Dental Program Research Articles

Dental materials science curriculum in Malaysia: Time for transformation

Introduction: Dental materials science is one of the core courses for Malaysian undergraduate dental programmes, which has been primarily taught through a series of didactic lectures during the preclinical phase. In accordance with the newly revised national competency statement, Malaysian dental education is moving toward competency-based education, hence a reformation of the dental materials science curriculum is warranted. Methods: Curriculum design including common teaching, learning and assessments methods for the Malaysian dental materials science were described and analysed. The common practices were reviewed and compared with latest national guidelines and literature. Results: There is yet an initiative to establish a national curriculum for dental materials science. The use of traditional teaching strategies for this course also needs to be revamped from a teacher-centred to a student-centred approach. Furthermore, faculty members are facing significant challenges because the revamp requires them to explore cutting-edge pedagogical methods and develop appropriate learning opportunities, environments, resources, and assessments. Several recommendations are proposed, such as mapping the existing dental materials science curriculum to identify gaps, incorporating more hands-on sessions, implementing an integrated curriculum, introducing various formative and summative assessments, as well as recruiting faculty members with different areas of educational expertise. Conclusion: It is hoped that this article offers a clearer pathway for Malaysian dental educators to pioneer new insight and transform the existing dental materials science curriculum.

Tobacco Turmoil in Teens and Preparedness of Pediatric Dentists: A Global Survey.

Tobacco use amongst adolescents causes significant health problems affecting almost all organs and has a significant effect on normal growth and development. Smoker adolescents are also more prone to oral health problems than nonsmokers. Pediatric dentists can play a significant role in providing tobacco cessation counseling to adolescents. To assess the knowledge (K), perceptions (PR), training, and practices (PE) of pediatric dentists related to the provision of tobacco cessation interventions. A cross-sectional online survey with convenience sampling was planned to assess the K, PR, training, and PE of pediatric dentists across the globe in dealing with tobacco menace amongst adolescents. The survey was done through a self-administered questionnaire in the form of an online Google Form. The study population consisted of pediatric dentists attending the International Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (IAPD) virtual conference 2021. A total of 1,564 participants were targeted and 235 answered the survey with a response rate of 15.02%. Attending tobacco cessation intervention (p ≤ 0.001) and training in postgraduation on tobacco cessation (p ≤ 0.002) showed significant association with favorable practice scores. However, in the PR domain age in years (p ≤ 0.043), country of residence (continent, p ≤ 0.001) was found to be significantly associated with attending tobacco cessation intervention (p < 0.001) and training in postgraduation (p < 0.001). The results of the study emphasize the need for recommendations for educating pediatric dentists by the inclusion of tobacco cessation interventions in the core curriculum, continuing dental education programs, and promoting professional responsibility to help achieve tobacco-free youth all across the globe. Virk I, Agnihotri A, Sood P, et al. Tobacco Turmoil in Teens and Preparedness of Pediatric Dentists: A Global Survey. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):483-488.

ONLINE BIOCHEMISTRY DISTANCE LEARNING: DENTISTRY STUDENTS’ PERCEIVED OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Undergraduate courses such as biochemistry were prompted to embrace online distance learning triggered by the incursion of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study worked to help solve the issues and concerns related to teaching biochemistry as a foundational course for dental and other health-sciences programs in the status of the educational system. The case study method was deemed a good way to focus on the objectives of this research because the theme was dentistry students’ perceptions and experiences dealing with the opportunities and difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it in this circumstance. 11 purposively sampled dentistry students served as the participants of the study. Data were gathered through an online platform with open-ended questions which were thematically analyzed afterward. The identified opportunities were lumped into ROTE: Research works, Open and independent learning, Technology for education, and Education for health. Challenges encountered were grouped as DARE: Demand for technology, Acquisition of knowledge, Remote learning, and Environmental condition for studying. It is worth noting that the participants were enlightened on the academic and personal benefits of biochemistry online distance learning. The researchers appeal to future researchers and policymakers to anchor forthcoming steps to further augment the online teaching and learning experiences of teachers and learners.

Assessment of knowledge, awareness and practices toward the use of 3D printing among dental laboratory technicians in Karnataka, India: A cross-sectional study.

From November 2021 to January 2022, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was done among dental laboratory technicians in India. Dental technicians were given access to a self-explanatory questionnaire via Google forms link consisting of 12 questions that evaluated their knowledge, awareness and practices regarding 3D printing. The CHERRIES protocol for presenting the findings of the survey was followed. Chi-square test and independent t-test was used for statistical analysis by SPSS version 20.0. A total of 191 responses were obtained after the questionnaire was circulated to 220 technicians. 171 dental technicians (89.53%) were acquainted of the usage of 3D printing in dentistry.169 (88.48%) Dental technicians preferred 3D printing to traditional procedures. Majority of dental technicians indicated they want to include the 3D printing into their regular work practices and believe digital technology will enhance our profession. The level of awareness of digital dentistry and 3D printing among the participants is acceptable. Dental technicians at private laboratory showed better understanding about 3D printing as compared to technicians working at dental colleges nevertheless, dental education programmes, webinars and hands-on training should be undertaken that will enhance their expertise of 3D printing.

Current endodontic practice and use of newer technologies in Australia and New Zealand.

This study investigated endodontic clinical preferences, adoption of newer technologies and information sources among dentists and endodontists. Dental and endodontic society members in Australia and New Zealand were surveyed online regarding their endodontic treatment preferences, armamentarium, information sources and continuing professional education (CPE) attendance. Complete responses were received from 71 endodontic specialists or postgraduates (Group E) and 139 general dentists (Group D). Most of Group E used dental operating microscopes (95.8%), endodontic cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT; 98.6%) and calcium silicate-based materials (CSBMs; 97.2%), significantly more (P < 0.001) than Group D (86.3% used loupes, <32% used CBCT for endodontics or CSBMs). Most respondents used dental dam always for endodontics (94.3%), electronic apex locators (EAL; 81.0%) and engine-driven nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments (91.4%); Group E had more experience with engine-driven NiTi (P < 0.001). Endodontic CPE attendance was highest at dental association programs (P < 0.001) while hands-on NiTi training attendance was highest via commercial companies (P < 0.05). Online information sources were commonly used (38.8% of Group D, 59.2% of Group E). Dental dam, EAL and engine-driven NiTi were almost universally used. The endodontic group reported high adoption of newer endodontic technologies. Endodontic CPE and information sources should be further surveyed as online engagement evolves. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.

Influence of occlusal collision corrections completed by two intraoral scanners or a dental design program on the accuracy of the maxillomandibular relationship

Statement of problemOcclusal collisions of articulated intraoral digital scans can be corrected by intraoral scanners (IOSs) or dental design software programs. However, the influence of these corrections on the accuracy of maxillomandibular relationship is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this clinical investigation was to measure the effect of occlusal collision corrections completed by the IOSs or dental design software programs on the trueness and precision of maxillomandibular relationship. Material and methodsCasts of a participant mounted on an articulator were digitized (T710). The experimental scans were obtained by using 2 IOSs: TRIOS 4 and i700. The intraoral digital scans of the maxillary and mandibular arches were obtained and duplicated 15 times. For each duplicated pair of scans, a bilateral virtual occlusal record was acquired. Articulated specimens were duplicated and assigned into 2 groups: IOS-not corrected and IOS corrected (n=15). In the IOS-not corrected groups, the IOS software program postprocessed the scans maintaining the occlusal collisions, while in the IOS-corrected groups, the IOS software program eliminated the occlusal collisions. All articulated specimens were imported into a computer-aided design (CAD) program (DentalCAD). Three subgroups were developed based on the CAD correction: CAD-no change, trimming, or opening the vertical dimension. Thirty-six interlandmark distances were measured on the reference and each experimental scan to compute discrepancies by using a software program (Geomagic Wrap). Root mean square (RMS) was selected to compute the cast modifications performed in the trimming subgroups. Trueness was examined using 2-way ANOVA and pairwise comparison Tukey tests (α=.05). Precision was evaluated with the Levene test (α=.05). ResultsThe IOS (P<.001), the program (P<.001), and their interaction (P<.001) impacted the trueness of the maxillomandibular relationship. The i700 obtained higher trueness than the TRIOS 4 (P<.001). The IOS-not corrected-CAD-no-changes and IOS-not-corrected-trimming subgroups obtained the lowest trueness (P<.001), while the IOS-corrected-CAD-no-changes, IOS-corrected-trimming, and IOS-corrected-opening subgroups showed the highest trueness (P<.001). No significant differences in precision were found (P<.001). Furthermore, significant RMS differences were found (P<.001), with a significant interaction between Group×Subgroup (P<.001). The IOS-not corrected-trimmed subgroups obtained a significantly higher RMS error discrepancy than IOS-corrected-trimmed subgroups (P<.001). The Levene test showed a significant discrepancy in the RMS precision among IOSs across subgroups (P<.001). ConclusionsThe trueness of the maxillomandibular relationship was influenced by the scanner and program used to correct occlusal collisions. Better trueness was obtained when the occlusal collisions were adjusted by the IOS program compared with the CAD program. Precision was not significantly influenced by the occlusal collision correction method. CAD corrections did not improve the results of the IOS software. Additionally, the trimming option caused volumetric changes on the occlusal surfaces of intraoral scans.

Computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology in the undergraduate dental programs in the MENA region.

The aim of this study was to understand the trends of teaching Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in the undergraduate dental curriculum in the MENA region by conducting an online survey among the undergraduate dental colleges in this region. An online survey was conducted using Google Forms consisting of 20 questions that could be answered by "yes" or "no" responses, multiple-choice answers or in a descriptive, "open" format. A total of 55 participants from the MENA region representing their dental college were requested to participate in this study. The response rate of the survey was 85.5% following the twofold follow-up reminders method. Although the vast majority of professors demonstrated vital knowledge in the practical use of CAD/CAM, the majority of them did not provide theoretical and practical training on CAD/CAM in their institutions. Among the schools with established levels of teaching CAD/CAM, nearly 50% of them provide both pre-clinical and clinical training on CAD/CAM. Despite the availability of extra-curricular training courses on CAD/CAM outside the university setting, there is a lack of advocating for students to enrol in those courses by the institutions. More than 80% of the participants agreed that CAD/CAM has a strong future in chair-side dental clinics and CAD/CAM needs to be incorporated within undergraduate studies. Based on the results of the current study, it is understandable that an intervention is required by the dental education providers to cope with the growing demand for CAD/CAM technology for the current and future dental practitioners of the MENA region.

A survey of the knowledge and awareness on intra-canal medicaments in endodontic practice among both the general dental practitioners and non-endodontic specialists of Tamil Nadu

The important requisite of root canal treatment is that root canals should be free of microorganisms, which plays major role in success of treatment. Usage of intracanal medicament inside root canals will help in the reduction of microbes inside the root canal system. Intracanal medicaments also help in reduction of inter-appointment pain.A survey was conducted among dental practitioners and non-endodontic specialists of Tamilnadu to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of intracanal medicaments. The questionnaire had 20 questions related to intracanal medicaments and its usage in endodontic practice. The questionaire was distributed among randomly chosen 100 dental practitioners (both general and other specialists except endodontists.) of Tamilnadu, working in various government or private hospital or clinics. The answers obtained were analysed using descriptive analysis.In the current study, we observed that the awareness about intracanal medicaments among the practitioners was satisfying. However, they should update the knowledge about the intracanal medicaments.The results of current study insist more continuing dental education programs are needed; with active participation of practitioners to keep them update about intracanal medicaments.

Oral hygiene status among 5 to 15-year-old children stomatology National Hospital in Kabul city

: The practice of oral hygiene needs to be strengthened during adolescence, a time when there is a significant change in habits, leading to an increase in the prevalence of tooth decay associated with less frequent brushing. The propose of the study is to determine the oral hygiene status in 5-15-year-old children, the lack of the previous data in this field is one the reasons for conducting this research so that we can provide accurate statistics data in Afghanistan.: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between 5-15-year-old in 431 children of stomatology national hospital of Kabul city. Sample size was selected randomly from both gender group which were 161 males and 270 females. Oral hygiene status was assessed by using simplified-oral hygiene index. Gingival index (loe and silness, 1963) was used for assessing gingival status. dmf and DMF for decayed, missed and filled teeth in primary and permanent dentition used to assess the prevalence of dental caries. Statistical analysis done by SPSS .20.21.2% of children had good oral hygiene status, 65.2% fair oral hygiene and 13.6% had poor oral hygiene. The mean OHI-S was 2.4±1.19. There is no Statistical significant difference between gender and oral hygiene status (p&amp;#60;0.05). The prevalence of dental caries was 80.9%. Boys mean dmf was 4.15±3.03 and it was in girls 3.05±2.67, that shows higher prevalence of dental caries in boys than girls. Overall mean of dmf scores was 3.48±2.86. 173 (40.9%) had normal gums. 31.6% of children not brush their teeth, 37.4% brush once in a day.: Oral hygiene status was fair in more than half of the sample size. High prevalence of dental caries seen in males. Dental caries is a major public health problem and an active and effective dental care prevention program for children is needed.

Self-Rated Oral Health as a Valid Measure of Oral Health Status in Adults Living in Rural Australia.

It is unclear how well self-rated oral health (SROH) reflects actual oral health status in the rural Australian population. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the clinically assessed oral health status and SROH of adults living in rural Australia. The data were from 574 participants who took part in the Crossroads II cross-sectional study. Three trained and calibrated dentists evaluated the oral health status of participants based on WHO criteria. SROH was assessed with the question 'Overall, how would you rate the health of your teeth and gums?', with a score ranging from excellent = 5 to poor = 1. A logistic regression analysis (LRA) was performed, allowing us to assess factors associated with SROH. The mean age of participants was 59.2 years (SD 16.3), and 55.3% were female. The key results from the LRA show poorer SROH in those with more missing teeth (OR = 1.05; 95% CI; 1.01-1.08), more decayed teeth (OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.11-1.46), and more significant clinical attachment loss of periodontal tissue (6mm or more) (OR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.29-5.38). This study found an association between negative SROH and clinical indicators used to measure poor oral health status, suggesting that self-rated oral health is an indicator of oral health status. When planning dental healthcare programs, self-reported oral health should be considered a proxy measure for oral health status.

The Kimberley Dental Team: A process evaluation of a volunteer dental programme serving remote Aboriginal communities in Australia.

This study aims to conduct a process evaluation of the Kimberley Dental Team (KDT), a not-for-profit, volunteer organization providing care to remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. A logic model was constructed to detail the operational context of the KDT model. Subsequently, the fidelity (the extent to which each of the programme's elements were implemented as planned), dose (types and quantity of services provided) and reach (demographic characteristics and communities serviced) of the KDT model were evaluated using service data, deidentified clinical records and volunteer rosters maintained by KDT from 2009 to 2019. Trends and patterns of service provision were analysed using total counts and proportions over time. A Poisson regression model was used to explore changed in the rates of surgical treatment over time. The associations between volunteer activity and service provision was also investigated using correlation coefficients and linear regression. A total of 6365 patients (98% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) were seen over the 10-year period with services being provided across 35 different communities in the Kimberley. Most services were provided to school-aged children, consistent with the programme's objectives. The peak preventive, restorative and surgical rates occurred among school-aged children, young adults and older adults respectively. A trend was observed indicating a reducing rate of surgical procedures from 2010 to 2019 (p < .001). The volunteer profile showed significant diversity beyond the conventional dentist-nurse structure and 40% being repeat volunteers. The KDT programme maintained a strong focus on service provision to school-aged children over the last decade with the educational and preventive components being central to the care being provided. This process evaluation found that the dose and reach of the KDT model grew with an increase in resources and was adaptive to perceived community need. The model was shown to evolve through gradual structural adaptations contributing to its overall fidelity.

AI-enabled virtual reality systems for dental education

This study investigates the use of AI-enabled virtual reality (VR) systems in dental education. With a sample size of 200 participants, the research aims to explore the effectiveness and potential benefits of integrating AI and VR technologies into dental education programs. The study focuses on the use of AI algorithms to enhance the learning experience, simulate realistic dental procedures, and provide interactive training modules for dental students. The research employs a quantitative research technique. The quantitative research involves the distribution of surveys to the sample group, assessing their perceptions of AI-enabled VR systems in dental education and their effectiveness in improving learning outcomes. Preliminary findings suggest that AI-enabled VR systems have the potential to revolutionize dental education by offering immersive and realistic learning environments. Participants reported positive experiences with the interactive and engaging nature of AI-powered VR simulations, which allowed them to practice dental procedures in a safe and controlled setting. The incorporation of AI algorithms enhanced the realism of the simulations, providing immediate feedback, personalized learning pathways, and virtual patient scenarios. The study also examines the potential benefits of AI-enabled VR systems in addressing challenges faced by traditional dental education methods.

A decade of grassroots pathway programming: Saturday Academy at New York University College of Dentistry.

Successful pathway programs require early and sustained support of student participants. We present the history and outcomes of a successful decade of continuous, grassroots, pathway programming at an individual dental institution. Programmatic data were used to evaluate information on program participant demographics, academic pursuits, and career interests. Descriptive analyses were used to report on program enrollment as well as alumni academic and career outcomes. Between the years of 2013 and 2022, 346 high-school students participated in Saturday Academy at NYU Dentistry. Of the 240 college-aged and older program alumni, 72% (n=172) have shared their academic and career plans after high-school. At the time of publication, 78% (134/172) of alumni that have maintained contact with Saturday Academy and have expressed interest in pursuing a career in the health professions. Of the 172 alumni, 14% (n=24) have enrolled in or graduated from a health professional program (dental hygiene, nursing, accelerated dental or medical program, dental or medical school, or other health professional program). Of these alumni (24/172), half (n=12) have pursued education in the dental professions, specifically. Saturday Academy at NYU Dentistry is an example of a sustainable and impactful pathway program in dental education and its outcomes support the merit of calls for increased institutional commitment and support of similar initiatives.

Dental desensitization by dentists and occupational therapists for autistic adults: A pilot study.

Managing patients with autism in the dental clinic often requires resorting to pharmacological behavioral control techniques, including general anesthesia. References in the literature to desensitization programs are scarce and focus on training children with autism to undergo oral examinations and preventive procedures. This study shows that a dental desensitization program implemented by dentists and occupational therapists could help in performing not only oral examinations but also simple dental therapeutic procedures for a considerable percentage of adults with autism, without using a pharmacological intervention (sedation or general anesthesia).

Survival analysis of zirconia implant-supported, fixed complete dentures: A 5-year retrospective cohort study.

Existing data on the mid-term to long-term survival rates of zirconia implant-supported, fixed complete dentures (Zir-IFCDs) are lacking. The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to assess the prosthetic survival rate in patients treated with Zir-IFCDs. The patient record system at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG), Augusta University was searched to identify all patients treated with Zir-IFCDs from 2015 through 2022 by the DCG graduate prosthodontic, general practice residency, and Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs. Reasons for replacement were grouped as failure of veneering porcelain, framework fracture, implant loss, patient-driven concerns, excessive occlusal wear, and other. A total of 67 arches were found that met the inclusion criteria, 46 maxillary and 21 mandibular. The median follow-up time was 8.5 months (interquartile range, 2.7 to 30.9 months). A total of 9 of the 67 arches were identified as having failed (4 maxillary, 5 mandibular), requiring replacement. Reasons for failure were as follows: 3 framework fractures, 2 implant losses, 2 patient-related concerns, 1 fracture of veneering porcelain, and 1 unknown. The combined survival rate (Kaplan-Meier, log-normal modeling) for Zir-IFCDs was 88.8% at 1 year and 72.5% at 5 years CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, the Zir-IFCDs investigated had a survival rate lower than that reported in similar studies, though higher than published results for metal-acrylic resin-IFCDs. The most common source of failure was fracture of the zirconia framework. Thickness of the zirconia framework, interocclusal space, cantilever length, occlusal force, and status of the opposing dentition may have been associated with framework failures and should be investigated further.

Knowledge about Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Practitioners - An Institutional-based Study

Background and Purpose: Dental students and practitioners are frequently prone to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the unawareness of ergonomic principles when practicing dentistry. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge about MSDs in dental practitioners. Materials and Methods: A self-administered 28-item online questionnaire study was conducted among 100 dental practitioners. The study questionnaire captured demographic details of the participants as well as knowledge of ergonomic practices and MSDs and the nature of treatment. Descriptive analysis was done wherein the qualitative variables were expressed as percentages and proportions, whereas quantitative data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. The Chi-square test was used to check statistical associations and P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: All the participants practiced four-handed dentistry. Only 12% of the responders stated that the ideal position for treating the maxillary arch in patient as supine, whereas 86% responded as semi-supine and 2% as sitting position. Similarly, 97% of the responders rightly answered that the ideal position for treating mandibular arch in patient as semi-supine. Forty percentage of them answered correctly that the word ergonomics means work and law. Seventy-two percentage of the responders think that knowing ergonomics is useful in routine dental practice. Fifty-eight percentage of the dentists believe that stretching exercise during work will reduce muscle tension and stress. Conclusion: The present study provides an insight into ergonomics for dental students during routine dental procedures. Hence, emphasis on providing ergonomic principles both theoretically and practically to dental health-care professionals must be placed in all educational institutions and at continuing dental health programs, and it should be included in the curriculum.

Elective disciplines – an important component in the formation of professinal competences of future doctors – pediatric dentists

The article investigates actual issues of introduction of elective disciplines to the educational process of dental students. According to the changes in the political, economic and social spheres of our country, the labor market requires the training of highly skilled specialists who have a high level of knowledge, skills and competences in a particular industry, could make decision in standard and non-standard situations, bear responsibility for them in the professional activity. That is why the importance issue of the development and formation of today’s education is the use of a competence approach. Elective disciplines have an important role in the formation of the professional competences of future doctors and dentists.&#x0D; The purpose of the study was to reveal the expediency of teaching elective disciplines to students of the Faculty of Dentistry using the example of an elective discipline “Modern technologies in pediatric dentistry” for students of 5th student year.&#x0D; The blocks of elective disciplines that form a variable component of the Educational and Professional program of Dentistry are characterized. The content of the elective discipline “Modern technologies in pediatric dentistry” for students of the 5th year of the Faculty of Dentistry of Bogomolets National Medical University is analyzed. Thematic plans of lectures and practical lessons in the discipline are presented. It is emphasized, that the purpose of studying this elective discipline is the formation of professional competences necessary for high-quality dental treatment of children, including under general anesthesia. The elective discipline “Modern technologies in pediatric dentistry” was introduced into the educational process in 2022/23 acadrmic year and received favorable reviews from students. Further research involves an anonymous survey of students and teachers, interviews with graduates and employers with the aim of improving the content of electives disciplines and the level of their teaching at the departments

How does COVID‑19 affect community-based clinical training for Undergraduate dental therapy programs?

Universities, in particular, the health professional graduates they produce, contribute significantly to a workforce that aim to meet the healthcare needs of societies. The core competencies for a newly graduated health professional include compassion and care, effective communication, awareness of multiculturalism in patient care, collaboration with other health professionals and leadership in change management.[1] To achieve this end, many institutions of higher education have integrated community-based education into their health sciences programs.

Dentists' Perspective on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Utilization of Emergency Dental Services in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study intends to evaluate dentists' perceptions of COVID-19's effects on the use of emergency dental care both during and after Kuwait's lockdown periods. A convenience sample of dentists employed by the Ministry of Health's various emergency dental clinics and School Oral Health Programs (SOHP) throughout Kuwait's six governorates were invited to take part in this study. To determine the impact of various demographic and occupational characteristics on the mean perception score of the dentist, a multi-variable model was developed. The study was conducted between June-September 2021, and a total of 268 dentists (61% males and 39% females) participated in this study. When compared to pre-lockdown periods, the overall number of patients seen by dentists had significantly decreased after the lockdown period. After lockdown, there were significantly more cases of acute pulpitis with apical periodontitis, abscesses, and pericoronitis than there were before lockdown (p < 0.05). After the lockdown, a significantly higher percentage of dentists (p < 0.05) reported using fewer droplets-generating procedures to manage patients with dental emergencies. After correcting for the other variables in the model, female dentists (β = 0.146; 95% CI = 0.071 to 1.451) and non-Kuwaiti dentist (β = 0.012; 95% CI = 0.234 to 1.854) had a significantly (p < 0.05) more positive perception of the utilization of dental services than others after adjusting for the other variables in the model. The majority of dentists perceive that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on Kuwait's use of emergency dental services.

A perspective: Challenges and opportunities of a novel national dental benefit.

In Canada, the federal government launched the interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) on December 1, 2022, to support access to dental care for children <12 years. The interim benefit shows government's assurance to develop a long-term national dental care program. The benefit will be a cash transfer through Canada's revenue services agency, ranging from $260 to $650 annually. This perspective examines the federal initiative and reflects on its strengths and challenges to learn lessons, which can support the long-term solution that is being currently planned. This article outlines a number of positive aspects as well as challenges from the perspectives of varied stakeholders; the feasibility of the application process; remaining potential gaps due to restricted eligibility criteria; possible effects of unrestricted oral health care services and reimbursement rates; valuing of patient autonomy; guidelines for the expansion of the program to other populations; and remaining barriers to oral health care access are analyzed. The CDB is cause for excitement for the Canadian population because it is an opportunity to reduce affordability barriers to accessing dental care. That said, it is important to discuss anticipated challenges and indirect consequences, particularly through the lens of equity, to support the new CDB and the proposed national dental care program in achieving the much-awaited goal of putting the mouth back into the body.