Dental Therapists Research Articles

History of the Dental Therapist

History of the Dental Therapist

The effect of motivation and work environment on the performance of dental and oral therapists in dental hospitals in Yogyakarta

The effect of motivation and work environment on the performance of dental and oral therapists in dental hospitals in Yogyakarta

Improving the work of the dental clinic by introducing an emergency dental care room

The organization and provision of dental medical care is one of the most important tasks in the field of occupational safety and human health today. Dental diseases occupy the first place in the frequency of occurrence in medical practice, both in our country and in other countries. The issue of access to acute dental care is an urgent task in our time. The structure of the organization of the work of dental clinics in Russia does not satisfy the need of patients to receive high-quality emergency dental care.
 Objective: To improve the work of the surgical department in the structure of the dental clinic.
 Materials and methods: The work of two shifts of the dental polyclinic of Moscow was considered. An additional office for emergency dental care was introduced in one of the shifts. The efficiency of a shift with an emergency dental care office and a shift without an emergency dental care office was considered.
 Results: The introduction of the office for emergency dental care into the structure of the dental clinic allowed to distribute the workload of dental surgeons and therapists.
 Conclusion: The effectiveness of medical work has increased in the shift with the office of emergency dental care, which is proved by the provision of more treatment assistance, as well as tooth extraction. During the shift, the number of completed complex treatment of patients increased during the six months of the duty office [15; 16].

Model development of patient\'s dental and oral health care in raden mattaher hospital, Jambi Province

Dental and oral health care is the primary role and authority of the Dental and Oral Therapist. This study aims to develop a dental and oral health care model for patients in the dental polyclinic of Raden Mattaher Hospital. This quantitative study used an applied research design to develop a model of dental and oral health care. Eleven dental nurses were involved as informants, and three dentists as key informants. This research was conducted at the dental polyclinic of the Jambi Provincial Hospital from March to November 2022. The data were obtained through interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), observations, and trials of the draft model of the patient's dental health examination. Furthermore, a trial of the dental health care model was carried out on people with a mental health conditions. The total score on the questionnaire results of the HELISIDI dental and oral health care model was 546, with a presentation of 76% based on the eligibility criteria. These results mean that the HELISIDI Model is eligible but with revisions. The total score for the HELISIDI dental and oral health care status card was 546, with a presentation of 87% based on the eligibility criteria. According to the respondent, the HELISIDI Status Card is eligible but with revisions. After revision, the model and the HELISIDI status card were declared eligible without further revision. The model of dental and oral health care for patients at the dental clinic of Raden Mattaher Hospital is suitable for mental patients.

Practice Trends and Job Satisfaction of Dental Therapists in Canada: Results from a National Survey

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the practice trends, clinical services and job satisfaction of dental therapists in Canada. Licenced Canadian dental therapists were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. A total of 124 dental therapists completed the survey (~68% response rate), with 57.3% of respondents being over the age of 50. Most respondents were actively engaged in full-time clinical practice in private dental offices. Indigenous dental therapists were significantly more likely to work outside of private dental offices providing care for Indigenous communities. Just over half of respondents were compensated by an annual salary, with the highest proportion of full-time practitioners earning between $75,000 and $99,000 per year. Dental therapists who were active in clinical practice performed a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services consistent with their scope of practice. This research demonstrates that Canadian dental therapists are highly engaged and satisfied with their profession. Dental therapists can facilitate improved access to oral health care in less accessible areas of Canada; however, compensation packages and incentives to work in these less accessible areas must be addressed, as well as legal and regulatory requirements to ensure that dental therapists are licenced providers throughout Canada.

Prevalence of medical emergency events in primary dental care within the UK

Introduction Dental professionals have an ethical and legal obligation to diagnose and manage medical emergencies which may occur in primary dental care.Aims and objectives To investigate the prevalence of medical emergencies in UK primary dental care and explore the medical emergency training needs of UK primary dental care professionals.Design and setting Cross-sectional survey, targeting dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists across the UK working within primary dental care.Materials and methods An online survey was distributed via dental society mailing lists, social media groups and a dental conference. The questionnaire consisted of participants demographics and training in, prevalence of and confidence surrounding medical emergencies.Results Respondents (n = 400) were dentists (55.8%), dental hygienists/therapists (38.8%) and specialists (5.5%). Most participants received basic life support training (62%) in 2019, before COVID-19. The most common medical emergencies were syncope, non-specific collapse and hypoglycaemia, being encountered every 1.59, 1.64 and 8.26 years, respectively. The preferred method for medical emergency training was practical based, with more training in administering emergency drugs and equipment identified as a training need.Conclusion Dental professionals will encounter medical emergencies in primary dental care every 1-2 years and are therefore not uncommon.

Exploring reasons why South African dental therapists are leaving their profession: A theory-informed qualitative study.

Dental therapy is a category of mid-level oral health professional that was introduced to address inequities in oral health service provision in South Africa within a constrained human resource for health context. However, low numbers of registered dental therapists and attrition threaten this strategy. This study explored reasons for this attrition, building on the Hertzberg Two-Factor Theory. Through a qualitative exploratory study design, in-depth interviews were conducted with former dental therapists to explore their reasons for leaving the profession. They were recruited using snowball sampling. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded in NVIVO12. A team of researchers applied thematic analysis to agree on themes and sub-themes, guided by Hertzberg's ideas of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. All 14 former dental therapists interviewed expressed their passion for the profession, even though their motivations to join the profession varied. Many of their reasons for leaving aligned with extrinsic and intrinsic factors defined in Hertzberg's Two-Factor Theory. However, they also spoke about a desire for a professional identity that was recognized and respected within the oral health profession, health system, and communities. This is a novel study contribution. Dental therapist attrition in South Africa is mainly caused by job dissatisfaction and motivation issues resulting from health system level factors. While the Hertzberg Two-Factor Theory helped identify extrinsic and intrinsic factors at an individual level, we used the Human Resources for Health System Development Analytical Framework to identify solutions for dental therapist production, deployment, and retention. Addressing these issues will enhance retention and accessibility to oral health services in the country.

Native American Community Perspectives on Oral Health Access: Understanding the Impact of Rurality.

Oral health disparities related to access persist for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities compared to the general population, especially in rural areas of the United States. The objective of this study was to better understand community perspectives of oral health, how rurality impacts access to care, and attitudes towards the implementation of dental therapists in Oklahoma, particularly among the AI/AN population. A descriptive, observational study design was utilized. An exploratory survey was conducted online and comprised of qualitative and quantitative data. The total frequencies and percentages were evaluated for the quantitative questions. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Utilizing descriptive and qualitative research methods, the focus was to describe the experiences of the respondents and their characteristics related to oral health in Oklahoma. A total of 201 responses were obtained, where 65% (n = 131) identified as an enrolled member or employee of a tribe represented in Oklahoma. Key qualitative themes included community access to care, community concerns, and community motivated solutions. AI/AN communities are an underserved group in healthcare. Although communities in rural areas face major barriers to oral health services, evidence-based solutions can be implemented.

DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH CARE MODEL IN PEDIATRIC PATIENT

Background: Basic Health Research in 2018 stated that 57.6% of the Indonesian population had dental and oral health problems with the largest proportion in the 5-9 year old group at 67.3%, 10-14 year olds 55.6%. The presentation of caries in primary teeth and permanent teeth in children is 62-65.8%. Factors that cause dental caries are influenced by the behavior of children who do not maintain oral hygiene, amounting to 2.8% in Indonesia, because children have characteristics that are not yet capable of being responsible for doing things, so they need treatment. Objective: Develop a model design, carry out expert validation tests for feasibility and prove that the dental and oral health care service model is effective in an effort to reduce the anxiety level of pediatric patients in treatment. Method: Research and Development with a Quasy experimental Pretest-Posttest group design. The sampling technique used purposive sampling for Dental and Oral Therapists and Child Patients at RSGM UNIMUS. 10 Dental and Oral Therapists intervened, 11 child patients were given the Care Model Results of Development and Control, 10 Dental and Oral Therapists, 11 child patients at RSGM Unimus were given the 2006 Minister of Health Decree 284 Care Model. Data collection techniques in this research were interviews, pre-test and post-test. The validity of expert data was tested using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and the effectiveness of the model was tested using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney. Results: The dental and oral health care model for pediatric patients is suitable as dental and oral health care for pediatric patients in specialist pediatric dentistry clinics with expert validation results of p 0.002, knowledge of Dental and Oral Therapists with a value of ?=3.90, attitude ?=23.50 , skills ?=4.20, pediatric patient anxiety ?=14.36, pediatric patient satisfaction ?=18.36. Conclusion: The dental and oral health service model is feasible and effective in reducing the anxiety level of pediatric patients during treatment

DEVELOPMENT OF DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH CARE IN SPECIALISTIC ORTHODONTY DENTAL SERVICES

Background: One of the dental and oral health problems experienced by Indonesian society is malocclusion with a prevalence of 80%. The role of the Dental and Oral Therapist (TGM) in orthodontic treatment who collaborates with specialist dentists to correct malocclusion so that it functions well is not yet fully effective because the TGM only implements/chair side assistants in the fourth stage when the TGM should carry out all stages of dental and oral health care . So it is necessary to develop dental and oral health maintenance in specialist orthodontic services. Objective: To produce and analyze the effectiveness of implementing dental and oral health care in specialist orthodontic dentistry services. Research Method: The research method used is Research and Development and Quasy experimental research design Pretest-Posttest group design. The research respondents were TGM at the Muhammadiyah University Semarang dental and oral hospital, TGM intervention 10 people were given model training and controls were given care from Permenkes No.284 of 2006. Data collection techniques in this research were interviews, questionnaires and observation. Validation of expert data was tested using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) while the model test was processed using the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: Development of dental and oral health care in specialist orthodontic dentistry services that are relevant as dental and oral health care with expert validation results of 80% and p-value 0.002. The test results stated that the implementation of effective parenting increased TGM knowledge with a p-value of 0.005, TGM attitudes with a p-value of 0.004, and TGM skills with a p-value of 0.004. Conclusion: The application of dental and oral health care in specialist orthodontic services is effective in increasing TGM behavior

“FIDZ-ABCT” MODEL TO IMPROVE CROSS INFECTION PREVENTION ON TOOTH EXTRACTION

Background: The profession of dental and oral therapist (TGM) has a high risk of disease transmission, so it is important to prevent cross-infection in dental extraction services because they come into direct contact with the patient's body fluids. The description of TGM behavior in Maros Regency in preventing cross infection is not optimal, 50% do not carry out SOPs properly, 63% do not maintain hand hygiene, 50% do not change handscoons and sterile masks every time they change patients. Efforts are needed to increase cross-infection prevention behavior with the "Fidz-ABCT" Model as an educational model based on learning by doing training with the aim of improving TGM behavior in preventing cross-infection during tooth extraction procedures in community health centers. Objective: To prove the effectiveness of implementing the "Fidz-ABCT" educational model in improving TGM behavior towards preventing cross infection during tooth extraction procedures at community health centers. Method: Research and Development research design Quasy Experiment Pre-test and Post-test Control Group Design. The research subjects were TGM, 14 intervention people were given the "Fidz-ABCT" model, 14 control people were given counseling on the PPI guidebook at the community health center. Data collection techniques were interviews, questionnaires, and measuring the number of bacteria on dental extraction tools. Data were processed using the Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: The "Fidz-ABCT" model is suitable for use in improving TGM behavior in preventing cross-infection during tooth extraction procedures at health centers, expert validation results are 85% and p-value 0.013 (p<0.05). The results of the delta test stated that its implementation was effective in increasing knowledge of intervention (?=5.57) control (?=1.50), attitude of intervention (?=14.21) control (?=5.07), intervention action (?=7, 42) control (?=1.64), effective in reducing the number of bacteria on dental extraction tools (p-value 0.012). Conclusion: The application of the "Fidz-ABCT" educational model is feasible and effective in increasing TGM behavior in preventing cross-infection during tooth extraction procedures at community health centers.

Knowledge, attitude and perceptions of dental professionals on patients seeking oral health care from traditional healers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BackgroundThe general and oral healthcare needs of communities far exceed the capacity of the current public health system of South Africa (SA). This results in patients deferring treatment or seeking alternative measures in the form of the traditional health practice. It is important for dental professionals in the health system to be aware of such oral health care seeking behaviour within rural communities to initiate joint corporate oral health education programmes and referral systems that resonate with these communities. 
 Aims and objectivesThe study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and perceptions of dental professionals (16 dentists, 25 dental therapists, 4 oral hygienists and 3 dental assistants) regarding patients seeking oral health care from traditional healers. 
 MethodsThis was an exploratory, cross-sectional study that evaluated dental professionals’ knowledge, attitude and perceptions on patients seeking oral health care from traditional healers. A purposive sampling technique using specific inclusion criteria was used to select 48 qualified dental professionals (oral hygienists, dentists, dental assistants and dental therapists) practising in rural KwaZulu-Natal. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data related to sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of dental professionals were recorded. 
 ResultsMost (77.1%) dental professionals were aware that their patients were seeking oral health care from traditional healers. They further maintained that the traditional health practice included ideas and methods from which the oral health fraternity could benefit. 
 ConclusionThis study revealed most of the dental professionals in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal have encountered patients who have consulted traditional health practitioners for oral health care. The dental personnel were accepting of traditional healers and believed that traditional healers could contribute positively to rural oral health care.

Government is committed to addressing the shortfall in dental therapist places

Government is committed to addressing the shortfall in dental therapist places

Dental therapist Clare Burton appointed to BFS Council

Dental therapist Clare Burton appointed to BFS Council

'You just don't have the time to keep bringing them back, bringing them back': the experience of primary care dental professionals in England when treating young children with carious teeth.

Introduction Caries in the primary dentition affects around one-quarter of children in England. There is uncertainty and varying practice regarding the management of these children within NHS primary dental care. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an approach that is not well-adopted nationally. This study aims to explore the factors affecting treatment choices for caries management in young children within primary dental care, including the use of SDF.Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out via video conferencing with general dental practitioners and therapists working in NHS primary care. The topic guide covered factors which influence the management of caries in primary teeth, with SDF-specific questions. These were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.Results A total of 13 interviews were conducted with dental professionals working across Yorkshire and the East Midlands. Decision-making for caries management was dependent on inter-related factors, which also influenced SDF use. Treatment decisions were taken on a case-by-case basis, but were influenced by the child, their parents, the dental professional and service factors, along with the clinical technique.Conclusion Many individual- and system-level factors influence treatment decisions for early childhood caries. However, issues relating to remuneration and governance appear to be specific barriers to adoption of SDF in primary dental care.

Screening of atrial fibrillation in dental practices: a qualitative feasibility study

ABSTRACT Objectives To increase the detection of unknown atrial fibrillation (AF), general practitioners have started screening their patients using small hand-held devices. It is thought that dental settings could be utilized for screening as they have regular access to patients. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of dental staff of screening for AF using a hand-held electronic device in primary dental care. Methods The research took place in one large mixed NHS and private general dental practice. Views from staff including dentists, dental therapists, dental nurses, and managers were elicited via semi-structured interviews conducted face-to-face, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Interviews continued until there were no new themes or patterns emerging from the data, and thematic saturation had been achieved. Results Eleven participants were interviewed. The main themes generated were methodology for screening, acceptability for screening within the practice, attitudes to screening, and implementation of screening. Overall, participants were positive about implementing AF screening in a dental practice but expressed concerns about time and remuneration. Staff also gave encouraging feedback regarding the simplicity of the portable screening device. Conclusions Participants felt that AF screening in primary care dental practices was a good concept but may be challenging to implement in NHS Dentistry, especially due to the pandemic.

Children's Oral Health Initiative: workers' perspectives on its impact in First Nations communities.

Since 2004, the Children's Oral Health Initiative (COHI) has been working in many First Nations and Inuit communities in Canada to address oral health disparities, specifically early childhood caries (ECC). The COHI community-based approach improves early childhood oral health (ECOH) by balancing prevention with minimally invasive dentistry. The goal is to reduce the burden of oral disease, mainly by minimizing the need for surgery. We investigated program success in First Nations communities in the province of Manitoba, from the perspective of COHI staff. First Nations community-based dental therapists and dental worker aides participated in three focus groups and an in-depth semistructured interview. The collected data were thematically analyzed. Data from 22 participants yielded converging and practitioner-specific themes. Participants reported that dental therapists and dental worker aides provide access to basic oral care in their communities including oral health assessments, teeth cleaning, fluoride varnish applications and sealants. The participants agreed that education, information sharing and culturally appropriate parental engagement are crucial for continuous support and capacity building in the community programs. Low enrolment, difficulty accessing homes and getting consent, limited human resources as well as lack of educational opportunities for dental worker aides were identified challenges. Overall, the participants reported that the COHI program positively contributes to ECOH in First Nations communities. However, increased community-based training for dental workers, community awareness about the program, and engagement of parents to facilitate culturally appropriate programming and consent processes are critical to improving program outcomes.

Dental therapist job satisfaction and intention to leave: A cross-sectional study

Dental therapy is a mid-level oral health profession that was introduced to the South African health system more than four decades ago, during the apartheid era. The purpose for the introduction of this profession was to meet the oral health needs of the underserved majority population1,2,3. However, even with the dismantling of apartheid and the creation of a democratic state, disparities in access to basic oral healthcare persist.1 Local studies have reported limited access to oral health services, especially among the disadvantaged and vulnerable population groups where the highest burden of oral diseases has been reported.4,5,6

The Correlation Of Standard Precautions Knowledge Level With Covid-19 Cases That Have Occurred In Dental And Oral Therapists

The Correlation Of Standard Precautions Knowledge Level With Covid-19 Cases That Have Occurred In Dental And Oral Therapists

Promoting Access to Dental Care in a Developing Caribbean Nation, Post-disaster

Abstract: In September 2017, Hurricane Irma struck several Caribbean islands, which suffered catastrophic damage. Anguilla, the most northerly of the Caribbean's Leeward Islands, a developing nation, experienced devastating damage to its social, physical, political, and economic infrastructures. Anguilla's longstanding Dental Unit, a public sector health care facility, was among the services that suffered irreparable destruction. Hurricane Irma's debilitating impact on a developing nation and its citizens' livelihoods exacerbated existing challenges in dental care, and created barriers to access. As part of the rehabilitation process, it was essential to promote access to dental care. This commentary shares examples of some practical and economical approaches that were employed: providing direct access to dental therapists, offering dedicated emergency and routine care appointments, delivering oral health campaigns, partaking in community health fairs, and social media engagement. The commentary also considers future approaches that could be beneficial.