Experience Of Dentists Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of efficacy of guided endodontic technique with and without sleeve for access cavity preparation: An In Vitro study

BackgroundCalcific metamorphosis in root canals is common and presents challenges in gaining access. Guided endodontics offers a solution to overcome these difficulties. The PriciGuide® system is a patented guided endodontic technique claiming superior precision compared to sleeve-based guides. This study aims to compare deviation between the PriciGuide® system and the guide with sleeve. MethodsA patient with calcified canal underwent CBCT scanning to obtain a DICOM file. Using the DICOM file, 3D models were printed. The patient's cast was scanned to obtain an STL file. Using DICOM and STL files, the guide with sleeve was designed using BlueSkyBio software and 3D printed. The PriciGuide® system was obtained from Roots to Cusps® Private Limited. Access opening was performed using conventional method, guide with sleeve and guide without sleeve (PriciGuide® system).Samples underwent radiograph scans to measure coronal, apical, and angular deviations, as well as procedural time. ResultsOne-Way ANOVA and Post Hoc Bonferroni's test revealed that coronal, apical, and angular deviations were lowest in the guide without sleeve group. However, access opening times were similar in both guided technique groups. ConclusionsThe PriciGuide® system offers precise access cavity preparation for calcified canals, showing minimal deviation compared to the sleeve-based guides. It facilitates accurate root canal access regardless of the dentist's experience level. This study utilized 3D-printed teeth that do not fully replicate the complexities of natural teeth, further research is needed to validate the PriciGuide® system's performance on natural teeth and assess deviation using CBCT for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Value of an Intraoral Camera in Evaluating Restorations and Plaque in a Simulated Environment: Observational Experiences of Dentists in Pediatric Contexts to Establish a Proof of Concept

Value of an Intraoral Camera in Evaluating Restorations and Plaque in a Simulated Environment: Observational Experiences of Dentists in Pediatric Contexts to Establish a Proof of Concept

Oral health in home care: Perspectives and experiences of dentists in a Brazilian region.

Home care provided by dentists is crucial for ensuring adequate oral care. However, oral health professionals face challenges in delivering treatment at patients' residences due to a lack of resources. Our objective was to explore dentists' perspectives and experiences of dental home care and potential challenges for its implementation. The study took a qualitative approach. Guided by a semi-structured interview schedule, data were gathered using recorded interviews with 22 dental professionals. After transcription, data were analysed thematically using the Discourse of the Collective Subject (DCS) method, using Qualiquantisoft. The majority of participants were female (n = 20), aged between 30 and 40 years old, and predominantly specialising in primary care (n = 6) or endodontics (n = 6). All participants provided home care, performing general dental procedures, normally responding to requests from the work team (n = 13) or family (n = 7). Six main categories on to the topic emerged: importance and access to home care, procedures performed during home visits, discussions about post-home care, professional competence and patient-centred care, positive aspects of home care, and negative aspects and challenges faced in this type of care. This study highlights the fundamental, yet complex, role of home care in dentistry. Continuity of treatment through adaptability and a patient-centred approach are important.

Evaluation of Turkish dentists’ knowledge about oral cancer and oral mucosal lesions

Background/purposeOral cancer, including malignancies of the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, cheek mucosa, gums, palate, and oropharynx, is life-threatening. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for long-term survival. Dentists frequently encounter oral cancers due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and experience of dentists in Turkey regarding oral cancers.Materials and methodsA total of 361 participants were included in the study, and survey questions were sent via email. The survey consisted of 16 questions measuring demographic data and knowledge about oral cancerous lesions. Participants were grouped based on their specialization and knowledge level, and differences in responses among groups were examined.ResultsOnly 21.3% of the participants felt they had sufficient knowledge and experience about oral cancerous lesions. Overall, the correct answer rates indicated a moderate level of knowledge and experience. When grouped by specialization, oral surgeons had the highest accuracy in their responses (p < 0.05).ConclusionDentists are the professional group that most frequently encounters clinically oral cancerous lesions. Therefore, it is critically important for them to be knowledgeable and experienced to reduce morbidity and mortality through early diagnosis. This study evaluated the knowledge status of dentists in Turkey regarding oral cancer and highlighted the need for improved education.

An assessment of Brazilian dentists' knowledge about tooth fragment reattachment: A cross-sectional study.

Crown fractures are common traumatic dental injuries and tooth fragment reattachment is a viable option for restoring a fractured tooth. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and experience of dentists in the Federal District regarding the tooth fragment reattachment technique for enamel and dentin fractures. For the cross-sectional observational study, an electronic form was designed with objective and self-report questions for dentists. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with their absolute and relative frequencies. For the analysis of categorical variables, the nonparametric chi-squared or Fisher exact association tests were used in the statistical software R (version 4.2.1). A total of 416 dentists participated in the study (58.9% female and 41.1% male). Of these, 70% declared they knew about fragment reattachment, but only 42.3% reported previous experience with this procedure. The most common storage medium used for the fractured fragment was milk (78.1%), and the bonding material used for reattachment was light-cured composite resin (86.3%). A majority (66.3%) reported that for a patient with enamel and dentin fracture, with the crown fragment in good condition, they would choose to do the reattachment. Dentists demonstrated that they had adequate knowledge about the tooth fragment technique, although many did not have previous experience with this procedure.

Level of Agreement in Subjective Selection of Gingival Colour

Background and Objectives: Primary outcome: To assess the level of agreement between the objective and subjective methods for recording gingival colour in each area of the gingiva. Secondary outcome: To compare performance of the subjective visual method of gingival colour selection by a male observer and a female observer. Materials and Methods: A chromatic study was conducted on a total of 101 participants, in five gingival zones, from the free gingival margin to the mucogingival line, using a SpectroShade Micro spectrophotometer for the objective method and 21 ad hoc ceramic gingival shade tabs for the subjective method. A man and a woman of the same age, with the same amount of clinical experience in dentistry, selected the tab that most resembled the colour of participants’ gingiva. The “chromatic error” was then assessed by calculating the colour difference (using the Euclidean and CIEDE2000 formulae) between the CIELAB coordinates of the shade tab selected and the objective coordinates of the gingiva. The unweighted Kappa coefficient was used to calculate the level of agreement between observers. Results: For the male observer, the mean chromatic errors varied between ΔEab* 10.3 and 13.1 units, while for the female observer, the mean errors varied between ΔEab* 11.1 and 12.8: these differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were found between the mean chromatic errors for the five gingival zones in either the male operator (p = 0.100) or the female operator (p = 0.093). The minimum level of agreement (unweighted Kappa) between the observers ranged from 0.1 to 0.4. Conclusions: Subjective selection of gingival colour was very inaccurate, by both the male observer and the female observer, for any area of the gingiva, with no differences identified between them. The level of agreement between the observers was low. These findings suggest that gingival colour should not be determined using solely subjective methods, given that the chromatic errors significantly exceeded the clinical acceptability threshold for gingiva (4.1 units for ΔEab* and 2.9 units for ΔE00). Both observers showed a tendency to select gingival shade tabs that were redder and bluer than the objective colours.

Investigation of Posture Assessment Methods in Dentists and Dental Students: A Systematic Review

Objectives: Awkward posture is a primary cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the dental profession due to the nature of dental activities. This study aimed to examine both observational and device-assisted posture assessment methods used to study dental professionals as well as the reported prevalence of MSDs among them. Methods: A search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for studies performed from 2000 to 2021 using specified keywords. In total, 31 out of the 541 articles found in the initial search were finally included in this study after the exclusion of ineligible articles, duplicates, conference presentations, systematic reviews, and letters to the editor. Results: Based on the findings, the neck (58%), back and waist (54.9%), and shoulder and hand (29%) areas had the highest reported pain and disorder. Several posture evaluation methods, namely Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (19.4%), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (19.4%), Electromyography (EMG, 13.8%), and Quick Exposure Check (QEC, 8.3%), were the most frequently used methods among all 17 methods employed in the studies. Conclusion: Among the observational methods, the QEC method was the most practical one as it considered the experiences of dentists and various dimensions of dental tasks. Moreover, the EMG method was the most suitable device-assisted method for the assessment of posture in dentists. The use of questionnaires in conjunction with evaluation methods appears to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of posture assessment.

MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TO PURSUE DENTISTRY AS FUTURE CAREER AT UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITIES

People have various motivations and perceptions when choosing a future career. The purpose of this article is to compare the motivational factors for selecting dentistry as a career among local and international students at Ukrainian universities. A qualitative design was employed, using a 24-item questionnaire with closed-ended questions to survey Master's degree students in Dentistry. Students' perceptions of motivational factors were assessed on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis, including the χ2-test and regression analysis, was conducted to identify differences. A total of 121 local and 59 international students participated in the questionnaire about motivation factors for pursuing dentistry. In the local group, 69.42% were female and 30.58% were male, while the international group comprised 32.20% females and 67.80% males. No significant differences were found between local and international students regarding professional status, income potential, entrepreneurial opportunities, practical skills, desire to work in healthcare, desire to work with people, or the wish to provide public service (P&gt;0.1). However, international students expressed higher agreement regarding personal experiences with dental care and work experience. Conversely, local students placed less importance on factors like influence from friends and personal advice compared to international students. Recommendations for promoting education at the university include highlighting the professional status and income potential of dentistry, promoting practical skills development, and emphasizing the social value of the profession. To attract applicants from abroad, messaging about personal experiences in dentistry and graduates' recommendations on social networks could be effective strategies.

Survival time analysis of remaining teeth following replacement of unilateral free-end missing teeth: A comparison between fixed implant-supported prostheses and removable partial dentures.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the differences in tooth loss rate between fixed implant-supported prostheses (FISPs) and removable partial dentures (RPDs) in cases of unilateral free-end missing teeth. The data of 324 patients who underwent treatment with FISPs or RPDs for unilateral free-end missing teeth and satisfied the applicable criteria, were evaluated (47 in the FISPs group and 277 in the RPDs group). After propensity score (PS) matching, which was used to extract patients with similar background factors related to prosthetic selection at baseline, survival time analyses were performed with tooth loss as the endpoint. The adjusted variables were age, sex, number of restored teeth, periodontal status, and the practicing dentist's experience in years. The remaining teeth were classified into subcategories in relation to the missing molars. Overall, 58 patients (29 in each group) selected by PS matching were evaluated in the final analysis. The total number of lost teeth was 35 (FISPs group: n = 10; RPDs group: n = 25). The mean (±SD) period to tooth loss and the 10-year survival rates in the FISPs and RPDs groups were 51.6 (±30.1) months and 42.3 (±29.7) months, 70.5% and 16.4%, respectively. The log-rank test showed that significantly longer survival time in FISPs compared with RPDs. After adjustments for confounding factors using PS matching, replacing unilateral free-end missing teeth with FISPs may exhibit a lower tooth loss rate in adjacent and contralateral teeth compared to replacing with RPDs.

Investigating the perceptions and experiences of Canadian dentists on dental regulatory bodies' communications and guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dental regulatory bodies aim to ensure the health and safety of dentists, dental staff patients and the public. An important responsibility during a pandemic is to communicate risk and guidelines for patient care. Limited data exist on the perceptions and experiences of dentists navigating new guidelines for mitigating risk in dental care during the pandemic. The objective of this study was to use a qualitative approach to explore how dentists in Canada experienced and perceived their regulatory bodies' communication about COVID-19 risks and guidelines during the pandemic. Participants were Canadian dentists (N = 644) recruited through the email roster of nine provincial dental associations or regulatory bodies. This qualitative analysis was nested within a prospective longitudinal cohort study in which data were collected using online questionnaires at regular intervals from August 2020 to November 2021. To address the objective reported in this paper, a conventional qualitative content analysis method was applied to responses to three open-ended questions included in the final questionnaire. Participants encountered challenges and frustrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, grappling with diverse regulations and communications from dental bodies. While some bodies offered helpful guidance, many participants felt the need for improved communication on guidelines. Dentists urged for expedited, clearer and more frequent updates, expressing difficulty in navigating overwhelming information. Negative views emerged on the vague and unclear communication of COVID-19 guidelines, contributing to confusion and frustration among participants. As COVID-19 persists and in planning for future pandemics, these experiential findings will help guide regulatory bodies in providing clear, timely and practical guidelines to protect the health and safety of dentists, dental staff, patients and the public.

THE KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Failure of root canal treatment (RCT) occurs when endodontic treatment falls short of standard clinical guidelines. An improper mechanical debridement (shaping and cleaning), persistence of bacteria inside the canals and apex, poor obturation quality, coronal leakage, and experience of dentists all probably influence the RCT success or failure. Although there is substantial success of RCT, failures take place in many cases, which usually could be related to the previously mentioned factors. So, it’s considerably imperative to stop the foremost potential factors that cause RCT failure. This paper reviews how to increase the success rate of the RCT.

Accessibility of Patients With Special Healthcare Needs to Dental Care in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Multicentre Study From Perspective of Caregiver and Dental Care Providers.

Dental care accessibility is subject to a dentist's qualification, practice and intention to treat patients, regardless of whether those patients have special healthcare needs (SCN) and should receive treatment in a dental setting. This multicentre study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patients with SCN, their access to dental care and behaviour towards dental care from their caregiver's perspective. In addition, the perspective of dental care providers who care for patients with SCN and the factors affecting the provision of treatment was also appraised. The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia served as the site of this cross-sectional study from 1 February 2020 to 31 January 2022. Caregivers of 272 patients with SCN, regardless of age and gender, were recruited in the study. The caregiver's proforma sought information on the demographic characteristics, type of disability, cooperation, medical history, occupation of the parent and patient's behaviour towards oral hygiene and dental healthcare. The second proforma had the dental care provider's perspective about the common disabilities, factors that affect the decision to provide treatment, difficulties patients face in getting their dental treatment and, from the dentist's experience, recommendations to improve the access to dental care for patients with SCN. Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS version 22.0. The demographic features, caregiver's perception about oral healthcare accessibility and dental professional's point of view were presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was applied to compare the proportions. The majority of the caregivers were satisfied with the dental service providers (91.9%) for their patients with SCN. The dental care provider's survey results indicated a shortage of dentists (54.7%) in the region and other factors that pose challenges to special care, like the severity of the disability of patients with SCN (50%), family structure (46.7%), treatment cost (35.6%) and transportation (32.8%). Patients with SCN in Saudi Arabia had a high appraisal of access to dental care and were very satisfied with dental treatment results. However, the presence of a dental care provider in the same rehabilitation centre was a major concern. The severity of the disability and the patient's cooperation were the major factors that may have affected the decision of the dental care provider.

Factors for choosing a pediatric dentist in Saudi Arabia.

The choice of a pediatric dentist is a crucial decision for parents, influenced by a variety of factors. This study aimed to investigate the key determinants that guide parents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in their selection of a pediatric dentist. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a diverse participant pool. The survey captured demographic information, history of dental visits, parents' level of concern about dental treatment for their children, and the importance of specific factors in the choice of a pediatric dentist. The survey was completed by a balanced representation of different age groups and genders. Most participants from Riyadh and other regions had a history of dental visits. Parents' concern about dental treatment varied based on the number of children they had. The most significant factors influencing the choice of a pediatric dentist were the quality of the dental unit's disinfection process, the dentist's ability to communicate with the child and manage uncooperative behaviour, and the dentist's experience. The least influential factors were the proximity of the dental office to the child's school, the dentist's gender, and the number of pediatric dentists in the practice. This study provided valuable insights into the factors that influence parents' decision in choosing a pediatric dentist in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data helps dental professionals understand parents' priorities and improve their services accordingly to meet patient needs and expectations.

Study on the conditions of color determination in dentistry.

Abstract Introduction: Several variables can impact the choice of shade. Having a thorough understanding of these factors and following the proper selection technique is crucial for achieving favorable esthetic results. Aim of the study: To review the characteristics of esthetic perception of teeth in different lighting conditions, by individuals with different levels of experience in dentistry. Material and methods: Thirty volunteers, dentistry students, and general dentists were recruited. The participants were asked to determine the color of 4 mock-ups containing artificial teeth, under standardized conditions. Therefore, the samples were introduced in a custom-made box and illuminated by two different light conditions (4300 K and 5500 K), and three different colors (black, gray, and pink) were selected as background colors. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant difference between the two examined light conditions, the number of correct color determinations was significantly higher under the light with a color temperature of 5500K (p&lt;0.00001). It can be seen that the gray background color proved to be statistically significantly more beneficial than the black and pink background colors. Conclusions: Among dentistry students and practitioners, environmental changes that affect shade determination have been demonstrated. Further research is still necessary regarding the perception of the esthetic expectations of dental treatments for color determination.

A Qualitative Research on the Experiences of Dentists Working in the Covid-19 Pandemic

This study aims to analyze the working conditions, income and social security levels, work accident or occupational disease and working motivation of dentists during the Covid-19 Pandemic. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with 21 dentists working in Istanbul during the Pandemic, using semi-structured interview technique. 38% of the participants say that they work compulsorily during the pandemic process, and 33.3% say that their motivation to work is to earn income. According to 66.6% of the participants, the most difficult part of working during the pandemic is wearing a mask and visor. 71.5% of the participants have mental problems due to the anxiety of infecting their relatives. 38% of the participants state that they are ostracized by their friends or relatives because of the risk of infecting others. 19% of the participants were exposed to discrimination by their managers because they took unpaid leave during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Review of “Outcome of Endodontic Surgery: A Meta- Analysis of the Literature—Part 1: Comparison of Traditional Root-End Surgery and Endodontic Microsurgery” by Setzer and Colleagues in J Endod 36(11):1757-1765, 2010

Traditional root-end surgery (TRES) has played an important role in the management of odontogenic periapical pathology in the practice of oral surgeons already from 1871 [1, 2]. Whereas in conditions of growing application of operating microscope in the life of dentists, the importance of carrying out root canals treatment and surgical management of periapical pathology with the use of a microscope (i.e., endodontic microsurgery [EM]) began to grow in parallel from late 1970s [3, 4]. The growing role of EM created not only the conditions for the publication of EM-oriented articles [5-7], for the development of a narrow-profile peer-review publication—the Journal of Endodontic Microsurgery [8, 9]—but also for the rethinking of classic surgical techniques, namely a resection of the root-end. Nevertheless, TRES is still applied in numerous oral and maxillofacial surgery departments around the world – without the use of a microscope, appropriate microsurgical tools, and materials. That is why we believe that the meta-analysis by Setzer and colleagues (2010) [10] is such that it has not lost its relevance over the past 13 years. It’s highly important due the fact of unique comparison data of positive outcome for TRES versus EM (Table 1). Their research methods included a 43-year literature review, three electronic databases (Medline, Embase, and PubMed) search, and analysis of human studies in five different languages (English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish) [10]. A minimum follow-up period of 6 months for TRES and EM was analyzed [10]. Summarizing the research, it is possible to note that EM is 35% more successful procedure comparing to TRES [10]. Looking at these numbers, all conclusions are obvious. The future lies in the shift of many specialists involved in traditional root-end surgery to self-perform EM or referral to colleagues specializing in this microsurgical direction of dentistry. Having 9 years of experience in dentistry plus 19 years in oral and maxillofacial surgery, I finally want to say to my colleagues that no matter how many years we perform traditional surgical techniques like TRES, we always must rethink what is best for the patient. In sum, it is a pleasure to see how periapical surgery is evolving right in front of our eyes.

The Presence of Women in the Dental Profession: A Global Survey

ObjectivesThe aim of this research was to acquire knowledge about the female dental workforce, identifying factors to pursue specialty training and career choices and working in dental institutions/associations. MethodsAn original online questionnaire was developed, validated (n = 22), and sent to 189 member associations in 133 countries of the Women Dentists Worldwide section of the FDI World Dental Federation. ResultsIn all, 3232 female dentists from 81 countries participated. Results were divided into 5 geographic areas by continent. Difference in proportion amongst questionnaire items was evaluated with χ2 test or Fisher exact test. Ordinal multinomial linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of questionnaire items with total work experience in dentistry (in years), motivation to study dentistry, type of specialisation, working hours per week, perception of female dentists about working hours, sex-based inequalities, job security after maternity leaves, as well as involvement in political organisations within their country of residence and their role in dental associations. A majority of participating female dentists are self-employed (57.7%), and 60.0% have 10 to 30 years of experience. The most popular form of practice is the single private practice (29.7%), followed by the group private practice (28.8%). Further, 44.8% work 31 to 40 h/wk, 29.1% part-time up to 30 h/wk, and 26.0% more than 40 h/wk. ConclusionsWomen are still poorly represented in professional organisations, and few are officers in representative assemblies, members of the board, or president. Family life with children influences perceptions and has an impact on professional life, especially in academia and political/professional associations, so that taking on leadership positions poses additional challenges.

Performance of the caries diagnosis feature of intraoral scanners and near-infrared imaging technology-A narrative review.

To describe and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various dental caries diagnostic techniques, including the use of intraoral scanners for caries diagnosis based on near-infrared imaging (NIR) technology. A MEDLINE search from 1980-2023 focused on dental caries diagnostic techniques, emphasizing intraoral scanners using NIR technology. Alternative caries detection methods were also evaluated for their advantages and limitations, enabling a comparison with NIR. The review included traditional caries tools, the latest detection methods, and NIR's role in intraoral scanners, drawing from case reports and both in vivo and in vitro studies. Keywords like "caries detection," "intraoral scanners," and "Near Infrared Imaging (NIRI)" guided the search. After screening titles and abstracts for relevance, full texts with valuable insights were thoroughly analyzed. The data was grouped into three: traditional diagnostics, advanced digital methods, and intraoral scanner-based detection. This comprehensive narrative review described and discussed the current state of dental caries diagnostic methods, given the insufficient number of clinical investigations suitable for a systematic review. Traditional caries diagnosis techniques have shown variable accuracy dependent on a dentist's experience and the potential over-removal of healthy tooth structures. Intraoral scanners have emerged as a novel caries detection method, because of their integration of NIR technology. Various studies have confirmed the efficacy of NIR in detecting interproximal caries and in the early diagnosis of non-cavitated caries. Specifically, intraoral scanners have demonstrated promising results, proving comparable to established diagnostic methods like bitewing radiography. Nevertheless, while the integration of NIR into intraoral scanners seems promising, the technology still faces challenges, notably its accuracy in detecting secondary and subgingival cavities. However, with anticipated integrations of AI, NIR in intraoral scanners could revolutionize early caries detection. Intraoral scanners with NIR technology offer non-destructive imaging, real-time lesion visuals, and enhanced patient communication. Although comparable to bitewing radiography in some studies, a universally accepted diagnostic tool is lacking. Future research should compare them with existing methods, focusing on clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient acceptance.

General dentists' perceptions and clinical management of hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM) in Ireland.

This questionnaire aimed to explore how general dentists in the Republic of Ireland perceive and manage hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM). Following ethical approval, a validated structured questionnaire containing 19 questions was sent to Irish dentists using Survey Monkey. Questions on awareness, dentist's experience, barriers to care and clinical scenarios with different treatment options were included. Binary outcomes and independent variables were compared using logistic regression analysis (α = 5%). Responses from 279 general dentists were analysed. The majority of dentists were aware of HSPM (72%) and most dentists felt confident in diagnosing HSPM (71%). Dentists who had practiced for ≥ 15 years were significantly more likely to document HSPM frequently compared to those with less experience (OR 0.29; p = 0.012). No significant association was found between confidence in HSPM diagnosis and other variables, such as age group, years of practice and workplace. Dentists not working in private practice reported to be less comfortable in the management of HSPM (OR 0.49; p = 0.030). The most cited barrier to management of HSPM was child's behaviour. A broad variation was observed in the clinical scenarios, in particular when treatment planning more severe HSPM. In general, Irish dentists are aware of HSPM and are confident in diagnosis and management. Variation existed in treatment options reflecting the disparity that exists in clinical management.

Child abuse: knowledge, awareness, and experience among dentists in India

BackgroundMedical child abuse and neglect are part of a spectrum of conditions that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in children. Recognition of these forms of child maltreatment is crucial to prevent harm. Dentists should have familiarity with the framework for diagnosing and reporting child abuse as the orofacial complex is the prime anatomical region to show any signs of abuse. AIM: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge, awareness, and experience of dentists in India on child abuse and their role as primary responders. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire comprising 16 questions was distributed among dentists in India and responses were collected. The questionnaire included questions on the knowledge, awareness, and experience of dentists in child abuse identification, reporting, legal proceedings, and proposals for the betterment of the current scenario. The data collected were statistically analyzed.ResultsA total of 203 dentists responded to the questionnaires through online platforms. Among them, 78.3% were females, and 65.3% had an institutional practice. While the majority (72.4%) were confident in identifying the indicators of child abuse, the knowledge on reporting was alarming. 98% of participants expressed their need for comprehensive education and training.ConclusionThe gap between the knowledge about indicators and the confidence to report suspicious cases are notable in this study. Adequate interventions in the hour of need require the involvement of support agencies and funding at both government and local levels.