What non-clinical factors influence the general dentist–specialist relationship in Canada?

Background The general dentist–specialist relationship is important for effective patient care and the professional environment. This study explores the non-clinical factors that may influence the general dentist–specialist relationship in Canada. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey of a sample of general dentists across Canada was conducted (N ≈ 11,300). The survey collected information on practitioner (e.g., age, gender, years of practice) and practice (e.g., location, ownership) factors. Two outcomes were assessed: not perceiving specialists as completely collegial and perceiving competitive pressure from specialists. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results A total of 1328 general dentists responded, yielding a response rate of 11.7%. The strongest associations for perceiving specialists as not completely collegial include being a practice owner (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.23, 3.74), working in two or more practices (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.07, 2.65), practicing in a small population center (OR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.22, 0.94), and contributing equally to the household income (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.84). The strongest associations with perceiving medium/large competitive pressure from specialists include having a general practice residency or advanced education in general dentistry (OR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.17, 3.41) and having specialists in close proximity to the practice (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.12, 5.69). Conclusion Practitioner and practice factors, mostly related to business and dental care market dynamics, are associated with the potential for strained relationships between general dentists and specialists in Canada. This study points to the need for dental professional organizations to openly discuss the current state of the dental care market, as it has important implications for the profession.

Effect of Buccal Corridors Width on Smile Quality and Esthetics

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of buccal corridor width on smile esthetics by Orthodontic residents, General dentists and Laypersons. METHODOLOGY: A smile photograph was taken of an adult female. The image was modified to obtain five different buccal corridor widths and were assessed by different evaluators grouped into general dentist, orthodontic resident and laypersons who rated the attractiveness of each smile by means of a visual analog scale (VAS). Sample size was 97 participants to rate the picture. Non-probability purposive sampling was done The data was analyzed and mean and SD were calculated for the scores of rating. ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test was applied to compare the different ratings of buccal corridors in three groups. The data of this cross sectional study was collected from general population belonging to different communities, general dentists and orthodontic residents of different dental colleges of Karachi, Pakistan from August 2019 to March 2020. RESULTS: There were 97 participants who responded to the images. Highest scores were obtained for Image 1 having buccal corridor width ratio of 16% followed by image no. 3 having buccal corridor width ratio of 10% and lowest scores were obtained for Image no. 6 having least buccal corridor widths ratio that is 34% followed by image no 5 having 26% buccal corridor widths. Among the groups of participants, the highest scores were given by laypersons for all images. Significant differences were observed between evaluation of groups of Orthodontic resident and layperson in most images. CONCLUSION: There was a remarkable influence of buccal corridor width on smile esthetics, with the 16% ratio group being rated as the most attractive by all three groups. KEYWORDS: Buccal corridors, Smile, esthetics, Attractiveness

PERCEPTION OF PEOPLE FOR POST- ORTHODONTIC RETENTION, NORTH GUJARAT POPULATION A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED SURVEY

Summary Objective: This transverse study aimed to know the level of knowledge and expectations amoung people for future orthodontic treatment have about post-orthodontic retention and to investigate the inuence of sociocultural characteristics. Material and methods: A total of 220 successive people participated in the study (as patient, parent, or legal guardian) for a prospective orthodontic treatment (mean age:17.7 years; 37.3 per cent male) received a questionnaire to assess their knowledge and expectations about postorthodontic retention before their rst appointment. Data were analysed descriptively, whereas predictors were identied with logistic regressions at Pvalue of less than or equal to 0.05. Results: Among the 220 responders, 54.09 per cent knew that retention appliances are used after orthodontic treatment and 45 per cent (n = 99) believed perfect results can guarantee stability, whereas at the same time, 48.8per cent (n = 106) knew that teeth can move on their own without any orthodontic appliances. The 35 per cent considered stability of the orthodontic result is important , some patient preferred removabl retainers (67.27 per cent; n = 148),some believed that the general dentist to be primarily responsible for a stable result (47.73 per cent; n = 105), and found it appropriate to charge for recall visits (59.55 per cent; n = 131). Participants’of the studys gender, age, education, nationality, and past orthodontic experiences within the close family signicantly inuenced answers. Limitations: a single-centred survey conducted in single university intense to conclude the interpretation of the results. Conclusions: Although stability of orthodontic treatment results is important to people deciding about a prospective orthodontic treatment, knowledge regarding the need for postorthodontic retention varies and may at times be contradictious for the ortho treatment. cultural factors seem to inuence the level of knowledge and the expectations on post-orthodontic retention.

Nuclear odontology: Pictorial essay

There is increased demand by the general dentist and oral surgeon’s for Nuclear Medicine (NM) imaging procedures both for initial diagnosis and follows up of patients with different dental and facial disorders. There are several procedures in NM including bone scan, gallium scan and PET scan which can offer important diagnostic information complementing the information obtained from other imaging modalities in particular a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and therapy monitoring.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dentists towards Dental Procedures under General Anesthesia in Children

General anaesthesia is used in routine pediatric dental practice. Although they are considered effective and safe in controlling pain during dental procedures, complications related to their use appear inevitable. Aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of dentist towards dental procedures under general anesthesia. It was a university setting study. Questionnaires consisting of ten questions [Fig. 1] focused on the perceptions and experiences on protocols followed by general dental practitioners and specialists on general anesthesia. Data was entered in excel in a methodical manner and was imported to SPSS software 20. Chi square association was done to compare the responses between general dentist and specialist and were represented in the form of bar graphs. In relation to association between Qualification and common indications of general anaesthesia. (Pearson Chi Square = 2.789, P value = 0.425(<0.05), hence statistically not Significant). Among General dentists, 37.5% of them agreed with Extreme non- cooperation followed by 25% for long surgical procedures and strong emetic and 12.5% for Extreme dental fear as a common indication for general anesthesia. Among Specialists, 38.2% of them agreed with long surgical procedures followed by 35.2% for extreme non cooperation, 17.6% for extreme dental fear and 8.82% for strong emetic reflex as a common indication for general anesthesia [Fig. 5]. Both General dentist and specialist have fairly good knowledge about paediatric general anaesthesia.

Rare Iatrogenic Oronasal Communication after Superior Canine Odontectomy Attempt

(1) Background: Oronasal communication is described in the scientific literature as a common complication that occurs after a cleft palate surgery. In some cases, it can also be a consequence of oral surgery procedures; the main problem of this type of rare accident is related to the correct healing process and treatment option. (2) Case report: A patient with oronasal communication caused by an unsuccessful attempt of a superior canine odontectomy presented at the Emergency Department of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Hospital, Timișoara. The case management is described from the first consult to one-year follow-up. We consider that this pathology was optimally treated surgically, and the results are more than satisfactory, taking into consideration the high rates of recurrence. (3) Conclusion: This case report can be a useful to a general dentist who is trying to decide whether to perform the canine odontectomy or refer to a specialist surgeon due to the accidents and complications of this procedure.

Dentists’ knowledge and attitude in immediate implant loading protocol of dental implants- A cross-sectional survey

Background: Dental implant therapy is still considered an evolving field in Nepal, with most dentists favoring implant placement following the delayed loading protocol (>3 months) even in the rehabilitation of missing anterior teeth. There is need to understand the clinical difference between immediate and delayed loading protocols of the dental implants. With advent of immediate loading protocol of dental implants, instant rehabilitation in addition to better esthetics and self-confidence can be obtained. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of general dentist towards immediate loading protocol of dental implants. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional survey was conducted among Nepalese general dentists who have entered their clinical practice in private or government hospital regardless of their years of experience. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from some previous studies was framed and distributed with the primary objective to determine their knowledge and attitude towards immediate loading protocols of dental implants. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences version 22 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Among the 250 participants included in this study, 94.8% of the respondents completely filled the questionnaire. Nearly 46.4% of participants had good knowledge on the procedure and advantages offered by the immediately loaded dental implants with provisional restorations, whereas 83.1% had negative reservations toward implant placement using the protocol. In addition, this study found a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners regarding the protocol. Conclusion: Although dental implants have changed the outlook of dentistry in the past few decades, there is slightly poor knowledge and significant negative attitude of dentists toward the immediate implant loading protocol. The general dentist are expected to increase their awareness about immediate loading with subsequent training on its use and viability so that proper information can be disseminated to the patients. This will help to increase the practice of immediate implant in indicated cases by implantologist with further benefit to patient’s time and esthetics.