reasons and significance. Discussion: These reported OTAs evolve from clinical expertise and each act as a guiding policy in the execution of dentistry. Conclusion: OTA’s have been inherited from succedaneous progressive generations of dentists; those reported here may be supplemented in future as long as dentistry evolves as a profession to produce more accumulating wisdom among dental health care workers.

Orally Transferred Aphorisms of Dentistry

Dentistry has existed for millennia. Wisdom derived from experience has produced principles of practice that influence dentistry. Many of these are oral advisories circulate among dental health care workers in spoken words but are rarely written down. Aim: This article accumulates some of the important orally transferred aphorisms (OTA) and traditions, records them and deconstructs their implications, reasons and significance. Discussion: These oral advising principles have evolved from experience and each act as a dictating guide for policy and activities in the practice of dentistry. Conclusion: Orally transferred aphorisms have been passed down from generation to generation of dentists; those recorded here will be added to, as long as dentistry evolves as a profession to yield further accumulated wisdom of dental health care workers.

Self-Reported Allergic Occupational Contact Dermatitis among Dental Healthcare Professionals in United Arab Emirates -A Cross Sectional Study.

In dentistry, occupational contact dermatitis may affect dental professionals along with technicians, nurses, and patients. Changes to dental practice in recent years have altered the reported frequencies of allergens causing contact dermatitis in both dental professionals and dental patients. In the current cross-sectional study, we used a structured questionnaire and clinical examinations to examine the prevalence of self-reported hand eczema among United Arab Emirates (UAE). The relationship between subjective skin discomfort and latex, composite/bonding, or other dental materials also was explored. A structured questionnaire was designed to analyze the prevalence of skin conditions among dental professionals and study its implication in gender, occupation, and age groups. The questionnaire included information about skin symptoms, atopy, occupational experience, and other background factors like respiratory symptoms, work history and methods, and exposure at work. It was distributed to 550 randomly selected dental healthcare professionals. Out of 550 dental healthcare workers contacted, 434 responded giving a response rate of 79%. The prevalence of dry and rough skin on the hands was highest (45%). There was a total of 29 cases of allergic contact dermatitis, 15 cases of contact urticaria, 12 cases of irritating contact dermatitis, and 1 incidence of onychomycosis among the 100 dental healthcare professionals who reported having dermatitis on their hands, forearms, or faces due to their daily dental chores. Rubber chemicals and natural rubber latex (NRL) in protective gloves used by dentists, as well as dental-restorative plastic materials (methylacrylates), were the most common causes of allergy. Dry skin and hand eczema were more common among dental healthcare professionals. Plastic gloves or NRL gloves with a low protein content are recommended for dental work. Skin exposure to methylacrylates or latex should be avoided.