scholarly journals Changes in Oral Health Policies and Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Meng Jiang ◽  
Duangporn Duangthip ◽  
Prim Auychai ◽  
Mirei Chiba ◽  
Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Strict Adherence ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Regional Health Authorities ◽  
Long Term Impact

The aim of this study was to describe the changes in oral health policies and guidelines in response to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in different countries and regions around the world. Information on oral health policies and guidelines from 9 countries (Canada, China including Hong Kong, Egypt, India, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Switzerland, and Thailand) were summarized, and sources of the information were mostly the national or regional health authorities and/or dental council/associations. The changes made to the oral health guidelines depended on the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included suspension of non-emergency dental care services at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, and easing the restrictions on non-essential and elective dental care when the pandemic became under control. The COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies include strict adherence to infection control practices (use of hand sanitizers, facemask and maintaining social distancing), reducing the amount of aerosol production in the dental setting, and managing the quality of air in the dental treatment rooms by reducing the use of air conditioners and improving air exchange. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a major impact on dental practice. Dental professionals are trying to adapt to the new norms, while the medium to long-term impact of COVID-19 on dentistry needs further investigation.

scholarly journals Dentistry & COVID-19: Spreading facts not myths

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-256
Author(s):  
Surbhi Priyadarshi ◽  
Arif Siddique
Keyword(s):  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Dental Services ◽  
Strict Adherence ◽  
The Impact

Dental professionals are trying to adapt to the new norms, while the medium to long-term impact of COVID-19 on dentistry needs further investigation. The COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies include strict adherence to infection control practices (use of hand sanitizers, facemask and maintaining social distancing), reducing the amount of aerosol production in the dental setting, and managing the quality of air in the dental treatment rooms by reducing the use of air conditioners and improving air exchange. Among several potential transmission sources in the spreading of the COVID-19, dental services have received a high volume of attention. The aim of this article was to review the available literature on the relevant aspects of dentistry in relation to COVID-19 and to discuss potential impacts of COVID-19 outbreak on clinical dentistry, dental education and research. Although the coronavirus pandemic has caused many difficulties for provision of clinical dentistry, there would be an opportunity for the dental educators to modernize their teaching approaches using novel digital concepts in teaching of clinical skills and by enhancement of online communication and learning platforms. This pandemic has also highlighted some of the major gaps in dental research and the need for new relevant knowledge to manage the current crisis and minimize the impact of such outbreaks on dentistry in the future.

scholarly journals Dental Care during COVID-19 Outbreak: A Web-Based Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S14-S19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Faccini ◽  
Fernanda Ferruzzi ◽  
Aline Akemi Mori ◽  
Gabriela Cristina Santin ◽  
Renata Cristina Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Orthodontic Appliances ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Emergency Procedures ◽  
Level Of Concern ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective This survey aimed to assess the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on elective and urgency/emergency dental care and dentists concerned. Materials and Methods A web-based survey was performed using Google forms questionnaire sent to dentists in Brazil. Questions included: personal information, type of dental care provided during quarantine, if emergencies increased, the dental office biosafety routine, among others. The levels of concern about the impact of quarantine on dental care and patient oral health conditions and the economic impact on dental practices were evaluated using a 0- to 10-point scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive, percentages, one-way ANOVA, Tukey, and chi-square tests. Results During quarantine, 64.6% of the dentists attended only urgency/emergency treatments, while 26.1% maintained routine appointments, and 9.3% closed the dental offices. A higher percentage of dentists from the least affected states continued routine dental treatment; dentists were younger and presented a significantly lower level of concern about dental treatments and oral health conditions of their patients. An increase in urgency/emergency procedures was reported by 44.1% of the dentists, mostly due to the unavailability of routine/elective dental care and increased patient anxiety and stress. The main causes of urgency/emergency appointments were toothache, dental trauma, and broken restorations, besides the breakage of orthodontic appliances and temporomandibular disorders. Dentists reported a high level of concern about the economic impact caused by quarantine. Conclusions The pandemic/quarantine has negatively affected the clinical routine. Personal protection/hygiene care must be adopted and reinforced by dental professionals/staff to make dental procedures safer.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Dental Care Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (23) ◽  
pp. 4131-4136
Author(s):  
Zainab Albasry ◽  
Bayan Alhaddad ◽  
Mashael Abdullah Benrashed ◽  
Asim Al-Ansari ◽  
Muhammad Ashraf Nazir
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Eastern Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dental Visits ◽  
Dental Problem

BACKGROUND: Oral and systemic problems are common among pregnant women. Routine dental visits are important for the maintenance of optimal oral health which is linked with systemic health. AIM: To evaluate dental care utilization and related factors among pregnant women in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in hospitals and healthcare centers in the cities of Khobar, Dammam, and Qatif in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. A piloted tested self-administered questionnaire available in Arabic and English languages was distributed among a calculated sample of 341 pregnant women. Pearson's chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the study, 270 questionnaires were analyzed giving a response rate of 79.2%. Mean age of the participants was 29 ± 5.9 years. There were 43.7% pregnant women who received dental treatment when they have a dental problem and only 13.7% performed routine dental visit. Half the sample (52.6%) avoided dental visits during pregnancy and dental treatment being unsafe was the most common reason for avoiding dental visits. After adjustment, routine dental visits during pregnancy were 7.38 times higher among Saudis compared with non-Saudis women (p 0.05). The participants who had a negative perception about the safety of dental treatment had significantly lower odds (OR 0.31, p 0.036) of dental attendance for routine dental visits. CONCLUSION: Routine dental visits were low among pregnant women and many visited dentists when they had a dental problem. Negative perception about the safety of dental treatment was associated with reduced regular dental visits during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be educated about the importance of receiving dental care for the maintenance of optimal oral health.

scholarly journals Oral Health Status and Patterns of Dental Service Utilization of Adolescents in Lesotho, Southern Africa

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 120
Author(s):  
Abbas Jessani ◽  
Mir Faeq Ali Quadri ◽  
Pulane Lefoka ◽  
Abdul El-Rabbany ◽  
Kirsten Hooper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Service Utilization ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Dental Service ◽  
Treatment Needs

This study aimed to characterize the best predictors for unmet dental treatment needs and patterns of dental service utilization by adolescents in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Southern Africa. A self-reported 40-item oral health survey was administered, and clinical oral examinations were conducted in public schools in Maseru from August 10 to August 25, 2016. Associations between psychosocial factors with oral health status and dental service utilization were evaluated using simple, bivariate, and multivariate regressions. Five hundred and twenty-six survey responses and examinations were gathered. The mean age of student participants was 16.4 years of age, with a range between 12 and 19 years of age. More than two thirds (68%; n = 355) of participants were female. The majority reported their quality of life (84%) and general health to be good/excellent (81%). While 95% reported that oral health was very important, only 11% reported their personal dental health as excellent. Three percent reported having a regular family dentist, with the majority (85%) receiving dental care in a hospital or medical clinic setting; only 14% had seen a dental professional within the previous two years. The majority of participants did not have dental insurance (78%). Clinical examination revealed tooth decay on 30% of mandibular and maxillary molars; 65% had some form of gingivitis. In multivariate analysis, not having dental education and access to a regular dentist were the strongest predictors of not visiting a dentist within the last year. Our results suggest that access to oral health care is limited in Lesotho. Further patient oral health education and regular dental care may make an impact on this population.

scholarly journals Oral Health Status and Patterns of Dental Service Utilization of Adolescents in Lesotho, Southern Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abbas Jessani ◽  
Faeq Quadri ◽  
Abdul El-Rabbany ◽  
Kirsten Hooper ◽  
Hyun Ja Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Service Utilization ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Dental Service ◽  
Treatment Needs

Abstract Objectives: To identify the unmet dental treatment needs and patterns of dental service utilization by adolescents in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Southern Africa, and characterize the best predictors for perceived oral health status and dental visits for these adolescents. Method: A self-reported 40-item oral health survey was administered, and clinical oral examinations were conducted in public schools in Maseru from August 10 to August 25, 2016. Associations between psychosocial factors with oral health status and dental service utilization were evaluated using simple, bivariate and multivariate regressions. Results: Five hundred and twenty-six survey responses and examinations were gathered. The mean age of participants was 16.4 years of age, with a range between 12 and 19 years of age. More than two thirds (68%; n=355) of participants were female. The majority reported their quality of life (84%) and general health to be good/excellent (81%). While 95% reported that oral health was very important, only 11% reported their personal dental health as excellent. Three percent reported having a regular family dentist, with the majority (85%) receiving dental care in a hospital or medical clinic setting; only 14% had seen a dental professional within the previous 2 years. The majority of participants did not have dental insurance (78%). Clinical examination revealed tooth decay on 30% of mandibular and maxillary molars; 65% had some form of gingivitis. In multivariate analysis, not having dental education and access to a regular dentist were the strongest predictors of not visiting a dentist within the last year. Conclusion: Our results suggest that access to oral health care is limited in Lesotho. Dental decay on molars was prevalent. Further patient oral health education and regular dental care may make an impact on this population.

scholarly journals Neighborhood Contexts and Oral Health Outcomes in a Pediatric Population: An Exploratory Study

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 653
Author(s):  
Vladyslav A. Podskalniy ◽  
Sharat Chandra Pani ◽  
Jinhyung Lee ◽  
Liliani Aires Candido Vieira ◽  
Hiran Perinpanayagam
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Postal Code ◽  
Billing Data ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Sociodemographic Variables ◽  
Neighborhood Level

Aims: This study aimed to explore the impacts of neighborhood-level socioeconomic contexts on the therapeutic and preventative dental quality outcome of children under 16 years. Materials and Methods: Anonymized billing data of 842 patients reporting to a university children’s dental over three years (March 2017–2020) met the inclusion criteria. Their access to care (OEV-CH-A), topical fluoride application (TFL-CH-A) and dental treatment burden (TRT-CH-A) were determined by dental quality alliance (DQA) criteria. The three oral health variables were aggregated at the neighborhood level and analyzed with Canadian census data. Their partial postal code (FSA) was chosen as a neighborhood spatial unit and maps were created to visualize neighborhood-level differences. Results: The individual-level regression models showed significant negative associations between OEV-CH-A (p = 0.027) and TFL-CH-A (p = 0.001) and the cost of dental care. While there was no significant association between neighborhood-level sociodemographic variables and OEV-CH-A, TRT-CH-A showed a significant negative association at the neighborhood level with median household income and significant positive association with percentage of non-official first language (English or French) speakers. Conclusion: Initial analysis suggests differences exist in dental outcomes according to neighborhood-level sociodemographic variables, even when access to dental care is similar.

Prevalence Of Dental Anxiety Among University Students And Affect On Dental Attendance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Reid ◽  
Kemisha Kerr ◽  
Xavier Carty ◽  
Jeffrey D’Ornellas ◽  
Brittney Gervais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Dental Anxiety ◽  
Dental Attendance ◽  
Caribbean Population ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
The University ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of dental anxiety in an adult Caribbean population and explore its relationship to socio-demographic factors and dental attendance. Methods: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed to students attending The University of The West Indies, in Trinidad. The questionnaire included demographic items, self-rated oral health and dental attendance and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). This self-reported instrument has five questions about anxiety to dental treatment rated on a 5- point scale (1=not anxious to 5=extremely anxious). Results: 197 university students participated in the study. 51.3% were male. 76% were 18-24 years-old. Overall, 62.4% of participants reported a low level of dental anxiety (MDAS 5-14), 22.3% moderate dental anxiety (MDAS 15-18) and 15.2% severe dental anxiety (MDAS 19+). Over a quarter of participants reported that they would be extremely anxious if they were to have a tooth drilled or about to have a local anaesthetic injection (27.4% and 26.9% respectively). Higher mean anxiety scores were reported by female participants those who had difficulty finding dental care or had avoided going to the dentist due to fear of treatment (t-test p<0.05) and those with lower self-rated oral health (ANOVA p<0.05), Conclusions: Among this sample of university students, the majority of participants reported low levels of dental anxiety. Higher dental anxiety levels were associated with gender, difficulty finding dental care, avoiding dental visits due to fear and lower self-rated oral health.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators to dental care during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Schaia Rocha ◽  
Letícia Arima ◽  
Ana Cláudia Chibinski ◽  
Renata Iani Werneck ◽  
Samuel Jorge Moysés ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Critical Appraisal Skills

Some barriers to dental treatment during pregnancy are poorly understood, especially those related to psychosocial factors, which are better explored in qualitative studies. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the barriers and facilitators to dental care during pregnancy through a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Qualitative or mixed-methods studies published in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French, from 2000 to 2016, were included. The search strategies were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO and CINAHL. To evaluate the quality of the studies, we used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Thematic synthesis was performed in order to interpret and summarize the results. From 2,581 screened studies, ten were included in the synthesis. We found 14 analytical themes related to barriers and facilitators to dental care during pregnancy that interacted in complex ways: physiological conditions, low importance of oral health, negative stigma regarding dentistry, fear of/anxiety toward dental treatment, mobility and safety, financial barriers, employment, time constraints, social support, lack of information, health professionals’ barriers, family and friends’ advice, beliefs and myths about the safety of dental treatment. Myths and beliefs about oral health and dental treatment during pregnancy appear to be the most frequent barriers, both to pregnant women and to dentists or other health professionals. The findings of this review may support new studies, especially to test intervention protocols and to guide effective public policies for the promotion of oral health during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Oral health knowledge and practices of antenatal mothers in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Muhammad Azim Syahmi Kamaruddin ◽  
Norsamsu Arni Samsudin
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Dental Care ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Oral Health Status ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Oral Health Promotion ◽  
Oral Health Knowledge

Mothers play a very significant role in influencing the oral health status of the family. Many studies have highlighted the importance of good oral health during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess knowledge, self-perceived oral health status, and practices of antenatal mothers in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia. A total of 76 antenatal mothers visiting Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialist clinic at Hospital USM were involved in this cross-sectional survey study. The questionnaires contained items related to oral health knowledge, self-perceived dental problems, barriers to seeking dental care, oral hygiene habits, perceptions of oral health, and access to dental care. Majority (98.7%) agreed that their oral health was important as part of general health. About 58% of them had answered correctly regarding oral health knowledge. Most respondents had self-perceptions of having dental problems during pregnancy, including cavitated teeth (34.4%) and sensitive teeth (20.5%). Regarding practice, only 35.3% visited a dentist in the last six months. Time constraints (52.4%) and safety concerns regarding dental treatment (26.2%) were the main barriers to seek dental care. Many (90%) brushed their teeth at least twice daily with adult fluoridated toothpaste, while some used mouthwash daily (36.8%) and flossed their teeth (11.8%). Antenatal mothers had an average level of knowledge regarding oral health, experienced dental problems during pregnancy and lacked awareness of a regular dental visit. Hence, there is a need for more vigorous oral health promotion, which also include antenatal care providers, to improve oral health awareness among antenatal mothers.

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