Dental Staff Research Articles

Self-Perceived Oral Health Related to Eating Disorders-A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

To investigate oral problems experienced by patients with eating disorder (ED). A cross-sectional study where ED patients (n = 48) at two Swedish specialised clinics filled out a questionnaire about perceived oral health problems and habits, and specific behaviours related to ED. The majority exhibited poor eating and drinking habits, f.i. drinking light drinks (63%), and most of them were on medication (71%). The most common problems were hypersensitive teeth (three out of five) and perceived dryness of the mouth (almost four out of five). Likewise, pain in the teeth (38%) and the jaws (46%) was frequent. About one-third had been binge eating and/or vomiting in recent weeks and these behaviours were associated with pain in the teeth and snacking. Almost two out of three participants were concerned about informing their dentist or dental hygienist about their vomiting. The ED patients in this study experienced oral problems and exhibited many risk behaviours regarding oral health. Both dental staff and ED staff who meet ED patients should be aware of the risk of oral health problems and preventive measures should be taken.

Provision of Public Dental Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Dental Staff in Greater Western Sydney, Australia

Provision of Public Dental Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Dental Staff in Greater Western Sydney, Australia

Perceived effective and ineffective dental terminology when treating paediatric patients: a cross-sectional survey.

Aims To determine the words that paediatric dental team members perceive to be effective and ineffective for describing dental procedures and instruments to children and to assess if these are influenced by the age and gender of the child.Methods A voluntary, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to paediatric dental staff in NHS Scotland. Questions included participants' demographics, which words they perceive to be effective and ineffective for describing 11 dental procedures and instruments, and whether word choice was affected by the gender and/or age of the patient.Results From the 209 responses, a variety of job roles were represented across 11 different health boards in Scotland. A variety of alternative words and phrases for dental terms were identified, including those considered ineffective. The age of patients was shown to influence the language used by 42.8% of dental team members on average. Patients' gender did not tend to influence word choice.Conclusions This study has collected the most popular euphemisms for common dental procedures and instruments as well as perceived ineffective terminology in paediatric dentistry in Scotland. The study showed that the age of a child frequently influences the choice of language used, while gender plays less of a role.

Stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about obesity among dental team members.

Weight stigma is prevalent within healthcare settings and is an aspect of the lived experience of people living with obesity. There is international evidence of weight stigma in the dental setting, where currently there is also evidence indicating limited training amongst dental professionals regarding obesity or obesity-related stigma. There has been Australian research and none have included dental support staff. This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs of dental professionals (registered general dentists, oral health therapists) and support staff (dental assistants, dental receptionists) working in private and public regional practices in New South Wales and specialists in Special Needs Dentistry across Australia toward people living with obesity. An anonymous electronic validated survey was administered through REDCap™ to assess stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs held amongst respondents in relation to people living with obesity. Fifty-three participants completed the survey (n=33 clinicians, n=20 support staff). The majority 47/53 (88.7%) held positive attitudes toward people living with obesity. Of the clinicians, 15/33 (45.5%) reported 1hour or less and 14/33 (42.4%) reported two to 5hours of obesity-related education. 14/20 (70%) of the support staff reported no prior education or training about obesity. Of responses reflecting weight stigma, only three clinicians reported negative reactions toward the appearance, or discomfort during examination, of a patient with obesity, or a perception of laziness, compared with normal weight individuals. A higher proportion 4/20 (20%) of support staff reported responses indicating negative attitudes for people with obesity compared with normal weight individuals. Survey responses reflected evidence of weight stigma in both dental professionals and support staff. Professional development targeting weight stigma reduction in the dental setting is needed for both clinicians and support staff.

Search for urgent dental care during COVID-19 pandemic

Dental emergencies may represent a challenge to clinicians, that sometimes may even need to treat patients with COVID-19. Aim: In this sense, we aim to report our experience in an urgent dental care setting during COVID-19 pandemic, providing a profile of patients and staff involved in attendance appointments. To address that, a retrospective analysis was conducted based on charts of the Urgent Dental Care Clinic. Data obtained from patients were extracted considering the period between July 2020 and December 2020. Final data were compiled, and continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Categorical variables were presented as n (%). Results: A total of 92 patients (39 ±16.59 years) were attended with prevalence of female. Most patients (n = 83; 94.3%) answered that they did not have any symptoms since COVID-19 outbreak in March up to 21st day prior the appointment and searched for treatment with pain as the main complaint (n = 59; 64.1%). Drug prescriptions and advice were sufficient on several occasions (n = 19; 22.4%), eliminating the need for dental procedures. Recementation and temporary restorations were the most frequent clinical choice in this cohort (n = 19; 20.7). Regarding dental staff, COVID-19 symptoms after attendance were reported only seven times (3.4%) by 5 different persons. Conclusion: All patients treated in the emergency department during the COVID-19 pandemic were asymptomatic and pain was their main complaint. Importantly, occupational transmission was not detected during the study period, which highlights effectiveness of our prevention strategies.

Study of hygienic hand disinfection of staff and dental students at the Medical University – Plovdiv

<b>Introduction:</b> Transient microbial flora on the hands of medical personnel is a prerequisite for healthcare-associated infections. Unlike permanent this micro flora can be removed by washing and disinfection. The hands of the dental staff are factor number one in the transfer of microorganisms: from patient to patient as well as on objects from the dental environment.<br /> <b>The aim</b> of the present study was to microbiologically examine hand washes of 5th year dental students and medical staff before starting work with a patient in order to evaluate the quality of hygienic disinfection performed.<br /> <b>Methodology:</b> The hands of a total of 115 doctors and students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the Medical University of Plovdiv were wiped with a sterile swab after treatment with a disinfectant. Isolates were identified to species using Vitek MS and MALDI-TOF technology.<br />  <b>Results: </b>Coagulase-negative staphylococci with a microbial number of 10<sup>3</sup>-10<sup>4</sup> were found to have the highest microbial count (70%). 9% of the samples with coagulase-negative staphylococci had microbial count ≥10<sup>5</sup>. The most common isolates detected were: <i>Staphylococcus hominis</i>, <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> and <i>Micrococcus luteus</i>.<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> The presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci in a high microbial count, enterococci and representatives of <i>Bacillus simplex</i> is undesirable, especially in immunosuppressed patients. These results highlight the need to increase knowledge about hand disinfection and its actual application before working with a patient.

Quality improvement project (QIP): evaluating a pilot suicide awareness, screening and signposting training intervention for dental care professionals in a dental teaching hospital and school

Scotland’s 2022 suicide prevention strategy recommends building skills and knowledge among healthcare staff who play a role in preventing suicide. A quality improvement project (QIP) in relation to this was...

Dental care staff’s experience with risk assessment of dental erosion: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe risk assessment of dental erosion among children and adolescents is an important aspect of dental care, as dental erosion constitutes a rapidly growing, global problem. Dental professionals rely solely on their own perception, as the current risk assessment process is not completely automatized, which affects the risk assessment reliability.AimTo explore dental professionals’ experiences with risk assessment of dental erosion among children and adolescents.MethodIn-depth interview was used as data collection method. A total of 11 dental professionals were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe findings were summarized in the categories Professionals’ responsibility, Systematic approach , and Collaboration and communication. Dental staff perceived that their basic knowledge regarding erosion should be improved, and skills development was desired to reduce the knowledge gaps around the risk assessment of dental erosion. They alleged that the systematic approach could be improved by reducing workplace stress, implementing a universal dental erosion index, improving the existing risk assessment software, and automating the risk assessment of the condition. Dental professionals also experienced a need to calibrate and collaborate with each other and with other healthcare professionals to improve patient care.ConclusionDental professionals experienced their basic knowledge of dental erosion and their risk assessment as good, but a more advanced skill development was required. Furthermore, they experienced the risk assessment software as a good tool that should be improved to compile more objective risk assessment. A universal erosion index was also requested.

Examining dental providers counseling on human papillomavirus vaccine: Insights from parents and dental professionals.

To (1) assess perceptions of parents of patients ages 9-17 years regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine counseling and a same-day HPV vaccine program, and (2) assess perceptions among dental staff who actively participated in the same administration program. We conducted a post-evaluation, convenience survey of parents of patients aged 9-17 and dental staff at a large-urban federally qualified healthcare center (FQHC) from July 25, 2022, to August 26, 2022. Parent and staff perceptions were assessed using validated instruments whenever possible. Data were analyzed descriptively. Overall, 101 parents participated (response rate: 89%). Overall, 80 parents (74.3%) reported wanting to discuss diseases prevented by the HPV vaccine with their dental provider. Twenty parents (20%) reported receiving counseling on the HPV vaccine by their dentist; 95% (n = 19) of those parents reported it did not change their comfort with their provider and 60% (n = 12) reported their child received the vaccine that day. Overall, 44 dental staff members (32% DDS/DMD, 14% RDH-BS-Dental Hygiene, 55% Other) completed surveys (response rate: 100%). Of these, 39 (88.6%) were willing to recommend the HPV vaccine and participate in a referral program. Nearly all dentists and hygienists (95%) reported discussing the vaccine was within their scope of practice, and most (65%) agreed vaccine administration should be within their scope. In a single site convenience survey within an urban, federally qualified health care system, most parents, and dental staff perceived HPV vaccine counseling and administration favorably and clinically appropriate during routine dental visits.

Exploring the usability of simulated patient methodology in dental clinics in Western Australia:A pilot survey.

This study aimed to explore the dental staff knowledge of simulated patient methodology and support for its use to investigate dental staffs' triaging ability. Staff at dental practices in Western Australia were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online questionnaire, consisting of demographic questions, questions on triaging, and knowledge of simulated patient methodology. Descriptive and parametric tests were undertaken for quantitative data; qualitative responses were thematically analyzed. Of the 100 participants, most were female (71%), aged 25-39 years (57%), dentists (46%), and worked in private practices (60%). While 82% of participants triaged dental appointment enquiries, only 26% had heard of simulated patient studies. The majority (66%) of participants spent 1-5 min when triaging appointments and less than half (29%) asked about medical history, aggravating or alleviating factors. Although there was a general positive attitude towarduse of simulated patient methodology to investigate practice, some concerns were identified. The findings of our exploratory study suggests that there may be a potential for utilizing simulated patient studies to improve the care of patients by dental receptionists in general dental practices.

Occupational Hazards/ Risks among Dental Staff in Afghanistan

Occupational Hazards/ Risks among Dental Staff in Afghanistan

Dental Notation System Used in Dental Teaching in Different Dental Collages

The aim of this study was to find the most commonly used Tooth Numbering System to teach and learn in dental collages in various universities (Benghazi University, Omar Mukhtar University and Libyan International Medical University) by both academic staff and fourth year dental students, to identify the most commonly taught TNS in different dental colleges, to understand the reason why dental staff prefer to use a specific TNS, and the consequences of using more than one TNS. This cross-sectional study was conducted within the dental collages of various Medical Universities. The questionnaire containing 11 questions was randomly distributed to 120 individuals (60 deans of academic staff and 50 fourth year dental students). The palmer notation system was the most commonly used to teach and learn by academic staff and dental students in teaching and practiced in dental collages, while the universal notation system was the least used to teach and learn by academic staff and dental students. As well as the most TNS preferred to use by academic staff and dental students in operative, oral surgery departments and orthodontic department in academic teaching was the palmer notation system while the least TNS use was universal notation system. The Palmer TNS proved to be the most taught TNS in dental colleges in different University. It is advised that the Palmer TNS be implemented as a unified system in my country, due to the advantages of this particular TNS and the benefits of using one single TNS.

Dental auxiliaries’ knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding noma prevention: A cross-sectional study in Northwestern Nigeria

Objective: The objective is to evaluate dental auxiliaries’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices for the prevention of noma disease. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over 6 months. After obtaining ethical clearance from the Sokoto and Zamfara State Ministries of Health, all consenting dental assistant staff who met the selection criteria were administered a validated questionnaire containing 17 questions assessing the respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. They were recruited using a self-administered questionnaire. The overall score was classified as “low” if the average score was 50% or less (50% or less), satisfactory (51%–69%), or good (70% or more). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 software. Results: A total of 149 respondents returned the questionnaire, of which 80 (53.7%) were men and 69 (46.3%) were women. The mean ± standard deviation age of respondents was 27.37 ± 7.00 years, with a range of 20–58 years. The age of respondents was divided into four groups, and the majority of 112 respondents (75.2%) were in their 30s. The majority of respondents, 141 (94.6%), know about the prevention of noma disease. The total respondent score was 1827 points (72.1%), which was evaluated as “good.” Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental auxiliaries in the field of noma prevention are good. Dental auxiliaries, if supervised and appropriately trained, can play a role in noma prevention by actively participating in and disseminating information on specific preventive measures such as scaling and polishing.

Point of care HIV testing in dental settings in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Expanding HIV testing beyond specialized services has been a key strategic approach to eliminating the transmission of HIV. In recent years, dental settings have been identified as offering an opportunity for delivering point of care HIV testing (POCT) interventions. Intervention components and implementation strategies have varied across studies and there is uncertainty about the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV in the dental patient population. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize the HIV testing outcomes of intervention studies, identify the core components of POCT interventions implemented in dental settings; and understand the barriers and facilitators to intervention implementation. A mixed-methods systematic review was undertaken. Two authors reviewed abstracts and full papers for inclusion and appraised the studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A convergent integrated mixed methods study design underpinned the synthesis. Outcomes were presented using descriptive statistics. Intervention components were mapped to the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. Barriers and facilitators were described using a narrative thematic analysis. POCT was offered to 22 146 dental patients, 62.5% accepted POCT. Intervention studies that reported higher uptake of testing utilized a dedicated dental or researcher staff member to provide testing, integrated testing and provided results within the routine dental appointment and adopted a provider-initiated universal approach to offering testing. Six themes emerged that were pertinent to the barriers and facilitators to HIV testing in dental setting. POCT uptake in dental settings was comparable with other non-specialized health settings. Key to the operationalization of the intervention were perceptions about its value and relevance to the dental patient population, attitudes toward the intervention, logistical barriers to its implementation, the risk of HIV testing stigma to the patient-practitioner relationship and maximising the fit of the intervention within the constraints of the dental setting.

Knowledge on oral health and periodontal status among type II diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Libya

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the common diseases in the world. Its dramatic increase annually is considered a global issue to the people, in which raising awareness about the disease and its complication is crucial. It has been well documented by the literature that smoking and DM are two major risk factors for periodontal disease. Knowledge of oral health is vital for type II DM patients and is a key factor in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted among three hundred diabetic patients in a Benghazi diabetic treatment center. The participants were 40.3% (n = 121) male and 59.7% (n = 179) female adults whose ages ranged from 16 to 80 years. Inclusion criteria included Libyan citizens diagnosed with type II DM. The participants were questioned through a structured questionnaire and followed by the examination of their oral status. Periodontal examination was performed by two periodontists using the following indices: plaque index (PI) and periodontal disease index (PDI). Knowledge about oral health and periodontal status for Libyan patients with type II DM was tested through eight core questions using a structured questionnaire. The results showed about half of the sample had poor knowledge regarding the condition and its detrimental effect on oral and general health. Only 31% of participants provided good knowledge about type II DM and its relationship to oral health and periodontal status. The P-value showed a significant relationship between the knowledge and PI and PDI indices. Participants with poor knowledge showed higher scores in both indices. A significant relation was found between PI, PDI and knowledge. As knowledge was fair, the lower the PI and PDI scores. To lessen diabetic complications and their deleterious effects on oral and general health, raising knowledge and awareness could be a solution. Multidisciplinary cooperation between the medical and dental staff could be implemented to increase public knowledge. Key words: Oral health, Periodontal, Patients, Diabetes mellitus, Libya, Health awareness, Dentistry

Health policy and regulations in Seychelles – barriers and opportunities for oral health inclusion

BackgroundSuccessful and inclusive policies that embrace oral health as part of the health agenda have the potential to alleviate the burden of oral diseases and to promote dental public health. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the inclusion of oral health in health and public policy and regulations in the Seychelles. The barriers and opportunities for inclusion / non-inclusion as well as the impact thereof were explored.MethodologyA qualitative approach was adopted using document analysis and interviews as data collection strategies to allow for a complete analysis of the research problem. Using a purposive sampling approach, individual face to face interviews were conducted with patients, dental staff and representatives of the upper management. Policy and related oral health statistical documents were reviewed to ascertain how oral health was located and implemented from a national to a district level. Thematic analysis and content analysis were used to analyse and interpret the qualitative data.ResultsThe study provided insight on how oral health is contextualised in the Seychelles and how public policy and strategic documents influences the oral health outcomes. There is fragmentation in how the health and oral health agendas are managed and it is coupled with a severe lack of involvement and commitment to address the latter.ConclusionOral health needs to be integrated in all relevant policies and public health programmes as part of the broader national NCDs in Seychelles in order reduce the incidence of oral diseases in the population.

COVID-19 case management in primary dental care settings in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Introduction Emerging guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic aimed to minimise transmission risk within dental settings. This service evaluation provides an overview of reported cases of COVID-19 among primary dental care staff within Yorkshire and the Humber.Methods Data for COVID-19 cases reported within dental practices between November 2020 and August 2021 were extracted from the Public Health England, Health Protection Zone database and summarised using descriptive statistics.Results In total, 421 cases across 223 dental practices were reported, with 221 close contacts and 77 outbreaks identified. Cases/contacts were highest among dental nurses (51/49%). Household and community (42/22%) were the most frequently reported sources of transmission, with the majority of staff-to-staff contacts (60%) occurring in communal/non-clinical areas.Discussion There was a low number of reported COVID-19 cases/contacts among dental professionals, with most cases suspected to have acquired the infection from outside of the dental setting. The majority of personal protective equipment breaches occurred within communal/non-clinical areas. When infection prevention and control guidance was followed, there were no incidences of staff or patients becoming contacts or cases.Conclusion With adherence to strict protocols, the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the dental setting was low within the context of this review. The evaluation highlighted the importance of collaborative working during the pandemic.

Evaluating salivary aerosol spread and contamination risks during dental procedures in an open-plan clinic

Saliva has been regarded as a potential transmission medium in dentistry. This study aims to investigate the dispersion of salivary aerosols on susceptible individuals and assess the resultant environmental contamination, focusing on field measurement during drilling procedures. To visualize salivary dispersion during dental procedures, a fluorescein solution was introduced into a dental manikin's mouth. Spectrofluorometry quantified the spatial-temporal distribution of salivary aerosols in the breathing zones of both the operator and the patient in the adjacent bay, along with environmental contamination. Aerosol particles from 0.5 to 20 μm in diameter were measured by an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS). Fluorescence photography was used to evaluate the contamination on the operator's dominant hand. Employing High-volume evacuators (HVE) reduced fluorescence by 52% and peak concentration by 65%. Particle size distribution showed a substantial proportion of <1 μm particle number concentrations with a notable increase in fine particles during the operation. There was no significant difference in the contamination of the dominant hand regardless of whether the HVE was used or not (P = 0.839 > 0.05). Remarkably, the fingertips exhibited notable contamination (inner surface 0.11%, outer surface 0.13%). The results highlighted the potential transmission risk of patients' salivary to dental staff, emphasizing vital coordination between the HVE and dental instruments.

Evaluation of knowledge and practice of pediatricians about Early Childhood Caries in Tehran, Iran

background: Despite efforts for improvement of oral health in the world during recent years, dental caries remained one of the most common chronic diseases in the childhood. One of the most important factors that can play a significant role in the success of oral health promotion programs is the adherence and collaboration of non dental staff of pediatric health providers such as pediatricians.&#x0D; Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate pediatricians' knowledge and practice regarding oral health and its related factors.&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2020, 90 pediatricians that were working in Tehran city participated. A newly designed valid and reliable questionnaire comprised of three sections of demographics (8 questions), knowledge (30 questions) and practice (8 questions) was provided to the participants. The knowledge questions consisted of five domains about primary teeth (8 questions), dental visits (3 questions), dental caries determinants (8 questions), eating habits (7 questions), and fluoride (4 questions). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05 (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Results: The participants (n=90) had an average age of 45.96 ± 9.75 years (ranged 30-76 years) and 60 percent of them were women. The mean of their knowledge score was 20.10 ±4.45 (out of a maximum 30) and for the practice, it was 15.51 ± 3.49 (out of a maximum 24). Receiving oral health training courses during education period was significantly associated with the higher knowledge of the physicians (r = 0.20, p = 0.04). Furthermore, interest in learning (r = 0.20, p = 0.04) and presence of dentists among their relatives and friends (r = 0.21, p = 0.03) were significantly related to better oral health practice of the studied pediatricians. There was no difference in pediatricians’ knowledge and practice according to age and gender.&#x0D; Conclusion: In general, the knowledge and practice of pediatricians about oral health and prevention of dental caries for their patients was not satisfactory. The associations between higher knowledge and practice with recieving the oral health training courses during education period, interest in learning and other motivations such as presence of a dentist among relatives, casts light on the importance of training such professional health staff to promote oral health in the childhood.

The dental COVID-19 paradox: Disparity in behaviors inside and outside dental schools in Canada.

To describe the personal and professional behavior and assess the perceptions of protection and fear of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among faculty, staff, and students from all 10 Canadian dental schools during the second year of the pandemic. Participants from a Pan-Canadian prospective study answered monthly questionnaires about their activities between April 2021 and March 2022. In May 2022, additional questions were asked about their perception of protection, fear of infection, and instances of COVID-19 testing. Six hundred participants were initially recruited. Over time, the participants spent less time at home and increased their participation in indoor social activities, a trend influenced by the fluctuations in COVID-19 cases (β=‒0.02). Over 90% of the participants were fully vaccinated, which decreased their fear of contracting the virus (χ2[4, 241‒243]=196.07, p<0.0001). Yet, their attitude toward protective measures did not change, and they followed them within school. This work shows a paradoxical behavior among dental students, staff, and faculty members in Canadian dental schools. While factors such as the vaccine's limited efficacy and a desire to protect others may contribute to stringent protective behaviors within dental schools, the mandatory nature of these measures was likely the primary motivator for the compliance. Despite potential efforts to minimize exposure to the virus during risk periods and the frequent COVID-19 testing, this paradoxical behavior raises questions about professional responsibilities extending beyond the workplace. Thus, dental schools should incorporate education about the rationale behind following different protocols and the potential consequences of outside school behaviors.