Iranian Dentists Research Articles

Smoking Cessation Counseling: Practices, Determinants, and Barriers in a Sample of Iranian Primary Care Dentists

Objectives: Despite the successful tobacco smoking cessation counseling (TSCC) efforts of dental professionals, Iranian primary care dentists have not fully utilized their potential for TSCC provision. Thus, this study assessed the TSCC practices and their associations with socio-professional attributes, knowledge, and attitude, and explored the TSCC barriers and their socio-professional determinants in a sample of Iranian primary care dentists. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Comprehensive Healthcare Centers (CHCs) in Tehran Province, Iran from March to June 2019. All dentists practicing in these centers (n=190) completed self-administered questionnaires regarding TSCC-related knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers. Simple and multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: The respondents (n=180, response rate=93%) were predominantly females (81.6%), recent graduates (69.6%), and non-cigarette smokers (90.2%), with a mean age of 34±9.98 years. Most performed 'Ask' (90.6%) and 'Advise' (69.1%), while a few were engaged in 'Assess' (33.7%) and fewer in 'Assist,' with 21.3% making physician referrals and 31.5% making psychologist referrals. Non-smokers (B=0.80, 95% CI: 0.19 to 1.40; P=0.01), and those with a more positive attitude (B=0.06, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.08; P< 0.001) were more likely to provide TSCC. The main identified barriers included “absence of educational resources for patients”, “time constraints”, and “lack of patient cooperation. Conclusion: Although the selected sample of Iranian primary care dentists performed “Ask” and “Advise” more frequently than their peers, their TSCC practice required further improvement through simplified guidelines, customized pathways, training, team work, and resource advocacy.

A systematic review of suicide among Iranians physicians, etiology and solutions

Suicide is a multifaceted public health problem that, unfortunately, remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Studies show that the rate of mental illness, particularly suicide, is higher among doctors than among the public, and the risk of depression and suicide among doctors has also increased. Interventions such as resilience and mindfulness programs can reduce suicidal thoughts among medical students. Suicide prevention programs should target high-risk groups, such as physicians. Studies have shown that medical students and physicians are at higher risk of suicide than the general population. The prevalence of mental health issues and suicidal thoughts increases during medical school. Psychological factors, such as burnout, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness, can lead to suicidal thoughts. Considering the worldwide significance of this issue and the recent increase in mortality among youthful Iranian physicians, we conducted and investigated the prevalence and possible causes of suicidal ideation among Iranian medical students and graduates in this study. The problem of suicides among Iranian doctors and the sudden increase in the deaths of doctors, especially young people, is dangerous. Suicides among Iranian medical, dental, and pharmacy students have increased in recent years. It may be beneficial to support populations at high risk for suicidal ideation and provide screening for early intervention, as well as raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of suicidal thoughts among male students, school officials, and teachers. Screening should include individuals with a family history of mental health issues and those who are separated from their parents, as these individuals are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts. Reducing the prevalence of suicidal ideation may benefit from smoking cessation interventions and stress-reducing curricula. In addition, studies show that work stress among Iranian doctors and dentists can affect their work and treatment. Controlling and managing occupational stress is vital to prevent future problems, as it can have physical and psychological consequences. High levels of occupational stress among these doctors can also pose a danger to their patients. Identifying the causes of physician suicide can help to control and manage it.

Knowledge and Practice of Iranian Dentists Regarding Post Space Preparation and Coronal Reconstruction of Endodontically Treated Teeth

Background: Due to severe coronal destruction in endodontically treated teeth (ETT), the canal space is often utilized to provide retention for the core material. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge level and practices of Iranian dentists regarding post space preparation and coronal reconstruction of ETT. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 117 dentists at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in 2021. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire. The first part included 6 questions regarding the demographic information of the participants. The second part comprised 10 questions regarding the methods of post space preparation and coronal reconstruction of ETT. SPSS-20 software was used to analyze the data, calculating frequency (%), mean, and standard deviation. Results: 44.4% of the participants used amalgam along with a prefabricated post, 59% correctly identified the definition of the ferrule effect, and 87.2% believed that the ferrule effect increases fracture resistance. Additionally, 39.3% reported preparing the post space immediately after obturation; 91.5% used rotary instruments for removing root filling material, 93.2% reported cleaning the post space prior to cementation of the intracanal post, and 35.9% used saline for this purpose. Moreover, 72.9% believed that teeth with post and core necessarily require a prosthetic crown, and 94% used full-coverage crowns for ETT. Coronal fracture was reported by 62.4% as the most common cause of failure of ETT. Conclusions: The knowledge level of dental clinicians regarding post space preparation and coronal reconstruction of ETT was moderate, while their practice level was poor. The most common variables that had a significant relationship were age and academic degree.

Is Dentistry in Crisis? An Online Survey of Iranian Dentists' Attitudes toward La Cascada Declaration.

In August 2017, six international senior dental researchers published a critical declaration called 'La Cascada; Dentistry in Crisis: Time to Change'. This statement outlined major concerns with the current trajectory of the dental profession and proposed recommendations for change. This study piloted an online survey among an exploratory convenience sample of 138 Iranian dentists, ensuring a suitable gender mix and a representative mix of generalists and specialists. The questionnaire included two main questions about the respondents' agreement with the declaration and some of the recommendations. The majority (72.2%) of the 138 participants expressed agreement with the messages of the La Cascada Declaration by selecting 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, there was not a strong consensus among participants regarding all six selected recommendations. In conclusion, it appears that groups of dentists agree that the dental profession is facing a crisis. However, the profession has not yet reached a consensus on solutions.

Knowledge and attitude of Iranian dental practitioners toward teledentistry: A web-based descriptive survey.

It is necessary to improve the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners toward teledentistry for its implementation in the oral healthcare system. The objective of the current study was to investigate the knowledge and attitude of Iranian dental practitioners toward teledentistry. This descriptive, cross-sectional survey was performed among 387 dental practitioners working in two big cities in Iran. An online self-structured questionnaire that included 34 questions was applied to collect information about the general profile of participants (age, sex, work experience, city of work, and dental specialty), their knowledge, and attitude about teledentistry. Most participants were males (57.9%) and general practitioners (79.6%). Dental practitioners expressed poor knowledge and only 23.50% of them were familiar with teledentistry. However, most of the participants, mainly in Zahedan city, expressed agreement on the potential benefits of teledentistry for patient care and access. More than 80% of dental practitioners agreed with the statement on the application of teledentistry in enhancing access to guidelines, recommendations, and preventive dentistry. However, the majority of dental practitioners believe that the diagnosis by teledentistry is not as accurate as the diagnosis in clinical practice. Our study reveals a positive attitude toward teledentistry among Iranian dentists with a significant knowledge gap. This knowledge gap may be a barrier to teledentistry adoption. Educational programs tailored to address these knowledge gaps are necessary to pave the way for the successful integration of teledentistry into routine dental practice.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Iranian Dentists’ Practice Patterns

Background: The practice scheme of dentists during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic changed markedly around the world. The impacts of these changes on the economic concerns of dentists and the oral health of their patients have been the focus of some recent studies. This study aimed to assess probable alterations in the practice and patient mix of general dentists (GDs) and dental specialists in Isfahan, Iran during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This analytic cross-sectional study was performed among dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic (April-June 2021). A specific self-administrated questionnaire was designed, the validity and reliability of which were verified by calculating the content validity index and intra-class coefficients (test-re-test techniques), respectively. The questionnaire had 21 items in four sections, including demographic and work characteristics, probable changes in the practice scheme, composition of patients, and the type of the provided treatments. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software, descriptive and analytical analysis, including t-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA (α= 0.05). Results: Overall, 152 general (response rate= 88%) and 171 specialist dentists were recruited, of whom 206 (63.8%) were males. In addition, 74% of the dentists, especially prosthodontists and restorative specialists, reduced the number of patients per working day (P<0.001). Further, 68.5% reported a decrease in the number of their elderly patients. Based on the results, 77% of the dentists reported an increase in tooth decay and hopeless teeth. Although extraction, emergency treatments, and extensive restorations were increased, prophylactic treatments and follow-ups represented a decline. The highest concern was reported to be about family health (7 out of 10). Finally, prosthodontists, endodontists, and surgery specialists reported the least use of these facilities (P<0.001). Conclusions: An increase in the number of hopeless and decayed teeth, as well as an increase in emergency treatments (pain and abscesses) and a decrease in preventive care, confirms an untoward change in the dental practice pattern during the pandemic.

The psychological toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care providers in Iran: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

The COVID-19 pandemic affects social and psychological resources. Healthcare workers, especially dental personnel, are more at risk for mental issues due to anxiety, pressure, and frustration. This study assessed mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 epidemic among Iranian dental care providers, focusing on insomnia, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this multicenter cross-sectional survey, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Global Psychotrauma Screening were masured. Six hundred thirty-eight dental care providers (dental specialists, general dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental students) from different parts of Iran (Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad) were investigated by the stratified sampling method. The univariate analysis was incorporated as independent in binary logistic regression models to analyze the data. In this study, the significance level was set at 0.05. Among all the participants, 42.8% were dental students or residents, 21.9% were general or specialist dentists, 18.7% were dental assistants, and 16.6% were nonclinicians. The prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, and depression was 31.3%, 40.8%, and 54.9%, respectively. The frequency of participants in the low, moderate, and high levels of PTSD resulting from LCA 56.6%,33.7%,and 9.7%, respectively. This study found a significant frequency of mental health issues among Iranian dentists. Females, participants whose relatives have COVID-19, and those with a higher workload were more likely to develop mental health symptoms. As mental problems among dental professionals might affect the quality of patient care, diagnostic, supportive, and therapeutic interventions should be taken.

Understanding why oral health professionals migrate: A qualitative investigation of Iranian dentists who have moved to Canada (Oral health professionals’ migration)

ABSTRACT Background The migration of health professionals from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to High-Income countries (HICs) is an ongoing phenomenon that has been accelerating with globalisation. While there has been growing research around the migration of physicians and nurses, there is less understanding of the motives surrounding the migration of dentists, and even less about their migration from specific countries. Objectives This qualitative study explores the migration motivations of Iranian dentists who have moved to Canada. Methods Semi-structured interviews of 18 Iranian-trained dentists in Canada were conducted to obtain information about their motives for migration. Interviews were coded and categorised into themes using qualitative thematic analysis. Results Motivations to migrate were grouped into four analytical areas: socio-political; economic; professional; and personal. An inverse relationship was identified between the strongest motives to migrate and the topics respondents were least comfortable discussing. Socio-political-related motives were predominant with respondents focusing on their dissatisfaction with the social ethos and restrictions on personal freedom within Iran. Conclusion Country-specific context is critical to fully understand health professional migration; in particular, the dynamics and interplay between socio-political, economic, and professional/personal factors within the home country. While Iranian dentists’ motives to migrate have some similarities to other health professionals who migrated from Iran, and dentists from other countries, differences need to be considered to fully understand migration patterns.

Evaluation of Dentists’ Attitudes Towards Principles of Professional Ethics

The aim of this research was to investigate attitudes towards principles of professional ethics (PPE) amongst Iranian dentists working in Isfahan, Iran. This pilot cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 273 dentists in Isfahan, Iran. A validated, comprehensive questionnaire including principles of respect for patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice was used to evaluate dentistry professional ethics aspects. Age, gender, marital status, type of graduate university, level of education, specialised field of study, work experience, workplace, and participation in ethics workshops and courses were registered from participants. Total and domains scores of used questionnaires were calculated and compared across categories of study participants' characteristics. Mean ± SD age of participants was 35.4 ± 10.7 years, and 57% were female; about 73% graduated from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, and 65% were general dentists. The attitude total score of dentists towards PPE was 133.02 ± 13.16. Mean total score of the questionnaire and its domains was different significantly (P < .05) across categories of level of education, marital status, and passing the ethical courses. The attitude of dentists towards PPE was rated at a good level. However, improvement in attitudes of some specific subgroups such as general dentists and newly graduated ones is needed. Conducting specific workshops about professional ethics and incorporating these principles into university curricula can be beneficial.

Assessment of ergonomic condition of Iranian dentists using RULA technique and its correlation with musculoskeletal disorders

Assessment of ergonomic condition of Iranian dentists using RULA technique and its correlation with musculoskeletal disorders

Prevalence of occupational stress among Iranian physicians and dentist: a systematic and meta-analysis study.

Occupational stress in health care providers is an undesirable factor that can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout and affect the quality of care and treatment of patients. This study estimated the prevalence of occupational stress among Iranian physicians and dentists. The articles were searched using the keywords: "job stress", "job-related stress", "occupational stress", "work-related stress", "workplace stress", "physician", "dentist", and "Iran", and all possible combinations of these terms in domestic databases of Scientific Information Database (SID) and MagIran and international databases of Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus with no time limit. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the Cochran's Q test. Data analysis was performed in Stata version 11 based on the heterogeneity state using a random-effects model. The sample size in selected articles on physicians and dentists varied from 71 to 516 and 90 to 200, respectively. The prevalence of occupational stress in physicians was 70.10% (95% CI: 55.43-84.78), and among dentists was 50.87% (95% CI: 33.93-67.81). According to the results, there was no significant association between the prevalence of occupational stress, sample size, and year of publication in physicians and dentists. The results showed that publication bias was (p=0.029) for physicians and (p=0.630) for dentists. Occupational stress among Iranian physicians and dentists is high, which can adverselyaffect therapists and patients. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on this problem to manage and control it.

Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19): Assessing Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Infection.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is commonly transmitted from human-to-human via close contacts and touching surfaces. Reports indicated that many medical staff got infected on working with infected individuals. Likewise, dentists are at a higher risk for the virus transmission due to close proximity to patients and the nature of dental procedures. Despite all of the protections and disinfections, there were some reports of infected dentists. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of infected dentists and the rate of using protection protocols by them in Iran. This survey was a cross-sectional descriptive and web-based study in which a questionnaire designed and uploaded on Google forms. The link of the form was shared among dentists in Iran via some social media groups and personal messages. A total of 945 dentists participated in this survey. A higher proportion of participants had their own private practice. About one third reported fatigue, malaise, or headaches since the COVID-19 got epidemic in Iran. Most of the respondents had provided emergency and elective dental treatments, used face shields, and surgical masks. The 26.3% of respondents were positive for COVID-19. According to our analysis, about 26% of dentists had been infected with COVID -19 and most of them reported that they used the CDC's currently recommended infection prevention and control procedures in dental offices. However, the prevalence of infection was higher than prevalence of infection in the whole population of Iran (approximately 1%) and it showed that dentists were at high risk despite using infection control and personal protection equipment (PPE).

Determination of professional job burnout and temperament (Mizaj) from the viewpoint of Traditional Persian Medicine and work-related variables among Iranian dentists: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDentists are prone to professional burnout due to the nature of their work but this phenomenon could be prevented. Professional burnout has a great impact on different aspects of human life. No study has been published on determination of professional job burnout and temperament (Mizaj) from the viewpoint of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). The current study intends to touch upon this issue for the first time.MethodsIn order to conduct this Cross-Sectional study based on a randomized sampling method, 145 dentists completed the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaires (MBI), and the 20-item Salmannejad Mizaj questionnaire. The study started since February, 2020 and ended in August, 2020 in Yazd, Iran. A total of 120 valid questionnaires were collected, with a response rate of 82.76%. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation, analytical tests (including student t-test, one-way analysis of variance) by Spss17 (Chicago, USA) software.ResultsOverall, 8.3% of responders had high emotional exhaustion, while 65.8% and 33.3% had moderate depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment, respectively. With respect to the results, dentists with cold and dry temperaments experienced a higher level of burnout in emotional exhaustion while dentists with warm and wet temperaments had a higher level of burnout in depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment dimensions. There was an insignificant difference between age, gender, work experience, number of working days per week, number of patients per day with the dimensions of burnout. Pearson correlation coefficient indicated there was a positive correlation between avoidance job and emotional exhaustion (r = − 0.22, p = 0.016).ConclusionBased on the findings, it may conclude there was no significant difference in professional burnout between different temperaments among dentists.

Preventive practice, vaccine acceptance, and knowledge toward coronavirus disease-19: An online cross-sectional questionnaire-based report in Iranian dentists.

BACKGROUND:The coronavirus disease (COVID) is predicted to cause serious mental health problems among healthcare providers (HCPs) especially dentists. Also understanding the influencing factors of the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among HCPs are important aspects in the design of effective strategies to improve the vaccine coverage rate. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, vaccination acceptance, fear, and obsession, as well as the preventive practice behaviors of Iranian dentists and dental students in late 2020 toward COVID-19.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A descriptive, web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among Iranian dental students and dentists (general practitioners and specialists). All Iranian dentists and dental students living in the Islamic Republic of Iran regardless of their city and workplace were invited to participate in the study. The total number of dentists in Iran was estimated to be 54,927. The sample size was calculated 380. The questionnaires used in this study were adapted from previously published studies based on the authors’ permission. The questionnaire consisted of four sections that sought to collect information on the respondents’ vaccination acceptance, knowledge, preventive practice, fear, and obsession toward COVID-19. The relationship between the study variables was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and also multiple linear regression tests.RESULTS:Overall, 394 dentists were filled the questionnaire (65 dental students, 151 general dentists and 178 specialists). There were no differences in terms of vaccination acceptance, knowledge and also fear score in different designation groups. Dentists had significantly higher obsession and also preventive practice scores than other designation groups (P < 0.05). The majority of respondents had good knowledge (more than 9), acceptable preventive practice (more than 19), low fear-obsession (<2.7), and high acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination (more than 8.8).CONCLUSIONS:Although obsession and fear scores were low in all designation groups, dentists had higher obsession and also preventive practice scores than other designation groups. More than half of respondents preferred imported COVID-19 vaccines. Finally, organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health in Iran should increase vaccine convenience and accessibility in terms of vaccine importing, distribution, supply, and immunization service.

Evaluation of the Frequency of Occupational Hazards Among a Group of Iranian General Dentists and its Prevention Criteria

Objective To evaluate the frequency of occupational hazards and the criteria for their prevention among Iranian dentists. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 187 general dentists in Kerman. The data collection tool was a questionnaire including personal information (gender, age, marital status, condition and place and years of employment, and the average of weekly working hours) and a valid and reliable questionnaire of occupational hazards, including 24 questions about occupational hazards (6 domain) and nine questions about criteria for the prevention of the risks of dentistry. The t-test, chi-square, and linear regression were used. Results 92 (49.2%) were men. The mean and standard deviation of the score of occupational hazards was 27.04±16.21 out of 96, and the criteria of prevention were 22.00±7.28 out of 36. Regression analysis showed significant correlations between single statuses, years of occupational and type of employment, weekly work hours and occupational hazards, participation in occupational injury identification courses, and hepatitis vaccination. In addition, there were significant correlations between gender, age, weekly work hours, and preventive measures. Moreover, 3.2% of dentists were in a high-risk group and 26.2% were weak in preventive measures. Conclusion A total of 32.6% of dentists are at moderate risk of occupational hazards, and 10.7% meet the prevention criteria properly. It is recommended to hold training classes to identify occupational hazards and the criteria for their prevention among dentists.

Knowledge, attitude, fear, and practice towards Coronavirus Disease-2019 preventive measures among Iranian dentists

Background: Dentists are more at risk of respiratory infectious diseases, compared to other Health Care Workers (HCWs). Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship of knowledge, attitude, and fear with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) preventive measures amongst Iranian dentists. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the northern provinces of Iran. In total, 340 dentists were selected using a multi-stage sampling method, and they were requested to complete the data collection tools, such as demographic characteristics form, knowledge scale, fear scale, attitude scale, and COVID-19 preventive measures scale. The obtained data were then analyzed by independent t-test, chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, correlation coefficient, and stepwise regression. Results: Dentists' knowledge about issues, such as incubation period, laboratory test, virus survival time on surfaces, and method disinfection was weak. Nearly, 60% of the dentists had a favorable attitude towards the prevention of COVID-19, while their belief was not good on issues, such as adequacy of routine protocols, vulnerability towards COVID-19, suppressed immune system, patient's responsibility, and stigma. Moreover, 82.1% of dentists were fearful of being infected by patients, providing treatment to the suspected ones, the possibility of transmitting the infection to family members, post-infection quarantine, and treatment costs. Additionally, the total score of practice toward COVID-19 preventive measures in dentists was relatively high (21.88±3.8), whereas their practice in criteria, such as presenting a special disinfectant solution or mask for patients, disinfecting surfaces, air conditioning, and examining patients' symptoms was not satisfactory. Regression analysis demonstrated that job history, knowledge, attitude, and fear were significant predictors of dentists' practice describing 62.7% of the variance in practice towards COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion: The findings revealed that dentists had a comparatively good level of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19 preventive measures. The current study suggests that dentists' anxiety, fear, and attitude could be remarkably reduced through providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment and subsequently enhancing preventive practice, raising awareness via online training regarding new guidelines, and presenting real-time statistics on the number of HCWS infected with COVID-19.

Prevalence of corona-associated anxiety and mental health disorder among dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of corona‐associated anxiety and mental health disorder among Iranian dentists during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA study was conducted using online survey from May 2nd to 14th, 2020. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic information, anxiety (18 questions), and general health (GH) (GHQ‐28). Scoring system was based on Likert scale. The questionnaire was registered at Porsline website. Data were analyzed using t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient statistical tests.ResultsA total of 320 dentists from all over the country fully completed questionnaires. 42.5% of dentist had corona‐associated anxiety and 32.5% out of them had mild severity and no severe anxiety was observed. 62.5% of dentists were nonpsychiatric according to GHQ‐28, 35% had mild disorders in GH, and no one had severe GH disorders. There were significant relationships between gender, marital status, and family history of psychiatric disorders with GH status. There was a significant relationship between history of physical illness with corona‐associated anxiety. There was a significant relationship between history of psychiatric disorders with corona‐associated anxiety and GH status.ConclusionThe prevalence of corona‐associated anxiety and mental disorders in dentists was moderate; by holding psychological workshops to maintain and strengthen the morale of dentists during the corona pandemic, along with teaching them the correct way to use personal protective equipment, while maintaining the mental health of dentists, we will help them return to work and provide dental services.

Dentist to population ratio and geographic distribution of dentists in Iran in 2019

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In the current healthcare system of Iran, there is a great emphasis on improving the quality healthcare services and access of all people to these services, especially in the field of oral health. Achieving this goal requires the provision of services by dentists. In order to adopt the best policies in this regard, having up-to-date knowledge on the number and distribution of the workforce is crucial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present a report on the status of dental resources in Iran in 2019 based on the number of dentists. METHODS: In the present descriptive study, data was collected from several sources. The statistics of specialist dentists graduated in the country were collected through correspondence with all dentistry faculties of the country. In addition to presenting the statistics of available dentists and dentists employed in the country, the to population index was also used to examine the distribution of dentists across the country. RESULTS: The number of general and specialist dentists across Iran in 2019 is calculated to be 30811 and 4593, respectively. Notably, the largest number of specialists was in the specialized field of endodontics (13.8%), and the lowest number belonged to oral and maxillofacial pathology (4.2%). In Iran, there are 43 dentists per 100000 people. The number of general and specialist dentists with office license and employed in the private sectors is 18287 and 2773, respectively. Moreover, overall, 36 state universities in 10 specialized fields offer courses with 1824 specialists as faculty members. CONCLUSION: Although the number of general and specialist dentists in the country has increased considerably in recent years, the distribution of these individuals across different regions of Iran has been overlooked, and the dentist to 100000 population ratio differs in various provinces of the country.

The correlation of perceived stress and professional concerns during COVID-19 pandemic among Iranian dentists: the mediating role of cognitive flexibility

Objective: To evaluate the association of perceived stress and dental work-related concerns regarding to COVID-19 by mediating role of cognitive flexibility among dentists during pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 in Iran.Methods: This study was a cross sectional survey conducted by means of a confidential on-line survey on 174 Iranian dentists. COVID-19 related questions were divided to three parts: dentists’ perspective about their career future, virus contagion and concerns of getting infected COVID-19 from patients, and paucity of information and facilities to control the spread of the virus. Perceived stress and psychological flexibility were assessed by PSS (Cohen et al., 1983) and CFI (Dennis et al., 2010). To analyze data path analysis method was used.Results: Perceived stress significantly predicted psychological flexibility (both alternatives and control subscales) and COVID-19 factors related to dental work In addition, control subscale significantly predicted dentists’ concerns toward their career future and fear of COVID-19 contagion. Hence, control subscale of cognitive flexibility mediated the relationship of perceived stress and professional concerns of dentists during COVID-19 pandemic.Conclusion: Given these results, elevated stress during an infectious disease outbreak can effect (have impact on) perceived stress and professional concerns among dentists. Different aspects of dentists’ lives can be affected by those concerns and stress. Interventions to enhance the cognitive flexibility should be applied to reduce the psychological burden of the crisis for dentists.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dental practice in Iran: a questionnaire-based report

BackgroundThe highly contagious nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), besides the fact that dental procedures commonly generate blood and saliva droplets that could lead to the contagion have resulted in the closure of many dental clinics. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on dental practice by conducting an online questionnaire among the Iranian dental practitioners and finding their perspectives on the subject.MethodsThis report is based on a questionnaire that was conducted among Iranian dentists. The survey included questions that evaluate the dentists’ perceptions and attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on their personal life, financial status, and the quality of dental services for patients.ResultsOverall, 240 dentists contributed to this study (214 general dentists and 26 specialists). The majority of the participants (n = 170, 70%) did not perform non-emergency procedures during the pandemic. The dental practitioners have suggested several strategies to decrease the risk of contagion, such as reducing treatment sessions (n = 90, 37%), strict triage of patients (n = 156, 64%), and using personal protective equipment (n = 108, 45%). However, most of the dentists (n = 210, 87%) had problems, providing personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Moreover, 97% (n = 234) of the participants reported that they encountered a decrease in their financial income since the eruption of the pandemic.ConclusionDental health care workers are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Thus, dental practitioners ought to execute the standard protocols more cautiously during the pandemic. They could also lower their work hours and limit dental procedures to emergency treatments to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Besides, the public organizations should provide proper equipment for the dental practitioners to decrease the risk of contagion.