Patient’s Knowledge and Attitude towards Post-extraction Instructions Following Permanent Teeth Extraction

Background: Post extraction complications may arise if the extraction done is traumatic or the tooth was placed at a difficult position; this could lead to post-extraction complications and knowledge about the prevention of the same is the need of the hour. Hence, the present study was conducted to explore the knowledge of the participants about the prevention of post-extraction complications. Material and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 135 patients (75 males and 61females) were included in the study by the convenient method of sampling that visited the dental clinics of the College of Dentistry, Validated questionnaire was asked about post-extraction preventive knowledge. The statistical analysis was performed by the Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 (SPSS Inc Chicago, IL, USA). The significant value was obtained by using the Chi-Square test and p < 0.05 was set to be significant. Results: Females more than 50 years of age group had better post-extraction preventive knowledge and there was significant relation (p < 0.05). Socioeconomic level and gender distribution had significant relation with the level of post-extraction preventive knowledge (p < 0.05). The patients who had better knowledge followed their instructions precisely. Conclusion: It was concluded that female, patients above the middle age group and more qualified patients had more post-extraction preventive knowledge and they also followed the instructions very strictly. The importance of the study came out that dentists and the dental assistants should explain and convince patients to follow proper post-operative instructions to avoid post operative complications.

Hubungan Faktor Risiko Dental Ergonomi dengan Keluhan Subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) pada Dental Assistant

One of the hazards in dentistry is dental ergonomic. A working problem that can be caused by ergonomic hazards is Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The dental assistant is one of the jobs that have a risk for the occurrence of abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system. Based on the preliminary study on dental assistants that work in Pontianak City showed that 85% of people had musculoskeletal complaints on the legs, 71,4% had complaints on the calf, and 57,1% had complaints on the shoulder and upper back. The aim of this research is to find out the correlation between risk factors of dental ergonomics and subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) on dental assistants. The type of this research was a quantitative study with an analytical observational approach using a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted in Pontianak City in August 2021. The population of this research is 48 respondents and the samples were chosen using the total sampling technique. The instrument that used in this research were collected from the risk factors of dental ergonomics and Nordic Body Map (NMB) questionnaires which were later analyzed using Kendall's tau-b test. The result of this research is risk factors of dental ergonomics in the low category is 54,20%. The subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the low category is 68,80%. Based on Kendall's tau-b test showed that P. Value is 0,601 > 0,05 it means that there is no correlation between risk factors of dental ergonomics and subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The conclusion of this research is there is no correlation between risk factors of dental ergonomics and subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) on dental assistants. For further research is expected to examine other risk factors that can cause subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Salah satu unsur bahaya dalam dunia kedokteran gigi adalah dental ergonomi. Masalah kerja yang dapat ditimbulkan akibat bahaya ergonomi adalah Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Pekerjaan dental assistant merupakan salah satu pekerjaan yang memiliki risiko untuk terjadinya keluhan pada sistem musculoskeletal. Hasil studi pendahuluan pada dental assistant yang bekerja di wilayah Kota Pontianak menunjukkan bahwa 85% responden mengalami keluhan musculoskeletal pada bagian kaki, 71,4% pada bagian betis, dan 57,1% pada bagian bahu dan punggung atas. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan antara faktor risiko dental ergonomi dengan keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) pada dental assistant. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan observasional analitik menggunakan rancangan cross-sectional. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kota Pontianak pada bulan Agustus 2021. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 48 responden dan pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik total sampling. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner faktor risiko dental ergonomi dan kuesioner Nordic Body Map (NBM). Analisis data menggunakan uji Kendall’s Tau-B. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah faktor risiko dental ergonomi berada pada kategori rendah (54,20%). Keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) berada pada kategori rendah (68,80%). Hasil analisis data menunjukkan nilai P. Value sebesar 0,601 > 0,05 sehingga tidak terdapat hubungan antara faktor risiko dental ergonomi dengan keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah tidak terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara faktor risiko dental ergonomi dengan keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) pada dental assistant. Penelitian selanjutnya diharapkan dapat mengkaji faktor-faktor risiko lain yang dapat menyebabkan keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

Hubungan Faktor Risiko Dental Ergonomi dengan Keluhan Subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) pada Dental Assistant

One of the hazards in dentistry is dental ergonomic. A working problem that can be caused by ergonomic hazards is Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The dental assistant is one of the jobs that have a risk for the occurrence of abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system. Based on the preliminary study on dental assistants that work in Pontianak City showed that 85% of people had musculoskeletal complaints on the legs, 71,4% had complaints on the calf, and 57,1% had complaints on the shoulder and upper back. The aim of this research is to find out the correlation between risk factors of dental ergonomics and subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) on dental assistants. The type of this research was a quantitative study with an analytical observational approach using a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted in Pontianak City in August 2021. The population of this research is 48 respondents and the samples were chosen using the total sampling technique. The instrument that used in this research were collected from the risk factors of dental ergonomics and Nordic Body Map (NMB) questionnaires which were later analyzed using Kendall's tau-b test. The result of this research is risk factors of dental ergonomics in the low category is 54,20%. The subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the low category is 68,80%. Based on Kendall's tau-b test showed that P. Value is 0,601 > 0,05 it means that there is no correlation between risk factors of dental ergonomics and subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The conclusion of this research is there is no correlation between risk factors of dental ergonomics and subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) on dental assistants. For further research is expected to examine other risk factors that can cause subjective complaints of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Salah satu unsur bahaya dalam dunia kedokteran gigi adalah dental ergonomi. Masalah kerja yang dapat ditimbulkan akibat bahaya ergonomi adalah Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Pekerjaan dental assistant merupakan salah satu pekerjaan yang memiliki risiko untuk terjadinya keluhan pada sistem musculoskeletal. Hasil studi pendahuluan pada dental assistant yang bekerja di wilayah Kota Pontianak menunjukkan bahwa 85% responden mengalami keluhan musculoskeletal pada bagian kaki, 71,4% pada bagian betis, dan 57,1% pada bagian bahu dan punggung atas. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan antara faktor risiko dental ergonomi dengan keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) pada dental assistant. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan observasional analitik menggunakan rancangan cross-sectional. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Kota Pontianak pada bulan Agustus 2021. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 48 responden dan pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik total sampling. Instrumen dalam penelitian ini menggunakan kuesioner faktor risiko dental ergonomi dan kuesioner Nordic Body Map (NBM). Analisis data menggunakan uji Kendall’s Tau-B. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah faktor risiko dental ergonomi berada pada kategori rendah (54,20%). Keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) berada pada kategori rendah (68,80%). Hasil analisis data menunjukkan nilai P. Value sebesar 0,601 > 0,05 sehingga tidak terdapat hubungan antara faktor risiko dental ergonomi dengan keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah tidak terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara faktor risiko dental ergonomi dengan keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) pada dental assistant. Penelitian selanjutnya diharapkan dapat mengkaji faktor-faktor risiko lain yang dapat menyebabkan keluhan subjektif Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

Ergonomic Comparison of Four Dental Workplace Concepts Using Inertial Motion Capture for Dentists and Dental Assistants

When the inventory is arranged in a dental practice, a distinction can be made between four different dental workplace concepts (DWCs). Since the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in dental professionals is very high, preventive solution need to be investigated. As the conventionally used DWCs have, to date, never been studied in terms of their ergonomics, this study aims to investigate the ergonomic risk when working at the four different DWCs. In total, 75 dentists (37 m/38 f) and 75 dental assistants (16 m/59 f) volunteered to take part in this study. Standardized cooperative working procedures were carried out in a laboratory setting and kinematic data were recorded using an inertial motion capture system. The data were applied to an automated version of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Comparisons between the DWCs and between the dentists and dental assistants were calculated. In all four DWCs, both dentists and dental assistants spent 95–97% of their working time in the worst possible RULA score. In the trunk, DWCs 1 and 2 were slightly favorable for both dentists and dental assistants, while for the neck, DWC 4 showed a lower risk score for dentists. The ergonomic risk was extremely high in all four DWCs, while only slight advantages for distinct body parts were found. The working posture seemed to be determined by the task itself rather than by the different inventory arrangements.

The Intake of Pain Medication among Dentists and Dental Assistants with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Germany

Background: Dentists (Ds) and dental assistants (DAs) have a high lifetime prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In this context, it is assumed that they have an increased intake of substances such as pain medication. Currently, there exist no data on the use of medication among Ds and DAs with MSDs in Germany. Methods: The online questionnaire (i.e., the Nordic Questionnaire) analysed the medical therapies used by 389 Ds (240 f/149 m) and 406 DAs (401 f/5 m) to treat their MSDs. Results: Ds (28.3–11.5%) and DAs (29.4–10.3%) with MSDs took medication depending on the affected body region. A trend between the Ds and DAs in the intake of drug therapy and the frequency was found for the neck region (Ds: 21.1%, DAs: 28.7%). A single medication was taken most frequently (Ds: 60.0–33.3%, DAs: 71.4–27.3%). The frequency of use varied greatly for both occupational groups depending on the region affected. Conclusion: Ds and DAs perceived the need for medical therapies because of their MSDs. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and systemic diclofenac were the medications most frequently taken by both occupational groups. The intake of pain killers, most notably for the neck, should prevent sick leave.

Attitudes, stressors and work outcomes related to the COVID-19 pandemic among dental assistants in Germany: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has posed great challenges to medical professionals worldwide. Dental assistants (DAs) are at exceptionally high risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 due to frequent and close patient contact and involvement in various high-risk dental procedures. This study aimed to investigate attitudes, stressors and work outcomes among DAs from all over Germany at the peak of cases in spring 2020.DesignCross-sectional study. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression.SettingDental, maxillofacial surgery and orthodontic practices across Germany, April 2020.ParticipantsParticipants aged 18 years and above and currently working as DAs in Germany.Primary and secondary outcome measuresA self-devised online questionnaire was employed comprising questions on SARS-CoV-2-related attitudes, stressors and work outcomes. Validated scales assessed symptoms of depression and anxiety.ResultsAmong 1481 participating DAs (median age 35 years, 98.4% female, 91.8% working in dental practices), major stressors were uncertainty about the pandemic’s temporal scope (97.9% agreement, n=1450), uncertainty about one’s financial situation (87.8%, n=1301), uncertainty about how to act correctly (87.6%, n=1298) and thoughts about a possible infection during work (83.8%, n=1241). Forty-two per cent of DAs (n=622) felt sufficiently prepared for dealing with patients with SARS-CoV-2. Only 17.5% (n=259) agreed that material for personal protection was sufficiently available. Multivariable logistic regression analyses suggested that working in a dental practice, compared with orthodontic and maxillofacial surgery practices, was significantly associated with uncertainty about one’s financial situation (OR 2.13 (95% CI 1.33 to 3.44)) and with the reported availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (0.55 (0.36 to 0.84)).ConclusionsTraining about correct behaviour of DAs during future infectious disease outbreaks is needed, especially for DAs working in dental practices. In the future, it will also be necessary to strengthen supply chains to ensure that PPE is sufficiently available in a timely manner.

Clinical Dental Assistants are Crucial Bedrock Team Members in the Academic Clinical Dental Milieu during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 Pandemic forced immediate changes in how dental academicians must teach dental student doctors’ hands-on acquisition of Dental Auxiliary Utilization (DAU) principles. The Clinical Dental Assistants’ (CDAs) presence was reduced drastically in their clinical access during patient care in the distal part of the Spring Semester 2020 and the early months of the Fall Semester of 2020. The substantive and necessary limitations for safety in the academic setting and societal dental health care needs have reduced student doctors’ opportunities to utilize clinical dental assistants (CDAs) for DAU. CDAs’ value in an academic dental care milieu is paramount to student doctors’ successful transition from the preclinical to clinical and ultimately transition to private clinical practices.

The representation of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B in the dentistry context

Introduction: HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B are diseases with major epidemiological and social impacts, with important effects in the dentistry context. This study aimed to compare the knowledge, presence, and manifestation of discriminatory and stigmatizing acts of dental surgeons, dental assistants, and dental students concerning social representations of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B. Methodology: This cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out in Brazil with primary health care dental surgeons (n = 219) and dental assistants (n = 152) in 40 municipalities and dental students of a public university (n = 179). The z-test for proportions (p ≤ 0.05) was used for data analysis to compare the three groups. Results: We found statistically significant differences regarding knowledge about HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B, with a higher percentage of correct answers by dental surgeons (97.7%). Regarding infection, the fear of contracting HIV/AIDS was more representative, whereas hepatitis B was more mentioned concerning the risk of infection. In general, only 30.7% and 42.2% of individuals would accept care from professionals with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B, respectively; assistants and students had the higher proportion of refusal of care. Also, a higher proportion of assistants (47.4%) believed there are different conducts in the care of patients with HIV and hepatitis B. Conclusions: The knowledge of individuals about infectious diseases is still inconsistent, especially among dental assistants and students. Moreover, these groups showed a silent and hidden presence and manifestation of discriminatory and stigmatizing attitudes, with greater representativeness for HIV/AIDS.