Role Of Dentist Research Articles

Dental neglect in pediatric patients among Indian population: A review of case reports

Knowingly or unknowingly children in the age group of 5-12 years of age are at a risk of various forms of child abuse, one among which is dental neglect. Dental neglect is one of the least recognized problems, yet it is a very serious problem. This review article is written with the aim to emphasize the role of dentists in reporting the child abuse cases and to counsel the parents/caretakers of the children regarding the seriousness of the issue.

Could Ethical Tensions in Oral Healthcare Management Revealed by Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Caregivers Explain Unmet Oral Health Needs? Participatory Research with Focus Groups.

Cognitively impaired patients often present poor oral health status that may be explained by ethical tensions in oral healthcare management. This participatory study explored such tensions among adults with intellectual disabilities and with caregivers. The second objective was to specify, with caregivers, the points that should be developed in a future study among dentists. Three focus groups involving adults with intellectual disabilities, family caregivers and professional caregivers were organized in France in 2013. The thematic content analysis identified discrepancies between experiences and expectations, which were particularly marked for the dentist's competence and attitudes, the dentist's role in decisions, the dental care management and the French socio-political context. These discrepancies could partly explain multiple attempts to find the 'right' dentist or the fact that care was abandoned, and could at least contribute to oral health needs being unmet.

Measurements of radiation exposure of dentistry students during their radiological training using thermoluminescent dosimetry

Exposure among dentistry students has not been assessed or regulated in Mexico. This work assessed the average exposure of 35 dentistry students during their training with the aid of LiF:Mg,Cu,P+PTFE thermoluminescent dosimeters. For the students in the roles of dentist and observers, maximum accumulated equivalent dose obtained was 2.59±0.11 and 4.64±0.39mSv, respectively. Students in the role as patients received a maximum accumulated effective dose of 28.41±0.31mSv. If compared to occupational dose limits, this latter value is 56% of the recommended value of 50mSv in any year. It was found that in all cases, values of equivalent dose to the women breasts were equal to the background dose. Results are discussed and compared to previous published work. Suggested recommendations were given to authorities in order to minimize exposure of the students in the role as patients.

Coeliac disease and dentistry

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune enteropathy, which is caused by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically pre-disposed individuals. -Approximately 0.5-1% of the Dutch population has coeliac disease, diag-nosed at both younger and older age. Treatment consists of a strict gluten-free diet. Symptoms can be diverse, including dental and oral manifestations. These dental and oral manifestations are often seen in patients with coeliac disease, although most of them are nonspecific. This is not the case for the symmetric enamel defects described by Aine and colleagues, which are very specific for coeliac disease. Early diagnosing of coeliac disease is important to prevent complications by (vitamin) deficiencies or rare (pre) malignant forms of coeliac disease. There seems to be a role for dentists in early diagnosing of coeliac disease.

Child abuse: Cross-sectional survey of general dentists

BackgroundChild abuse continues to be a social menace causing both physical and emotional trauma to benevolent children. Census has shown that nearly 50–75% of child abuse include trauma to mouth, face, and head. Thus, dental professionals are in strategic position to identify physical and emotional manifestations of abuse. AimA cross-sectional survey was undertaken to assess knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners regarding child abuse and to identify the barriers in reporting the same. MethodsWith prior consent, a 20-question survey including both multiple choice and dichotomous (Yes/No) questions was mailed to 120 state-registered general dentists, and the data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. ResultsOverall response rate to the questionnaires was 97%. Lack of knowledge about dentist's role in reporting child abuse accounted to 55% in the reasons for hesitancy to report. Pearson chi-square test did not show any significant difference between male and female regarding reason for hesitancy to report and legal obligation of dentists. ConclusionAlthough respondent dentists were aware of the diagnosis of child abuse, they were hesitant and unaware of the appropriate authority to report. Increased instruction in the areas of recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect should be emphasized.

Direct access in the UK: what do dentists really think?

To investigate dentists' views on the likely impact of direct access (DA), the clinical competence of hygienists and therapists to work autonomously and possible predictors of such views. Random survey of registered dentists. UK, 2014. A random sample of UK-based dentists registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). A unique-access online questionnaire was developed, with a paper alternative. Email and postal reminders were sent. Measures of positive/negative views regarding the impact of DA and clinical competence of hygienists and therapists to work without a dentist's prescription. One hundred and fifty-nine responded (response rate: 27%), 78 (49.1%) of whom were female. No significant sources of response bias were identified. While 122 (77%) had not undergone joint training with dental hygienists or therapists at the undergraduate level, 98 (62.4%) currently worked with a hygienist and 33 (21.0%) with a therapist. Eighty-three (53.2%) disagreed with the GDC decision regarding DA for hygienists, and 94 (59.1%) felt the same regarding therapists. Concern was greatest in respect to diagnosis, treatment planning and restorations. Comments were predominantly negative and reflected concerns over patient safety, what was seen as hygienists' and therapists' inadequate training or expertise, the undermining of the dentist's role, service delivery, the reform being poorly planned, implemented or being a cost-cutting exercise. Experience of teamwork was not predictive of positive/negative views. Response was low, thus posing a potential threat to the study's representativeness. Many dentists had concerns and reservations about DA which were unrelated to teamwork experience. The dissemination of information on curricula and scope of practice may help allay such concerns, as may a greater emphasis on joint training at both the undergraduate level and within continuing professional development programmes.

Adolescents' experiences of using removable functional appliances.

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and describe adolescents' experiences of treatment with removable functional appliances. Public Dental Service, Gothenburg, Sweden. Individual interviews focusing on adolescents' experiences of using a removable functional appliance were held with 21 adolescents (12 girls and nine boys). The mean age of the participants was 13.2 years (range 11-15, SD 1.25) at the interview occasion. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to a qualitative research approach, phenomenography. Outcomes of data analysis emerged in five categories with totally 12 subcategories that describe the adolescents' various conceptions of the treatment. The adolescent's experiences of using removable functional appliance appeared to have a large variation, comprising of the individual approach, feelings and strategies, the dentist role and receiving external support. Participants developed their own strategies of measurement to see improvement. An active involvement of the adolescents' in the treatment seems to be needed, supported by the dentist at coming appointments, using overjet measurement as a tool for motivation. Furthermore, efforts should be made by clinicians to listen and understand adolescents' needs and requirement before the treatment start.

Clinical approach for treatment modality of obstructive sleep apnea: focus on the role of dentists

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), most common respiratory disorder of sleep, is characterized by intermittent partial or complete occlusions of the upper airway due to loss of upper airway dilating muscle activity during sleep superimposed on a narrow upper airway. Termination of these events usually requires arousal from sleep and results in sleep fragmentation and hypoxemia, which leads to poor quality of sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, reduced quality of life and numerous other serious health consequences Untreated OSAS can cause various problems such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cardiac disease, daytime sleepiness. Various treatments are available, including non-surgical treatment such as medication or modification of life style, surgical treatment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and oral appliance (OA). Oral appliance is known to be effective in mild to moderate OSA, also genioglossus muscle advancement (GA) or maxillomandibluar advancement (MMA) is a good option for OSA patients with muscular or skeletal problems. Although the prevalence of OSA is increasing, the proportion of the patient treated by dentist is still very law. Dentists need to understand the mechanism of OSA and develop abilities to treat OSA patients with dental problems. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief overview about OSA and the dentist's role in OSA patients.

Who are we? A qualitative evaluation of trainees’ perspectives on professional identity in oral and maxillofacial surgery

IntroductionProfessional identity is becoming increasingly important in medical education in terms of developing appropriately trained and safely practising doctors. Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a unique surgical speciality that requires dual qualification in medicine and dentistry. Its junior trainees move between the various roles of student, doctor and dentist, and at certain times these roles may overlap. This heterogeneous early training may raise significant barriers for them in terms of understanding their professional identity and developing their own sustainable sense of belonging. This study looks to understand current trainees’ perceptions of the professional identity of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.MethodA qualitative research methodology based on a grounded theory approach was used in this study. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with OMFS specialist trainees. Subsequent theories were constructed after thematic analysis.ResultsA model of the professional identity of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is proposed.DiscussionThis study represents the first attempt to understand professional identity in OMFS trainees. It will provide insight into what trainees understand by the term in this speciality, as well as outlining what trainees feel are important elements to develop a sense of belonging within the speciality.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Prevalence, Etiology & Role of Dentist & Oral Appliances in Treatment: Review Article

Objective: The aim of this article is to provide a detailed description for obstructive sleep apnea regarding its signs and symptoms, the way it is diagnosed, the risk factors, management, the role of dentists and oral appliances in treatment and consequences of untreated condition. Material and Method: Electronic searching was done in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases. Inclusion criteria were: dental, oral and maxillofacial oriented articles. Exclusion criteria: cardiac, obesity and non dental oriented articles were excluded. Result: 59 articles meet the criteria. Conclusion: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potentially life threatening disorder characterized by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep, with periodic cessation of breathing for more than ten seconds. The frequency of obstructive sleep apnea has been found to increase with age; ranging from two percent among children to two and half percent - six percent among adolescents. Overnight polysomnographic test at specialized sleep clinics remains the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea disorder. Management of this condition can be performed via surgical and non surgical methods. Continuous positive airway pressure represents the first line of treatment for most patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

The Role of Dentistry in Sleep Medicine

The Role of Dentistry in Sleep Medicine

Role of dentists in child maltreatment: An overview

Role of dentists in child maltreatment: An overview

Applications of Forensic Dentistry: a Review and Update

Forensic Dentistry is one of the most unexplored and intriguing branches of forensic sciences. It has been applied to variety of cases of civil and criminal, including identification, homicide, fraud, malpractice, professional misconduct and liability. It is the specialty with goal of investigating psychological, physical, chemical and biological phenomenon that can reach human being. Recent addition of DNA analysis to Forensic Dentistry is frequently used in identifying individuals or determining the origin of certain tissues. Since qualified forensic odontologists in India are very few, this paper reinforces awareness among the dental practitioners about the role of dentist in person identification and to awaken the social responsibility of maintaining dental records of all patients.

Awareness on smoking cessation counseling among dentists in Kerala, India

Introduction: Although dentists are ideally placed to deliver smoking cessation advice and assistance to their patients, smoking cessation interventions are not often incorporated as a routine part of dental care. Aim: To assess the awareness on smoking cessation counseling among dental practitioners in Kerala. Materials and Methods: A pretested questionnaire was used for the study. Four hundred and sixteen registered dentists practicing all over Kerala participated in the survey. Results: Dentists are willing to ask and advise patients about smoking, but are less inclined to assist patients to quit or arrange follow-up. Dentists are more likely to implement one-off, opportunistic interventions rather than take a systematic preventive approach. Dentists are interested in attending further education and say they require training to be relevant to the context of their day-to-day running of the dental practice. Conclusions: Training should aim to legitimize the dentist's role in smoking cessation and provide strategies and resources so that dentists can practice interventions as part of their day-to-day work.

The role of dentistry in treatment of obesity – Review

Abstract Introduction/objective : Jaw Wiring (JW) is one of the controversial treatment modalities for obese individuals. It aims at limiting the food intake of the patient resulting in weight loss. The authors conducted a literature review to explore the historical development, effectiveness, indications, advantages and disadvantages of Jaw Wiring (JW) as treatment modality for obese individuals. Data sources : PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Google Scholar have been searched for papers that addressed the effectiveness of JW in the treatment of obesity since 1979 till present. No restriction regarding the type of the articles has been considered. Results : JW as a method of obesity management is a highly controversial issue. Almost all papers are retrospective, uncontrolled trials with a small sample size or anecdotal opinions. However, current data indicate that although JW is efficient in weight loss relatively faster than other treatment modalities, weight regaining is a constant finding in approximately all patients after JW discontinuation. Aspiration of vomit, gingival diseases, teeth decalcification and temporomandibular disorders are potential side effects. Such extreme treatment method should be approached carefully in a properly selected category of obese patients. Conclusion : JW is an efficient way in terms of weight control in properly selected obese patients and usually no serious complications could be encountered through the treatment course.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Exploring the Role of Dentists in Diagnosis and Treatment

Among the many aspects important in a child’s development is sleep. Sleep disorderscan impair children’s sleep and result in negative consequences. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)is one such disorder which involves blockage of the airway during sleep. The impact of OSA on the growth and development of a child may have detrimental effects on health, neuropsychological development and quality of life.One of the main causes of childhood OSA is hypertrophic adenoids and tonsils. As dentists often look into children’s mouth, they can play an active role in identifying those with enlarged tonsils and referring them for sleep assessment.Therapeutic measures include not only surgical extraction of hypertrophic adenoids and tonsils, but also nonsurgical alternatives such as continuous positive air pressure, anti-inflammatory agents and oral appliances (OAs). Hence the therapeutic interventions that are directed at the site of airway obstruction in the maxillofacial region are within the scope of dentistry.

Role of dentists in Disaster Victim Identification of Sita air crash, Nepal

Role of dentists in Disaster Victim Identification of Sita air crash, Nepal

Empowering Malaysian dentists to tobacco dependence treatment conduct

As a signatory to the World Health Organisation 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Malaysia has policies in place and funded 300 public Quit clinics. Unfortunately, government dentists are not included to run tobacco dependence treatment. A cross-sectional exploratory survey was carried out to seek Malaysian dentists' opinion on their knowledge, perception and willingness to conduct tobacco dependence treatment. Participation was voluntary from those who attended a specially designed one-day, four-module workshop on tobacco cessation intervention. Data were collected using the Audience-Response-System equipment which tracked immediate responses covering four domains namely: smoking as a public health problem, smoking as an addiction, the role of dentists in the programme and confidence in conducting smoking cessation in the clinic. Sample comprised more female dentists (73.5%), mean age 33.6 (SD 8.99) years and with more than 3 years working experience. Findings indicated that the majority agreed Malaysia has a rising problem in the prevalence of smoking (71.6%) and predicted that it will affect mostly the young (81.9%). Only half of the dentists surveyed (58.9%) routinely recorded their patients' smoking habits. The majority (71.6%) believed that dentists are effective in helping their patient to stop smoking and 76.3% agreed that dentists should discuss the smoking habit with their patients; however, 60% agreed that doing so is too time consuming. In addition, only 24.7% knew of more ways to treat a smoking habit. The majority felt comfortable giving advice to patients about changing their habits (76.5%) or discussing treatment options (60.5%): 75% would opt for a combined programme of counselling and use of medication if they have to do, 15% would choose to go on counselling only, while 8% did not want to treat. In conclusion, the findings suggest that dentists have a strong potential to contribute significantly to providing smoking cessation treatment if adequately trained.

Dental patient's knowledge and perceptions about the effects of smoking and role of dentists in smoking cessation activities.

Objectives:The objective of the following study is to assess the knowledge of patients about the consequences of smoking on the general and oral health, to analyze the patient's perceptions about the role of dentists in smoking prevention, counseling and cessation and to analyze the willingness of smokers to quit smoking following dentist's advice.Materials and Methods:A descriptive study was conducted in a sample of 486 dental patients visiting Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluruin the month of August 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was performed to analyze data.Results:The patients had good knowledge about the effects of smoking on general and oral health. Statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge of smokers and non-smokers about the effects of smoking on ageing (P = 0.008) and oral cancer (P = 0.0012). Patients had a positive perception about the role of dentists in smoking cessation activities. Smokers exhibited a willingness to quit if suggested by the dentist.Conclusion:Patients perceive that dentists can play an important part in smoking cessation activities. Hence, dentists should not hesitate to give smoking cessation advice to their patients and grasp this opportunity to improve the general and oral health of the community.

Health care reform brings new opportunities

Health care reform brings new opportunities