Gender differences among dentistry conference speakers in Brazil

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate possible gender differences among the invited speakers of Brazilian dentistry meetings. The selected meetings (n=15) were held in different states distributed among the five Brazilian regions. The conference programs were manually reviewed, and a database was constructed. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. A total of 1,195 speakers was identified, 19.7% (n= 235) of which were women. The results of this study provide an overview of the trends of gender disparity in dentistry conferences in Brazil. These findings suggest disseminated gender-discriminatory practices in the promotion of women participation as speakers in such events. This requires more effective approaches to promote gender balance among conference organizing committees and encourage greater visibility and promotion of equity and diversity policies in dental professional societies to ensure more equitable conference programs.

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.

Additive Manufacturing of Zirconia Ceramic and Its Application in Clinical Dentistry: A Review

Additive manufacturing (AM) has many advantages and became a valid manufacturing technique for polymers and metals in dentistry. However, its application for dental ceramics is still in process. Among dental ceramics, zirconia is becoming popular and widely used in dentistry mainly due to its outstanding properties. Although subtractive technology or milling is the state of art for manufacturing zirconia restorations but still has shortcomings. Utilizing AM in fabricating ceramics restorations is a new topic for many researchers and companies across the globe and a good understanding of AM of zirconia is essential for dental professional. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to illustrate different AM technologies available for processing zirconia and discus their advantages and future potential. A comprehensive literature review was completed to summarize different AM technologies that are available to fabricate zirconia and their clinical application is reported. The results show a promising outcome for utilizing AM of zirconia in restorative, implant and regenerative dentistry. However further improvements and validation is necessary to approve its clinical application.

Developing a core outcome set for periodontal trials

Background There is no agreement which outcomes should be measured when investigating interventions for periodontal diseases. It is difficult to compare or combine studies with different outcomes; resulting in research wastage and uncertainty for patients and healthcare professionals. Objective Develop a core outcome set (COS) relevant to key stakeholders for use in effectiveness trials investigating prevention and management of periodontal diseases. Methods Mixed method study involving literature review; online Delphi Study; and face-to-face consensus meeting. Participants Key stakeholders: patients, dentists, hygienist/therapists, periodontists, researchers. Results The literature review identified 37 unique outcomes. Delphi round 1: 20 patients and 51 dental professional and researchers prioritised 25 and suggested an additional 11 outcomes. Delphi round 2: from the resulting 36 outcomes, 13 patients and 39 dental professionals and researchers prioritised 22 outcomes. A face-to-face consensus meeting was hosted in Dundee, Scotland by an independent chair. Eight patients and six dental professional and researchers participated. The final COS contains: Probing depths, Quality of life, Quantified levels of gingivitis, Quantified levels of plaque, Tooth loss. Conclusions Implementation of this COS will ensure the results of future effectiveness trials for periodontal diseases are more relevant to patients and dental professionals, reducing research wastage. This could reduce uncertainty for patients and dental professionals by ensuring the evidence used to inform their choices is meaningful to them. It could also strengthen the quality and certainty of the evidence about the relative effectiveness of interventions. Registration COMET Database: http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/265?result=true

Dental education changed by COVID-19: Student’s perceptions and attitudes

Background Dental students have encountered changes in the teaching format amid the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of dental students of one medical university toward online courses and compare them with those of non-dental students amid the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey with a self-report online questionnaire was conducted at the medical university in May 2020 in Taipei. Students from the School of Dentistry, School of Dental Technology, and School of Oral Hygiene Study were enrolled in our survey. Results In total, 473 students responded to the survey, 318 (67.2%) of whom were dental students. Overall, 366 (77%) students agreed with the change to online learning. Only 10.4% of students thought that dental professional courses with a laboratory format could be changed to online courses. Dental students were significantly more worried than non-dental students about being infected with COVID-19 and about the COVID-19 pandemic continuing. Conclusions In conclusion, changing to online learning seems to be perceived as feasible by students. However, more discussion about changing dental professional courses with a laboratory format to online courses considering the attitudes from students is needed.

The effective treatment of tooth sensitivity and adherence: two sides of the same coin

Relevance. Oral hygiene is of primary importance in the prevention and treatment of tooth sensitivity. Modern oral care products can significantly contribute to the treatment of tooth sensitivity and prevention of its recurrence. Aim – to assess the effectiveness of tooth sensitivity treatment, taking into account the adherence while using a new remineralizing gel manufactured in Russia.Materials and methods. We evaluated the effectiveness of the tooth sensitivity treatment, satisfaction of 45 patients with the treatment and their adherence to the oral care routine. Group 1 used a special toothpaste ASEPTA "PLUS REMINERALIZATION" twice a day. Group 2 also applied a new remineralizing gel ASEPTA for two minutes after brushing.Results. The treatment of tooth sensitivity was effective and ranged between 39.46% and 95.56% during the study. The effectiveness of tooth sensitivity treatment and satisfaction with oral care products were inversely associated with the patient adherence to the medical recommendations. Most patients partially (25% to 50%) adhered to the professional recommendations throughout the study.Conclusion. The tested Russian oral care products effectively prevent tooth sensitivity. During the professional care visit, a dentist or a dental hygienist should pay more attention to increasing patient adherence to the recommendations of a dental professional.

Availability of ‘Do-It-Yourself’ orthodontics in the United Kingdom

Objective: To identify the number of companies providing Do-It-Yourself (DIY) orthodontics and explore information available on websites for DIY brace providers operating in the UK. Design: Web search and review of websites providing DIY braces. Setting: Leeds, UK. Methods: A Web search was completed in November 2020 and April 2021 of all companies providing DIY braces for UK consumers. Each website was evaluated, and the following data collected: name; year started operating; costs; process; involvement of a dental professional; average ‘treatment’ length; retention; consent process; information on risks and benefits; aligner material; social media presence; age suitability; and consumer ratings on Trustpilot. Quality of website information was assessed via the DISCERN tool. Results: Seven DIY orthodontic companies were operating in the UK. Websites reviewed revealed the following: product costs were in the range of £799–£1599, ‘treatment’ length quotes were in the range of 4–12 months; Trustpilot reviews were in the range of 1.6–4.8 stars; and websites claimed their aligners were suitable for individuals with an age range of 12–18 years. Quality of content regarding risks described on websites varied, and there was limited information regarding involvement of a dental professional. Quality of websites information scored ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ on the DISCERN scoring. Conclusions: There has been an increase in the number of DIY orthodontic companies operating in the UK over the last three years. There is a need to determine whether these products constitute dental treatment in their own right. If so, it is crucial to ensure these are regulated appropriately with adequate information available to satisfy informed consent and have greater transparency over dental professional involvement to safeguard the public.