A Mixed-Methods Investigation Into General Dental Practitioners' Perceptions of the Influence of Postgraduate Dental Education on Dental Practice

There are many steps in fabrication of dental crowns and bridges at which an error can occur, and a technician can only fabricate a quality restoration if the impression itself is of adequate quality. All dental practitioners should have the ability to evaluate the quality of dental impression before sending to the laboratory. Elastomeric silicones (polysiloxane) are the most utilised impression materials in dental practice. The present study deal with the deficiencies of silicones dental impressions sent to commercial dental laboratories for fabrication of single crowns and bridges.

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Using the Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Design to Investigate Dental Patients’ Perceptions and Needs Concerning Oral Cancer Information, Examination, Prevention and Behavior

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18147562 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 7562

Author(s):

Mohammed Jafer ◽

Rik Crutzen ◽

Abdalla Ibrahim ◽

Ibtisam Moafa ◽

Haitham Zaylaee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Mixed Methods ◽

Oral Cancer ◽

Cancer Information ◽

Mixed Methods Design ◽

Dental Patients ◽

Sequential Mixed Methods ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

And Behavior ◽

Oral Cancer Examinations

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate dental patients’ behavior, thoughts, opinions and needs for oral cancer information, and dentists’ behavior regarding prevention and examination of oral cancer. Materials and Methods: This study utilized an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted for forty dental patients of both sexes. Based on the qualitative analysis, a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed among the participants. Data were analyzed for 315 participants to quantify their thoughts, needs, behavior and behavior expected from dentists regarding oral cancer. Frequency, percentages and cumulative percentages were calculated. Results: This study reveals that patients’ oral cancer knowledge levels were adequate, but most reported that their dentist had never examined them for oral cancer. Additionally, the participants had never performed self-examinations for oral cancer, nor were they aware of the possibility of doing so. Participants showed a preference for being examined and educated by their dentist about oral cancer and believed it would help early detection. Conclusions: The study participants are aware of oral cancer and its risk factors. The practice of oral cancer examinations and patient education of its risk factors by dental practitioners is limited. Patients feel a need for more attention to be paid to oral cancer examinations, preventive measures and targeted information on oral cancer risk factors.

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The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dental practice in Iran: a questionnaire-based report

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-020-01341-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hanie Ahmadi ◽

Alireza Ebrahimi ◽

Farhad Ghorbani

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Dental Health ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Dental Practice ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Dental Services ◽

Emergency Procedures ◽

Dental Procedures ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The highly contagious nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), besides the fact that dental procedures commonly generate blood and saliva droplets that could lead to the contagion have resulted in the closure of many dental clinics. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on dental practice by conducting an online questionnaire among the Iranian dental practitioners and finding their perspectives on the subject. Methods This report is based on a questionnaire that was conducted among Iranian dentists. The survey included questions that evaluate the dentists’ perceptions and attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on their personal life, financial status, and the quality of dental services for patients. Results Overall, 240 dentists contributed to this study (214 general dentists and 26 specialists). The majority of the participants (n = 170, 70%) did not perform non-emergency procedures during the pandemic. The dental practitioners have suggested several strategies to decrease the risk of contagion, such as reducing treatment sessions (n = 90, 37%), strict triage of patients (n = 156, 64%), and using personal protective equipment (n = 108, 45%). However, most of the dentists (n = 210, 87%) had problems, providing personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Moreover, 97% (n = 234) of the participants reported that they encountered a decrease in their financial income since the eruption of the pandemic. Conclusion Dental health care workers are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Thus, dental practitioners ought to execute the standard protocols more cautiously during the pandemic. They could also lower their work hours and limit dental procedures to emergency treatments to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Besides, the public organizations should provide proper equipment for the dental practitioners to decrease the risk of contagion.

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The Provision of Occlusal Splints in Primary Dental Care

Primary Dental Care ◽

10.1308/135576100322694196 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol os7 (3) ◽

pp. 109-113 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kalpesh Patel ◽

Kenneth W Hemmings ◽

Simon Vaughan

Keyword(s):

Treatment Plan ◽

Acrylic Resin ◽

Dental Practice ◽

Occlusal Splint ◽

Occlusal Splints ◽

General Dental Practice ◽

General Dental Practitioner ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Wide Range ◽

Conservative Dentistry

Occlusal splints (Michigan splints, night/bite guards or bite-raising appliances) can be an effective, inexpensive and reversible treatment for a wide range of dental problems. Objective The aim of this study was to analyse retrospectively the provision of occlusal splint (‘Michigan’ type) in general dental practice, following a prescription by a restorative dental consultant. Method One hundred patients were recruited from consultant clinics in a department of conservative dentistry during 1995 and 1996. All patients were prescribed a maxillary, full-coverage, heat-cured, acrylic-resin splint (Michigan splint) as part of a treatment plan. An explanatory letter and questionnaire were sent to all patients and to their referring general dental practitioner in 1997 and 1998. Results A response rate of 79% was achieved in obtaining completed questionnaires from both patients and general dental practitioners. Of respondents 43% (34/79) received an occlusal splint of some form. A small proportion of the respondents (16.5% [13/79]) received a Michigan splint as prescribed. Irrespective of the type of appliance provided, most patients (82% [28/34]) found them helpful. Of those who did not receive an occlusal splint, 38% (17/45) of patients felt financial implications deterred them from obtaining an appliance. Other common reasons for non-provision included: patients felt that symptoms had improved (18% [8/45]) and patients did not agree with treatment (18% [8/45]). The general dental practitioners had similar opinions to their patients. Discussion These findings raise some serious doubts on the efficacy of consultant clinic advice in the prescription of occlusal splints in general dental practice. The financial and educational issues raised by this study will need to be addressed to improve service provision. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that 16.5% of patient respondents prescribed a Michigan splint at a consultant clinic received such an appliance in general dental practice.

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Summary: Possible Futures for Dental Practice and Dental Education

Journal of Dental Education ◽

10.1002/j.0022-0337.2012.76.8.tb05364.x ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 76 (8) ◽

pp. 1102-1105 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

L. Jackson Brown ◽

Kent D. Nash

Keyword(s):

Dental Education ◽

Dental Practice

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An Investigation into the Bitewing Radiographic Prescribing Patterns of West Kent General Dental Practitioners

Primary Dental Care ◽

10.1177/2050168411os1800304 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol os18 (3) ◽

pp. 107-114

Author(s):

Peter W Mauthe ◽

Kenneth A Eaton

Keyword(s):

Behavioural Change ◽

Primary Care Trust ◽

Prescribing Patterns ◽

Caries Detection ◽

Practice Research ◽

Dental Practice ◽

The West ◽

Bitewing Radiography ◽

General Dental Practice ◽

Dental Practitioners

Aims The primary aims of the study were to investigate the use of bitewing radiography within primary dental care and adherence to guidelines on bitewing radiography by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the West Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) area. Within the overall aims, the study had objectives to investigate the use of radiographic guidelines, audit and caries risk assessment, the influence of private and National Health Service (NHS) practice, and the influence of the demographic profile of the GDPs on these variables. Methods Data were gathered via a piloted self-completion questionnaire, circulated to all GDPs listed on the NHS Choices website as practising in the West Kent PCT area. Three mailings and follow-up telephone calls were used. The resulting data were entered into a statistical software database and, where relevant, statistically tested, using the chi-square test. Results Of 223 GDPs, 167 responded (75%). GDPs with a high NHS commitment were significantly less likely to follow Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) guidance on prescribing bitewing radiographs for adults ( P<0.01) and children ( P<0.05) than were mainly private GDPs. Mainly NHS GDPs were more likely ‘always/mostly’ to follow National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance (83 compared to 59) ( P<0.05) and also to risk-assess patients (83 compared to 62). Only 115 (71%) had carried out a radio graphic audit or peer review in the preceding three years. Those with postgraduate qualifications were more likely ( P<0.05) to carry out radiographic audit. Conclusions The study confirmed previous research reporting the under-use of radiography for caries detection and also the failure of some GDPs to comply with ionising radiation regulations. West Kent GDPs with a high NHS commitment were less likely to follow radiographic guidance than their private counterparts. This suggests that further efforts to disseminate information on radiographic guidelines and to educate GDPs are necessary to improve adherence with all aspects of radiography within general dental practice. Research into factors that influence GDPs’ decision-making with regards to radiographic prescription may further inform the profession as to the best methods to lead to behavioural change. The dental profession and its regulators need to make a concerted effort to educate and inform GDPs so that this behaviour is modified.

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Restorative diploma now aesthetically pleasing

Bulletin of The Royal College of Surgeons of England ◽

10.1308/147363506x155185 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 88 (10) ◽

pp. 333-333

Author(s):

Charlotte Worker

Keyword(s):

Postgraduate Training ◽

Full Time ◽

Dental Practice ◽

Restorative Dentistry ◽

Time Commitment ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Part Time ◽

Second Year ◽

Aesthetic Dentistry ◽

First Time

Until recently it has been difficult for general dental practitioners (GDPs) to access formally recognised postgraduate training while maintaining a full-time commitment to practice. The diploma in restorative dentistry from the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) (FGDP(UK)) allows participants to do just that. In the latest development GDPs now have the option, for the first time, to choose a special interest module in aesthetic dentistry during the second year of the part-time diploma programme.

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Medico-legal Aspect of Dental Practice

Medicine and Pharmacy Reports ◽

10.15386/cjmed-764 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 91 (3) ◽

pp. 255-258

Author(s):

Upendra Singh Bhadauria ◽

Pralhad L Dasar ◽

Sandesh N. ◽

Prashant Mishra ◽

Shaijal Godha

Keyword(s):

Legal Aspect ◽

Legal Aspects ◽

Ethical Standards ◽

Dental Practice ◽

System A ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Driven System ◽

Dental Practices ◽

Dental Profession

Law influences every aspect of human activity, and dentistry in this regard is no exception. Ethical standards of the dental profession are seeing a steady decline, altruistic concepts being overridden by a market driven system. A deficient knowledge regarding the medico-legal aspects halts the effective implementation and delivery of efficient services. The review thus provides an overview of ethical standards, consents and their types, negligence,, determination of negligence, liabilities of dental practitioners and solicitors in dental practices, which comprehensively form an integral part of the medico-legal aspect of dental practice.

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Infection Control in Dental Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17134769 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (13) ◽

pp. 4769 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alessandra Amato ◽

Mario Caggiano ◽

Massimo Amato ◽

Giuseppina Moccia ◽

Mario Capunzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Recent Literature ◽

Close Contact ◽

Severe Form ◽

Dental Practice ◽

Interpersonal Distance ◽

Airborne Infection ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

The World ◽

Living Organisms ◽

Respiratory Droplets

COVID-19 is the disease supported by SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes a severe form of pneumonia. Due to the pathophysiological characteristics of the COVID-19 syndrome, the particular transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and the high globalization of our era, the epidemic emergency from China has spread rapidly all over the world. Human-to-human transmission seems to occur mainly through close contact with symptomatic people affected by COVID-19, and the main way of contagion is via the inhalation of respiratory droplets, for example when patients talk, sneeze or cough. The ability of the virus to survive outside living organisms, in aerosol or on fomites has also been recognized. The dental practitioners are particularly exposed to a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection because they cannot always respect the interpersonal distance of more than a meter and are exposed to saliva, blood, and other body fluids during surgical procedures. Moreover, many dental surgeries can generate aerosol, and the risk of airborne infection is to be considered higher. The aim of this paper is to provide practical advice for dentists based on the recent literature, which may be useful in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 during clinical practice.

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