Nigerian Dental Research Articles

Amalgam Safety and Dentists' Attitude: A Survey Among a Subpopulation of Nigerian Dentists

To investigate Nigerian dentists' perception of amalgam safety and to highlight the dentists' attitude toward amalgam. A cross-sectional survey of all dentists in Southeastern Nigeria was done using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. The report recorded a 90.9% response rate. More specialists (95.7%) than general dentists (74.5%) agreed to the safety of amalgam. Furthermore, more patients seen by the general dentists (85.1%) than by specialists (34.88%) agreed with amalgam safety. Undergraduates' education (82.9%) was the highest source of awareness of the amalgam controversy, followed by inquires (64.3%), colleagues (47.1%), TV/radio (41.4%), conferences (27.1%) and continuing dental education (15.7%). About 37% of respondents knew all the signs and symptoms of amalgam toxicity, while 47.1% of respondents knew that the lung is the fastest route for mercury absorption. About 81.0% of dentists do not support an amalgam ban and 84.3% would not even recommend an alternative to amalgam. Amalgam is well accepted by both dentists and patients in the studied population.

Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and Management of Exposure Incidents in Nigerian Dental Schools

The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens amongst Nigerian clinical dental students, their HBV vaccination status, and reporting practices. A cross-sectional study of all clinical dental students in the four Nigerian dental schools was carried out by means of an anonymous self-administered questionnaire that asked questions on demography, number and type of exposure, management of the exposures, personal protection against cross infection, and the reporting of such exposures. One hundred and fifty-three students responded (response rate of 84.5 percent). Only thirty-three (37.9 percent) were fully vaccinated against HBV. Ninety (58.8 percent) of the students have had at least one occupational exposure. There was no significantly associated difference between sex, age, location of school, and exposure. Most of the exposures (44.4 percent) occurred in association with manual tooth cleaning. There was inadequate protection of the eyes. None of the exposures were formally reported. It is the responsibility of training institutions to ensure the safety of the students by mandatory HBV vaccination prior to exposure and adequate training in work safety. Written policies and procedures should be developed and made easily accessible to all workers to facilitate prompt reporting and management of all occupational exposures.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Dental Implantology in Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental implantology among dentists practicing in Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaires to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude of dental implantology were sent to dentists practicing in all the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria (i.e., all tertiary dental institutions, and selected general and private hospitals within the zones). Data collected were analyzed and presented in descriptive and tabular forms. The response rate was 77%. Only 2 (1.3%) of the respondents claimed to have employed implant(s) for dental restoration in their practice, while 152 respondents (98.7%) have never used implants as a method of tooth/teeth restoration. Of the latter, 46.1% have suggested implants for full/partial denture patients, 31.8% have suggested dental implants to patients needing single-tooth replacement, and 89.6% were ready for dental implant placement if equipment and materials for dental implants backed up with adequate training were provided. Of respondents, 83.1% also believed that implantology is a multidisciplinary approach, and 42.9% rated implants as the best option for dental restoration. The practice of implant dentistry is presently very low in Nigeria. Clearly, there is a need for dental implant education for Nigerian dentists to increase their knowledge and proficiency in dental implant dentistry. In addition, all efforts should be made to include implant education and practice in dental curricula in undergraduate and postgraduate institutions in Nigeria.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms: A Survey Amongst A Selected Nigerian Dentists

The purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms in a selected Nigerian dentists and also to evaluate its pattern of distribution.

Knowledge and behavior of Nigerian dentists concerning the treatment of children with special needs.

BackgroundChildren with special needs (CSN) are reported to receive less adequate dental care due to various behavioral problems and barriers created by dental professionals. This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and behaviour of Nigerian dentists concerning the treatment of CSN.MethodsQuestionnaires consisting of open and closed ended questions requesting socio-demographic information, type of practice, undergraduate and postgraduate training, self-rated knowledge and behaviour concerning care of CSN, were hand delivered to 359 dentists in the 3 geographical zones of Nigeria over a period of 8 weeks. Responses were compared across age groups, gender, type of practice and training received.ResultTwo hundred and eighty questionnaires were returned completed, constituting 79.9% response rate. Most of the respondents were aged 30 – 39 years (44.3%). There were more males (56.1%) and more recent graduates of 10 years and below (78.5%). Over 80% of respondents had treated children with disabilities, those with physical disabilities being most encountered. Only 19.3% of respondents rated their knowledge of management of CSN as adequate, with no significant difference across age groups and gender, but with a significantly higher number of older graduates reporting to have adequate knowledge (p < 0.05). Those who had undergraduate training in care of CSN were 69.5% compared with only 12.8% who had post graduate training. Only 11.8% rated their undergraduate training as adequate. Thirty seven percent of respondents rated the CSN they had treated as very challenging. A higher proportion of older graduates (of more than 10 years post graduation) and those who rated their undergraduate training as inadequate used sedation and general anaesthesia. Seventy one percent of respondents were willing to treat CSN, with no significant difference across age groups, gender and training, but with a significantly higher percentage among those who had rated their knowledge as adequate. Most of those who were unwilling to treat CSN felt their management was tedious and challenging.ConclusionFrom this study, very few dentists reported to have adequate knowledge of management of CSN, irrespective of age, gender and place of practice. A significant number of those with more experience rated their knowledge as adequate. Although most dentists rated the children's behaviour as challenging, they indicated their willingness to treat them in their practices.

Attitudes of Nigerian dentists towards hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B virus constitutes a significant threat to the health of the dental professional. Infection with hepatitis B virus can however be prevented through hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques. This study therefore assesses the attitudes of Nigerian dentists towards hepatitis B vaccination and use of barrier techniques. A questionnaire survey of 160 dental practitioners in Lagos, Ibadan, Ife and Benin. 48.1% had complete vaccination, 3.1% incomplete vaccination and 48.8% no vaccination. 97.5% reported routine use of gloves and 70.6% reported routine use of masks. 61.3% and 23.1% reported routine use of protective gowns and eyewear respectively. There is need to improve the rate of hepatitis B vaccination among Nigerian dentists and to encourage consistent use of barrier techniques.

Infections, diseases in the dental clinic: Nigerian dentists\' knowledge and attitudes towards treatment of patients

Infections, diseases in the dental clinic: Nigerian dentists\' knowledge and attitudes towards treatment of patients

Failures Related to Crowns and Fixed Partial Dentures Fabricated in a Nigerian Dental School

The purpose of this investigation was to document the failure rate and length of service of crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) fabricated in a Nigerian dental school. The reasons for failure of the initial restorations and their length of service were also ascertained. Also, the numbers of retainers, pontics, and the types of restoration were recorded. Poor esthetics was the most frequent cause of failure, 66 units (40.5%); followed by fracture, 58 units (35.6%); and dental caries, 25 units (15.4%). These outcomes were contrary to findings previously reported in studies from western countries where dental caries was principally responsible for failures (22.0% to 38.0% of cases). The resin-retained FPDs had the shortest mean years of service at 2.7 years, while the three-unit metal-ceramic FPDs had the greatest longevity at 8.6 years. The overall mean years of service for replaced restorations were 5.6 years. The study found a decrease in the mean years of service as the number of units in the fixed-fixed partial dentures increased. This is in sharp contrast to previous reports where no relationship existed between length of service and the number of units in a FPD.

Nigerian dentists' knowledge and attitudes towards mouthguard protection.

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Nigerian dentists towards mouthguard protection. A pre-tested 15-item, one-page questionnaire was distributed to 185 dentists practising in different parts of the country with government hospitals or private establishments, by 'hand-delivery' system. Filled and returned forms were 170 (response rate of 92%). The period of the survey was between April and August 2003. Dental graduates from the different dental schools in the country responded to this survey. About 49% of the respondents indicated having only classroom lectures on mouthguards during their undergraduate trainings, 11% said they had some laboratory sessions in addition while no form of education on mouthguards was received by 40%. About 82% had never recommended mouthguard protection for athletic patients, and the major reason was no formal training in the subject. Only 58.5% were familiar with the different types of mouthguards, 75.9% would not be able to supervise or fabricate mouthguards and 50.6% would prefer custom-made mouthguard for their athletic patients. About 84% felt the current training on mouthguards in Nigerian dental schools is inadequate. Over 98% agreed that mouthguard usage in contact sports should be encouraged with the involvement of the dentists. The knowledge and attitudes of the respondents towards mouthguard protection did not vary significantly across years of postqualification from dental schools as well as the professional status of the dentists (P > 0.05). Although Nigerian dentists support mouthguard protection in contact sports and want to be involved in the provision of mouthguards for athletes, their knowledge of the protective device is inadequate. There is need for attention to be given to this subject in the undergraduate curricula of our dental schools.

Assessment of the compliance of Nigerian dentists with infection control: a preliminary study.

To assess the compliance of a group of Nigerian dentists with standard infection control practices. A confidential self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among dentists engaged in active clinical practices in public hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria (n = 185). One hundred forty-six questionnaires were returned (response rate, 78.9%). Most (70.6%) of the dentists always wore gloves when treating patients, whereas 29.4% sometimes did. Regarding facemasks, 45.9% always wore them, 52.7% sometimes wore them, and 1.4% never wore them. Protective eye wear was always worn by 4.8% of the dentists, sometimes worn by 52.7%, and never worn by 42.5%. Approximately half (50.7%) of the respondents had received hepatitis B vaccination. Sterilization was performed using a combination of methods, including autoclaving (84.1%), boiling (19.3%), dry heat (17.5%), and chemicals (29.7%). Nonavailability of materials was the major reason for noncompliance with infection control practices. Nigerian dentists need continuous education regarding infection control. Also, Nigerian hospitals urgently need adequate funding for up-to-date and functional equipment and materials.

Sterilization and Disinfection Procedures by Dental Practitioners in Nigeria

Objective: To assess the level of compliance with internationally recommended infection control/Centres for disease control (CDC) guidelines among Nigerian Dentists, and the perception of adequacy of such current sterilization and disinfection procedures as practised by them. Design: A questionnaire-based survey. Setting: Government-owned and private dental clinics in two major cities (Ibadan and Lagos) with high commercial activities as well as relatively high population of dentists in Nigeria. Participants and Methods: 76 dentists working in these cities were asked to complete a 10-item questionnaire concerning cross-infection control procedures in dental clinics. For better effectiveness, the distribution of the questionnaire was by hand-delivery and not by mailing system. Results: The average wound experienced by the respondents represent about 41 wounds per year. Blood was observed in the mouth a mean of 4 per week and 1.07 per week in impression with mean total number of patients per week as 24. Ninety-five percent of the dentists routinely used gloves, 87% used masks, 76% and 21% gowns and eye wear respectively. About 86% chair side assistants routinely used gloves, 59% used masks, 53% used gowns and 5% used protective eye wear. Laboratory assistants were reported to wear masks 28% of the time, gloves and gowns 22% of the time each and eye wear less than mask 7% of the time. The average practice had 19% children, 37% adolescent patients and 44% adults. At least one HBV patient was known and one HBV carrier suspected by 4% and 17% of the respondents respectively. At least one HIV/AIDS known and at least one suspected HIV/AIDS patients were reported by 3% and 18% respectively. One per cent, 11% and 14% reported not using any form of sterilization and disinfecting alginate impression. For HBV infection, 58% said prevention should be aimed at both saliva and blood. No respondent. Sixty-two per cent of the respondents felt their sterilization or disinfection procedures were adequate, 43% felt otherwise while 4% were not sure. Conclusion: Nigerian dentists are handling the issue of sterilization and disinfection in a variety of manners though a reasonable percentage of them are conscientious and aware of the risk factors. There is, therefore, need for a more coordinated approach to the issue in the face of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and poor Nigerian economy. KEY WORDS: Survey; Sterilization; Disinfection; Infection control; Dentists [Nig. Jnl Health & Biomedical Sciences Vol.1(2) 2002: 106-113]

Job Satisfaction Among Nigerian Dental Practitioners

Job Satisfaction Among Nigerian Dental Practitioners

Nigerian dentists and oral health-care of pregnant women: Knowledge, attitude and belief

Background: Pregnant women seek preventive, interventional and rehabilitative oral health-care for their oral health and protection of their fetus and babies after delivery. The objective of the study was to determine the Nigerian Dentist's knowledge, attitude and belief pertaining to the oral health-care of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional of Nigerian dentist was conducted between June and December, 2011 using Huebner et al., modified dentist's attitude to the pregnant women questionnaire Results: The overall response rate of 92.5% (149/160). Receipt of continuing medical education (CME) was reported among the participants on periodontal disease of pregnant patients (22.1%), oral hygiene of pregnant patients (20.1%), early childhood caries (35.6%) and general dental problem (51.0%). The majority (92.6%) agreed that Dentists have the skill to counsel pregnant patients, But only 73.8% of them provided oral hygiene instruction frequently to pregnant patients and even fewer (6.0%) were involved in educational advice on oral health for young women. Many of the participants agreed that counseling pregnant patients about periodontal disease and its effect on the developing baby is of utmost importance. Participants also dominantly agreed that dental treatment should be part of prenatal care and 97.3% of them opined that physician recommendation will increase the likelihood of pregnant seeking dental care. More than half (56.4%) of the participants reported that Dentists should be concerned about being sued if something goes wrong with the pregnancy. The recommended ways to improve oral health-care of pregnant women among the participants were through CME (92.6%), provision of educational materials on oral health-care of pregnant women (93.3%) and information on ways to counsel pregnant women (98.0%). Conclusion: Data from this study revealed high preparedness, positive attitude and favorable disposition in dental care provision for pregnant women among the studied Nigerian Dentists.

Management of dental anxiety: A survey of Nigerian dentists

Background: Dental anxiety is a major issue with respect to provisions of and access to dental care. We evaluated the knowledge and management of anxiety among Nigerian dentists. Materials and Methods: The study population included 192 Nigerian dentists recruited during an annual national dental conference in Abuja. The conference was a meeting point for dentists with post graduation experience ranging between 1 and 32 years and from different part of the country. They completed a structured questionnaire on dental anxiolysis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Results: Of the interviewed dentists, 122 (55.1%) practiced in teaching hospitals and 24% had their specialization in child dental health. A total of 34 (19.8%) dentists had been exposed to formal trainings on the practice of dental anxiolysis. Of this number, 66% had basic life support training and only 11.8% had refresher training programs. The most preferred route of administration of anxiolytic drugs was oral (57.3%). Most of the respondents were of the view that dental anxiolysis should not be instituted for all dental patients. Conclusion: The interviewed Nigerian dentists were knowledgeable and managed dental anxiety. Although some of them had no formal training on dental anxiolysis, the major consensus is that dental anxiolysis should not be instituted for all dental patients.

Impact of basic life support training on the knowledge of basic life support in a group of Nigerian Dental Students.

Aim and Objetive: The burden of cardiac arrest remains enormous globally. Early recognition and prompt and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation are crucial to successful outcome following a cardiac arrest. This study assessed the impact of basic life support (BLS) training on the knowledge of a group of dental students. Sixty-eight dental students participated in this interventional study. Using convenience sampling, pre- and post-BLS training assessment were conducted with a questionnaire. The mean score (standard deviation) for pretest was 4.7 (±1.47) with a range of 2-8 out a total of 10, while the mean posttest score was 8.04 ± 1.47 with a range of 3-10. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). There was a marked improvement in the knowledge of the respondents with 88.2% of them having a posttest score of ≥7. The results of this study suggest that the group of dental students' knowledge of BLS was very poor prior to the BLS training. The study also showed that the BLS training had a positive influence on the BLS knowledge of the participants.