Dentists Research Articles

IMPACTO DA MUCOSITE ORAL EM PACIENTES TRANSPLANTADOS DE MEDULA ÓSSEA AUTÓLOGO E O PAPEL DO CIRURGIÃO DENTISTA

The Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is a form of treatment used for some types of hematological cancers in which the patient is both a donor and recipient. The most relevant side effect of this therapy for dentistry is oral mucositis, which in addition to causing mucosal irritation, delay and interruption of the chemotherapy cycle, can be a gateway to opportunistic infections and lead to a death outcome. As a dental surgeon increasingly active in the multidisciplinary team, the importance of dental care in the trans-HSCT phase has been widely reported in the literature. Thus, the general objective of the present work was to carry out a literature review on the impacts of oral mucositis in autologous bone marrow transplant patients, as well as the specific objective of highlighting the importance of the dental surgeon in the care of these patients. Thus, for the design of the research, the descriptors Stomatitis, Hospital Dental Team, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Autologous Transplantation, through DeSC; PubMed, Scielo and Lilacs databases and the Boolean operators AND, OR and NOT were used as a search strategy in the time period from 2004 to 2022. Concluding that the impacts of oral mucositis in patients undergoing auto-HSCT are pathophysiological, of morbidity, mortality and financial loss. However, the presence of the dental surgeon in the multidisciplinary team brought clinical relevance to reduce the impacts caused by oral mucositis, acting, even in a preventive way, with qualitative and quantitative reduction of the condition.

Anatomical study of pterygoid implants: artery and nerve passage through bone dehiscence of the greater palatine canal

PurposePterygoid implants are an alternative approach to avoid sinus-lifting or other grafting procedures. During pterygoid implant placement, dental surgeons risk damaging the greater palatine canal (GPC). However, they do not have sufficient reasons to avoid GPC injury. This study performed a detailed morphological analysis of the GPC to determine susceptibility to damage during pterygoid implant surgery.MethodsTo understand the detailed morphology of the GPC, gross anatomical analysis, histological analysis, and bone morphometry via micro-computed tomography were performed.ResultsWe found that the medial wall of the GPC communicated with the nasal cavity through the bone dehiscence. The dehiscence appeared near the inferior nasal concha in 72.4% of the cadavers. The nerve and artery passed from the GPC to the nasal mucous membrane through the dehiscence. Given that the greater palatine nerve passed medial to the descending palatine artery in the GPC, the descending palatine artery is damaged first rather than the greater palatine nerve during pterygoid implant surgery.ConclusionsDental surgeons who penetrate the GPC using an implant body may extend the bleeding to the nasal mucosa, which seems to spread the inflammation to the nasal cavity.

Covid-associated osteonecrosis of the midface

The purpose of our study the features of clinical manifestations and treatment of Covid-associated osteonecrosis of the midface (rhinocerebral form of mucormycosis). An analysis of the clinical features and results of surgical treatment of 35 patients with Covid-associated osteonecrosis of the midface was carried out. Difficulties in diagnosing of Covid-associated osteonecrosis led to late hospitalization and extensive surgical treatment with the huge defects formation. Due to the nonspecificity of clinical symptoms and the difficulties of early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of invasive rhinocerebral forms of mucormycosis, the aggressive clinical course with the formation of extensive defects in the midface, long and complex rehabilitation of patients with Covid-associated osteonecrosis of the midface, the vigilance of general practitioners is necessary and specialists: dental surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, neurologists, regarding the possibility of developing invasive aggressive forms of mycoses in immunocompromised patients who have suffered a new coronavirus infection COVID-19.

Mental Foramen as a Guide to Establish Sexual Dimorphism among Eastern Indian Population: An Observational Cross-sectional Study on Dry Bones

Abstract Context: The study deals with a role of mental foramen in determining the sexual dimorphism of mandibles as well as generating the sufficient data for the dental surgeons regarding location and measurements of the same. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the location of mental foramen with respect to the different bony points of mandible and the presence of accessory foramen, if any and to establish sexual dimorphism among mandibles in relation to mental foramen and assessing the role of mento-submental angle for the same. Settings and Design: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Medical Colleges of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty dry mandibles were used. Digital images were captured with digital camera after placing the bones in anatomical position for suitable views. Measurements were taken with the help of ImageJ software. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Statistical Analysis Used: Measures of central tendency were determined. Significance was tested using the Chi-square test or unpaired Student’s t test, as applicable. Results: Most of the mental foramina were in line with the second premolar tooth or between the first and second premolars. Distance from the alveolar margin and the diameters of foramen were statistically significant among the genders. Mento-submental angle was significantly lower in males as compared to females being <115° and >115°, respectively. The prevalence of accessory mental foramen was very low in both genders. Conclusions: Sexual dimorphism can be well established from the morphometry of mental foramen of mandibles in the Eastern Indian population.

CONDUCT OF THE DENTIST IN CASES OF CHILD ABUSE: LITERATURE REVIEW

Violence against children and adolescents is considered a social and public health problem, with high prevalence in recent years and that can manifest itself in several ways. Health professionals, especially dentists (DSs), play a significant role in recognizing and reporting child abuse. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to analyze and discuss the conduct of DSs in these cases. For this purpose, a bibliographic research was carried out, through an exploratory review of the literature. The following databases were used: PubMed, BVS and Google Scholar with the restriction of publication between the years 2019 and 2024 through combinations between the descriptors “Child Abuse” and “Dentistry”. The literature shows that child abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual abuse and neglect, has serious consequences for the child. The dentist has the duty to identify signs of violence, such as oral lesions, and notify the Guardianship Council. Brazilian law requires health professionals to report suspected abuse, even without confirmation. Finally, it was pointed out that the CD plays a crucial role in identifying child abuse. When identifying signs of violence, the professional must immediately notify the authorities, according to the Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA). However, to act ethically and legally, it is necessary for the dentist to be properly trained and qualified, overcoming their barriers.

Dental implantation in patients with comorbid diseases: yes or no?

Patients with multiple pathologies are a high-risk group, which requires a personalized approach to surgical rehabilitation in dentistry. Inadequate diagnosis of clinical manifestations when a patient is in remission often leads to severe surgical complications. However, modern methods of dental implantation and rehabilitation are possible even in patients with oncology, those who underwent surgical therapy, chemo- or radiotherapy. Gilbert syndrome, one of the risk factors for post-surgery inflammatory complications, is associated with defects in bilirubin metabolism. It inhibits platelet activity. It is a genetic disease leading to a loss of liver enzyme activity and the accumulation of indirect bilirubin that can aggravate the course of other diseases in patients. In acute stages, it is characterized by jaundice of the skin, eyes, and mucosa and is followed by immunosuppression and the post-surgical complications associated with it. A patient with Gilbert syndrome was administered for surgical treatment of a chronic infection and follow-up rehabilitation via dental implantation and reconstruction of the bone. In this case, we faced Gilbert syndrome in association with polycythemia (a myeloproliferative disease in the compensation stage). In such cases, dental implantation cannot be achieved in the complex dental rehabilitation process. Such diseases require special attention from dental surgeons due to possible complications (bleeding, thrombosis, or disseminated intravascular coagulation). In this specific case, the patient belongs to the risk group, and its history, although in remission, is still a contraindication for dental surgery and dental implantation.

OSTEONECROSE DOS MAXILARES INDUZIDA PELO USO DE MEDICAMENTOS

The study details the etiology of the disease, associated medications, risk factors, clinical characteristics and diagnosis, in addition to prevention and treatment strategies. MAOM occurs mainly in patients using these medications to treat conditions such as osteoporosis and cancer, due to the inhibition of bone remodeling and angiogenesis. It explores the lack of consensus in the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of AOM, emphasizing the importance of dental surgeons’ knowledge of the medications involved and appropriate management. The work reviews the scientific literature on the topic and proposes that prevention, including a detailed dental evaluation before starting treatment with these medications, is crucial to reducing the risks of osteonecrosis. Treatment, in turn, ranges from conservative approaches with the use of antibiotics and strict oral hygiene to more aggressive surgical interventions, depending on the stage of the disease. Photodynamic therapy is mentioned as a promising auxiliary technique for treatment. In its final considerations, the study highlights the need for early diagnosis and rigorous preventive approaches to avoid severe complications.

Harmonização estética do sorriso com lentes de contato dental: relato de caso

The harmonic smile has taken most patients to the dental office, which becomes a challenge for the Dental Surgeon. Among the various existing techniques for restoring anterior teeth, contact lenses are currently the most sought after. Thus, in this case, the objective was the report that addresses a rehabilitation through 20 ceramic laminates, in a 51-year-old patient, who sought care at the Faculty of Amazonas - IAES. The therapeutic option was discussed with the patient, aiming at the benefits of porcelain, and it was chosen. After previous procedures, the elements were prepared and adapted to receive the porcelain, where there was a minimally invasive preparation, respecting the patient's entire dental structure. This procedure generated better self-esteem and confidence when talking, smiling and eating, considering the cost-effectiveness of the chosen material.

Hipomineralização molar-incisivo - HMI: relato de caso clínico

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative defect in the dental enamel that affects one or more permanent molars, where the permanent incisors may also be involved. The objective of this work was to report a clinical case of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) following a choice of treatments according to the different severities present in the patient. The case report is of a patient, 12 years old, female, who attended the Pediatric Dentistry clinic of Faculdade do Amazonas - IAES accompanied by her guardian, with the following main complaint: “I want to remove these stains”. In the extra and intraoral examination, marked opacities ranging from yellow to brown in elements 26 and 17 and white to yellow in dental elements 11, 21, 23 were observed. 11, 21, and 23 and proservation with fluoride varnish after previous prophylaxis on molars 17 and 26. It is concluded that it is very important for the dental surgeon to know how to identify MIH in order to choose the best treatment for each patient with different levels of severity. And in this way, we provide satisfactory results both in the execution of the treatment of choice and in the patient's life, remedying her main complaint.

Radiographic Study of the Prevalence and Pattern of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars in a Northern Nigerian Population.

Background: The incidence of impacted mandibular and maxillary third molars has become a global public health concern. This study reports a radiographic prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars among a Nigerian population. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars in a Northern Nigeria population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oral Diagnostic Sciences Department of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. Digital diagnostic images of patients of record on Planmeca Promax® within the sampling frame and acquired during the two years under review, were included in the study. The images were analyzed on Planmeca Romexis 4.3.0 R software to identify relevant study variables. Descriptive statistics was done using SPSS for windows software version 23.0 (IBM, Chicago IL., USA). Also, Pearson’s Chi‑square (χ2) statistical test was applied while confidence interval and P-value were set at 95% and ≤0.05, respectively. Results: A total of 4,932 pantomographs were reviewed and 576 were selected for the study. There were 824 impacted mandibular third molars within the age range of 18-65 years (mean age±SD = 32.67±9.69). 297 (51.6%) were males, and 279 (48.4%) were females. The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molar was 16.71%. Impacted mandibular third molar occurred more frequently in the 26-35 years age range. The most frequent angle of impaction was horizontal, followed by mesioangular, and the least frequent angulation was distoangular. Conclusion: The prevalence and pattern of impacted third molars among Northern Nigeria population are almost similar to other racial populations with minor variations, and the prevalence decreases with increasing age. A proper radiographic evaluation of the patterns of third molars impaction is, therefore, essential to assist dental surgeons in making decisions with regard to surgical planning and treatment. Key Words: Impacted teeth, panoramic radiograph, third molar.

ASPECTOS ORAIS DO ABUSO SEXUAL INFANTIL E CONDUTA DO CIRURGIÃO DENTISTA: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

The study presents a literature review, the aim of which was to point out the main characteristics for detecting cases of child sexual abuse from the point of view of dentistry, as well as to highlight the importance of the dental surgeon in identifying and reporting cases of suspected child maltreatment and/or abuse. The bibliographic research was carried out in different databases, such as SciELO, Bireme, LILACS and PubMed, selecting studies that addressed the descriptors provided by the DECS database: children, child sexual abuse and dentistry, published between 2015 and 2023. To prepare the literature review, 40 articles were found. However, national and international articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for the expanded abstract. The literature shows the importance of identifying child mistreatment and abuse in the dental field, listing the main manifestations of injuries in the head and neck region. This research is linked to increasing dental surgeons’ knowledge of child violence, so that professionals are better able to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect in children, which is crucial for identifying cases of violence and taking the necessary measures. Therefore, this paper aims to point out the main characteristics of child sexual abuse, as well as what the dental surgeon’s conduct should be when faced with this occurrence.

DRUG PRESCRIPTION FOR PREGNANT WOMEN IN DENTISTRY: Literature review

The development of medications was a great achievement for humanity, however, it is necessary to prescribe and use them with caution, especially in certain patients who require special attention, such as pregnant women, for whom medication is generally not recommended. prescription of medications due to the numerous adverse effects that exist and the possibility of these crossing the placental barrier, however, in certain situations it is necessary to prescribe medications even if the patient is pregnant. This work aims to create an information cluster about the prescription of medications for pregnant women by dental surgeons, which can serve as an information source for both dentistry students and professionals who have already graduated. A review of the narrative literature was carried out regarding the prescription of medications for pregnant patients by dental surgeons with the general objective of presenting how the dental therapeutic methods are for pregnant women, taking into account the dangers and advantages of the use of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Specifically: to analyze the prevalence of oral diseases in pregnant women and the relationship with dental treatments during pregnancy; to investigate the main recipes and difficulties of dental professionals and students. Scientific articles related to the proposed topic were used to compose the bibliographic base of this work, available in the online databases BVSalud, PUBMed, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar, presented in Portuguese and published between the years 2020 and 2024. At the end of this work, it is concluded that drug therapy in pregnant and breastfeeding women requires a meticulous assessment of the risks involved. Therefore, it is essential that dentists write prescriptions carefully and responsibly, with the aim of preventing unwanted effects related to the use of medications, ensuring that the treatment is safe and effective for patients. A careful approach contributes to oral health and general well-being.

HIPERSENSIBILIDADE DENTINÁRIA: Causas, sintomas e abordagens terapêuticas

Dentin Hypersensitivity (DH) is a condition that affects a large portion of the population, DH causes acute painful symptoms that can profoundly affect the individual's quality of life since it has a multifactorial etiology and, in many cases, is related directly to the diet performed by the person and his∕her oral hygiene habits. It is important to highlight that dentin sensitivity and dentin hypersensitivity are different situations, the first being a physiological situation and the second a pathological condition which requires treatment to stop the painful symptoms. This work aims to explore the causes, symptoms and treatment options of Dentin Hypersensitivity. A descriptive narrative literature review was carried out about Dentin Hypersensitivity using, as a bibliographical basis, scientific articles available on the online databases BVSAlud, Lilacs, Scielo, PUBMed and Google Scholar, published between 2015 and 2024 and available in Portuguese and/or English. After analyzing all the material used as a bibliographical basis for the development of this work, it is concluded that it is extremely important that dental surgeons have knowledge about Dental Hypersensitivity since this condition affects a considerable portion of the population and causes acute painful symptoms which affects the quality of life of individuals considerably.

Welcoming pregnant women as a strategy for adherence to dental prenatal care and health promotion in early childhood

This research deals with implementing Dental Prenatal Care as a public policy in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) to care for pregnant women and their future babies. The legal framework that assures pregnant women's rights of priority in accessing services is usually not enough to guarantee the health promotion coverage goals for this population group, who frequently have low adherence to dental care. Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) recommends monitoring pregnant women through eight mensal consultations during healthy pregnancy. Oral health is usually not monitored to the same extent, and many pregnant women still go through pregnancy without any dental consultation. This study was proposed to improve dental prenatal care and program adherence by mothers and children in the Basic Healthcare Unit Amaro José de Souza, in the municipality of Barueri, through the increased participation of the dental surgeon in the pregnant women welcoming team. A cross-sectional cohort study was designed to identify and meet the demands of low-risk pregnant women. For six months, all the women attending prenatal care at BHU Amaro José de Souza in Barueri were invited to participate and receive personal guidance from the multi-professional team. Information on dental health was investigated through questions targeting previous knowledge about the recommended moments for the first dental appointment of a child, the importance of exclusive nasal respiration, the identification of craniofacial asymmetries at birth, and general baby care. Attitudes and self-care were also investigated, including prenatal program adherence. Answers were collected in a Google Form platform and analyzed to characterize the group's literacy about prenatal care and breastfeeding and identify information needs about dental health care during pregnancy. At the same time, a welcoming expanded listening, educational, and preventive health action was developed: conversation and sharing experience groups were promoted monthly for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and their families. 90 pregnant women out of the 104 attending the BHU in the six months of the research were invited, and 83 agreed to participate. All the participants declared at least one previous appointment with the healthcare team, 92.8 % of them, with a gynecologist. The nursing team was involved in 53.0 % of the appointments, but only 6.0 % were reported to have been conducted exclusively by a nurse. A dental surgeon appointment was mentioned by 30.1 % of the research participants. The dental health literacy investigation revealed that 57.8 % believed they should only take their babies to a dental appointment after teething, and 27.7 % were aware of the child's craniofacial asymmetries at birth. Only 28.9 % had previous knowledge about the importance of exclusive nasal respiration. Despite only 34.9 % having their first pregnancy, 78.3 % declared they would appreciate receiving information about pregnancy. After the guidance, 72.0 % of the pregnant women had undergone dental prenatal care. Workshops for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers provided a convenient welcoming space, to listen and provide guidance to pregnant women and their families, in addition to demystifying the fear of dental care during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The intervention to guide pregnant women to perceive the BHU as an educational and health promotion space, not just a curative intervention, effectively increased adherence to dental prenatal care. The contact with the Specialist in Functional Jaw Orthopedics in this first phase of life facilitated dental health education and access to more complex cases. The prenatal program adherence, the pregnant woman’s self-care, and the care of the baby were favored by the welcoming, expanded listening, and personalized service.

Accuracy of Mandibular Foramen Localization Using Digital Orthopantomogram (OPG) in Middle Eastern Population.

Locating the mandibular foramen (MF) through imaging is clinically important for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) anesthesia and mandibular ramus osteotomies. Although cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is superior in imaging the mandible, an orthopantomogram (OPG) is preferred for its ease of use and availability. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of digital OPG in localizing the MF, in a subset of the Middle Eastern population. Radiographic images (OPG and CBCT) of selected patients (adults, dentulous and no mandibular abnormalities) were used to locate the MF through digital measurements (mm) of the anteroposterior distance from the anterior border of the ramus (MF-AP) and the superoinferior position from the mandibular occlusal plane (MF-SI). Measurements were statistically compared between OPG and CBCT for accuracy. Differences in measurements between OPG and CBCT were compared against the anatomic location (right/left), age and biological sex, assuming a p-value < 0.05 as significant. A total of 204 radiographic records (males: 100/females: 104/mean age: 34.65 ± 11.55 years) were evaluated. The measurements for the MF were MF-AP-OPG (right: 13.53 ± 2.44/left: 13.19 ± 2.25), MF-AP-CBCT (right: 13.61 ± 2.39/left: 13.36 ± 2.19), MF-SI-OPG (right: 5.25 ± 1.71/left: 5.41 ± 1.65) and MF-SI-CBCT (right: 5.59 ± 1.66/left: 5.52 ± 1.61). Measurements between OPG and CBCT were not significantly different, except for MF-SI (right) (p = 0.042). While the overall difference between OPG and CBCT (MF-AP/MF-SI) measurements showed a significant association (p < 0.01) with the anatomic location (right/left), a significant association (p < 0.05) with biological sex was observed only for MF-AP. Based on this study's outcomes, digital OPG is an accurate modality to locate the MF based on anteroposterior (MF-AP) and superoinferior (MF-SI) measurements. This would be clinically beneficial for dental and oral surgeons to achieve the optimum IAN block anesthesia based on preoperative panoramic radiographs. Similarly, it would assist maxillofacial surgeons in planning mandibular orthognathic surgeries and ramus osteotomies without complications.

Anatomical variations of the human mandible and prevalence of duplicated mental and mandibular foramina in the collection of the State University of Londrina

BackgroundThe knowledge of the morphology of the human mandible is essential for diverse dental procedures. The potential anatomical variations of the bone, including the presence of accessory foramina, may culminate in significant clinical outcomes and implications, directly impacting dental surgery and anesthesia. Aim of studyThis study aimed to evaluate the general morphology of human mandibles in the collection of the State University of Londrina, South Brazil, and to determine the presence of anatomical variations. Materials and methodsA total of 63 mandibles were measured bilaterally with a pachymeter for various dimensions, and a proportional calculation of each parameter was obtained, based on the size of the length of each mandibular base. In addition to the general descriptive morphology of the mandibles, considering that six mandibles presented duplicated foramina, they were divided into two groups, and the mandibles with no anatomical variation (normal group, N = 57) were compared to those with duplicated foramina (N = 6). Data were checked for normal distribution and then tested statistically. ResultsSix out of 63 mandibles (9.52 %) presented duplicated foramina, either mental or mandibular. Significant differences between the normal group and the duplicated foramina group were found in the lengths between mandibular angle and condylar process on both sides (right: 65.14 mm vs. 74.91 mm, p = 0.001; left: 65.04 mm vs. 72.34 mm, p = 0.019); between mandibular angle and coronoid process on the right side (59.55 mm vs. 67.67 mm, p = 0.007); and in the diameter of the left mandibular foramen (3.71 mm vs. 4.64 mm, p = 0.04), with the duplicated foramina group presenting a higher average for all parameters. ConclusionThese findings provide a morphological pattern for the Department of Anatomy of the State University of Londrina collection and highlight the presence of anatomical variations of the human mandible, specifically regarding duplicated foramina. The presence of accessory mental and mandibular foramina is clinically significant for dental procedures, potentially impacting the anesthesia. Understanding these variations is crucial for dental surgeons to prevent complications. Future research should further explore the functional implications and clinical significance of these variations.

Tratamento de urgência de abcesso periapical agudo em evolução: Relato de um caso clínico

During emergency care, when the patient has pain, it is one of the main duties of the dental surgeon to promote pain relief to the patient. Acute apical abscess (AGA) is one of the most common causes found in urgent care. They are odontogenic infections, consisting mainly of anaerobic microorganisms, which lead to pain and/or edema, and have the potential to diffuse through the cortical bone, with eventual lethal consequences. The present study aims to describe the case report of drainage of an evolved acute periapical abscess and its respective treatment at the Primary Care Clinic II (CAB II) of the Faculty of Dentistry of Pernambuco - University of Pernambuco (FOP/UPE). Where the patient complained of spontaneous, pulsatile, localized pain and edema. Endodontic intervention is essential for immediate symptom relief, and there is no consensus in the literature that establishes a care protocol in these cases. Even though there is no requirement for standardization of the protocol for emergency care, we conclude that it is of great importance to conduct a procedure that performs the drainage of the abscess to avoid systemic compromise.

A cross sectional study to assess the level of awareness of dental surgeons about national oral health program in a city of central India

: In 1999, the Ministry of Health Family Welfare, government of India, launched the first National Oral Health Care Programme on a pilot basis. This cross-sectional study was contemplated in Indore district to assess the awareness of dental surgeons regarding their awareness about the basic tenets of the National Oral Health program. Type of the Study- Cross sectional studyDuration of the Study- 6 months- January-June 2024Site of the Study- Indore districtSample Size- 100Sampling technique- Purposive SamplingStudy method- 1. First of all, the list of dental surgeons operating in Indore district was obtained.2. 100 dental surgeons were randomly identified from this list.3. Their written informed consent was obtained to be a part of the study.4. Pre-designed semi structured questionnaire was prepared and fed in google forms and shared with these identified dental surgeons5. Data collected was entered in MS excel/spreadsheets6. Data was analysed using appropriate statistical software. : 69% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India. 47% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Manpower support [Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistant]. 41% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Equipment including Dental Chair, X-ray units, autoclaves etc. 41% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Consumables for dental procedures. 37% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- IEC/ BCC activities like Posters, TV, Radio Spots, Training Modules etc. 33% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- national and regional nodal officers training programs. 33% dental surgeons were aware of National Oral Health Programme of the Government of India- Preparing State/District level Trainers by conducting national and regional workshops: The present study clearly indicates that there is need to increase the awareness of National Oral Health Programme not only among dental surgeons but also common men. Government should take active interventions to increase the awareness of NOHP so that more and more people can utilize its facilities.

French Dentists’ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward oral cancer detection: A national survey

BackgroundFrance is ranked 6th in Europe in terms of oral cancer incidence. Dental surgeons are on the front line in examining the oral mucosa, but little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of French dental surgeons with respect to lesions suspected of malignancy. MethodsAn online survey including 18 self-administered questions was widely shared on social media using major networks of French dentists. Items included socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, their self-assessed knowledge, screening practices and training on oral cancer detection and care. ResultsA total of 676 dental surgeons participated in this survey. The vast majority, 92.8 %, were general dental surgeons, 83.9 % had a private practice and 49.1 % had less than 5 years of dental experience. Almost 55 % declared that they did not conduct systematic examinations of the oral mucosa and 45 % reported that they did conduct such examinations. In-hospital practice, lower patient age, dental surgeon experience, and specialty were all positively associated with systematic examination of the oral mucosa. Conversely, absence of a patient complaint, absence of an obvious lesion, lack of time, and lack of training/skills were all negatively associated. DiscussionThis is the first survey to analyze the practices of French dental surgeons in oral cancer screening. Only half of the respondents, the best trained, performed systematic oral mucosa examinations which objectively help to early detect mucosal cancer lesions. To improve oral cancer early detection, we recommend mandatory screening training programs for all dental students and dental surgeons.

Difference between hand and forearm transepidermal water loss and skin pH as an improved method to biomonitor occupational hand eczema: our findings in healthcare workers.

The aim of this cross-sectional field study was to establish the condition of hand and forearm skin barrier among dentists and physicians and how it may be associated with personal and work-related factors. The study consisted of an occupational questionnaire, clinical examination of skin on hands, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pH measurements on hands and forearms. The participants were divided in the following groups (N=37 each, N=148 in total): physicians, medical surgeons, dentists, and dental surgeons. We calculated the difference between hand and forearm TEWL and pH (ΔTEWL and ΔpH, respectively) and divided it by the forearm values (ΔTEWL% and ΔpH%, respectively). There was a clear trend of increasing median ΔTEWL%, starting from physicians with non-surgical specialisation (56 %) to medical surgeons (65 %), dentists (104 %), and dental surgeons (108 %), with the latter two groups showing particularly worrisome signs of work-related skin barrier impairment, since they had double the TEWL on hands than on forearms. Although less prominent, the same worsening trend was noted for skin pH, with dental surgeons having on average a 0.3 points higher skin pH on hands than on forearms. These findings were mainly associated with prolonged glove use and male sex. Our findings also suggest that comparing TEWL and pH between hands and forearms can better establish occupational skin barrier impairment on hands.