Iranian Dentists Research Articles

Knowledge of and Attitudes towards Preventive Dental Care among Iranian Dentists

To assess Iranian dentists' knowledge of and attitudes towards preventive dental care. A questionnaire survey was conducted at two nationwide annual dental congresses in 2004 and 2005 in Tehran, Iran. Dentists' level of knowledge was assessed based on their responses on a Likert scale (0-4) to nine statements on preventive dental care. Higher scores indicated more accurate knowledge. Dentists' attitudes towards preventive dental care were rated based on responses on a Likert scale (1-7) to nine pairs of bipolar adjectives. The respondents were to choose the response which best described their opinion. Higher scores indicated more positive attitudes. Of 1033 responding dentists, 980 (64% men) were deemed eligible for this study. Statistical evaluation was by t-test and the Chi-square test. Highest ratings were obtained for knowledge of the role of sugar consumption (Mean+/-SD: 3.73+/-0.60), sealants (3.58+/-0.68), and water fluoridation (3.35+/-0.81) in caries prevention; the lowest for their knowledge of the superiority of the use of fluoride toothpaste over technique of brushing (1.11+/-1.09). Dentists' attitudes towards preventive dental care appeared most positive regarding its usefulness (Useful - Useless; 6.67+/-0.94), value (Valuable - Worthless; 6.59+/-0.98) to the community and for its status as a scientific (Scientific - Unscientific; 6.47+/-1.06) subject. Overall, female dentists had more favourable attitudes towards preventive dental care than male colleagues. Preventive dentistry should be emphasised in dental education in order to update dentists' knowledge and attitudes regarding preventive dental care.

Determinants of oral health behaviour among Iranian dentists

To study the oral health behaviour of Iranian dentists. A cross-sectional study. Two annual dental meetings in Tehran, Iran. 1,033 dentists responded, 980 were eligible for this study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire which covered dentists' oral self-care, dental attendance, and smoking. Recommended oral self-care (ROSC) included tooth brushing > 1/day, eating sugary snacks < daily, and regularly using fluoride toothpaste. Knowledge of preventive dental care was assessed by nine Likert-scale statements. Dentist's gender, age, and professional reading were recorded. Statistical evaluation was by the Chi-square test and logistic regression. In total, 59% of respondents reported brushing their teeth at least 2/day, 59% consumed sugary snacks < daily, 74% used fluoride toothpaste regularly, and 76% were non-smokers. Of all, 27% followed ROSC. Women reported desirable behaviours more frequently than did the men (p < 0.01). Female gender (OR 1.4-2.3), being a non-smoker (OR 1.3-1.5), and wider professional reading (OR = 1.2) were the major factors that contributed to dentists' desirable oral health behaviour. That only a small number of Iranian dentists follow the ROSC calls for more attention to behavioural contributions to oral diseases and its consequences with general and oral health, regarding both dental curriculum and continuing education.

Evaluation of environmental and occupational exposure to mercury among Iranian dentists

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the environmental and occupational exposure to mercury (Hg), and to examine the various parameters, which contribute to high levels of mercury of Iranian dentists in Tehran. One-hundred hair and nail samples were collected from dentists. In addition, fifty samples from a control group and twenty-five additional samples from dental nurses were taken for comparison. The survey included a structured questionnaire designed to provide information about the parameters that influenced their occupational and environmental exposure to Hg. Overall mean concentrations in the hair and nails of the dentists was 2.84+/-0.47 and 3.56+/-0.53 mg/kg dry wt respectively. The equivalent values were 0.61+/-0.07 mg/kg in hair and 0.39+/-0.06 mg/kg in nails for the control group. In addition, mean concentrations in the dental nurses were 0.92+/-0.23 and 1.77+/-0.51 mg/kg in hair and nails respectively. The study showed that use of masks had a significant effect on Hg levels (p=0.02 for hair and p=0.03 for nails) and use of gloves only had significant effect on nails Hg (p=0.05). Hg concentrations in nails were significantly lower among the dentists who always used gloves and masks. Also, fish consumption and number of patients visited per day had a significant effect on hair (p=0.02 and p=0.02 respectively) and nails (p=0.03 and p=0.02 respectively) Hg. On the other hand, there was a significant effect of age in relation to Hg concentration in the hair and nails of the dentists (p=0.006 for hair and p=0.01 for nails). Multiple regressions were computed between hair Hg and the various assessed variables. The only positive results were between Hg concentration and masks for the dentists (p=0.03), and Hg concentration and the number of fish meals for the control group (p=0.009).

Pattern of Antibiotic Prescription among Dentists in Iran.

This study examines the antibiotic prescription in dentists participated in 9(th) Congress of Iranian Association of Endodontists in Esfahan/2006. A questionnaire for this cross sectional study was designed for evaluating the patterns of antibiotic prescription. It included some demographic information, clinical signs, and conditions in need for antibiotic and prophylactic prescription and their choices. Data was analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test. High percentage of responders prescribe antibiotic for fever (78.2%) and diffuse swelling (85.1%). However, some situations such as acute pulpitis, chronic periapical lesions and marginal gingivitis were irrationally prescribed. This study showed a fairly good pattern of antibiotic prescription but it was far from ideal.

Publication of the first journal of dentistry in Iran.

The first scientific journal of dentistry in Iran was published by the "Iranian Dentists' Syndicate" (called in Persian "Sandikay-e Dandanpezeshkan-e Iran") in 1951. A brief account of the journal and its editorial board is presented here.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Iranian Dentists with Regard to HIV-Related Disease

Of 369 registered dentists in Fars province in Iran, 309 (83.7%) responded to a survey regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The level of knowledge was low and was correlated with years in practice, hours worked per week, and whether additional work in a governmental dental office was performed; only the last was significantly associated with adherence to relevant infection control recommendations.

Attitudes, beliefs, and infection control practices of Iranian dentists associated with HIV-positive patients

Of the 309 private dental practitioners in Fars, Iran, surveyed most, 77.7% believed they had a professional duty to treat HIV-positive patients, with 61.4% expressing some level of discomfort about treating these patients, and 75.1% believed they should be treated at a specialist practice. Gloves and masks were not always worn, 15.8% and 9.7%, respectively, and 70.2% of dentist washed their hands before treatment and 60.2% after treatment. Elementary standard precautions were not routinely implemented in private dental practices, despite high levels of concerns about transmission of infection.

Monographs in oral science, Vol. 3: The crevicular fluid

Statement of problem: Surface disinfection is an important aspect of infection control in dentistry. A new generation of quaternary ammonium components (QACs) is gaining popularity as high-level disinfectants. Two types of QAC sprays, UniseptaQuick and SolarSept, are being widely used by Iranian dentists. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of Unisepta quick and Deconex Solarsept sprays against a number of selected microorganisms. Materials and Methods: In this experimental single-blind study, Unisepta quick and Solarsept sprays were examined using 15 specimens for standard and resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureous, salmonella typhimurium, bacillus subtilis, mycobacterium bovis and trichophyton mentagrophytes. Test surfaces consisted of high-speed handpieces which were contaminated with suspensions of the microorganisms. Cultivation and incubation were performed and bacterial counts (Colony Forming Unit) were obtained. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact, chi-square and Mann–Whitney U-tests. Results: Unisepta quick and deconex solarsept showed bactericidal effects on pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureous, mycobacterium, and salmonella typhimurium and demonstrated fungicidal effects on trichophyton mentagrophytes. However, neither of them had a significant effect on bacillus subtilis and resistant-pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: Deconex solarsept and unisepta quick are effective against all tested microorganisms, except bacillus subtilis and resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa; therefore they can be classified as intermediate-level disinfectants.