Dentists In Jordan Research Articles

Reframing perceptions in operative dentistry relating evidence-based dentistry and clinical decision making: a cross-sectional study among Jordanian dentists

BackgroundThe aim of the current study was to investigate current dental practice in operative dentistry in Jordan, and the relationship between evidence-based dentistry in caries research and decision making in clinical practice in operative dentistry.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted through a survey of dentists in Jordan. The survey aimed to explore the degree of knowledge and practice of evidence-based dentistry in caries research the dentists possess regarding clinical decision making in operative dentistry. The sample size was composed of (5811) dentists whom registered in Jordan Dental Association database. Descriptive statistics were generated and Chi-square test was used to examine associations between the different variables and the significance level was set at P < 0.05.Results4000 responses were collected from the web-survey, response rate (68.83%). Nearly half of the surveyed dentists focus on the chief complaint of their patients (n = 2032, 50.8%) rather than doing full mouth assessment. Nearly two-thirds of dentists (n = 2608, 65.2%) treat lesions confined to enamel with operative treatment. Half of dentists use operative treatment when asked about the routine management of radiographically detected proximal caries confined to enamel. When treating incipient lesions, the majority (n = 3220, 80.5%) use preventive treatment. Three-quarters of dentists (n = 2992, 74.8%) treat deep dentinal caries by removing just the soft infected carious dentin, and treated old failed restorations with replacement.ConclusionIn operative dentistry, the evidence-based research is not implemented clinically. To optimize relationship between evidence-based dentistry and clinical decision-making, dental curriculum has to be updated and modified constantly.

Antibiotic use and resistance: Information sources and application by dentists in Jordan.

The availability of evidence-based information sources for dentists is essential to influence antibiotic prescribing practices and we need to understand how dentists interact with such sources and how this influences their practice. The present study aimed to evaluate dentists' preferred sources of information and their awareness of available information and initiatives on prudent antibiotic prescribing practices in Jordan. An online cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to dentists between July to September 2021. It was an adapted version of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) survey for antibiotic use and resistance. A total of 204 dentists responded to the survey. The main sources of information regarding avoiding unnecessary antibiotic prescribing were published guidelines (35.5%), the dental professional body (20.0%), colleagues or peers (18.6%), and scientific organizations (17.2%), with the influence of these sources on changing prescribers' views being 40.7%, 9.8%, 10.3%, and 14.2%, respectively. Of the surveyed dentists, 9.3%, 33.8%, and 56.9% were aware, unaware, and unsure of the presence of national action plans on antimicrobial resistance, respectively. Dentists reported their desire to receive more information about resistance to antibiotics (57.8%), medical conditions for which antibiotics are used (52.9%), how to use antibiotics (41.2%), prescribing of antibiotics (39.7%), and links between the health of humans, animals, and the environment (26.0%). The study provided insights into the information available to and used by dentists, which can inform effective antimicrobial stewardship strategies for improving antibiotic prescribing.

Interceptive and orthodontic treatment provided by pediatric dentists in Jordan

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to document the interceptive and orthodontic treatment currently provided by pediatric dentists in Jordan, to determine the type(s) of treatment and appliances provided, and to ascertain variables that would influence practitioners’ treatment patterns.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional survey carried out among pediatric dentists. A structured questionnaire was used, distributed directly by hand to individual pediatric dentist at place of practice, and collected after one week. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were used. The level of significance was set as 0.05.&#x0D; Results: The majority of pediatric dentists (89%) provided orthodontic treatment. Pediatric dentists have unlikely expectations concerning the benefits of orthodontic treatment. The most frequently provided treatments were for space maintenance (99%), and oral habits conditions (94%). The most utilized appliances were space maintaining appliances (99%), habit breaker appliances (83%), upper removable orthodontic appliances (with finger or Z spring and anterior expansion screw) (66%), and palatal expansion appliances (53%). Variables that would significantly affect the type of treatment and appliances used were place of practice, annual hours spent in continuing education in orthodontics, confidence level in providing treatment, and nearest orthodontist’s location.&#x0D; Conclusions: Most of the pediatric dentists provide orthodontic treatment with high expectations concerning the benefits of providing it. This study documents the interceptive and orthodontic treatment currently provided by pediatric dentists in Jordan. It summarizes treatment and appliances provided, and variables that would influence practitioners’ treatment patterns.

Hand Washing Practice among Military Dentists in Jordan

Hand Washing Practice among Military Dentists in Jordan

Reframing Perceptions in Restorative Dentistry: Evidence-Based Dentistry and Clinical Decision-Making.

Objectives The worldwide interest of both dentists and patients in esthetic dentistry has affected decision-making in dental practice. The aim of this study was to investigate contemporary dental practice in restorative dentistry and the relationship between evidence-based dentistry in caries research and decision-making in clinical practice in restorative dentistry. Methods The study was conducted through a structured questionnaire distributed randomly at the Jordanian Dental Association registered dentists in Jordan. The questionnaire aimed to clarify the degree of knowledge and practice of evidence-based dentistry in caries research the dentists hold regarding clinical decision-making in restorative dentistry. Results The majority of the surveyed dentists (77%) treat teeth with irreversible pulpitis with root canal treatment rather than vital pulp therapy. 13.8% routinely insert a post and 23% routinely crown the tooth after root canal treatment regardless of the remaining tooth structure. Badly damaged teeth are treated with full crowns in 72% of the cases. Regarding Hollywood smile or smile makeover, the majority of dentists choose conservative approaches, and implants were the first choice to replace missing teeth for 93.8% of the surveyed dentists. Conclusion A higher degree of implementation of evidence-based dentistry in clinical decision-making was found in Prosthetic Dentistry than in Endodontics. Yet, the gap between evidence-based data and clinical practice needs bridging. More emphasis on communicating these data to educators to integrate them into the dental curriculum is a must.

The predictive value of high school grade point average to academic achievement and career satisfaction of dental graduates

BackgroundIn a country where admission to dental schools is based solely on the cognitive abilities of students, the aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between high school grade point average and graduating academic achievement for dental students; moreover, determine whether a correlation exists between dental students’ graduating academic achievement and their career choices and job satisfaction.MethodsA five-year retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University of Jordan, involving (828) dental graduates first enrolled between 2010 and 2014. Correlations comparing high school grade point average and graduating academic achievement were done for the total sample composed of (736) students. A short survey was constructed to assess the career choices and job satisfaction for recently graduated dentists and correlate them with their graduating academic achievement.ResultsStatistically significant but weak positive correlation (0.3) was found between high school grade point average and graduating academic achievement for dental students (p ≤ 0.05). Statistically significant correlations were found between graduating academic achievement and career choices and job satisfaction.ConclusionThe significant positive correlation between the high school grade point average and graduating academic achievement of our dental students indicate that our school admission system depending on high school grade point average is a valid system. There was a significant negative correlation between the graduating academic achievement and both the career choices and job satisfaction among fresh graduate dentists in Jordan. This information is required to update the dental school admissions procedures in response to the changing dental educational landscape.

Changes in Behavior Management and Treatment Modalities in Pediatric Dentistry during COVID-19 Pandemic.

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the knowledge and confidence of dentists related to behavior management with extra personal protective equipment (PPE), non-aerosol-generating dental procedures in the course of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a sample of dentists who worked in Jordan and India in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThis study included a total of 177 dentists in Jordan and India that were practicing during the early months of the pandemic. Most dentists were seeing <6 patients per day. The most common emergency treatments during the pandemic by Jordanian dentists were abscesses (51.8%) and cellulitis (44.6%) vs (44.6%) abscesses and (35.5%) pulpitis in India. There was a high adoption of all elements of the PPE protocol. Most participants never or rarely used N2O sedation to manage their patients in Jordan and India (80.4 and 71.1%), respectively. Participants in Jordan and India that considered treatment non-aerosol-generating procedures (non-AGP) were (82.1 vs 97.5%, p = 0.000), respectively.ConclusionMost of the surveyed dentists believe the extra PPE acts as a barrier to patient communication and child behavior management and would consider modifying the PPE to be more child-friendly. Most dentists consider non-AGP procedures and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to be practical ways to practice safer dentistry, yet more training and information is needed for dentists treating children to provide a more confident safe environment for both dentists and their patients.How to cite this articleAlsaleh MM, Sabbarini JM, Al-Batayneh OB, et al. Changes in Behavior Management and Treatment Modalities in Pediatric Dentistry during COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(S-1):S125–S131.

Awareness and Treatment Decisions on Tooth Wear among Jordanian Dentists and Prosthodontists: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Objectives To assess the awareness, knowledge, and treatment decisions by dentists in Jordan regarding tooth wear. Materials and Methods A questionnaire was disseminated to a random sample of 200 general dentists and 100 prosthodontists working in the Ministry of Health, academia, private practices, and military services. Chi square and independent t-tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results Hundred and seventy-nine dentists and prosthodontists responded (59.7% response rate), of which 71.5% was females. 83.8% of the dentists reported they see patients with tooth wear. 61.5% registered wear lesions in the patient file, and 68.2% reported they find a probable cause of tooth wear. 87.2% of the dentists reported that bruxism is the most common cause in Jordan. 63.3% dentists treated their patients. 46.4% reported they “always” record a dietary history. 77.7% did not think that tooth wear is linked to caries. Low confidence levels were demonstrated among general practitioners in diagnosing and treating tooth wear. Regarding treatment decisions, most dentists decided to restore worn teeth with composite and to construct a night guard. Minimally affected anterior teeth were mostly treated with fluoride. Restoration of posterior worn teeth with overlay was suggested by one-third of the dentists. Conclusion The dentists and prosthodontists in Jordan are aware of tooth wear. However, examination and documentation were given a little priority by general dentists. On the other hand, there was an agreement among the dentists and prosthodontists on applying the minimally invasive approach. Clinical Significance. It is challenging for dentists to make the best treatment decision for tooth wear especially as no standard treatment is available. Therefore, this study investigated the awareness and treatment decisions of a sample of dentists and prosthodontists in Jordan.

Dentists thoughts about COVID-19

Data sources Self-developed survey.Data extraction and synthesis This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey.Results Out of 700 randomly selected dentists in Jordan, 368 completed an online survey. Of those, 36% reported that the incubation period for COVID-19 is 1-14 days. The majority were aware of the symptoms of the disease and can identify affected patients. Nonetheless, 36.7% of dentists did not believe it to be a serious public health issue.Conclusions This group of Jordanian dentists was generally aware of COVID-19 symptoms and mode of transmission. Clinical practice guidelines should be made available to dentists by their associations during such crises.

Dentists’ Attitudes in Jordan towards the Shortened Dental Arch Concept: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aims To assess the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and application of the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept by dentists in Jordan. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire was disseminated to a random sample of 150 dentists working in private practices, university hospitals, or governmental institutes. The chi-square (X2) test was used to examine associations. Results One hundred and six dentists responded (70.7% response rate). Fifty-five were females. 82.1% were aware of the SDA concept. The fewer the years of experience, the more likely the dentists were aware of the SDA concept (X2, P=0.024) and the more likely they learned about it through undergraduate education (X2, P < 0.001). In a hypothetical clinical situation of a patient >50 years of age with missing molar teeth, 45.3% agreed that the molars should be replaced, while 54.7% did not agree. Improving mastication was the main reason for agreeing (81.6%), while having reduced functional benefit was the main reason for disagreeing (64.9%). The treatment modality most commonly recommended was implants fixed partial dentures (84.9%). Of those aware of SDA, 67.8% agreed it could have a useful place in treatment planning within Jordan. Cost reduction for patients was the main reason for this answer, as reported by 51% of those who agreed. 26.4% did not apply SDA for any of their patients, while 50.6% applied it for <10% of their patients. Conclusion The majority of the dentists was aware of the SDA concept and had a positive attitude towards it; however, few of them applied it in their practice.

Phase down of amalgam. Awareness of Minamata convention among Jordanian dentists.

ObjectivesTo assess the knowledge of Jordanian dentists toward phase down of dental amalgam as recommended by the Minamata Convention, and their training and competency in placing posterior composites.MethodsThis study was conducted through structured questionnaire interviews with randomly selected cohort of dentists in Jordan between March 2015 and June 2015. Out of 230 dentists who were invited, 196 (85.2%) agreed to participate. Dentists were asked if they know about the Minamata Convention. They were also asked about their training in placement of posterior composite.ResultsOut of the 196 interviewed, only 13.8% know about Minamata Convention and 17% had an undergraduate training in favor of placing composites in posterior teeth. Approximately 50% of those dentists were not trained in using rubber dam when placing posterior composites, while only 38.3% had training in sectional matrix placement. Undergraduate training did not influence (p=0.00) the dentists’ decision to remove old amalgam based on patient’s demands. Only 28.1% were of the opinion of discontinuing the use of amalgam due to its alleged health and environmental hazards. There was no general agreement on the type of composite, liner, and bonding strategy when placing posterior composites.ConclusionDentists are not well informed on the Minamata Convention and the phase down of amalgam. Training in posterior composite placement should be given more room in undergraduate curriculum and continuous dental education.

Antifungal prescribing pattern and attitude towards the treatment of oral candidiasis among dentists in Jordan

The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude of Jordanian dentists towards the treatment of oral candidiasis and their current antifungal prescribing habits, shedding more light on the possible influence of their socio-professional factors on the pattern of prescribing and practice. A structured validated questionnaire was developed and tested; it was then emailed to a random sample of 600 Jordanian dental practitioners during the period of this cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire recorded practitioners' personal details and their attitude and prescribing of antifungal therapy for oral candidiasis. Statistical significance was based on probability values of <0.05 and was measured using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the influence of respondents' socio-professional factors on their attitude towards oral candidiasis. Of the 423 questionnaires returned, only 330 were included. The attitude of respondents was significantly influenced by their experience [odds ratio (OR) = 0.14; P < 0.001] and workplace (OR = 4.70; P < 0.001). Nystatin was the most commonly prescribed antifungal agent (78.2%), followed by miconazole (62.4%), which was prescribed for topical use. Systemic antifungals were prescribed by 21.2% of respondents, with a significant (P < 0.05) association with the country in which their qualification was obtained. The attitude towards the treatment of oral candidiasis is much better among the least-experienced dentists working in private practice. Nystatin and miconazole are the most popular choices of antifungal agents among Jordanian dentists.

Knowledge, educational experiences and attitudes towards child abuse amongst Jordanian dentists

Signs of physical abuse often present in the oro-facial region and dentists are in a strategic position to recognise and report suspected cases. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, educational experiences and attitudes of Jordanian dentists towards child abuse and to assess their educational needs. A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of Jordanian dentists (n=400) was conducted using an anonymous, self-administered structured questionnaire. The response rate was 64%. Thirty-four per cent (n=88) of the respondents reported having formal training in recognising and reporting child abuse, and 42% (n=106) had post-qualification/continuing education training on the topic. Half of the dentists (127/256) suspected a case of child abuse in the past 5 years, but only 12% (31/256) reported their suspicions. The main reasons for not reporting suspicions of abuse were fear from anger of parents (43%), uncertainty about diagnosis (41%) and uncertainty about referral procedures (41%). Those dentists who had formal training in dental school (P=0.0001) and post-qualification courses in child abuse (P=0.006) were significantly more likely to report suspicions. A significant gap existed between recognising signs of physical child abuse and responding effectively. Improvements in child abuse education and continuing education courses are advised to provide dentists in Jordan with adequate knowledge of indicators of physical child abuse and to inform them on the protocol to follow when suspicions arise.

Dentistry a second time?

Dentistry in Jordan is an attractive profession due to the high social standard it provides. This study aimed to investigate whether dentists would choose dentistry again and whether their professional expectations would change after years of practice. Of special interest were possible differences according to gender, age, degree and place of work. A self-completion questionnaire was filled by a stratified random sample of 355 dentists in Jordan using closed questions. The questionnaire included professional, social and economic factors that influenced people's choice of dentistry and whether they would choose it again and the reasons for that. The results showed that 52% of dentists who returned the questionnaire had dentistry as their first choice; the most important determining factor was the dentist's grades in the general secondary education. Fifty-two per cent stated that they would not choose it for the second time, the main reason being the health problems acquired through the profession and the low income. Helping others and the social standard dentistry provides were the main reasons given for dentists to choose dentistry again. We report that more than half of the dentists included in this study would not 'choose dentistry again' as their profession regardless of age, gender and degree. This is mainly due to health problems acquired and the low income. We found that job satisfaction is highly affected by the workplace, and that more females are dissatisfied by the profession. This suggests that cultural background strongly affects the career decision.

Corrigendum

Oral DiseasesVolume 15, Issue 2 p. 182-182 Free Access Corrigendum This article corrects the following: Willingness of dentists in Jordan to treat HIV-infected patients M El-Maaytah, A Al Kayed, M Al Qudah, H Al Ahmad, K Al-Dabbagh, W Jerjes, M Al Khawalde, O Abu Hammad, N Dar Odeh, K El-Maaytah, Y Al Shmailan, S Porter, C Scully, Volume 11Issue 5Oral Diseases pages: 318-322 First Published online: August 25, 2005 First published: 05 February 2009 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2009.01517.xCitations: 1AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat In (1), the following error was published on page 318. El-Maaytah M, Al Kayed A, Al Qudah M, Al Ahmad H, Al-Dabbagh K, Jerjes W, Al Khawalde M, Abu Hammad O, Dar Odeh N, El-Maaytah K, Al Shmailan Y, Porter S, Scully C The fifth author’s last name is incorrect and should have been: El-Maaytah M, Al Kayed A, Al Qudah M, Al Ahmad H, Moutasim K, Jerjes W, Al Khawalde M, Abu Hammad O, Dar Odeh N, El-Maaytah K, Al Shmailan Y, Porter S, Scully C The authors would like to apologize for this error. Reference El-Maaytah M, Al Kayed A, Al Qudah M, Al Ahmad H, Moutasim K, Jerjes W, Al Khawalde M, Abu Hammad O, Dar Odeh N, El-Maaytah K, Al Shmailan Y, Porter S, Scully C (2005). Willingness of dentists in Jordan to treat HIV-infected patients. Oral Dis 5: 318– 322. Wiley Online LibraryWeb of Science®Google Scholar Citing Literature Volume15, Issue2March 2009Pages 182-182 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Compliance of Jordanian dentists with infection control strategies

To assess whether dentists in Jordan are employing recommended infection techniques in their clinics and to identify the level of compliance of dentists with the recommended infection techniques commonly found in western countries. Dentists in Jordan (n = 300). Aquestionnaire incorporating information regarding: infection control practices, vaccination, personal barrier protection, instrument sterilisation and disinfection, were distributed to 300 dentists in private and public practices. A (93%) response rate (n = 279) was available for analysis. Gloves were used by 73.3% of dentists; masks by 69.5%, protective eye wear by 43.8% and white coats worn by 75.9%. About 25% recorded patient medical histories. Offices in Jordan were found to be in compliance with respect to the use of disposable anaesthetic needles and carpules but only 27% use plastic containers for sharps; 72.6% of dentists had been vaccinated against hepatitis B viruses; approximately 70% use an autoclave for sterilisation but only 15% always use plastic bags for packing sterilised instruments. The majority of dental practitioners were found to be in compliance with most of the recommended infection control regulations. In this study the overall compliance with infection control procedures was 61.17% among dentists in Jordan. Further education may be appropriate in taking a medical history of each patient before treatment, wearing of masks and protective glasses and the use of plastic bags to wrap sterilised instruments.

Willingness of dentists in Jordan to treat HIV‐infected patients

Reluctance of dentists to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients represents a major concern. Many efforts have been extended towards the documentation of the extent of this reluctance and speculation of factors that influence it. Assess the willingness of dentists in Jordan to treat HIV-infected patients. Two hundred and forty-two general dental practices were surveyed for their willingness to provide treatment of toothache and routine dental care of an HIV-infected individual. Only 15% of the dental practices were willing to provide such care. Willingness to provide treatment did not seem to be influenced by financial factors or the local prevalence of HIV disease. Present data suggest that HIV-infected individuals will have difficulty in obtaining dental health care in Jordan.

Smoking behavior and views of Jordanian dentists: A pilot survey.

The purpose of this study was to examine tobacco use among Jordanian dentists and their views on smoking. In July 1999, a self-reported questionnaire survey was mailed to a representative sample of 849 of 1693 licensed general dentists. The data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Chicago, Ill), and the statistical significance was determined by means of the chi(2) test. A response rate of 72.2% (613) was obtained. Overall, two thirds of the respondents were men younger than 40 years of age who worked in the private sector. Current tobacco users made up 35% (215/613), the majority of whom smoked cigarettes, with 83% being daily smokers. One fifth of daily smokers said that they smoke 20 or more cigarettes per day. Of respondents, 86.8% agreed that dentists should be a nonsmoking role model, and 77% believed that they should be involved in tobacco cessation counseling. Only 38.3% thought that they could convince patients who smoke to quit. Nonsmokers were significantly more likely to respond positively to these questions. Most respondents (92.2%) reported that the harmful effect of tobacco on health is a good reason to motivate smokers to quit. Unfortunately, almost half of the respondents (46.7%) thought that dental treatment is more important than providing tobacco counseling, and those were significantly more likely to be from private practices. Despite the high proportion of general dentists who were current smokers, many hold positive views on the tobacco issue. An education program targeted at dentists in Jordan is needed to discourage them from using tobacco and to teach them tobacco-cessation techniques and behaviors to reduce use among their patients.

Composite resin restorations: a cross-sectional survey of placement and replacement in Jordan

To record the reasons for first time placement and replacement of composite resin restorations in Jordan, to determine the use of composite resin restorations in common cavity types and to collect data on the age of the replaced composite resin restorations. Dentists in Jordan (n = 241). Cross- sectional study using postal survey backed up with personal contact. Data were recorded for all restorations placed or replaced over a period of one month. Information was collected on 2,239 restorations from patients aged 12-65 years. Of all restorations, 61.6% were first time placements while 38.4% were replacement of old restorations. The major reason for the first time placement of restorations was primary caries while that for replacement was secondary caries 36.2%, followed by root canal therapy 22.2%, discolouration 14.4%, lost restorations 13.4%, composite fracture 11.3%, pain or sensitivity 2.4%. The main reason for first time placement of composite restorations is primary caries; the main reason for replacement is secondary caries.

Smoking and health: opinions and awareness among general dentists in Jordan

To examine dentists' awareness on major health risks associated with smoking and their opinions on factors that influence tobacco use. A pre-tested postal questionnaire survey. A randomly selected sample of 849 licensed general dentists who were practicing dentistry in Jordan. A response rate of 72.2% (613/849) was obtained. The majority of respondents (91.8%) related lung cancer to smoking, however, associations with other cancers (cancer of oesophagus, pancreas and urinary bladder) were the least reported (33.6%). Only 39% agreed that smoking is the most important cause of premature death, non-smokers were significantly more likely to believe in this than current smokers. Most dentists associated tobacco use with staining of teeth (97.2%), whereas fewer dentists reported that smokers have increased risks of oral cancer (83.7%) and potentially malignant oral lesions (76.7%). Friends and stress were the most frequently implicated factors in the habit of smoking. This study revealed a significant lack of awareness among Jordanian dentists with respect to serious health consequences of smoking. An educational programme targeted towards general dentists in Jordan is needed, focusing attention on tobacco related morbidity and mortality.