The Value of the Oral Medicine Specialty in the Modern Healthcare Systems

Background: Oral medicine is a subdiscipline of dentistry that concerns itself with the oral health of patients; it focuses on providing diagnosis and management of oral and maxillofacial diseases, as well as direct dental care for those in medically complex situations. As primary healthcare providers, physicians and dentists are often the first to evaluate patients with orofacial symptoms and make diagnoses related to oral health, whether explicit or manifested through systemic diseases. However, a lack of familiarity with oral medicine among healthcare providers often leads to significant delays in the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of many oral and maxillofacial disorders. It has been well established that a lack of training and education in oral health among physicians is an impediment to alleviating the situation. Summary: Several studies and scientific reports in the medical community have shown a greater professional interest in oral health and medicine, with numerous recent articles reflecting a clear rise in multiple factors: an increased interest in additional training and a rise in oral diseases. This review focuses on the need for a multidisciplinary approach in modern healthcare systems that implements the oral medicine specialty. It also serves to emphasize the role of oral medicine in medical training and education, while simultaneously discussing the prevalence of oral diseases and awareness of oral health among physicians in Saudi Arabia. Key Messages: The prevalence of oral health conditions in Saudi Arabia appears to be high yet is accompanied by a scarcity of oral medicine specialists in this part of the world. Furthermore, numerous studies have revealed that physicians from different specialties in Saudi Arabia lack training in oral health and possess an insufficient awareness of the oral medicine specialty. This paucity of oral medicine specialists in Saudi Arabia presents a key issue as the clinical services and medical education provided by such specialists in healthcare systems can have a profound positive impact on each patient’s quality of life and health outcomes, as well as the standards of physicians’ training.

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Perception Regarding Oral Health Among Patients Visiting Dental Outpatient Department

Journal of Bahria University Medical and Dental College ◽

10.51985/jbumdc2019032 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 09 (04) ◽

pp. 266-270

Author(s):

Saima Asim ◽

Syed Muhammad Zulfiqar Hyder Naqvi ◽

Syed Imtiaz Ahmed Jafry ◽

Shikoh Naz

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Assessment Model ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level ◽

Study Participants

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding oral health among patients visiting dental OPD in hospitals of district Malir, Karachi. Study Design and Setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted at dental outpatient departments of two hospitals of district Malir, Karachi. Methodology: A total of 393 participants were randomly interviewed by the principal investigator with the help of structured questionnaire developed specifically for the study after obtaining written informed consent over the study of 6 months. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 21. Inferential analysis was performed using chi-square test whereas binary logistic regression was used to develop a risk assessment model for the study outcome. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Overall 31.8% of the study participants had adequate knowledge, 25.2% had adequate attitude whereas 32.2% had adequate practices with regards to oral health. Furthermore, multivariable analysis revealed that higher qualification of the study participants had significant positive associations with adequateness of all of the knowledge, attitude and practices of the study participants regarding oral health at p-value of <0.05. Conclusion: The level of knowledge and appropriateness of attitude and practices of the study participants was less than satisfactory. The higher education level had a positive impact over the oral health of the participants. It is recommended that healthcare providers and government, in their respective capacities, educate and persuade people to take better care of their oral health.

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Ethical Challenges Related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: Interviews With Professionals From Saudi Arabia

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2021.620444 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Ghiath Alahmad ◽

Hanie Richi ◽

Ala'a BaniMustafa ◽

Adel F. Almutairi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Healthcare Systems ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Control Measures ◽

Ethical Principles ◽

The Novel ◽

Ethical Challenges ◽

Ethics In Research ◽

Novel Coronavirus

The new and dangerous coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has posed a serious challenge to the ability of healthcare systems of many countries to contain the spread of the disease and to mitigate its various consequences. The disease posed many ethical challenges both in itself and in the methods used in its management. Although the ethical principles that healthcare operates under are universal, a thorough understanding of the ethical difficulties it poses necessitates consideration of contextual, societal, and cultural factors. This study provides an in-depth exploration of the ethical challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in relation to healthcare providers, medical researchers, and decision-makers in Saudi Arabia. Four themes were extracted from participants' responses, namely, ethical challenges about disease-control measures, challenges to actions in certain groups, challenges regarding software programs, and finally ethics in research practices. Each theme likewise contained sub-themes. The themes and sub-themes were discussed in light of the ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-beneficence, and justice, as well as other principles, such as protecting confidentiality, privacy, and preventing stigma and discrimination.

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Awareness and Knowledge of Oral Diseases Associated with Rheumatic Patients Among Dentists in Saudi Arabia

Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications ◽

10.21786/bbrc/14.4.85 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 1956-1961

Author(s):

Hamad Nasser Albagieh

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Oral Health ◽

Side Effects ◽

Oral Cavity ◽

Rheumatic Disease ◽

Rheumatic Diseases ◽

Systemic Disease ◽

Sufficient Information ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Rheumatic Patients

Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that make the immune system attack the body’s joints, muscles, bones, and organs. Oral health is proven to be associated with overall systemic health. Patients with rheumatic diseases present with multiple oral manifestations that might be the first clinical signs and symptoms of a systemic disease. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of dentists of the oral diseases associated with rheumatic patients in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed aimed at the different specialties and degrees of dentistry. The total number of participants in this study was 235. The majority of participants (68.1%) agreed that there is a relationship between oral health and rheumatic disease, but only 31.1% agreed (or strongly agreed) that they have sufficient information about this association. Additionally, 34.9% agreed that there was enough information about medications that can be used in rheumatic patients and their possible side effects on the oral cavity. Almost half of the participants (46.8%) disagreed that rheumatic disease lecture(s) that have been covered at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, enough to manage rheumatic patients. The majority (64.7%) never attended any form of continuous education lecture(s) or course(s) regarding the management of oral conditions in rheumatic patients. We concluded that most of the participants agreed that there is a relation between oral health and rheumatic diseases. At the same time, they think that they do not have enough information on the association between oral health and rheumatic diseases. This is in addition to information on the medication used in rheumatic patients and their possible side effects in the oral cavity.

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Strategies for Oral Health Management in Patients with Acute Confusional State

UI Proceedings on Health and Medicine ◽

10.7454/uiphm.v1i0.17 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 ◽

Author(s):

Ratna Kumala Indrastiti ◽

Yuniardini Septorini Wimardhani

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Dental Treatment ◽

Health Management ◽

Systemic Disease ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Nausea And Vomiting ◽

Medical Complication ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Acute Confusional State ◽

History Of

Background: The presence of serious illnesses, medical complication, or drug intoxication may be the pathophysiological causes of acute confusional states (ACS). The oral diseases are highly prevalent in patients with this condition, which may cause life-threatening complications. Objectives: To describe the strategies for oral health management in patients with ACS who were treated in the inpatient ward of the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.Case Report and Management: This report presented two patients with the diagnosis of ACS with differential diagnosis of dementia. The first patient was 67-year-old female with a history of nausea and vomiting before admission, eating difficulty, systemic disease and drugs use were unremarkable. The second patient was a 60-year-old female with history of nausea and vomiting every food or drinking intake, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Clinical intraoral examination of both patients revealed poor oral health and progressive oral functional loss; However, in-office and invasive dental treatment was not indicated. The treatment focus was to improve oral comfort, oral pain management, and infection control.Conclusion: An appropriate oral healthcare plan should be considered depending on the patient’s dying stage or general condition with the collaboration between related healthcare providers.

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Impact of Oral Diseases and Conditions on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Narrative Review of Studies Conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Cureus ◽

10.7759/cureus.18358 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mushir Mulla

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Oral Health ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

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Effectiveness of Preventive Oral Health Measures among Special Care School Children (boys) in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

JOURNAL FOR CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH ◽

10.7860/jcdr/2020/45329.13945 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Altaf H Shah ◽

Amjad H Wyne ◽

Faris Yahya Asiri ◽

Shabnam Gulzar ◽

Saad Abduallah Sheehan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Oral Health ◽

Dental Caries ◽

Special Needs ◽

School Children ◽

Plaque Index ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Plaque Score ◽

Health Measures

Introduction: Special needs children experience poorer oral health when compared to their compatriots. Moreover, Special Care School Children (SCSC) experience significant barriers to access proper oral health care. It has been found that they have high unmet oral health needs. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of preventive oral health measures in a group of SCSC; boys, in Al-Kharj Governorate of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was designed among SCSC in Al-Kharj Governorate of Saudi Arabia starting from October 2016 for a period of eight months.Only schools for boys were included in the study. Out of 936 students enrolled in the special needs education programme in 18 boys schools; 163 SCSC (boys) from eight primary schools were eventually included in the study. After the base line survey; the subjects were evaluated with predefined criteria at three monthly intervals until six months. The effectiveness of various preventive measures was evaluated for reduction in the risk of oral diseases. SCSC were divided into groups as per their specific health care need. Preventive oral health measures such as supervised tooth brushing with a fluoridated tooth paste was introduced with the help of teachers and parents of SCSC. Plaque levels were assessed by means of Plaque index. Various indices were used to measure dental caries including Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft) as well as Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surfaces (DMFS/dmfs) index. The risk for dental caries was assessed by means of a cariogram model at the start and at the end of campaign. The data was computed using SPSS v20 programme. Means of the overall plaque score and the caries indices scores were calculated and compared among various special need groups among the SCSC. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: The overall mean plaque score of the group was 1.55. Plaque scores and mean decayed (D) component were significantly higher in intellectual disabilities as compared to physical disabilities. The mean DMFT and DMFS score was 3.2 and 6.42, respectively with mean decayed (D) component score of 2.67. There was no significant difference among caries prevalence and decayed (D) component among various groups of disabilities. Plaque index score reduced to 1.35 after three months and finally to 1.1 after six months. This was statistically significant (p<0.05). The actual chance to avoid new cavities in the cariogram increased from 5% to 73% at the end, for the SCSC boys. Conclusion: There was a significant decrease in the risk for oral diseases after incorporation of preventive oral health measures for SCSC.

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Oral Health Status in Relation to Nutritional Status among 9 years old school Children in Dewanyiah City/Iraq

Mustansiria Dental Journal ◽

10.32828/mdj.v14i1.763 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 80

Author(s):

Dr. Zahraa Ali Al-Awadi ◽

Dr. Baydaa Hussien Hussien

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Dental Caries ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Oral Health Status ◽

Health Condition ◽

Primary Dentition ◽

Anthropometric Measurement ◽

Oral Diseases ◽

Gingival Health ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Although they are not life threatening, dental caries and periodontaldisease are the most predominant and widely spread oral diseases throughout theworld. The aims of the study included the investigation of the prevalence andseverity of dental caries, gingivitis and dental plaque in relation to gender,furthermore, nutritional status was assessed in relation to oral health condition(dental caries).Materials and Methods: This oral health survey was conducted among primaryschool children aged 9 years old in Dewanyiah city in Iraq. The total samplecomposed of 600 child (320 males and 280 females) selected randomly fromdifferent school in Dewanyiah city. Diagnosis of dental caries was according tothe criteria described by WHO (1987). Plaque index of Silness and Loe (1964)was used for plaque assessment, gingival index of Loe and Silness (1963) wasfollowed for recording gingival health condition. Nutritional status was assessedaccording to body mass index (BMI) indicator using anthropometric measurement(height and weight).Results: Results showed that the prevalence of dental caries was 85% for 9 year-oldschool children. Regarding primary and permanent dentition, dental caries washigher among females compared to males with statistically significant difference(P<0.05) for primary dentition, on the other hand, males showed higher values offilled surfaces compared to females with statistically significant difference(P<0.05) for primary dentition and highly significant difference (P<0.01) forpermanent dentition. Finding of this study revealed that 100% of the children hadgingival inflammation. Furthermore, the values of plaque and gingival indiceswere higher among males compared to females with statistically highly significantdifferences (P<0.01). In current study, the prevalence of malnutrition described bythe BMI indicator was 5.3%. For total samples no significant difference wasrecorded in dmfs /DMFS values among wasting and well nourished children(P>0.05).Conclusion: A high prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis were recorded.Improvement in the prevention educational programs is needed among schoolchildren.

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