Dental Meetings Research Articles

Robert Lindsay, August 1926, and the American experience - Part 1: the first International Orthodontic Congress.

In August 1926, two important dental meetings took place in America: the first International Orthodontic Congress (16-20 August in New York) and the seventh International Dental Congress (23-27 August in Philadelphia). Robert Lindsay, British Dental Association (BDA) dental secretary and husband of fellow dentist and BDA librarian, Lilian Lindsay, documented his trip attending these two events. His handwritten diary and letters not only describe the dental meetings and the dentists that went there, but also chronicle the epoch of the great luxury passenger liners and a time in America where business was booming and money was seemingly no object. This article focuses on the journey to America and the orthodontic meeting - the first time a dental speciality had held an international gathering.

Knowledge of dental professionals and Dental students on bisphosphonates and bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws

Introduction and objective: the present study assessed the knowledge of dentists and dental students about bisphosphonates and bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BAONJ). Methodology: a survey was applied to dentists and dental students during dental meetings in the city of Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil. Results were descriptively and comparatively analyzed using the SPSS program. Results: the final sample (n=308) was composed mostly by young adults, females (n=233; 76%) and 52% (n=159) were dental students. Most participants (n=185; 60%) were derived from private dental schools. From the total, 79% (n=243) of the participants told they had some information about bisphosphonates, 68% (n=209) recognized BAONJ as a possible side effect of their use, and 84% (n=259) considered important to ask about bisphosphonates use during anamnesis. Participants with more access to information, derived from public dental schools and graduate dentists demonstrated a higher understanding about the indications for bisphosphonates use, their action mechanism, BAONJ as an adverse effect, risk factors associated with the drugs, oral risk factors and oral care measures important to BAONJ risk reduction. Conclusions: there are several knowledge gaps on bisphosphonates and BAONJ and understanding these difficulties is important for the establishment of strategies of diffusion of the information and changing teaching models in dental schools, dental meetings and extension activities.

How is the Use of Digital Dental Radiology in a Developing Country? An Overview of Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess the use of digital dental radiology in Brazil, by focusing on the use of image receptors, imaging exams and digital image enhancement tools, also assessing the methods of professional image transfer. Questionnaires were distributed in person on dental meetings and digitally via messaging (WhatsApp®) and mailings list. The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 478 questionnaires. Most participants were woman (n=315, 65.9%), with average age of 33.8±9.2 years. Descriptive and frequency analysis was performed. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used (α=0.05). Most dentists worked at shared dental clinics (34.7%) and use digital image receptors (51.1%), but a representative percentage (48.9%) still exclusively use radiographic films. Photostimulable phosphor plate is the most used digital image receptor. Among extraoral exams, panoramic radiography (PAN) is the most used. Regarding dental specialties, oral radiologists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons mostly use cone-beam computed tomography (p<0.001). Most dentists who use digital systems make use of digital image enhancement tools (87.8%), mainly contrast, zoom, brightness and measurements. The most common method of professional image transfer (professional-professional and professional-patiens) is by email, with few dentists using online app and social media (26%). Therefore, while most Brazilian dentists use digital imaging systems, a significant percentage still exclusively use radiographic films. The most extraoral imaging exams used is PAN. Regarding image enhancement tools, brightness and contrast adjustments, zoom and measurements are the most applied. Finally, dentists generally use email for professional image transfer.

Сотрудничество стоматологов стран Восточной Европы

В статье представлены исторические аспекты сотрудничества стоматологов стран Восточной Европы за последние тридцать лет. Формирование научных стоматологических школ, пути организации стоматологической помощи, развитие профессионального образования имели свои национальные особенности в странах Восточной Европы. Отмечена роль Международной ассоциации стоматологов «Содружество» в формировании тесного взаимодействия профессиональных сообществ стран Восточной Европы со Всемирной федерацией стоматологов (FDI) и разработке рекомендаций по созданию и реализации программ первичной профилактики стоматологических заболеваний с учетом Европейских индикаторов стоматологического здоровья. Представлены основные совместно проведенные стоматологические конгрессы, совещания и перспективы межгосударственного взаимодействия стоматологов стран Восточной Европы.

Factors associated with the publication outcomes of paediatric proceedings presented at 2010-2016 the International Associations for Dental Research annual meetings.

The International Associations for Dental Research (IADR) annual meeting is one of the most important dental meetings throughout the world, and researches about paediatric dentistry presented in this platform are often used to guide clinical work. To evaluate the publication outcomes of oral and poster paediatric proceedings, which were accepted by the International Associations for Dental Research (IADR), annual meetings from 2010 to 2016 and to analyse the possible factors influencing an abstract's progression to publication. Oral and poster abstracts were retrieved from the official website of IADR (2010-2016). Searching for subsequent publications was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar (up to March 2019). Two authors independently selected studies, collected, and analysed data. A total of 1396 abstracts were identified, including 275 oral presentations and 1121 poster presentations. Finally, 606 were published in peer-reviewed journals, with a publication rate of 43.41%. Abstracts were published earlier if it is from Europe, well funded, presented orally, or with large sample size. The high publication rate of the IADR proceedings supported the impact of IADR annual meetings on paediatric dentistry in the last 10years.

Are researchers paying too much for attending dental meetings?

Dental meetings are important venues for sharing knowledge and experiences among researchers and clinicians. The costs for participating in such events, however, are high and have increased over the years. This opinion paper discusses the fairness of such a policy, with high costs for researchers presenting their findings, as well as some suggestions to reduce the economic burden of participants actively involved in presenting their research findings.

Contemporary dental practice in the UK. Part 1: demography and practising arrangements in 2015.

To determine, by means of an anonymous, self-reported questionnaire, the demographic profile and practising details of general dental practitioners in the UK in 2015. A previously-piloted and validated 121-question questionnaire was distributed during 2015 to 500 dentists at UK dental meetings with a request that they complete the questionnaire and return it by post in the reply-paid envelope to the corresponding author. Three hundred and eighty-eight useable questionnaires were returned, giving aresponse rate of 77.6%. Of the respondents, 60.2% were male and 39.8% female. Theirmean age since graduation was 19.7 years. Just over half of the respondents (50.9%) replied that they were practice principals, 35.8% were associates and 10.6% were foundation dentists. A quarter of the respondents were in single-handed practices, the remainder being in a partnership or group practice. There was a mean of 4.2 dentists per practice, while the mean number of dental therapists in each practice was 0.3 and 1.2 hygienists. Regarding the first available NHS appointment in the respondents' practices for non-urgent care, 23.4% could provide this on the same day, the equivalent figure for private care being 40.1%. The mean percentage of patients receiving NHS treatment was 50%, with 33.8% receiving private treatment. Just over half of respondents considered that Care Quality Commission inspections were 'valuable for fostering patient trust and confidence in dental care.' The collected data indicated that 55.4% of respondents had an intra-oral camera, while, with regard to recently-introduced concepts and techniques, 80.4% used nickel-titanium files, 47.4% used zirconia-based bridgework and 24.9% used tricalcium silicate. Of great interest, perhaps, is the response to digital radiography/digital imaging, with the results indicating that 74.1% of respondents used this form of radiography. Regarding checking the light output of the light curing units, 53.1% stated that they did check the output, but in some cases this might be at a six-monthly interval. Results from this survey indicated that NHS service provision has dropped toapproximately 50% amongst the respondents. Regarding the staffing of dentalpractices, just over half the respondents were practice principals and there was a mean of 4.2 dentists per practice. The results also indicated that UK dentists continue to be innovative in the techniques that they employ.

General dentists’ awareness of how to cope with medical emergencies in paediatric dental patients

General dentists (GDs) should be aware of the symptoms, signs, diagnoses and treatment of medical emergencies in paediatric patients. To evaluate the knowledge of GDs in coping with medical emergencies, and to identify whether they are confident to diagnose and treat medical emergencies in paediatric patients. The questionnaire was conducted immediately before the beginning of national dental meetings and continuing education seminars in Croatia, attended by the GDs, in order to obtain a representative sample. Of a total of 498 GDs who returned the questionnaire with valid data, 51.2% reported that a medical history was regularly taken. A high proportion (81.3%) of the GDs had never received any basic life support (BLS) training and education for paediatric patients during their undergraduate studies. After graduation, this value rose to 86.1% of GDs. However, more than two-thirds (68.7%) had experienced some emergency situation in their practice. The most frequent emergency was vasovagal syncope (83.6%) and the most rare was cardiac arrest (8.2%). One-fifth (20.5%) of GDs experienced some emergency but could not make a diagnosis. The more BLS training undergone by a GD, the more self-confident s/he felt in an emergency situation. Most GDs have a lack of knowledge to cope with medical emergencies in paediatric patients, and do not feel confident to diagnose and treat emergency situations in children. It is suggested that adequate training and education should be provided for all GDs to address this shortcoming.

Systematic review on highly viscous glass-ionomer cement/resin coating restorations (Part I): Do they merge Minamata Convention and minimum intervention dentistry?

With the Minamata Convention the use of mercury will be phased down, and this undoubtedly will have an effect on dental treatment regimens and economic resources. Composite resin restorations are considered viable alternatives to amalgam fillings; however, these will not be covered completely by health insurance systems in many countries. Recently, a high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (hvGIC) processed with a resinous coating (RC) has been introduced, and has been marketed as a restorative material in load-bearing Class I cavities (and in Class II cavities with limited size), thus serving as a possible alternative to amalgam fillings. To evaluate the literature on this treatment approach, and to focus particularly on the clinical performance of the hvGIC/RC combination. The Cochrane Library as well as Ebsco, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases were screened. Moreover, relevant abstracts published with dental meetings were reviewed. All available randomized clinical trials focusing on the hvGIC/RC approach (published either as full-texts or abstracts until June 2016) were selected. Moreover, single-group studies using hvGIC/RC were included. Screening of titles and abstracts, data extraction, and quality assessments of full-texts according to Oxford scoring were performed. Regarding failure rates, minor differences between hvGIC/RC and GIC or composite resins as comparators could be observed in seven clinical studies. The hvGIC/RC combination showed high survival rates (with only few catastrophic failures) of up to 6 years. Class I retention rates of hvGIC/RC seem promising, but further high-quality clinical studies are clearly warranted.

Restorative treatment threshold reported by Iranian dentists.

To study Iranian dentists' conceptions of the earliest stage to place a restoration on proximal caries lesions. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the participants of two annual dental meetings in Tehran, Iran, in December 2004 and July 2005. The questionnaire was filled in anonymously and returned during the meeting days. The questions covered two patient paper cases with schematic drawings of the radiolucency of proximal caries lesions according to bitewing radiographs from 20-year-old patients: one high-caries case and one low-caries case. Dentists' gender, age, working experience and place, and participation in continuing education served as background data. In total, 1,033 dentists completed the questionnaire, 63% were men. Statistical evaluation was by the Chi square test and logistic regression. Respondents were to select from four alternatives the earliest stage in the progression of a lesion at which they would intervene by restorative treatment. For the high-caries case, 77% of the respondents chose to restore a caries lesion confined to enamel; activity in continuing education was the strongest factor (OR = 1.4) to explain dentists' restoring a lesion no earlier than in dentine. For the low-caries case, 32% chose to restore a lesion in enamel. Restoring a lesion no earlier than in dentine was more likely (OR = 1.5) among female dentists. Iranian dentists seem to prefer early restorative intervention, which indicates a need to focus on the preventive aspects of caries treatment both in dental curricula and in continuing education.

Are there guidelines for reporting clinical research findings in oral lectures and seminars in dental meetings?

Dental meetings are one of the most important resources for disseminating knowledge to dental practitioners. Therefore, the information provided in such meetings should be as unbiased as possible. This paper assessed whether major general dentistry and periodontology/implant dentistry meetings have guidelines for reporting scientific evidence in oral lectures and seminars. The homepages of seven dental meetings (EUROPERIO, AAP, EAO, AO, IADR, ADA, and FDI) were assessed to check for guidelines for presenting scientific data in oral lectures and seminars, according to defined criteria. Only three of these dental meetings reported information for presentations on their homepages, although these guidelines were related to technical issues rather than recommendations for the presentation of scientific data. The present paper suggests guidelines for reporting scientific evidence in oral lectures and seminars in dental meetings to improve the current standards of reporting. High standards of reporting may provide less biased information, which is necessary for dental practitioners and clinicians to make accurate judgements on the efficacy/effectiveness of therapies.

Information‐Seeking Behaviors of Dental Practitioners in Three Practice‐Based Research Networks

Research on the information-seeking behaviors of dental practitioners is scarce. Knowledge of dentists' informationseeking behaviors should advance the translational gap between clinical dental research and dental practice. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to examine the self-reported information-seeking behaviors of dentists in three dental practice-based research networks (PBRNs). A total of 950 dentists (65 percent response rate) completed the survey. Dental journals and continuing dental education (CDE) sources used and their influence on practice guidance were assessed. PBRN participation level and years since dental degree were measured. Full-participant dentists reported reading the Journal of the American Dental Association and General Dentistry more frequently than did their reference counterparts. Printed journals were preferred by most dentists. A lower proportion of full participants obtained their CDE credits at dental meetings compared to partial participants. Experienced dentists read other dental information sources more frequently than did less experienced dentists. Practitioners involved in a PBRN differed in their approaches to accessing information sources. Peer-reviewed sources were more frequently used by full participants and dentists with fifteen years of experience or more. Dental PBRNs potentially play a significant role in the dissemination of evidence-based information. This study found that specific educational sources might increase and disseminate knowledge among dentists.

John A. Yagiela, D.D.S., Ph.D.- A Dental Anesthesia Giant 1947–2012

John A. Yagiela, D.D.S., Ph.D.- A Dental Anesthesia Giant 1947–2012

Resin-Based Composites and Dentine-Bonding Agents. Which, who and Why? A Study in the East of Scotland

To determine which resin-based composite (RBC) and dentine-bonding agent (DBA) systems were most widely used by a random convenience sample of dentists in the East of Scotland, by whom they were used, and what influenced the dentists' choice when buying/using a particular RBC and DBA. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted from June to December 2006. A questionnaire was compiled and, following a short pilot and revision, 250 questionnaires were randomly distributed to dentists attending vocational training/general professional training study days, continuing education courses and various dental meetings. Data from the completed questionnaires were collated and analysed. A total of 138 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 55%, of which 101 (73%) were from practitioners working within the General Dental Services, 20 (14%) from Community Dental Service dentists, and 17 (12%) from practitioners in the hospital dental service. The most popular RBC reported by respondents 43 (31%) was Z100 (3M UK, Bracknell, UK). The most common factors that influenced respondents' choice when buying an RBC were ease of use and availability, reported by 51 (37%) and 45 (33%) respondents, respectively. Prime & Bond (DENTSPLY DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) was reported as the most popular DBA by 58 (42%) respondents. Overall, availability, reported by 61 (44%) respondents, was the most popular reason for choice of a DBA, followed by ease of use, reported by 52 (38%) respondents, and reliability, reported by 23 (17%) respondents. The most popular RBCs and DBAs used by respondents to this study and common reasons for their use were identified. However, it was found that, among those who responded, there was no discernible relationship between undergraduate training, year of qualification and choice of material. Further research is required to corroborate these findings and to identify the level of understanding of material science by dental clinicians.

Determinants of oral health behaviour among Iranian dentists

To study the oral health behaviour of Iranian dentists. A cross-sectional study. Two annual dental meetings in Tehran, Iran. 1,033 dentists responded, 980 were eligible for this study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire which covered dentists' oral self-care, dental attendance, and smoking. Recommended oral self-care (ROSC) included tooth brushing > 1/day, eating sugary snacks < daily, and regularly using fluoride toothpaste. Knowledge of preventive dental care was assessed by nine Likert-scale statements. Dentist's gender, age, and professional reading were recorded. Statistical evaluation was by the Chi-square test and logistic regression. In total, 59% of respondents reported brushing their teeth at least 2/day, 59% consumed sugary snacks < daily, 74% used fluoride toothpaste regularly, and 76% were non-smokers. Of all, 27% followed ROSC. Women reported desirable behaviours more frequently than did the men (p < 0.01). Female gender (OR 1.4-2.3), being a non-smoker (OR 1.3-1.5), and wider professional reading (OR = 1.2) were the major factors that contributed to dentists' desirable oral health behaviour. That only a small number of Iranian dentists follow the ROSC calls for more attention to behavioural contributions to oral diseases and its consequences with general and oral health, regarding both dental curriculum and continuing education.

Jonathan Taft: Dentistry’s Great Forgotten Hero

One of the greatest figures in the development of the dental profession to the high status it enjoys today is all but forgotten. Jonathan Taft was dean of the second dental school in the world and wrote the most important clinical textbook of his time, one that was reprinted in many editions over a quarter of a century. Later appointed dean of the new University of Michigan Dental School, he instituted innovations in admission requirements and course of study that were copied by all subsequent schools and are the standards adhered to today. The editor of one of the most important dental journals for 44 years, a record unmatched to this day, he set the standards for modern dental periodical literature that have done so much to elevate dentistry that today it stands on a par with medicine as a truly science-based profession. He served dentistry in many capacities: president of the American Dental Association, founder of the National Association of Dental Faculties, and founder of the National Association of Dental Examiners. Over his lifetime, he published almost 200 professional papers and probably attended and lectured at more dental meetings than anyone of his day and since. His memory should be resurrected, and the profession must be made aware of the great debt it owes to this intrepid fighter for a better dental profession.

学校歯科保健活動における必要マンパワー量に関する調査研究

We conducted research on the dental health and hygiene activities in schools and the number person-days per year for activities in order to examine the manpower volume of dentists and dental hygienists which is necessary to put into practice dental health and hygiene activities equally in all schools throughout the country.The followinng results were obtained.1) Periodic and preschool dental health examinations have been carried out in all schools throughout the country. However, the practic of other dental health activities was as low as 30% in primary schools and 20% in secondary schools.2) In the schools which have carried out dental health activities, 70% of the dentists among all the schools joined in every activity and 30% to 67% of the dental hygienists among all the schools joined in every activity excepting dental meetings.3) The mean number of yearly average of person-days for dental activities for a school was different according to the number of schoolchildren. Primary school dentists worked for 3 to 10 person-days and secondary school dentists for 2 to 8 person-days. They alotted 70% of all the person-days for dental examinations. Dental hygienists assigned 2 to 5 person-days in primary schools and 1 to 2 person-days for average yearly dental activities.4) The yearlong activity person-days for a school practicing in the dental health activity were subdivided into the values of 50%, 75%, 80%, and 90% by the number of schoolchildren for the dental examination. The necessary yearly activity person-days were from 5 to 13 (50%) and 13 to 31 (90%) for the dentists, and 11 to 16 (50%) and 24 to 43 person-days (90%) for the dental hygienists.5) The necessary yearly person-days (50-90%) according to regions were 9 to 20 person-days for a dentist and 26 to 63 person-days for a dental hygienist in towns and villages of 10, 000 people, and 5 to 12 for a dentist and 15 to 37 for a dental hygienist in cities and wards of 50, 000 people, and 4 to 8 person-days for a dentist and 10 to 25 person-days for a dental hygienist in cities and wards of 100, 000 people.6) The yearly manpower volume necessary for the school health activity of a school was obtained from the dentists and hygienists and we suggested that more hygienists will be needed in the future.

Preventive Dentistry In Texas, Usa

This paper presents the results of a 1985 survey of 1000 Texas dentists regarding three major types of preventive measures--educational services, preventive procedures, and diagnostic services. The results show that among several given educational services, respondents tended most to instruct on correct brushing or flossing and tended least to counsel on diet. Among preventive procedures, most dentists removed plaque or calculus. A very small portion applied occlusal sealants on patients under the age of 15. As for diagnostic services, most performed oral cancer screening exams. Most performed dental X-rays, but many did not use leaded protection on their patients while taking X-rays. A large number did not check their patients' blood pressure. Income, attendance of continuing education programs, and number of dental hygienists were strong, positive predictors of provision of all three types of preventive measures. Dentists who practiced in more populous areas, or had practiced for fewer years, more likely provided patients with educational services and preventive procedures. Dentists delivered more preventive procedures if they attended more professional dental meetings. Dentists who worked more hours were more likely to provide educational services and preventive procedures. Patient load correlated negatively with dentists' delivery of preventive procedures.

Research on dental amalgam: 1982-1986.

This paper is a five-year review of selected research papers on dental amalgam which were published during the years 1982 through 1986. Papers presented at scientific dental meetings are also included. During the past five years, clarification of amalgam metallurgy has been made, and a few innovative modifications have been recommended. The addition of palladium, indium, and selenium to dental amalgam has been suggested, but commercial applications have yet to be made. The mechanical property of creep has been studied more extensively, while the applicability of fracture toughness tests has been examined. More work has been done on the microleakage of amalgam restorations, with certain alloy factors showing an influence on this problem. Most in vitro investigations on the use of cavity varnish or resin films beneath amalgam restorations show reduced microleakage. Additionally, many electrochemical investigations were conducted. A most significant finding was that amalgam does not appear to break down in vivo as much as in vitro tests would indicate, the buffering action of saliva being protective in this regard. The marginal fracture evaluation of clinical amalgam restorations is still being used as a major clinical performance criterion, and measuring techniques for this failure mode have been improved. Measurements of metallic ion loss from amalgam were made with instruments of high sensitivity, but no evidence has been found to associate this loss with any disease entity. The rare presence of an allergy to mercury appears to be the only contra-indication for the use of amalgam as a dental restoration. Further research on dental amalgam can lead to improved clinical performance of this most useful restorative material.

Resilient acrylic as a retainer for occlusal splints.

"Resilient Acrylic as a Retainer for Occlusal Splints." Journal of Craniomandibular Practice, 1(2), pp. 82–83 Additional informationNotes on contributorsBoyd B. WelschBoyd B. Welsch, D.M.D., M.S.After receiving his D.M.D. and M.S. degrees from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1977, Dr. Welsch joined the dental faculty at that institution, where he continues to teach. He is currently Pre-Clinical Course Director in the Department of Occlusion and Fixed Prosthodontics. He teaches dental anatomy and stomatognathic dysfunction and is a consultant for the department's crown and bridge module.Dr. Welsh has been a member of the A.D.A. and the Central District Dental Society, and he belongs to the American Association of Dental Schools. He has had articles published in the Florida Dental Journal, the Ohio Dental Journal, and the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. He has given papers at a number of major dental meetings, and he also presents lectures and continuing education courses at various institutions throughout the U.S. and Europe.