General Dentists Research Articles

Communication skills influence horse owners' trust in their equine veterinarians.

Trust is an essential component of the relationship between veterinarians and horse owners. To what extent do horse owners consider their vets to be trustworthy, what aspects are important to horse owners when evaluating their vet's trustworthiness and how can equine vets become more trusted? Using an anonymous online survey, we asked horse owners whether they consider their veterinarians to be credible, reliable, empathetic and self-orientated, and therefore trustworthy compared with other professionals. Which of their equine vet's characteristics and behaviours influence how credible, reliable, empathetic and self-orientated, and therefore trustworthy, they appear? Credibility, reliability, empathy and self-orientation scores for equine veterinarians, human medical general practitioners (GPs), hairdressers/barbers and dentists were compared using a Kruskal‒Wallis H-test and post hoc Dunn's test and then combined to create a trustworthiness rating. The importance of various characteristics and behaviours displayed by equine vets when horse owners assess how credible, reliable, empathetic and self-orientated they appear was investigated using quantitative scoring and thematic analysis. A total of 415 horse owners completed the survey. Overall, respondents considered equine veterinarians to be significantly more credible, reliable and empathetic than GPs, hairdressers/barbers and dentists. Using the trust equation, equine veterinarians had the highest trustworthiness rating(8.33), followed by hairdressers/barbers and dentists (5.5) and then GPs (4.75). Only the views of a small subset of horse owners are represented. As such, the findings may not be representative of horse owners more generally. Veterinarians' communication skills influence clients' perceptions of their credibility, reliability, empathy and self-orientation. Additionally, equine veterinarians should develop their clinical skills and knowledge to increase credibility. Meanwhile, perceptions of reliability, empathy and self-orientation can be improved by continuity of care, demonstrating a clear interest in the patient and avoiding rushed consultations, respectively.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of General Dentists Towards Tele-dentistry

Background: Considering the growing importance of tele-dentistry and its potential to enhance the delivery of dental services, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of private dental offices towards this technology. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 50 general dentists practicing in Semnan city, selected based on entry criteria through the enumeration method. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire (including gender and years since graduation) and a 15-item researcher-made questionnaire designed to assess their KAP towards tele-dentistry. Results: Among the participants, 54% (27 participants) were female, and 46% (23 participants) were male, with an average age of 30.2 ± 6.48 years. The mean number of years since graduation was 7.74 ± 5.13 years. The mean and standard deviation of KAP scores were 5.96 ± 1.07 (knowledge), 34.32 ± 3.41 (attitude), and 1.44 ± 0.50 (practice), respectively. Men scored significantly higher in knowledge compared to women (7.26 ± 0.91 vs. 6.70 ± 1.14; P = 0.037). There was a significant inverse correlation between knowledge scores and years since graduation (r = -0.292; P = 0.032). Additionally, 52% (26 participants) reported having used tele-dentistry, while 96% (48 participants) expressed an intention to use it in the future. Conclusions: The findings suggest that knowledge regarding tele-dentistry was notably higher among men and those with fewer years since graduation. Health policies should prioritize training programs to enhance general dentists' knowledge and practice of tele-dentistry, supporting its effective implementation in dental care.

The pattern of antibiotics prescription for endodontic infections in Malaysia: Cross sectional survey study.

This study aimed to assess the antibiotic prescribing pattern for endodontic infections among general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontic specialists in Malaysia. A 22-questions survey on demographic and general information on antibiotic prescribing patterns for endodontic infection was delivered to the email addresses of general dentists and specialists via the Dental Practitifoner Information Management System database. Collected data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression tests at the significance level of 0.05. A total of 372 responses were collected. 94% of respondents were GDPs, and 6% endodontists. Clinical experience and frequency of endodontic treatment performance were the significant factors in prescribing antibiotics (p < 0.05). The common reasons for antibiotic prescription were to control the spread of infection and fever (88%). Endodontists have better knowledge of antibiotic prescription than GDPs. The majority of GDPs had inappropriately prescribed antibiotics. Improving the knowledge of GDPs in Malaysia regarding antibiotics-indications in endodontics is mandatory.

The effects of professional expertise on perceptions of treatment need in patients with class II division 1 malocclusion: a comparison between orthodontists, general dentists, and lay people in Germany.

This study aimed to compare the perception of practitioners with varying levels of expertise and laypeople regarding the orthodontic treatment need and facial harmony in patients with increased anterior overjet. Three groups of observers (orthodontists, general dentists, and laypeople, in total n = 48) were asked to rate on images-using a10-point visual analog scale (VAS)-the facial harmony and treatment need of asample of 8patients with classII division1 malocclusion and overjets of 2, 4, 6, and 8 mm. Statistically significant differences were observed between the three groups of observers regarding patients with an overjet of 4 mm and above (p < 0.001). Treatment need was perceived at an overjet of 4 mm by orthodontists and 6 mm by general dentists, whereas laypeople did not perceive aneed for treatment in any of the groups (p < 0.001). Regarding perception of facial harmony, orthodontists had the lowest threshold (4 mm overjet), while dentists followed at agreater overjet of 6 mm or more (p < 0.001). Astatistically significant correlation between the noticed facial harmony and the perceived orthodontic treatment need was found in all observers (p < 0.001). The perceived orthodontic treatment need for classII division1 malocclusion increased with increasing professional expertise.

Dental team barriers and enablers for the dental management of adults with severe obesity: a qualitative analysis

BackgroundBroad challenges regarding the dental management of people with severe obesity experienced by general dentists have been minimally explored. The perspectives of the dental team regarding these multifaceted issues are currently unknown and they potentially impede the delivery of optimal dental care to this population and contribute to poor oral and general health.AimsOur qualitative study aimed to identify and explore barriers and enablers in the dental management of adults with severe obesity among dental professionals and support staff in Australia.MethodsFocus groups and semi-structured interviews (n = 34 participants) were conducted with dental professionals (n = 23) and support staff (n = 11). Recordings were transcribed verbatim and synthesised using thematic, inductive analysis.ResultsMultiple barriers to adequate provision of dental care for people living with severe obesity in both general and specialist dental settings were identified. Key themes emerged related to the clinical challenges reported by participants in providing dental management for people living with severe obesity, appropriateness of existing bariatric dental service provision and safety of care. Enablers to access were identified, including increased availability of bariatric dental chairs, environmental modifications, education of both patients and the entire dental team and for guideline development.ConclusionThe current study explored multiple barriers to optimal dental management of people living with severe obesity in both general and specialist dental settings. Enablers should be used to inform future practice. The optimisation of existing bariatric dental service provision requires urgent review with solutions guided by systemic change. Study findings suggest a review of current health systems, economics, access barriers, policies and procedures and education and training beyond the individual level are needed. Future directions to improve the dental management of people living with severe obesity are proposed.

Features of endodontic treatment of teeth with curved root canals according to a survey of dentists

Purpose: to identify difficulties of endodontic treatment of teeth with curved root canals according to a survey of dentists. Materials and methods: 90 dentists (26 men, 64 women) participated in the survey. 68 people had a therapeutic certificate, 19 people had an orthopedic certificate, 10 people had a surgical certificate, 6 people had a certificate in pediatric dentistry, and 43 people had a certificate in general dentistry (some respondents indicated that they had several certificates). The average age of respondents is 32 years (23–60). The interviewed dentists conduct practical work in public medical institutions, private dental clinics, and rented offices. The questionnaire included 20 questions (6 questions were aimed at collecting demographic data, 14 questions were aimed at obtaining information about the treatment of teeth with curved root canals). The questionnaire was submitted electronically to Google Forms. Statistical analysis of conjugacy tables using the Pearson chi-square test was performed using the program StatTech (Russia). Results: this survey reliably showed that dentists often experience difficulties in treating teeth with curved root canals. Dentists working in state institutions are significantly more likely to note that the rubberdam latex interferes (p= 0.049) and the clamp bow (p= 0.029) compared to doctors working in other institutions. Dentists working in a rented office are significantly more likely to report that a rubberdam latex interferes (p= 0.024) compared to doctors working in other institutions. Dentists who report difficult access when working with the mesial buccal canal of the lower molars are significantly more likely to note that a rubberdam latex interferes (p= 0.036). Dentists who use the approach «first negotiation to the working length – then coronal flaring» significantly more often experience difficulties when working with the mesial buccal first canal of the upper molars. Conclusions: the results of the survey demonstrated a number of differences in the performance of endodontic treatment of teeth with curved root canals. Based on the survey, statistically significant relationships were identified between some work features and difficulties encountered by doctors at the stages of treatment.

Knowledge, and treatment of molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) among dentists in Jordan: a cross-sectional questionnaire based study.

The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, and treatment of MIH among dentists in Jordan. An online questionnaire using Google Forms was sent to the dentists who were registered with the Jordan Dental Association and worked in Jordan through social media groups. The questionnaire consisted of three sections, sociodemographic characteristics, the knowledge of dentists about the aetiology, diagnosis, and prevalence of MIH, and treatment options and barriers for treating MIH. Descriptive statistics with chi-squared test was used, and level of statistical significance was set to 5%. A total of 388 dentists had responded to the questionnaire (response rate 24.25%), (80.7%) reported that they have come across MIH cases during their practice. Yellow/brown demarcations were reported as the most common presentation of MIH (45.6%). All paediatric dentists were confident in diagnosing MIH, this was statistically higher than that reported by general dentists (56.8%) and dentists of other specialities (60.2%), P = 0.000. Pre-formed metal crowns were the treatment of choice for (57.2%) of participant, followed by composite restorations (52.3%). Child behaviour (56.2%), and late acknowledgment of the defect by the parents (46.1%) were the most encountered barriers for treatment. Molar incisor hypomineralisation is a common condition that is encountered frequently by general dental practitioners as well as dental specialists, nevertheless most dentists were not aware about the prevalence of MIH in Jordan and indicated their need to improve their approach regarding MIH diagnosis and treatment.

Exploration and innovative application of digital technology in pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentistry treats patients aged 0-18 years, encompassing the characteristics of general dentistry. The clinical techniques are closely related to restorative dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgery, while also possessing unique aspects. It particularly focuses on the growth and development patterns of children's dentition and maxillofacial structures. Currently, digital technology has deeply integrated with various clinical disciplines of dentistry, and pediatric dentistry has made significant progress with pediatric-specific digital applications. On one hand, the introduction of mature digital technologies is enabling the digital transformation of pediatric dental treatment models; on the other hand, there is innovative development of new digital technologies tailored to the specific needs of pediatric dental care, filling gaps in the field. Based on years of research in digital technology for pediatric dentistry, our team details the current innovative applications and scientific explorations in this area from these two perspectives. Additionally, we anticipate the potential expansion of digital technologies not yet applied in pediatric dentistry, providing a reference for clinical scholars in the field to conduct exploratory research.

Accuracy and Consistency of Gemini Responses Regarding the Management of Traumatized Permanent Teeth.

The aim of this cross-sectional observational analytical study was to assess the accuracy and consistency of responses provided by Google Gemini (GG), a free-access high-performance multimodal large language model, to questions related to the European Society of Endodontology position statement on the management of traumatized permanent teeth (MTPT). Three academic endodontists developed a set of 99 yes/no questions covering all areas of the MTPT. Nine general dentists and 22 endodontic specialists evaluated these questions for clarity and comprehension through an iterative process. Two academic dental trauma experts categorized the knowledge required to answer each question into three levels. The three academic endodontists submitted the 99 questions to the GG, resulting in 297 responses, which were then assessed for accuracy and consistency. Accuracy was evaluated using the Wald binomial method, while the consistency of GG responses was assessed using the kappa-Fleiss coefficient with a confidence interval of 95%. A 5% significance level chi-squared test was used to evaluate the influence of question level of knowledge on accuracy and consistency. The responses generated by Gemini showed an overall moderate accuracy of 80.81%, with no significant differences found between the responses of the academic endodontists. Overall, high consistency (95.96%) was demonstrated, with no significant differences between GG responses across the three accounts. The analysis also revealed no correlation between question level of knowledge and accuracy or consistency, with no significant differences. The results of this study could significantly impact the potential use of Gemini as a free-access source of information for clinicians in the MTPT.

Teledentistry for Pediatric Dental Emergency: Comparison Between Experienced and Novice Users

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry was often employed for pediatric emergency treatments. Dental students acted as the first health providers using teledentistry under the supervision of faculties in most hospital-based or university-based medical centers during the lockdown period. The aims of this study were to assess the quality of using teledentistry among general dentists (GDs) and dental students (DSs) for managing pediatric dental emergencies. Methods: In total, 60 DSs and 85 GDs were recruited in this study. Each participant was assigned to one of five teledentistry emergency scenarios in pediatric dentistry using a stratified random assignment method. Teledentistry with five emergency scenario simulations was used to evaluate the quality of diagnosis (QD) and treatment (QT) and the detailed information (DI) among all participants. A post-visit survey collected demographic data, usability, confidence in diagnosis (CD), and confidence in treatment recommendation (CT). Descriptive and inferential statistics data were analyzed. The significance level was set as p &lt; 0.05. Results: Overall, the study showed that GDs and DSs can use teledentistry to provide good quality of diagnosis (74.5%) and treatment recommendations (77.2%). When encountering pediatric dental emergency scenarios, GDs scored significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) than DSs regarding QD, QT, CD, and CT. Significant differences were noted in QD (p &lt; 0.001), QT (p &lt; 0.001), CD (p = 0.045), and DI (p = 0.042) when the subjects encountered five different scenarios. Significant correlations were noted between the amount of detailed information subjects obtained with the quality of diagnosis and treatment recommendation. Confidence in diagnosis is significantly correlated to the quality of diagnosis (p = 0.034) and treatment recommendation (p = 0.042). However, the confidence in treatment recommendation is not correlated with either QD or QT. Both GDs and DSs hold positive attitudes toward the usability of teledentistry. Conclusions: Teledentistry is effective for diagnosing and managing pediatric dental emergencies. Experienced users provided a better quality of visit compared to novice users, so dental students should be supervised when performing a teledentistry visit.

Disability, poverty and health-service accessibility in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based repeated cross-sectional study in Colombia

ObjectivesIn Colombia, 4.3% of the population 5 years or older lives with a disability. They face higher levels of poverty and social exclusion compared with persons without disabilities. This article...

Antibiotic use in pediatric dental infections: knowledge and awareness levels of dentists

Antibiotics are crucial in treating infections; however, their unnecessary and incorrect use can lead to numerous health issues, notably antibiotic resistance. Evaluating the accuracy and awareness of antibiotic prescription practices among dentists, who play a significant role in antibiotic use, is critical in developing effective health policies and professional training programs. This study assesses dentists’ knowledge levels and practice habits regarding antibiotic use. Using a structured questionnaire, the research employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted with 202 general dentists, 98 pediatric dentists, and 43 oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Data were analyzed using demographic characteristics, antibiotic prescription practices, and scenario-based questions measuring knowledge levels. The results revealed that while most participants were generally knowledgeable about antibiotic use, inconsistencies in prescription practices were evident. Notably, unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions were identified in some cases, contributing to significant health issues such as antibiotic resistance. This study emphasizes the necessity of promoting conscious antibiotic use by evaluating dentists’ practices. Therefore, the urgent need for developing professional training programs and strengthening strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is paramount.

A INFLUÊNCIA DO AMBIENTE FAMILIAR NA SAÚDE BUCAL INFANTIL: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

In Brazil, around 53.4% of children aged five years have tooth decay in their primary teeth, highlighting the need for its control. The objective of this work is to report the experience of Dentistry students on the causes of the presence of tooth decay in children, throughout their training with children and their guardians. The results of the reflections were: presence of many carious lesions, difficulty in performing and supervising oral hygiene; excessive sugar consumption; neglect of oral care for deciduous teeth and misinformation about the harmful effects of this attitude on the quality of permanent dentures; perception that, although families are aware of the measures to be adopted to control these problems, in some of them those responsible do not have a routine supervision of oral hygiene or nutrition with excessive consumption of carbohydrates and sweets. The academics found that the more effective participation of Dentistry students in real practice scenarios in Primary Health Care can contribute to changing this perception. It is concluded that the Dentistry student, the general dentist or pediatric dentist and the family must work together to ensure that pediatric patients have better quality oral health.

Validity and Reliability According to the Type of Examiners in the Process of Calibrating Dental Caries Experience Using the DMFT Index.

The process of examiner calibration is an essential step in all epidemiological research, as it aims to ensure uniform interpretation, understanding, and application of the instrument to be used. This ensures that the data collected will be valid and reliable. This study aimed to determine the differences in concordance in dental caries calibration across three dental specialties. The population consisted of 45 dentists, divided into three groups: 15 general dentists working in the public sector, 15 dentists specializing in Dental Public Health, and 15 dentists specializing in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry. The calibration process was carried out in three stages: theory, calibration using photographs, and calibration on natural teeth, performed by the gold standard. In the first validity process, a statistical difference was only found between the Kappa values of the inter-examiner calibration process using photographs. For the evaluation of teeth, in the second validity process, 33.33% (n = 15) of the participants achieved "almost perfect agreement." Finally, only 75.56% (n = 34) of the examiners were considered for the reliability report; of this group, 52.94% (n = 18) were in "almost perfect agreement," and 35.29% (n = 12) were in "substantial agreement." The validity and reliability of the dental caries experience calibration process did not present significant statistical differences between general dentists in the public sector, dentists specializing in Dental Public Health, and dentists specializing in Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry.

Role of canine vertical position and gingival zenith level on smile aesthetics and qualitative evaluation of perception by orthodontists, general dentists and laypersons: A descriptive cross-sectional study

: Our objectives were to verify the impact of alterations in the vertical position of the maxillary canines in smile aesthetic perceptions and to determine whether exposure of the gingival margins directly affects laypersons' and orthodontists' perceptions.: To evaluate the impact of vertical position and gingival zenith level of maxillary canine on smile esthetics as judged by orthodontists, general dentist and laypersons: This is a qualitative, descriptive cross-sectional study aimed at studying the role of vertical position and gingival zenith level on the smile esthetic perception. A smiling photograph of a male subject with and without exposing the gingival zeniths was selected, and vertical positions and gingival zenith levels of canine were symmetrically modified in increments of 0.5 mm, creating two sets of 4 new modified images varying from 1.0 mm of intrusion to 1.0 mm of extrusion and 1.0 mm of increasing and decreasing the height with gingival exposure. The total of 15 images were evaluated by 40 orthodontists, 40 general dentists and 40 laypersons, who determined the level of attractiveness of each smile on a visual analog scale.: Both smile arc ( &amp;#60;0.05) and gingival display amount ( &amp;#60;0.001) had statistically significant influences on the perception of smile attractiveness. Smile attractiveness scores with reference to gingival display amount showed a statistically significant ( &amp;#60;0.001) difference between the rater groups. A significant ( &amp;#60;0.05) interaction between smile arc and gingival display amount was observed. No significant difference were noted with standard smiles and intrusion smiles. Also, with 0.5mm extrusion and intrusion images in low smile. The intra-evaluator groups showed no significant difference between intrusion and extrusion high as well as low smile images, (value&amp;#60;0.05 for all). significant difference was seen in extrusion and intrusion high smile at 0.5mm and low smile images at 1mm level, extrusion and intrusion low smile images at 0.5mm level, (value&amp;#62;0.05 for all), significantly higher intrusion and extrusion high smile images at 0.5mm level, (-value&amp;#60;0.05 for all). extrusion and intrusion high as well as low smile images at 1mm and 0.5mm levels, (-value&amp;#60;0.05 for all).: Orthodontists were more critical in their assessments. There were no differences in the esthetic evaluations of smiles with and without gingival margin exposure for both groups of evaluators. For all the three evaluator groups, the most attractive ones were the standard smile and smile with the intrusion of 0.5 in high smile, standard and extrusion of 0.5 mm in the low smile group 0.5 mm of increased gingival zenith level (GZL) as perceived by orthodontists and general dentists, while for laypeople it was the standard smile. The unattractive smiles have extrusion and intrusion of 1mm for all the three evaluator groups 1 mm followed of decreased GZL of canine, for orthodontists and general dentist with 1mm increased. Laypeople, orthodontists scored all the images more critically by giving lesser scores compared to the general dentists and laypeople.

The perspectives of laypeople, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists regarding the efficacy of different types of photographs in revealing the orthodontic treatment results

Aim: This study assessed the perspectives of laypeople, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists regarding the efficacy of different photographs in revealing the orthodontic treatment results. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, one Cl I and one Cl III orthodontic patient were selected by consensus of several orthodontists, and their preoperative and postoperative photographs were shown to 125 raters in 4 groups of laypeople, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists. The raters were asked to rate the clarity of the impact of treatment shown on each photograph using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Results: In the Cl I malocclusion patient, the frontal smiling view acquired the highest score among extraoral photographs, followed by the profile view and frontal view at rest (P&lt;0.001). Of intraoral photographs, the frontal view of occlusion acquired the highest score, followed by the maxillary occlusal view, mandibular occlusal view, and left and right views of occlusion (P&lt;0.001). In the Cl III patient (orthosurgery), the profile view acquired the highest score among extraoral photographs, followed by the frontal smiling view and frontal view at rest (P&lt;0.001). Of intraoral photographs, the frontal view of occlusion acquired the highest score, followed by the left and right occlusal views, maxillary occlusal view, and mandibular occlusal view (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: For patients with intraoral intra-arch changes, the frontal smiling view extraoral photograph and frontal occlusal view intraoral photograph best revealed the results. In patients with additional facial and extraoral changes, the extraoral profile view and intraoral frontal occlusal view best revealed the treatment results.

A Blissful Role of Probiotic Therapy as an Adjunct to Periodontal Surgery in the Treatment of Periodontitis.

Background Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that alters the alveolar bone structure, requiring treatment ranging from non-surgical to surgical periodontal therapies based on its severity. Surgical interventions, such as the modified Widman flap procedure and the open flap technique combined with methods like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), guided tissue regeneration (GTR), and bone grafts, aim to reduce periodontal pockets and regenerate lost tissues. The presence of pathogenic bacteria and the absence of beneficial bacteria contribute to periodontitis, with probiotics-live microorganisms that offer health benefits emerging as a promising adjunct in periodontal therapy. Probiotics can inhibit harmful organisms and enhance the oral mucosal lining, potentially improving clinical outcomes when used alongside surgical procedures. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of combining probiotics with open flap debridement (OFD) in managing chronic periodontitis, comparing it to OFD alone. Methodology Eighty individuals were recruited in this double-blind, randomization clinically controlled, split-mouth trial. The enrolled individuals were categorized in a random manner into either Group A (OFD) or Group B (OFD with probiotic therapy, OFD + P). Results Based on the results, significant differences were observed between the OFDand OFD + Pgroups. At baseline, the mean probing pocket depth (PPD) was 6.49 mm in the OFD group and 5.68 mm in the OFD + P group. After three weeks, the PPD decreased to 4.71 mm in the OFD group and 3.95 mm in the OFD + P group, with a p-value of 0.021, indicating a significant difference. By 12 weeks, the PPD was 3.20 mm for OFD and 2.74 mm for OFD + P, though the difference was not statistically significant (p-value 0.108). For relative attachment level (RAL), a significant difference was noted after three weeks with a p-value of 0.018; however, differences at baseline and 12 weeks were not significant. The gingival index (GI) did not show significant differences between the groups at any time point. Within-group analyses revealed significant improvements in PPD, RAL, and GI for both groups over time, with all p-values < 0.001. The OFD + P group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the OFD group in PPD and RAL after three weeks. Conclusion The use of probiotics in managing periodontal disease offers a cost-effective and convenient treatment option for periodontitis. Its integration into periodontal therapy should be emphasized for its potential benefits across all age groups, benefiting both periodontal surgeons and general dentists. Further research is needed to understand how well probiotics persist in the oral microflora and their precise effects on periodontal health. The future of periodontal therapy could greatly benefit from probiotics as a natural, food-based approach to enhancing immunity and improving oral health.

Gender Determination Through Dental Morphology: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Microesthetics portrays the tooth morphology, shape, size, shade, and color. The debate of whether microesthetics may or may not be related to gender is the main focus or interest of our study. The aim of our study is to assess if dentists are able to identify the gender of the patient by evaluating the dental morphology using intraoral photographs only (retracted lips and cheeks). This study was a retrospective cross-sectional survey among general dentists and dental specialists practicing in Kuwait. A sample of 151 participants was approached through a multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected through personal visits to each of the public dental centers. Of these 151 selected, a sample of 10 participants was randomly selected to repeat their participation and answer the questionnaire a second time 2 months after their initial partaking. The statistical analysis for the study was conducted using chi-square tests of goodness of fit and Pearson chi-square. The objectives of this were to compare the dentists' current performance to the task to see if it was due to chance, to compare their previous performance to chance, and to compare their previous and current performances using the McNemar test to determine if any significant differences existed. In our study, tooth morphology was linked to gender significantly by the participants, which showed that despite some differences, it may still be identified. However, orthodontists did not perform significantly better than other specialties. In conclusion, our study showed that dentists are able to identify or determine gender based on photographs, which is inconsistent with our starting hypothesis. Overall, the study's findings suggest that both orthodontists and dentists from other specialties could identify an individual's gender based on smiling photographs.

Clinical semiology guide for dentofacial deformities in early childhood

Dentofacial deformities can begin in a very subtle way, which is why there is a need for a well-defined diagnosis. To ascertain whether there is a consensus among specialists regarding the importance of identifying dentofacial deformities in children before they reach six years of age; and to develop and validate a screening tool to assist general dentists so that they can identify signs of craniofacial asymmetry, thereby directing preventive and minimally invasive approaches in children aged three to six years. The guide was created and validated by 37 specialist professionals, masters and doctors. The Delphi technique was used for data analysis, along with the content validity index (CVI) and Cronbach’s alpha. Among the evaluators, 81.08 % had completed their training more than 10 years ago and 78.38% had been working as dentists for more than 10 years; 2.16 % were specialists, 32.16 % had a master's degree and 5.41 % had a doctoral degree. The agreement between the evaluators through the CVI was 100 % and the average Cronbach's alpha was 0.7571, which was considered substantial or acceptable. The clinical semiology guide for detecting dentofacial deformities in children between 3 and 6 years of age was developed and validated.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy: A Review of Its Applications and Effectiveness in Health, General Dentistry and Endodontics

Aims: To evaluate the use of low-level laser therapy in endodontic treatment and its broader applicability in General Health and Dentistry. Study Design: Literature review. Place and Duration of Study: The study involved searching articles and book chapters in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases from 2018 to 2023, with the review concluding in 2024. Methodology: The review used descriptors from the Brazilian Health Sciences Descriptors database: Laser Therapy, Low-Level Light Therapy, Endodontic Treatment, Dentistry, and their Portuguese equivalents. A total of 34 articles were selected, focusing exclusively on low-level laser therapy and its applications. Articles not addressing this specific therapy were excluded. Results: Low-level laser therapy is frequently used as an adjunct in general health, dentistry and endodontic treatment. Clinical applications, such as postoperative pain control, root canal system disinfection, periapical surgery, and tissue repair, showed promising results. However, more theoretical and clinical evidence is still required to fully establish its efficacy. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and optimize its clinical use. Conclusion: Low-level laser therapy offers a potential non-invasive treatment option in endodontics, with satisfactory outcomes in various clinical applications.