Dental Residents Research Articles

Implementation and analysis of an enhanced screening and testing protocol for prediabetes in a dental school patient population

This project aimed to enhance the identification of patients at-risk for prediabetes or diabetes within a dental school patient population by introduction of a modified screening tool and related training of dental residents and students. The American Diabetes Association Risk Tool (ADART) was modified by addition of three diabetes-linked oral health questions. Of the 1477 dental patients screened, 551 (37.3%) indicated an at-risk status using the modified tool. A subset of 138 patients received follow-up chairside HbA1c blood testing conducted by dental residents and students. Data was analysed to determine a) the influence of the modifications on the tool's discrimination strength and b) change in the tool's predictive value. The addition of the 3 oral health questions to the 7-item ADART resulted in a 9.4% increase in identification of patients at-risk for pre-diabetes/diabetes. The predictive value of the tool remained stable. Residents and students successfully incorporated the new screening activities within their assigned clinics. This project demonstrates that screening for risk for prediabetes/diabetes is both prudent and practical in the dental setting. Dental personnel, including trainees, can successfully incorporate enhanced screening methods within their traditional activities. Further, screening tools used in the dental setting might be enhanced by inclusion of certain oral health variables associated with diabetes. These findings add to emerging knowledge on the importance of screening for prediabetes/diabetes in dental settings and have particular relevance and application to institutional practice.

Factors affecting specialty choice of postgraduate dental residents in Karachi, Pakistan.

To identify factors that influence the choice of specialty of dentistry postgraduate residents in an urban setting. The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from April to May 2020 at health centres approved for the Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons training in Karachi, and comprised dental postgraduate residents. Data was collected using a questionnaire distributed using Google Forms. Residents were asked to rate factors that influenced their decision to join their clinical specialty on a 3-point Likert scale. Items were based on the basis of anticipated clinical experiences, specialty-specific factors, personal preferences, and possible constraints. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 51 subjects, 39(76.5%) were females and 12(23.5%) were males. The overall mean age was 27.7±2.17 years. Besides, 27(52.9%) subjects were from public-sector centres and 24(47.1%) from private-sector centres. Of all the residents, 44(86.3%) chose their specialty because of inclination to treat complex cases, while 43(84.3%) were interested because of the broad range of cases, and 39(76.5%) made their choice because of the reputation of the respective supervisors and institutions. Also, 43(84.3%) residents did not consider the expiry of their fellowship part one exam deadline, or unavailability of a training slot as a specific reason to select a specialty. Compared to males, significantly more females opted for a specialty if it eventually provided career opportunity as faculty (p<0.05). Factors that greatly influenced the residents' choice for postgraduate training specialty were related to anticipated clinical experiences.

Examination of the Effect of Dental Residents’ Own Goal-Setting at the Start of Training and the Evaluation Over Time Using Rubrics on the Motivation of Dental Residents toward Training

Examination of the Effect of Dental Residents’ Own Goal-Setting at the Start of Training and the Evaluation Over Time Using Rubrics on the Motivation of Dental Residents toward Training

Knowledge and Attitude Levels on Regenerative Endodontic Procedures among the Dental Residents in and around Puducherry

Knowledge and Attitude Levels on Regenerative Endodontic Procedures among the Dental Residents in and around Puducherry

Utilizing concept maps to help pediatric dental residents learn medical conditions

Utilizing concept maps to help pediatric dental residents learn medical conditions

Awareness of Dental Practitioners of The Ethical Standards in Dental Researches

Background: Awareness of ethical standards in conducting research is necessary because ignoring ethical issues may not only cause harm to the research subjects but also lead to research ineffectiveness. This study aimed to investigate the awareness of dental residents and professors of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran, of the ethical standards in researches. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, performed using a validated researcher-made questionnaire. 53 professors and 74 residents of different dental specialties participated. The data were analyzed using statistical tests and SPSS 21.00 software. Findings: The male, female ratio in professors was 41.5% to 58.5% , while 62.2% of residents were female and 37.8% male. Regarding awareness of research ethics, 66% of professors and 85% of residents selected the acceptable answers. The mean and standard deviation of professors' and residents’ awareness were 0.5606±0.16230 and 0.6542±0.17693, from source1. The levels of residents' and professors’ awareness were 0.65 and 0.59, respectively, using Levene’s Test (the significance level of p=0.041). In professors’ part the lowest score belonged to “Written consent is required in intervention research” and in residents’ part the lowest one was about “In some cases, prisoners can be promised a reduced sentence as a reward for their cooperation in conducting a research project”. Conclusion: Professors and dental residents had acceptable awareness of ethics in dental researches, and the level of awareness was higher in dental residents compared to professors. There was no significant difference in the awareness of dental residents by age, gender, and field of specialty. Also, there was no significant difference in the awareness of dental professors by age, gender, specialty, years of service, and participation in the research project or dissertation. Obtaining consent for performing research and paying more attention to vulnerable groups during research projects are items that must be mentioned more. Keywords: Ethical standards, ethics in research, professors, dental students

Insight into the Tunisian Dental Residents’ Mental Wellness and Coping Mechanism during Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Recently, the covid-19 pandemic has dramatically affected dental students and residents worldwide. The aim of this study was to focus on the impact of the pandemic on the perceived stress, the mental health, and the coping mechanisms of the residents of the dental faculty of Monastir. Tunisia.&#x0D; Materials and methods: a voluntary and anonymous survey targeting the dental residents of the Dental faculty of Monastir Tunisia, was conducted between June the 1st to June the 30t2021. The questionnaire was divided into five sections: demographics, perceived stress during the pandemic, mental health, and coping mechanism. Yes /no questions as well as Likert scales were used.&#x0D; Results: Out of the 107 residents that were contacted, 52 responded. Sex ratio was 0.48. Among the respondents, 45.1% found that during the last 6 months, their days were “extremely stressful. A correlation between gender and daily stress was found (p=0.046); concerns about the family wellbeing as well as own health and safety were ranked first when it came to evaluating the stressors during that period. Twenty-three residents (45%) said they have had mental health problems during the last 6 months, 78% (40) of the participants felt sad, upset, and depressed for days during the last 6 months and 31 (62%) residents think they had become more irritable and in a bad mood these past few months. Talking to family and friends was the most reported coping mechanism.

Impact of Pediatric Dentistry Residents Posted in Pediatrics Department: A Retrospective Assessment of 6 Years

AimTo measure the influence of rotatory pediatrics postings for dental residents on the outpatient census of the pediatric dentistry department. The secondary aims were to assess the change in trend toward the number of preschool children visiting the department before and after the initiation of pediatrics posting and also to find the percentage of children affected with caries among children visiting the pediatricians.Materials and methodsRetrospectively, the census of the pediatric dentistry department was calculated from 2010 to 2016. The number of preschool children who visited the pediatric dentistry department during this period was determined. From the pediatrics posting records, the dental status of the children, the number screened, the number referred, and the number reported to dentistry following referral were tabulated. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed.ResultsAfter the initiation of pediatrics postings for residents, the outpatient census has increased by 26%. There was a significant increase in the number of preschool children visiting the pediatric dentist. About 57.09% of children screened in the pediatrics department had dental disease.ConclusionThere is an increase in the patient flow of the pediatric dentistry department with a greater number of preschool children visiting the pediatric dentist after initiation of the pediatrics postings for residents. More than half the children visiting pediatricians had dental disease requiring professional care.Clinical significancePediatrics postings for residents can be used in teaching centers as an opportunity to spread awareness and increase the number of preschool children visiting pediatric dentists, thereby increasing prevention and early intervention of early childhood caries.How to cite this articleMohan A, Muthu MS, Ramachandran P, et al. Impact of Pediatric Dentistry Residents Posted in Pediatrics Department: A Retrospective Assessment of 6 Years. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):84–87.

P-NE005. Correlation between nerve conduction study and vibration perception threshold in dental residents

Introduction. Dentists are exposed to handheld vibrating tools in their daily clinical practice. Repetitive exposure to vibration has been shown to cause peripheral nerve dysfunction. Nerve conduction study (NCS) provides objective assessment of peripheral nerve function. Vibration perception threshold (VPT) measures the sensorineural abnormalities in the distal fingers associated with vibration. Most studies have been performed in symptomatic subjects. Therefore, we aimed to study correlation between vibration perception threshold and NCS in apparently healthy asymptomatic dental residents. Methods. This cross-sectional study enrolled 22 apparently healthy asymptomatic dental residents exposed to vibrating hand-held tools at least for 10 months (exposure group) and 22 age-matched medical residents who were not exposed to vibration (non-exposure group). They were selected by purposive sampling method. VPT was measured on the palmar surface of second and fifth fingertips of both hands. NCS of the bilateral median and ulnar nerves were recorded by belly-tendon montage. Pearson’s correlation was applied to find out the relation between NCV and VPT. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results. Positive correlations were found between right median nerve proximal latency and VPT on left hand; minimum F-wave latency of left median nerve and VPT on left hand and minimum F-wave latency of left ulnar nerve and VPT on left hand. Conclusion. Significant correlations were observed between VPT and electrophysiological parameters indicating that both methods are valuable for evaluating peripheral nerve dysfunction.

The value of embedding research and scientific empiricism in dental residencies: Guidance for other programs.

The value of embedding research and scientific empiricism in dental residencies: Guidance for other programs.

RELATIONSHIP OF BODY MASS INDEX AND WAIST-HIP RATIO AMONG DENTAL INTERNS, RESIDENTS AND DENTAL PRACTITIONERS

Background: Obesity is common global problem associated with co-morbid condition such as diabetes and hypertension. There is change in fat distribution pattern in both male and female during the process of aging. Body mass index along with waist circumference, waist-hip ratio and waist to height ratio are major anthropometric measures used to define the adiposity. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in individuals of different age-group’s as dental interns, residents, and dental practitioners. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 male and female subjects. Census method of sampling was used as all the interns, residents and dental practitioners were involved. Unstrectable measuring tape was used to measure waist circumference, digital weighing machine was used to measure weight and Standiometer was used to measure height as per world health organization guidelines. Body mass index was calculated from the weight of participants in kilo­grams divided by square of height in meters (kg/m2). Waist-hip ratio and waist to height ratio were calculated from measured data. Data was analyzed by Stastical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Results: Body mass index was found to be higher in male i.e 62.5% for overweight category com­pared to female where it was 24.2% and obesity was also higher among males while comparing with females. Waist circumference has significant correlation in male and female P&lt;0.05. Waist hip ratio and different age groups also has positive correlation. Conclusions: Prevalence of overweight and obesity was seen among different age-groups and co­herently the associated disease risk was explored.

Programs and Policies Targeted to Improve Access to Dental Care for Low Income Adults and Children in the US: An Integrative Literature Review

Objective: The authors conducted an integrative literature review of recent studies that explored the impact of interventions implemented in the U.S. that focused on improving access to dental care for low-income and vulnerable populations. Methods: The authors conducted an integrative literature review of studies published between 2012-2018 that addressed six oral health policy spheres. 1) Community-based dental access programs; (2) Medicaid reimbursement and expansion; (3) Student loan support; (4) Oral health services in non-traditional settings and dental residency programs; (5) Programs to improve oral health literacy; and (6) Use of dental therapists. Results: The authors included 39 articles for qualitative synthesis. Numerous public health initiatives and programs exist in the US aimed at increasing access to quality oral health care. Medicaid expansion, increased Medicaid fee-for-service reimbursement rates, and state loan repayment programs have demonstrated some success in improving access among underserved populations. A diversified dental workforce, with community dental health workers and mid-level providers like dental therapists, as well as interprofessional training of nurses and primary-care physicians in oral health have also shown positive impacts in advancing health equity. Further studies are needed to understand how oral health literacy programs can affect access and utilization of dental services. Conclusions: Improvements to the oral health care safety net will require a holistic and multifaceted approach in order to reduce oral health disparities. Policy levers should work, not in isolation, but rather in complementary fashion to one another.

The Psychological Well-Being of Medical Versus Dental GME Residents During the COVID 19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

PurposeTrainees are facing isolation and burnout, due to the fear of contracting and transmitting novel coronavirus-19 (COVID-19). There has been a reduction in clinical activities of residents. The purpose of this paper is to measure and compare the psychological well-being of dental versus medical residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study whereby trainees of a hospital in New York City were sent a questionnaire. Participants were from the dental and medical departments. Psychological measures of depression and post traumatic stress disorder were assessed utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and The Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) questionnaire. Other variables compared were age, gender, smoking status, living situation and comorbidities. Data analysis utilized chi-squared (X2) and t-tests. Bivariate correlation and linear regression analyses were also utilized.ResultsThe survey was sent to 19 dental (Dental) and 171 medical (MD) residents. There were 66 participants. The response rate was 63.16 and 35.09% for the Dental and MD residents, respectively. The mean age for the Dental and MD residents, respectively, was 29.62 ± 2.09 and 34.82 ± 9.32 (P = .014). Eighty-one percent of the Dental respondents were male and 33.3% of the MD respondents were male (P < .001). The mean PHQ-9 score was 18.29 ± 2.88 vs 7.24 ± 7.41 for Dental and MD residents, respectively (P < .001). A higher score represents increased severity of depression. The Dental residents scored 61.9 ± 3.90 on the IES-R vs 30.36 ± 24.67 (P < .001). A higher score indicates a greater frequency of intrusive thoughts and avoidance. Forty-two percent of Dental and 13.3% of MD residents tested positive; 25% of Dental and 28.9% of MD residents self-reported symptoms for COVID-19. Being positive or symptomatic resulted in statistically significant higher IES-R and PHQ-9 scores.ConclusionsDental residents and being positive or symptomatic for COVID-19 resulted in higher PHQ-9 and IES-R scores. Being aware of the impact of COVID-19 is an important step in providing intervention.

A Questionnaire based Cross-Sectional Survey on PRF

Progress in regenerative endodontic procedures needs approval by clinicians, but there is little or noevidence. This study aimed to examine the awareness, mindset and experience of regenerative endodonticsamong Indian dental residents. For the survey they used a self-administered questionnaire which consistedof three parts; part A focused on the background and experience of dentists, part B pursued the viewpoint,views and decision of the dentist about the utilize of PRF and Regenerative techniques, Whereas part Ccontained questions focused on their clinical experience. Findings indicate that maximum respondents knewabout PRF during postgraduate training but 90% are willing to attend PRF and REP training. However,few claimed to have used any form of regenerative therapy in their work. Finally, it can be concludedthat findings are an indication of optimistic dental residents concerning the use of regenerative endodonticmethods; however, further analysis and routine training is needed.

РАЗРАБОТКА УЧЕБНО-МЕТОДИЧЕСКОЙ ПРОГРАММЫ ПО ХЕЙЛОСКОПИИ И ПАЛАТОСКОПИИ ДЛЯ СТУДЕНТОВ СТОМАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ФАКУЛЬТЕТА

Currently, the study of cheiloscopy and palatoscopy among students of the faculty of dentistry is particularly popular. The purpose of this study is to popularize personal identification in dental practice. The study attempted to introduce a training module for dentists to improve the recording and interpretation of data in the field of cheiloscopy and palatoscopy. A total of 93 first-year dental residents took part in the study. An important aspect of dental identification in the educational process is the criterion of system filtering and step-by-step division at various levels of education. We have proposed a modern identification method for graphological analysis of anatomical landmarks, by which a comparison was made between the identification of the contours of the wrinkles of the lips and the palate. Statistical processing included counting with the addition of the Likert scale. Then the proportions of the exact match were compared before and after training. Thus, the development of a training program on forensic practice in dentistry not only helps to establish the identity of a person, but can also help in comparing records and identifying two identical structures in dental parameters. The data obtained in the course of the study contribute to the expansion of clinical thinking, dental awareness among students in the field of dental identity identification.

Impact of COVID-19 on advanced dental education: Perspectives of dental residents in Wuhan.

PurposeThis study investigated the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) from the perspectives of dental residents in Wuhan, the former COVID‐19 epicenter of China.MethodsA survey form was sent to 424 residents in the School of Stomatology, Wuhan University (WHUSS) in September 2020. The form included 23 questions on demographics, study situation of residents during the COVID‐19 outbreak, effect of COVID‐19 on graduates, and status of residents who returned to clinic training.ResultsA total of 361 (85%) survey forms were collected. Over 70% of respondents felt anxious during Wuhan lockdown. Most respondents continued studying (94%) mainly through free online resources (79%). The majority reported improvement in didactic knowledge (80%), but the respondents’ perceptions of their clinical skills, especially those in Wuhan, did not change (41%) or worsened (40%) (p < 0.05). Most graduates (88%) reported having found jobs or continued study. Among the 209 responders who returned to clinical training, 52% felt no concern about COVID‐19 infection, 89% thought they were equipped with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and 57% indicated that they received sufficient knowledge for preventing COVID‐19 in clinic. Most respondents agreed that the way to gain the knowledge for preventing COVID‐19 in clinic was training at dental school (93%).ConclusionAlthough online study has been appreciated by residents, concern about clinical skill learning in the COVID‐19 hardest‐hit area has arisen. Most graduates felt that the impact of COVID‐19 on their immediate postgraduation career was limited. Teaching about infection control in dental schools seemed effective to develop a positive attitude for residents after they returned to clinical training.

The COVID-19 pandemic and dental residency training in Nigeria.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-ranging effects on dental practice across the world. In particular, if has also affected the training of dental residents, who are specialists in training. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception and attitude of dental residents in Nigeria to the pandemic and its perceived impact on the dental residency training programme across the country. This was a cross-sectional study of dental residents in teaching hospitals across Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to consenting participants through an online data collection platform (Google forms), between April and June 2020. Data were collected on sociodemographics, knowledge and awareness of coronavirus as well as impact of the pandemic. Data analysis was carried out with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Level of significance was set at p-value<.05. A total of 104 dental residents participated in the study from ten residency training institutions in the country with a mean age of 35.65±4.8years. Almost all 98 (94.2%) of the residents showed a good knowledge of COVID 19. About two-thirds, 72 (69.2%) of the participants were mostly worried about COVID-19 affecting their residency training program 72 (69.2%), with their greatest source of worry being the risk of contracting the virus in the dental clinic. The dental residents had a very good knowledge of the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and majority of them felt that it would affect their training residency programme.

The impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the utilization of dental services and attitudes of dental residents at the emergency department of a medical center in Taiwan

Background/purposeDental visits are a high risk activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the utilization of emergency dental services and clinical practical attitudes of dental residents in this period. Materials and methodsRetrospective chart data from 13th November 2019 to 31st March 2020 in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan were used. We obtained electronic medical records to review data from 515 patients who visited the emergency department with dental complaints and we contacted the 26 residents assigned to act as primary care providers to participate in this study. ResultsAfter the COVID-19 outbreak, 17% fewer patients had dental emergency utilization at a hospital emergency center relative to the previous period. A survey of residents also showed a decline in the number of patients. There were no significant differences of patients' problems and diagnoses between the two periods. After the COVID-19 outbreak, 61.5% of the residents were afraid of being infected by a patient's disease and the proportions of dentists wearing waterproof gowns, face shields, and surgical hair caps were 76.9%, 88.5%, and 76.3%, respectively. These variables increased significantly after the outbreak of COVID-19. ConclusionDespite the trend of a decreased number of patients, their utilization of dental emergency services seems to be similar before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, possibly related to strict hospital infection control policies and the relatively low number of COVID-19 confirmed patients internationally at that time.

Accuracy of Model Estimation versus Tanaka and Johnston Arch Length Analysis.

This study examines how accurate pediatric dentists are at estimating dental arch lengths by comparing their model estimations (guesstimating the arch length without measuring) to the Tanaka and Johnston mixed dentition arch length analysis. This study consisted of two parts, a survey of practitioners and a model estimating and measuring component. The survey was designed and given to 44 pediatric dentists to determine how many were practicing orthodontics and using arch length analyses routinely. Then 18 pediatric dentists and 13 pediatric dental residents examined 20 sets of mixed dentition models and estimated how much space was available. These estimations were compared to the calculated gold standard, the Tanaka and Johnston arch length analysis of the same models. More than half of the dentists surveyed that practice comprehensive orthodontics use arch length estimates. Pediatric dentists and pediatric dental residents are just as good as each other at estimating arch length. Pediatric dentists and pediatric dental residents underestimated arch length by -3.6 and -3.1 mm, respectively. More research needs to be done to determine if model estimation is a clinically acceptable way to judge arch length.

Assessment of dental residents' professionalism through Professionalism Mini-Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX).

The aim of the study was to assess the professional behavior of dental residents through Professionalism Mini-Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX). This was a descriptive-analytical study. Content validity of P-MEX form was investigated for use in the context of dentistry. A total of 24-item version of P-MEX consisted of doctor-patient relationship skills (n=7), reflective skills (n=5), time management (n=3), and interprofessional relationship skills (n=9) was used in the present study. Residents in different dental specialties (n=56) were evaluated by trained raters (448 times). Data were analyzed by descriptive (mean, SD) and analytical tests (Pearson, ANOVA, and post hoc test (Bonferroni)). Validity of P-MEX was approved in the field of dentistry. The mean score of professional behavior in residents were reported 2.79 ± 0.24, with minimum and maximum scores of 2.17 and 3.62, respectively. The residents' professional behavior in the domain of reflective skills and doctor-patient relationship skills were lower than the other domains. The results showed that the scores of professional behavior among dental residents were classified in the below expectation level and their scores have followed a downward trend from the second year. Therefore, planning for training and continuous assessment of professional behavior among residents in the faculty of dentistry should be considered.