Private Dental Practice Research Articles

Assessment of the onset of analgesia and length of analgesia following the use of PBM with different wavelengths: a clinical study

This clinical study assessed photobiomodulation (PBM) induced analgesic effects of diode lasers and an LED light source on the dental pulp. Baseline responses to electric pulp testing (EPT) were recorded in 93 healthy unrestored premolar teeth in 26 adults (age range 22–63 years) attending a private dental practice. The teeth were irradiated on buccal and lingual aspects of the crown, by placing the tips on the middle third of the crown of the teeth, on separate days for each of 4 different light sources (660, 808, or 904 nm diode lasers, or a novel multi-wavelength LED light source (700–1100 nm)) using comparable parameters (100 mW, 30 s, 6 J). EPT scores were measured after a further 1-, 2-, 5- and 20-min. Discomfort caused by PBM therapy was recorded using the Wong-Baker scale. EPT changes were tracked over time using repeated measures analysis of variance. Baseline EPT scores were very consistent between different days (linear regression r2 0.9422–0.9648). All PBM devices caused a significant elevation in EPT at 5 min, with an earlier onset at 2 mins for 904 nm and LED. The LED was the only light source that elevated scores at 20 min. Across 2–20 min, when ranked by effectiveness, the greatest EPT elevations were seen for LED, followed by 904 nm, then 660 nm and finally 808 nm. Discomfort during PBM was most common with 904 nm, followed by 808 nm. No discomfort occurred from the LED. Among the light sources utilized, the LED multi-wavelength system demonstrated the largest increase in EPT readings, suggesting its potential as a non-pharmacological alternative for achieving dental analgesia compared to diode lasers.

Transitioning to Private Dental Practice: An In-depth Exploration of Dental Graduates' Perspectives in Saudi Arabia.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program meet the qualifications set by Saudi universities and pass the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties License Examination to practice dentistry. However, ambiguity persists concerning their preparedness for private dentistry. This study explored how dental graduates perceive their readiness to operate in the private sector. A qualitative study was conducted by interviewing dental graduates from different dental schools across Saudi Arabia using a semistructured interview guide with convenience sampling until thematic saturation was achieved. All interviews were verbatim transcribed and analyzed manually by two researchers working independently using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach. A total of 35 participants from Saudi dental schools across five distinct regions (North, South, East, West, and Central) were included in the study. Data analysis revealed four prominent themes believed to influence participants' readiness for private practice: (1) communication skills-concerns regarding proficiency in areas crucial for ensuring patient satisfaction, (2) technical management skills-uncertainty in aspects such as practice setup and dental insurance, (3) pedagogical curriculum design-primarily tailored to public sector roles, and (4) legal and ethical issues-concerns about legal and ethical issues intrinsic to dental practice. The transition of Saudi dental graduates into private practice is influenced by multiple obstacles, encompassing factors related to their knowledge and skills in patient communication, technical management, education curriculum design, and familiarity with legal intricacies. Exploring dental graduates' perceptions in relation to private practice is clinically significant as it highlights specific areas, including communication skills, where effective communication with both children and parents is paramount in private dentistry; technical management; curriculum adaptation; and legal/ethical awareness, where targeted interventions can enhance the quality and safety of dental care provided in private practice. These insights can lead to improvements in dental education and practice management, ultimately benefiting both dentists and patients in the private dental sector. Moafa I, Jafer A, Almashnawi M, et al. Transitioning to Private Dental Practice: An In-depth Exploration of Dental Graduates' Perspectives in Saudi Arabia. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):777-782.

Survey of screw-retained versus cement-retained implant restorations used in both education and private dental practices.

In the literature, it is still unclear if the decisions for selecting the type of implant crown-retaining system are based on scientific-based research or if the Universities' choices, Implant marketing trends, or finances could have a major influence on the private dentists' decisions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the crown-retaining system (cement- or screw-retained) used in dental schools and private dental practices. A 13-item questionnaire was sent to Canadian dental schools (n=10) and dental offices in London (n=298), Canada. The questionnaire included demographic questions and questions to reveal the dentists' perspectives on prosthetic implant treatment between the two-retaining systems. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression (p=0.05). Twenty-four private dentists and five dental schools responded to the survey - 62.5% of private practitioners and 60% of universities reported using both systems. A trend was observed in using screw-retained systems by dentists who graduated 5-10 years ago. Straumann, Astra, and Nobel Biocare were the private practices and dental schools' preferred implant systems. The use of platform switching for all cases was selected by 54.2% of the private practitioners and 40% of the dental schools. Resin cement was the private practice's preferred cementation method; the dental schools used glass ionomer and zinc phosphate cement. The multinomial logistic regressions showed no statistical difference between the crown-retaining system chosen and the decision factors. The laboratory technician's recommendations and cost influenced the decision-making process for private dentists. For the universities, perio-restorative outcome, implant position, survival rates, institute preferences, and evidence-based research influenced the crown-retaining system's decision-making process. CONCLUSION: The Canadian dental schools and private practice reported using both screw- and cement-retaining systems. However, there was a difference in the selection criteria as the universities showed a tendency towards a more research-based approach in their decision, while for the private practices, the technicians' recommendations and cost played a major role in the decision process. It was noted that the implant systems preconized by the Universities were observed to be used in private practices.

Variation in dentist participation between dental medicaid managed care organizations.

Dentists' Medicaid participation is a critical factor affecting dental care access for Medicaid beneficiaries. An important gap in existing literature is the variation in participation across Medicaid dental Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) in states with more than one. This study examined the variation in participation overall and in predictors of dentist participation between two MCOs in Iowa's Dental Medicaid program. Data were obtained from a survey of Iowa private practice dentists (n = 1256). Responding general dentists (n = 497) were included in the final analytic sample. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine demographic and practice characteristics associated with dentist participation (acceptance of new Medicaid patients) between MCOs and by age category. Among respondents, the proportions accepting new adults with Medicaid were 26% (MCO 1) and 7% (MCO 2); for children, they were 40% (MCO 1) and 11% (MCO 2). For adults, dentists who were too busy (MCO1) and solo practice dentists (MCO2) were positively significantly associated with the acceptance of new patients. For children, group and rural practice dentists, as well as dentists who worked <32 h/week were positively significantly associated with acceptance of new patients with MCO1. There was considerable variation in dentist-reported acceptance of new adult and child Medicaid patients, and in the factors affecting acceptance of new patients between MCOs in Iowa dental Medicaid. Future studies of Medicaid participation should consider variations by MCO in states with more than one dental MCO so as not to miss important factors affecting Medicaid participation.

Adult intravenous sedation in general dental practice: indication, effectiveness and patient experiences.

Background Conscious sedation is an option in primary dental care for anxious patients or those undergoing extensive procedures. The objective of this retrospective service evaluation was to study the range of treatments delivered during sedation with intravenous midazolam, together with patient-reported experience measures.Methods Data from 100 consecutive patients treated under sedation at a single private dental practice were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were asked questions about their experience of sedation during a post-operative follow-up phone call.Results Over half of patients were treated under sedation due to anxiety. The mean dose of midazolam was 7.8 mg and the average treatment time was 1 hour 25 minutes. Of note, the average dose for the most extensive procedure - implant immediate full arch loading - was 11.7 mg; however, this equated to an average dose of 4.5 mg per hour. One patient needed supplemental oxygen; flumazenil was never required. Additionally, 91% of patients felt they had enough sedation, and 50% could remember the events of treatment.Conclusion With the British National Formulary recommending a maximum dose of 7.5 mg midazolam, this study demonstrates that this dose can be safely exceeded in dental treatment; therefore, a dose that accounts for the length of the procedure is a more valid approach. Moreover, patients undergoing a variety of dental treatments were satisfied with the amount of intravenous sedation received and age is not an absolute limit for sedating older people.

Practices of Dental Care and Treatment Provided to Pediatric Patients in Private Dental Clinics in Lahore, Pakistan

&lt;p&gt;Background and Objective: With the high prevalence of dental caries among children in Pakistan and the limited availability of pediatric dentists, dental care is provided majorly by general dentists. This study aims to determine the preventive dental care provided to pediatric dental patients by general dentists in private practice settings in Lahore.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 general dentists working in private dental clinics in Lahore, utilizing an online validated questionnaire designed by the authors and distributed through email and WhatsApp using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed using statistical software, and p-value of 0.05 was taken as significant.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Results: Most respondents (73.5%) reported the unavailability of pediatric dentists in their clinics. About one-third of the respondents always chose to refer their child to a pediatric dentist. About 48.1% of the general dentists were &amp;ldquo;somewhat aware&amp;rdquo; of the behavioral management techniques. Pediatric-specific dental treatment services were more frequently provided in clinics where a pediatric dentist was available. Fillings were the most frequent (90.8%) treatment services, along with extractions (79.5%), pulpectomies (69.2%), and pulpotomies (65.9%). Notably, 74.1% of the general dentists had not attended any workshop or course in pediatric dentistry.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Conclusion: General dentists in private practices provide minimal dental treatment to pediatric patients, with a significant number lacking formal training in pediatric dentistry. This highlights the need for formal training programs to improve the quality of pediatric dental care.&lt;/p&gt;

Survey on patients’ attitude towards the nutritional counselling in the dental setting

AimA healthy diet could help to prevent both oral and systemic diseases, with dentists and nutritionists supplementing their skills. The dental setting, where patients periodically refer to seeking oral health care, represents a powerful opportunity for nutritional counselling. To the best of our knowledge, no study is available on patients’ attitudes towards dietary counselling in the dental setting. This cross-sectional study investigates patients’ attitude towards receiving nutritional support within the dental setting and it elucidates whether a transdisciplinary approach would be well accepted.Materials and MethodsA questionnaire was administered to patients attending three different clinics: a private clinic, a hospital dental clinic of the national healthcare system and the private dental practice within the same hospital.ResultsThree hundred thirteen questionnaires were collected. Most dental patients acknowledged receiving nutritional advice from both dentists and nutritionists. The nutritionist within the dental setting was positively perceived, providing useful advice to prevent oral and systemic diseases and also drawing up a diet with periodic follow-ups.Discussion and conclusionThese findings support the positive attitude of patients towards receiving nutritional counselling within the dental setting. The dental clinics can be pivotal in oral and systemic disease screening and prevention and a multidisciplinary approach is highly encouraged.

TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS CAREER OPTION AFTER BDS AMONGST INTERNEES IN WEST BENGAL : AN ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY

Introduction: A Graduates career is the course of action they pursue to fulfill their intended employment . The journey from the hallowed halls of dental education to the dynamic realm of professional practice marks a critical juncture in the lives of dental internees. As these individuals transition from the theoretical foundations of their Bachelor of Dental Surgery education to the practical landscape of dentistry, their knowledge and attitudes towards career options become pivotal. Apart from traditional career paths such as private dental practice or working in hospitals there are several alternative and less-known career options that BDS graduates can explore which are yet to be saturated. Before choosing any alternative career path, its essential for BDS graduates to gain additional qualifications or certifications, if required, and network with professionals in their chosen field of interest, for which a tailored support system and guidance program is essential. This study endeavours to explore the multifaceted aspects of the knowledge and attitudes held by dental internees in West Bengal, India, concerning their career choices post-BDS. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude toward career option after BDS amongst internees in west Bengal. Material And Method: The study will be conducted among 200 Internees from various dental colleges across West Bengal. For the study a standardized Questionnaire consisting of 12 questions will be formulated in Google Form format and link will be circulated to the Participants. Statistical Analysis: The statistics was generated by Google Forms and tabulated accordingly. Conclusion: By giving students the information and tools they require to make wise career decisions, we can produce a new heneration of dental professionals who are not only clinically skilled but also well-suited to succeed in a variety of professional environments.

Decision making and management of root caries: A practice-based survey

ObjectivesWith increasing life expectancy and improved preventive measures, teeth are retained longer, leading to a rise in prevalence of root caries lesions (RCL). However, little is known about how dentists manage this condition. The present survey aimed to evaluate the knowledge of Swiss dentists on decision making and management of RCL. MethodThe survey evaluated dentists' knowledge, clinical routines, and demographics concerning RCL. Dentists were contacted via email and local newsletters, and 383 dentists from 25 (out of 26) cantons responded. Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, intraclass correlation coefficients, Spearman correlation and Chi Square were used. ResultsThe dentists had a mean(SD) working experience of 22.5(12) years. Most dentists correctly classified an inactive (67%) and an active (81%)RCL. Although the inactive lesion did not call for restorative treatments, 61% of the dentist declared they would restore it. From the active lesion,83% would restore it. The invasive treatments leaned toward complete caries excavation with composite resin as preferred restorative material. There were significant correlations between material choice and expected success rates. Among the non-invasive options, oral hygiene instructions and (highly-)fluoridated toothpaste were favored. Most dentists declared having a recall system for such patients, with biannual follow-ups preferred. The dentists’ place of education significantly influenced restorative decisions (p < 0.001), while participants’ age (≥60years) impacted activity status (p = 0.048) and restorative decisions (p = 0.02). ConclusionMaterial preferences for non-invasive or invasive management varied greatly and there were minimal differences in the management of inactive or an active RCL. Moreover, diagnosing active lesions appeared easier than diagnosing inactive ones. Clinical significanceDespite diverse material preferences for (non-)invasive treatments, a strong positive correlation existed between the chosen restorative material and its expected 2-year success rate. Moreover, diagnosing active lesions appeared easier than diagnosing inactive ones. The outcome emphasis the need to align guideline recommendations with their application in private dental practices.

Sociodemographic factors impacting the spatial distribution of private dental clinics in major cities of Peoples Republic of China

ObjectivesInvestigate the geographical distribution of private dental practices in major Chinese cities and analyze the variables influencing this distribution. MethodsThis study used Python to extract various types of Point of Interest (POI) data spanning from 2016 to 2022 from the AutoNavi map. A 1km*1km grid was constructed to establish the study sample. Additional spatial pattern data, including nighttime lighting, population, and air quality data, were integrated into this grid. Global Moran's I index was used to analyze the spatial autocorrelation. The spatial lag model was used to explore the influencing factors of private dental practice distribution. ResultsThis study reveals a specific clustering pattern for private dental practices in major Chinese cities. The primary influencing factors include nighttime lights, population density, and housing prices, suggesting that dental practices are typically concentrated in highly developed regions with dense populations and high housing costs. Additionally, we discovered that patterns vary across different metropolises, with the most pronounced clustering patterns and substantial inequalities found in the most developed areas. ConclusionsThis study establishes that factors such as regional development and population density positively correlate with private dental practice. Additionally, it reveals a strong mutual correlation in the clustering of dental practices, which does not show a substantial correlation with public resources. Finally, it suggests that the spatial heterogeneity pattern implies a rising necessity to tackle inequality issues within urban areas as economic development progresses.

Periorbital emphysema following dental procedure: A case report with literature review

We aimed to present a case of periorbital emphysema after tooth extraction in private dental practice. A 20-year-old female patient with the left maxillary first molar tooth extracted under local anesthesia was referred to the ophthalmologist with complaints of swelling and pain around the left eye 6 hours after the procedure. The best visual acuity was logMAR 0.0 in both eyes on visual examination. In the slit-lamp examination, there was periorbital swelling in the left eye, free eye movement, and a light reaction. The right eye followed naturally. Fundus examination of the bilateral optic nerve was normal. On palpation, crepitation was detected in the left periorbital region. A rapid assessment of airway obstruction was made. Diffuse air was observed in the left orbital soft tissue in orbita computed tomography. Prophylactic penicillin-derived antibiotics and nonsteroidal antibiotics were started. The light reaction was followed closely. Periorbital swelling decreased 24 hours after the procedure. During the surgical removal of impacted teeth, air through the air-operated handpiece may cause spread from the periapical region to the periorbital space along the subperiosteal region and fascial planes. Care should be taken to avoid this rare complication after dental procedures.

40-Year Outcome of Old-School, Non-Surgical Endodontic Treatment: Practice-Based Retrospective Evaluation.

(1) Background: Non-surgical endodontic treatment has been shown to be clinically successful; however, clinical long-term data are scarce. This practice-based retrospective clinical investigation evaluated endodontic outcomes over 40 years and identified relevant clinical co-factors. (2) Methods: Two experienced dental practitioners in two different private dental practices treated 174 patients with 245 teeth from 1969 to 1993. After root canal obturation, either a new direct restoration (amalgam, resin composite, or glass-ionomer cement) or the re-cementation of a pre-existing prosthetic restoration or renewal of prosthetic restoration followed. Metal posts (operator A) or metal screws (operator B) were inserted when coronal substance loss was significant. The primary outcome (i.e., tooth survival) was achieved when the endodontically treated tooth was, in situ, painless and had full function at the end of the observation period. A secondary outcome, the impact of different prognostic factors on survival rate, was evaluated. (3) Results: The overall mean survival was 56.1% of all treated teeth after 40 years of clinical service, resulting in an annual failure rate of 1.1%. Most investigated clinical co-factors (jaw, tooth position, intracanal dressings, post/screw placement, and gender) showed no significant influence on survival. (4) Conclusions: Even with materials and techniques from the 1970s and 1980s, successful root canal treatment was achievable. Except for post-endodontic restorations, most of the evaluated factors had no significant influence on the clinical long-term survival of root canal-treated teeth.

Pain and coronal-radicular reconstruction: Care-related factors

Corono-radicular reconstruction is a restoration that uses an intra-root anchor to restore a decayed tooth. It is a very delicate treatment, with the risk of complications that are often painful. Pain is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in odontostomatology, and pain associated with fixed prosthetic restorations accounts for between 18.4% and 63% of cases. The aim of this study was to determine its frequency, describe its characteristics and identify its risk factors. It is a prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study, carried out from March to November 2023 on patients attending a consultation at a PZaGa Androva University Hospital and a private dental practice in Tanambao Ambalavato Mahajanga. Patients aged 18 and over with post-corono-radicular reconstruction pain were included in the study, while uncooperative and mentally handicapped patients were excluded. Thirty-five patients presented with post-corono-radicular reconstruction pain during the study period, of whom 57.1% were female and 42.9% male. Pain was mainly moderate (51.4%), provoked (80%) and pressure-type (45.7%). Radiographic findings revealed 51.4% apical periodontitis, 45.7% periradicular periodontitis and 20% root cracks. These failures were mainly due to poor post insertion and inadequate root canal filling. Corono-radicular reconstruction is the last resort for conserving decayed teeth, and preventing its failure is therefore of paramount importance.

Absent six-year-old tooth: no prosthetic treatment and periodontal impact

The six-year tooth or definitive first molar is a key tooth in the growth of the jawbone and skeleton. However, it is more prone to decay, leading to its early and often uncompensated loss. The aim of this study was to describe the factors that lead to prosthetic treatment and to identify its periodontal impact. This is a prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study of 400 subjects attending the Kintana dispensary and the private dental practice in Antanambao Ambalavato, Mahajanga from May 2022 to October 2023. All subjects aged 18 with at least one missing permanent first molar compensated or not by a prosthesis and willing to be surveyed were included. Those who had an additional edentulous area were excluded. The sample comprised 36.8% of women and 63.2% men. Ninety-five percent of respondents (95%) hadat least one missing, uncompensated six-year-old tooth. Factors cited were financial means and refusal of a removable prosthesis (32.6%), neglect of oral health (32.6%) and lack of knowledge (31.6%). Among non-prosthesis wearers, 34% had gingivitis and 18.4% had periodontitis. The occurrence of periodontal disease was correlatedvery significantly with non-compensation for missing teeth (p=0.003). Uncompensated edentulism, even if it’s a single tooth, can lead to serious periodontal diseases, which can cause the onset or worsening of general diseases.

Comparison of 3D-Printed Single Crown Outcomes Among Different Computer-Aided Design Software Programs.

Low-cost resin 3D printers have been used to produce affordable interim single crowns in public and private dental practices. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of different computer-aided design (CAD) software programs on 3D trueness, microscopic marginal and internal gaps, time to design, and interproximal contacts of low-cost 3D-printed single crowns. This in vitro study was performed on a total of 90 standardized resin-prepared teeth adapted to a dental manikin. For comparison among CAD software programs, 45 tooth preparations received 3D-printed crowns designed with one of three CAD software programs by an experienced technician and identified as groups TRIOS (n = 15), EXOCAD (n = 15), and ZZ (Zirkonzahn; n = 15). To assess interoperator reproducibility, 15 additional crowns were designed by a dental clinician (group ZZ-DENT) and 15 by a dental prosthetic technician (group ZZ-PROS), both with basic 1-week CAD/CAM training. Finally, as a control group, 15 crowns were milled using a high-end five-axis milling device (group ZZ-CONTROL). Statistically significant differences for 3D trueness, microscopic gaps, time to design, and interproximal contacts among groups were assessed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. No statistically significant differences in 3D trueness or marginal or internal gaps were found, either among different software programs or CAD operators (P > .05). However, Group TRIOS took significantly longer to design than EXOCAD and ZZ groups (P = .001). Less-experienced operators were significantly outperformed in time and interproximal contacts (P = .001) by the CAD technician using the same software program. Finally, control milled crowns (ZZ-CONTROL) significantly outperformed the respective 3D-printed copies (ZZ) in all assessed variables (P < .001). Different CAD software programs may affect the time required to design, but they do not significantly affect clinical outcomes of low-cost 3D-printed resin crowns if designed by an experienced CAD technician.

Diagnosing and recording root caries: A survey among Swiss dentists

ObjectivesDespite the increase in the root caries prevalence, little is still known about how dentists manage this condition. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of dentists on diagnosing and recording root caries lesions (RCL). MethodsThe survey consisted of three domains: (1) dentists’ knowledge on diagnosing, recording and managing RCL; (2) information about their current general clinical routines; and (3) their demographics. The four Swiss Universities distributed the survey via e-mail lists for alumni or professionals participating in continuing education. The data was quality checked. Construct validity, internal reliability and intraclass correlation (ICC) were assessed. ResultsThe survey was answered by 383 dentists from 25(out of 26) cantons [mean(SD) working experience: 22.5(12) years]. The majority replied that they see less than 5 patients with RCL per week, whereas 41 have at least 5 per week, and 40 % (157 dentists) do not distinguish RCL from coronal caries in their patients’ medical records. When diagnosing active RCL, tactile sensation was the most predominant criterion (n = 380), whereas color (n = 224) and visual appearance (n = 129) of the lesion were less often selected. The most often chosen risk factors for RCL were poor oral hygiene and presence of biofilm.The responses were significantly influenced by the participants’ place of education, their age and working area. ConclusionThe present survey highlights the huge diversity in diagnosing, recording and assessing risk factors of RCL. The benefits of an appropriate diagnosis, recording and management of risk factors of RCL should be highlighted in under- and postgraduate dental education. Clinical significanceA great diversity in diagnosing, recording and assessing risk factors of RCL was observed, which migh strongly impact how dentists manage RCL. The study emphasizes the necessity for intensive efforts to bridge the gap between guideline recommendations and their implementation in private dental practices.

Resumption of dental practice after COVID-19 lockdown: perspectives of dental professionals in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction: In the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of the lockdown led to the closure of dental practices. Restricting treatment to emergency patients, having to use Personal Protective Equipment and the fear of contracting the virus led to modifications in the techniques and methods used to provide efficient dental care to the patients. However, it caused a significant psychological and financial impact on the dental community. The purpose of this research was to evaluate dentists’ perceptions regarding the psychological, financial, and general impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reopening of their dental practices. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a validated questionnaire, which was distributed among 257 dental practitioners working in Karachi through the social media app (WhatsApp®) from May 2021 to May 2022. The questionnaire included four sections and 26 items, recording data for demographics, psychological effects on resumption of dental practices, workplace disinfection, and precautionary measures along financial impacts. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 21.0. p-value ≤ 0.05 was taken as statistically significant Results: A total of 200 filled questionnaires were received, making the response rate 77%. The majority of respondents were females (67%). More than half of the respondents (55.5%) were working in dental OPDs. Most participants affirmed that they did not have a COVID-19 screening area nor patient triage was being done in dental OPDs. Closure of dental practices caused financial problems for all dental practitioners, more specifically for those that were associated with both public and private types of practices (84.9%). The majority of the dentists in private practice (94.4%) declared that their workplaces were being disinfected, while 47.7% of dental practitioners working in the dental OPD affirmed that they had enough financial stability to keep using Personal Protective Equipment. Approximately 64.9% of professionals practicing in dental OPDs and 33.3% in private practice believed that the reopening of dental practices was responsible for the re-spread of the coronavirus Conclusion: Significant anxiety and stress related to COVID-19 were seen among dental practitioners. Some CDC-recommended guidelines such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment were being implemented whereas COVID-19 screening and patient triage were found deficient.

Study on the Treatment of Reusable Care Equipment in Public and Private Dental Practices in the City of Conakry

Study on the Treatment of Reusable Care Equipment in Public and Private Dental Practices in the City of Conakry

Impression Materials Used in Fixed Dental Prosthesis: A Study within Private Practice Dentists in Casablanca, Morocco

Impression Materials Used in Fixed Dental Prosthesis: A Study within Private Practice Dentists in Casablanca, Morocco

Assessment of the online presence and regulatory compliance of dental practice websites in France.

The aim of this study was to investigate the online presence of French dental practices that have a professional website. Secondly, the degree of compliance of practices' websites with the current regulatory framework was assessed. Open data was used to identify a 5% random sample of private dental practices in France (n = 1370 facilities). Then, a manual search was made on Google to find the website for each practice. When found, the website was analyzed using criteria. Only 25.9% of dental practices have a functional and referenced website, allowing 28.9% of the dentists in the sample to have an online presence. Disparities exist depending on the geographical location of the facility and its type. The assessment of website content uncovered a lack of compliance with the existing regulatory framework, exhibiting variations based on the type of facility and the person who designed the website. Hiring a specialized web design provider for dentists enhances compliance with laws and guidelines, though it doesn't guarantee complete adherence. The online presence of dental practices and dentists in France is limited. Where they do exist, dental practice websites generally do not comply with legal requirements and guidelines for online communication. Efforts should be made to improve the information provided to patients.