General Dentists Research Articles

Stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs about obesity among dental team members.

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

Esthetic preferences of orthodontists, general dentists, and laypersons for Indian facial profiles: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Disparity in the esthetic perceptions between a patient and clinician could result in patient dissatisfaction with orthodontic treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions of a group of orthodontists, general dentists, and laypersons about the attractiveness of Indian facial profiles. Methods: In this study, a male and a female participants' photographs and lateral cephalograms were digitally manipulated by inserting them into Dolphin software; we considered four soft tissue parameters at a nasolabial angle, upper lip E-line, lower lip E-line, and pg-pg', so that 20 profiles were created for each model. A visual analog scale (VAS) along with a question about surgical correction opinion was given to 18 orthodontists, 18 general dentists, and 18 laypersons to score (1-5) from least to most attractive. Spearman's rank correlation was computed to assess correlation, as well as ANOVA, followed by post hoc Tukey analysis to compare the mean scores, and Chi-square test to determine the opinion about surgical treatment. Results: There was an overall weak and negative correlation between the three groups, indicating that orthodontists attributed lower pleasantness scores to almost all the altered female and male facial profiles. Additionally, statistically significantly lower mean scores were attributed by orthodontists to many females and few male facial profiles. More orthodontists identified the need for surgical correction for a few severely distorted profiles but there was a statistically non-significant difference among the groups for most of the profiles. Conclusions: It was concluded that participants in the three groups had diverse concepts of facial attractiveness in all the parameters considered. Compared to general dentists and laypersons, orthodontists were much more precise, firmer, and meticulous in identifying a favorable or good-looking profile.

KNOWLEDGE & ATTITUDE OF GENERAL DENTIST, REGARDING PERIODONTAL DISEASE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT PROTOCOL AND PERIODONTAL SPECIALIST REFERRAL

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general dentists regarding periodontal disease diagnosis, treatment strategies, and referrals to specialists.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 185 dentists in Peshawar, utilizing a pre-customized, closed-ended questionnaire through convenience sampling technique. The survey included practitioners from dental government and private teaching hospitals as well as independent clinics, encompassing both genders and any age. Informed consent was incorporated into the questionnaire. Exclusion criteria were undergraduate students, house surgeons, and periodontists. Data were collected using the questionnaire based on participants' understanding of periodontal diseases, diagnostic frequency, referral practices, and treatment approaches.Results: Most dentists favored scaling as the primary treatment for bleeding on probing (n=149, 80.54%) and identifi ed loss of attachment as the cause of tooth mobility (n=158, 85.41%). The study revealed a significant association between years of experience and various aspects of periodontal care, including referral practices (p=0.047), diagnostic accuracy (p=0.018), and treatment strategies (p=0.05). Despite a recognized link between poor oral hygiene and periodontal diseases, the referral rate to periodontists was notably low (10.27%). Conclusion: General dentists exhibit defi ciencies in knowledge concerning the causes, referral processes, and the importance of specialized care in periodontology.

Gingival augmentation of the edentulous site before implant placement using a transposed pedicled gingivectomy tissue: a novel surgical case report.

Keratinized gingiva around teeth, around edentulous sites or implants is important as it improves aesthetics, helps to maintain good oral hygiene around prosthesis, and prevents post-operative implant exposure. The amount of keratinized gingiva around teeth/prostheses is a crucial parameter that should be considered before placing the crowns and bridges around implants or edentulous teeth. The presence of adequate keratinized tissue around implants/prostheses is vital for good peri-implant health and improves the overall prognosis of the implant treatment. Augmentation of the attached gingiva is done using a free gingival graft (FGG) or alloderm. However, procurement of FGG is surgically demanding for general dentists as it technically demanding to procure the graft from the palate. Moreover, it creates a second surgical site with an increased risk of post-operative discomfort and bleeding. To overcome these limitations, this case report presents a novel non-invasive simple, surgical technique to augment keratinized tissue using partially excised pedicled gingivectomy tissue for augmentation of attached gingiva before prosthetic rehabilitation with implants.

Diagnostic approach used by US general dental practitioners following discovery of oral lesions suspicious for malignancy/premalignancy: findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

Oral cancer examinations seek to clinically identify early oral cancers and discover premalignancies prior to their progression to invasive cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and August 2017 to explore and quantify the diagnostic approach used by United States (US) general dental practitioners following discovery of an oral lesion suspicious for malignancy/premalignancy. US licensed general dental practitioners who were clinically active members of the US National Dental Practice-Based Research Network were eligible to participate. Data for analysis were obtained via two questionnaires. The majority of participants were males, practiced full-time, had a suburban primary practice, were born during the 1950s, and graduated dental school in the 1980s or 2000s. After identifying an oral lesion suspicious for premalignancy/malignancy, the next action of most general dental practitioner respondents (65.4%) was to refer the patient for consultation/biopsy. Most general dental practitioners (87.2%) referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon; 22% of general dental practitioners reported personally biopsying suspicious lesions. There was a relatively weak association between completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry or General Practice Residency and subsequently personally performing biopsies on patients with oral lesions suspicious for malignancy/premalignancy (OR 1.33, P = .06). Most written referrals took place electronically and often included information, including lesion location (87.0%), lesion sign/symptoms (85.3%), lesion history (83.9%), radiographs (59.3%), medical history (50.6%), dental history (48.8%), and photographs (42.4%). When a referral biopsy was performed, referring clinicians were most frequently informed of the findings via a written report (96.7%, when positive for malignancy/premalignancy, and 95.4% when negative). A snapshot is presented of current actions taken by US general dental practitioners following the discovery of oral abnormalities suspicious for premalignancy/malignancy.

Integrative approach for supernumerary teeth: a single-center retrospective analysis.

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive case analysis from a single center, with the objective of clarifying the optimal timing and recommendations for a preferred treatment strategy customized to the specific presentation of each type of supernumerary tooth identified in the research. A retrospective study was conducted on patients who presented with a supernumerary tooth and were treated interdisciplinarily at the clinic. In total, 55 patients with 81 supernumerary teeth of the permanent dentition were analyzed, 30 males and 25 females. The dentition status of the patients was as follows: 31 patients with mixed dentition, no patients with primary dentition, and 24 patients with permanent dentition. The diagnosis of supernumerary tooth was primarily made by general or pediatric dental practitioners and/or orthodontists. Patients were then referred to maxillofacial surgeons for treatment decision. The timing of treatment was mainly determined by the oral surgeon, based on the recommendations of the other specialists involved. Cases involving maleruption or malalignment of permanent teeth required both surgical and orthodontic treatment. Patients over 9 years old were treated either under local anesthesia or sedation, whereas those under 9 years old were treated under deep sedation or general anesthesia. A comprehensive investigation of cases involved the utilization of CBCT at the supernumerary tooth site to facilitate treatment planning. There was a significant correlation between younger age and the preference for treatment under sedation or general anesthesia (P = .01, t test). Similarly, a strong association was found between younger age and the need for additional orthodontic treatment (P = .016, t test). Cases of surgical removal of a supernumerary tooth at a young age typically did not require orthodontic traction of the permanent tooth, in contrast to cases of late surgical intervention (patients over 11 years old), which often did necessitate such traction. There was a strong tendency for treating supernumerary teeth in the maxilla. The proximity of supernumerary teeth to vital anatomical landmarks significantly influenced treatment decisions. Patients with supernumerary teeth near the mental foramen or the inferior dental canal in the premolar area were exclusively placed under follow-up care (P = .002, Pearson chi-square test). However, in the maxilla, the proximity of supernumerary teeth to vital structures such as the floor of the nose and the incisive nerve did not affect the treatment approach, and those supernumerary teeth were mostly removed. A team approach for managing supernumerary teeth is recommended. The timing of treatment should carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of early versus late intervention. Early surgical treatment in cases where eruption is disturbed might result in spontaneous eruption, eliminating the need for orthodontic traction of the permanent teeth.

Dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and awareness regarding interprofessional collaboration with physical therapists.

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between dentists and physical therapists (PT) could improve access to patient treatment and oral care outcomes. This study aimed to assess dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of IPC with PT. The study design included a 16-question online survey sent to dentists (n=102) at a university in fall 2022 via SurveyMonkey. This survey evaluated dentists' knowledge of PT services and IPC referrals, awareness of PT IPC improving oral health and continuing education (CE) opportunities, and attitudes toward team care. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-squared tests. Participants included general dentists (71.2%) and dental specialists (28.8%), with experience ranging from 1-5 years through 55+ years. Gender distribution included approximately 46.2% female and 53.8% male, with a survey response rate of 51.0% (n=52). Females reported a significantly higher interest in PT IPC (p=0.016) and referring (p=0.022) than males. Dentists in practice for 21-40 years reported significantly higher participation in CE referral courses compared to other groups (p=0.011). Compared to dental specialists, general dentists had a significantly more positive attitude when asked if dental collaboration with PT and physicians is equally important (p=0.001). Additionally, 78.8% of respondents reported interest in attending a CE course on interprofessional education. This study demonstrated dentists' limited awareness of the PT interprofessional collaborative approach. Females and general dentists reported higher positive attitudes toward PT IPC relationships. Most dentists were interested in attending additional IPC training.

Clinical use of cone-beam computed tomography in Western Norway: a referral-based retrospective study.

To elucidate cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) referral profiles in Western Norway. In all, 3,031 referrals to oral- and maxillofacial radiologist were reviewed. Patient data were retrieved retrospectively from electronic charts. The patient's age, gender, and perceived clinical indication were noted, as well as relevant medical and dental history and whether the referring clinician was a general dentist or held a clinical dental specialty. A total of 2,680 referrals fulfilled the inclusion criteria (UiB n = 1,471, and TkVestland, n = 1,209). The female:male ratio was 1,427:1,253. Mean age was 33 years - 35 years for females compared to 31 years for males (p < 0.001). The most common clinical indications were related to impacted teeth (29%), endodontic issues (17%), cleft lip palate (12%), and resorptions (10%). Less common were bone lesions, implant planning, trauma to the teeth or jaws, atypical orofacial pain, and temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ). The patient age-profiles mirrored differences in indications within the cohort. Most referrals were from specialist dentists such as orthodontists, oral surgeons, and endodontists. Interestingly, 543/2,680 (20%) referrals were from general dentists. Conclusions: Specialist dentists such as orthodontists, oral surgeons, and endodontists refer most patients for clinical indications such as impacted teeth, endodontic issues, and resorptions.

Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries in the Public Dental Services—A Qualitative Exploration of Perceived Challenges and Needs

ABSTRACTBackground/AimThis study explored perceived challenges in the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) among general dentists in the public dental service (PDS) of Vestland County in Western Norway and their needs for improving treatment care for TDI patients.Participants and MethodsThis qualitative study conducted three focus group discussions. We recruited a purposive sample of seven general dentists employed in the PDS in Vestland County in Western Norway. The three focus groups consisted of two, two, and three participants, respectively. The focus group discussion took place via the Microsoft electronic platform Teams, and it was visual, and audio recorded. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using systematic text condensation.ResultsThe general dentists in this study experienced the management of TDI as a set of complex procedures that require good theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, skills, and teamwork. We were able to group these challenges into three results categories: (1) proficiency challenges, (2) the challenge of stress and discomfort during dental procedures, and (3) the challenge of the organization of the PDS. The participants also expressed the need for practical courses, calibration, and refresher courses in dental traumatology. Their needs fell into two categories: (1) regular, clinically relevant continuing professional development and (2) collective efforts in TDI management.ConclusionIncreasing awareness of the challenges in TDI management and addressing the need for improved dental treatment for TDI patients may lead to targeted programs to enhance dentists' knowledge and skills. There is considerable potential for training dentists in dental traumatology.

General dentists’ treatment plans in response to cosmetic complains; a field study using unannounced-standardized-patient

BackgroundThis field study explored general dentists' treatment plans in response to the request for cosmetic services of an unannounced standardized patient (USP) in Mashhad, Iran. MethodsThe researcher, as a USP, visited 24 and 23 offices in a high-income and a low-income area, respectively. The primary complaint was that, according to her friend's comments, a dental student, her smile was "crooked and yellow" due to the congenitally missing tooth number 10 and peg-shaped tooth number 8. The dentists' treatment plans for teeth color and form and the cosmetic services expenses were recorded. The treatment plans of the two areas were compared. ResultsFor dental form, most dentists' treatment plans were categorized as "No intervention" (privileged area: 37.5 %, less-privileged area: 56.53 %, and total: 46.80 %). The percentage of dentists in the privileged area who prescribed cosmetic services was twice that of the less-privileged area (33.33 % versus 17.39 %). The intervention for dental form varied from placing 1 unit of composite veneer to 10 units of ceramic laminates or orthodontics with a wide range of treatment costs ($42.09 to $1079.14). For tooth color, most dentists (privileged area: 62.50 %, less-privileged area: 30.43 %, and total: 46.80 %) were categorized as "Interventionists." For tooth color, the treatment plans varied from scaling and root planing, bleaching, and composite veneer with various costs ($7.19 to $197.84). ConclusionCosmetic treatment plans and expenses varied significantly for a single USP, with many not aligning with the standard treatment plan. Some dentists offered treatments even without a chief complaint from the patient. Dentists in privileged areas were twice as likely to prescribe cosmetic treatments compared to those in less privileged areas. Therefore, cosmetic services necessitate monitoring, establishing clear diagnostic criteria, and implementing educational interventions.

Knowledge and Attitude of General Dentists, Senior Dental Students, and Orthodontic Residents Toward Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The main objective of this study was to compare the knowledge and attitude of general dentists, senior dental students, and orthodontic residents toward obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A questionnaire was designed and administered among 73 senior dental students, 84 general dentists, and 50 orthodontic residents. The questionnaire asked for demographic information of the participants and assessed their knowledge and attitude toward OSA. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed by experts. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests using SPSS (α = 0.05). The mean knowledge scores of general dentists and senior dental students were significantly lower than those of orthodontic residents (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the knowledge score of senior dental students and general dentists (p = 1). The mean knowledge score was significantly higher in dentists with 1-3 years of professional clinical experience (p = 0.02). The knowledge score was the highest in dentists working in private clinics followed by private offices and public clinics. The mean attitude score was the highest in orthodontic residents followed by general dentists and dental students. There was no significant difference in attitude based on the attended university, age, or time of graduation. According to the results, general dentists had insufficient knowledge about OSA, which could result in under-diagnosis or misdiagnosis of patients with OSA. This finding highlights the need for further education and training for dentists to properly identify and refer OSA patients to orthodontists or sleep specialists.

Sleep medicine education in the United States advanced dental education programs.

Dental sleep medicine is an emerging field within dentistry. While limited education in sleep medicine has been reported among US predoctoral dental schools, no study has been conducted among postgraduate dental programs. This study compared the extent and exposure to sleep medicine education among US postgraduate programs in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, orofacial pain (OFP), general practice residency (GPR), and advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD). A REDCap survey was distributed among N=391 US postgraduate programs investigating the nature, content, and modality of sleep education during the 2023-24 academic year. Among 68 responding programs (43.1% GPR, 18.5% AEGD, 18.5% orthodontics, 12.3% pediatric dentistry, and 7.7% OFP), faculty with sleep training constituted 7.5%, with 2.6% being board certified in sleep medicine. Approximately 41.8% of programs offered sleep medicine courses, with differences among specialties (100% OFP, 42.9% GPR, 37.5% pediatric dentistry, 33.3% orthodontics, 16.7% AEGD; p=0.032). Didactic teaching comprised 7.8±14.6h/year (range 0h/year in 21.5% to 80h/year in 1.5%), with differences across programs (OFP=44.0±17.7, orthodontics=8.7±11.0, GPR=5.0±8.0, pediatric dentistry=2.1±1.9, and AEGD=2.9±5.4; p<0.001), and constituted the primary modality of instruction (mainly obstructive sleep apnea, bruxism, sleep physiology). Screening and treatment for sleep-related disorders were provided by 35.9% and 37.9% of programs, respectively, with variations among specialties (p=0.004). Our findings revealed an average of 7.8h/year of didactic sleep medicine instruction, which differed across specialties. OFP offered the highest level of didactic and clinical training. These findings emphasize the need for increased dental sleep medicine education to address the increasing involvement of dental professionals in managing sleep-related disorders.

Assessment of the Difference Between General Practitioners and Specialists in Antibiotic Prescription for Emergency Patients

Background:Endodontic emergencies are one of the most common emergencies that dentists face during their career. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and assess the difference between general dentists and endodontists in managing endodontic emergency cases. Also, it highlights the risk of bacterial resistance due to an inappropriate antibiotic prescription. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdul-Aziz University Dental Hospital, a self-administered survey was distributed to 521 dental patients. The response rate was 82.9% (432 out of 521). The survey, available in both paper and electronic formats, comprised 24 questions organized into three main sections: the first section collected demographic and medical history data, the second focused on the patients' dental history related to emergencies, and the third detailed the treatment received during emergencies and the methods employed. A Fisher's exact test was utilized to assess significant differences between general dental practitioners and endodontic specialists regarding their initial steps, reasons for treatment, swelling conditions, biting and chewing conditions, and final treatments. Data analysis involved simple descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequency distributions, pie charts, and bar graphs. Statistical significance was determined with a p-value set at ≤ 0.05. Results: The study revealed that decay was the most prevalent reason for endodontic treatment, with immediate treatment being the preferred choice among dentists. Despite the well-documented issue of endodontic treatment failure due to inadequate coronal sealing, the majority of general dentists performed root canal treatments followed by either temporary or permanent restorations. Additionally, the study found that general dentists prescribed antibiotics more frequently than endodontists. Conclusion: The study findings indicate the need to develop intervention programs targeting clinicians to enhance knowledge about prescribing antibiotics for endodontic emergencies.

Desirable clinical settings in general dentistry: moving towards the improvement of the educational program

BackgroundThe main task of dental schools is to prepare professional dentists with a high social responsibility. This study provided some practical suggestions from experts regarding desirable clinical settings, in order to establish an infrastructure for practical studies in Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Prosthodontics, Oral Health, and Social Dentistry.MethodsThis research was conducted using a modified Delphi technique in two rounds. The first round involved qualitative content analysis. Participants in interviews were selected purposeful and maximum diversity across the country. To determine the validity and reliability of the data, the four axes proposed by Lichon and Guba were utilized. The second round involved a researcher-made questionnaire, which consisted of 55 questions. This questionnaire was distributed to all dental schools across the country. The validity of the questionnaire were evaluated and by experts and then reviewed. The reliability of the tool was determined to be 0.96 using the alpha coefficient method.ResultsThe final codes from the interviews of the first round were divided into two categories: settings and educational programs. The final results of research were placed into 2 section: educational settings and instructors, and educational infrastructures. 70% participants agreed to use the college’s clinical morning sessions. More than 80% agreed to start up a main clinic with the proposed structure and professors. The use of the hospitalization area also had an agreement of more than 80%. Additionally, community areas such as health service centers, welfare centers, special patient centers, factories, schools, etc. obtained an agreement of over 70%.ConclusionsThe results of this study are presented in the form of suggestions for improving the general dentistry program in relation to educational setting, educators, and educational infrastructures. The common agreement among participants regarding educational settings and their diversity, educational programs, and desired instructors reviewed in the research shows the necessity of reviewing and changing their educational programs in Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, Prosthodontics, Oral Health, and Social Dentistry.

Current Endodontic Practices among Romanian Dental Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Root canal therapy (RCT) is usually performed in Romania by general dentists (GDPs) because they are more readily available and more reasonably priced than endodontists. Concerns have been raised about the quality of RCTs performed by GDPs, possibly due to insufficient equipment or knowledge; therefore, this study aims to investigate current endodontic practices in Romania. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted via a questionnaire distributed to 400 randomly selected Romanian dentists, with 285 fully validated completed responses (71.25% response rate). Respondents were grouped by speciality, and statistical analysis, including cross-tabulation and the χ2 (chi-square) test, was used, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05 for all tests. Results: Significant differences were found in the use of magnification, rubber dam, sodium hypochlorite concentration, and bioceramics (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in preferences for measuring working length (p = 0.166) or rotary instrument motion (p = 0.289). Approximately 6% of the respondents used laser technology with no significant difference across specialities (p = 0.571). Additionally, 77.9% preferred using sodium hypochlorite, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.006) regarding concentration. Conclusions: Most participants, including GDPs, use modern equipment and techniques during RCT, indicating their awareness and competence in current endodontic practices.

Kid-Sized Dentistry: A Pioneering First-of-Its-Kind Study on Customizing Dental Tools and Technology for Pediatric Care.

Introduction At the core of pediatric dentistry lies a profound understanding of child development, behavior management, and tailored treatment modalities. Similarly, tailoring dental tools and technology to address the distinct requirements of children is an essential aspect of pediatric dental practice. Kid-sized dentistry is the customization of dental tools and technology to effectively meet the unique needs of children. This study is the first to comprehensively explore all dimensions of resizing dental tools and technology for children, synthesizing scattered literature on the topic into a unified analysis, a trailblazing contribution to the field. Therefore, the aim of this article is to address these research gaps by conducting both a comprehensive analysis and a cross-sectional study. Methods To gather information for the subject, we conducted searches using both free-text terms and specific MeSH terms. We searched for articles published in English up to July 2024 across various electronic databases. Utilizing keywords, we initially obtained approximately 25-30 relevant literature studies, from which we selected 15-20 which were more topic-specific. We conducted an original survey to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of pediatric and general dentists regarding kid-sized dentistry in the Jabalpur zone. This survey employed a validated, structured questionnaire designed to collect data comprehensively. Results Despite high awareness, there remains a gap in the actual use of these tools and technology, particularly among general dentists. Conclusion In the realm of dentistry, every specialty brings a unique lens through which patient care is viewed. Within this mosaic, the pediatric dentist offers a particularly invaluable perspective, one that is grounded in the delicate nuances of treating children. Pediatric dentistry, in particular, focuses on the specialized needs of children, with an emphasis on understanding child development, behavior management, and customized treatment approaches. Central to this field is the adaptation of dental tools and technologies to suit pediatric patients. Insights from pediatric clinicians have contributed to advancements in dental equipment, improving its suitability for children. Increasing awareness of these innovations among both general and pediatric dentists can enhance this progress. This study underscores the need for ongoing education and advocacy to ensure all dental professionals have access to the best tools for treating young patients.

Knowledge and Awareness on Aligner Treatment Protocol Among General Dentists, and Non Orthodontic Specialists: A Questionnaire study

The general dental practitioners and other non-orthodontic specialists can play the role of orthodontic health educators. Dentists have the responsibility to recognize, diagnose, and manage or refer abnormalities in the developing dentition. Hence for proper counseling and referral, general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists must have adequate level of orthodontic knowledge. Aim and objective: This study aims to determine and evaluate the knowledge and attitude of general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists towards early orthodontic treatment. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge of orthodontic treatment among general dentists and non-orthodontic specialists and to compare the knowledge of orthodontic treatment between the two groups. Material and methods: 308 dental professionals were included in the study. The participants were divided into three groups; Group I included general practitioners, Group II had non-orthodontic postgraduate students, and Group III had non- orthodontic specialists. The questionnaire included 20 closed-ended, multiple choice questions. The first five questions include; general information such as gender, age, educational qualification, years of clinical experience and attachment to educational institutions. The next fifteen questions depict the attitude and awareness of principles and practices in orthodontics. Results: The study highlights the need for better education for treatment concepts in aligner therapy to the general dentist and non-orthodontic specialist. Conclusion: Conduction of Continuing Education programs to update them regularly in newer treatment protocols might be of great help to the practitioners in providing meticulous care to their patients. Overall, clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment by offering improved aesthetics, patient acceptance, and quality of life.

Identification and Management of Dental Anxiety by New Zealand Dentists.

More than 1 in 8 New Zealand (NZ) adults are dentally anxious, which can lead to avoiding dental care and a higher risk of poor oral health. However, little is known about how dentally anxious patients are identified and managed by NZ general dentists. This survey aimed to investigate how NZ dentists identify and manage dentally anxious patients. We conducted an email survey of NZ dentists in 2022, obtaining 212 responses. Along with demographic information, respondents were queried about whether they ask patients about past/current dental fears and their likely origin, how they assessed those fears, their usual management of dentally anxious patients, and how the management of dentally anxious patients could be improved. Almost three-quarters reported personally asking patients about past and/or current dental fears, and half enquired about bad life experiences that had led to those fears. Only 6 respondents (2.8%) reported using a formal dental anxiety/phobia assessment tool prior to treatment. For managing severely anxious adult dental patients, all dentists used at least 1 pharmacologic or psychological technique or referral to a colleague. The study identified several weaknesses among NZ dentists in identifying and managing dental anxiety patients. The use of formal dental anxiety/phobia assessment tools prior to treatment needs improvement. Addressing dental anxiety is a complex issue that requires a multipronged approach involving improved education, the development and implementation of better assessment tools, and a greater understanding of how dentists' current assessment and management of dental anxiety can be improved.

Developing implant mentoring programmes: breaking down the components.

Mentoring has been identified as a key component of training in implant dentistry. However there has been little guidance about how this should take place, the expected outcomes, who should be providing mentoring, and the processes involved. Dentists are required to ensure they are appropriately trained, competent and confident when undertaking clinical tasks. Mentoring will play a key role in giving assurance that these are in place. This article, which is partly based on the College of General Dentistry publication Mentoring in Implant Dentistry: Good Practice Guidelines, provides background and context to the role of mentoring in implant dentistry training programmes. Key components of structured mentoring programmes are described to assist mentors, mentees, and implant education providers.

Correlation Study on Personal Factors of General and Specialist Dentists Regarding Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries

Traumatic dental injuries are increasingly recognized as a significant dental health issue, particularly among children and adolescents. These injuries commonly result from falls, motorbike accidents, sports injuries, or violence. Both general dentists and specialists are responsible for providing emergency care for these injuries, making it essential for them to have sufficient knowledge and experience in managing such cases. This study aims to assess the personal factors influencing the emergency management of traumatic dental injuries among general dentists and specialists in Medan City. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used, involving a total sample of 300 general and specialist dentists. Data analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods. The results showed a significant correlation between knowledge, perception, experience, and work length in managing traumatic dental injuries (p&lt;0.00). However, no correlation was found between age and gender with the ability to manage these injuries (p&gt;0.00). Among the variables, knowledge was identified as the most influential factor. The study concludes that while knowledge, perception, experience, and work duration play a critical role in emergency management, age and gender do not. It is recommended that dentists in Medan continuously enhance their knowledge in this area to ensure effective treatment, reduce patient anxiety, and improve patient satisfaction.