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Fulltext Teledentistry as a Supportive Tool for Dentists in Pakistan

Subhan R, Ismail WA, Musharraf S, Khan M, Hafeez R, Alam MK

Biomed Res Int, 2021;2021:8757859.
PMID: 34540998 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8757859

The current scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced dentists to seek different options for delivering healthcare services other than the in-person direct examination in clinical practice. Teledentistry is one of the options for remote patient care and monitoring. Objective. The present survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of the dentists in Pakistan regarding teledentistry as an emergent supportive tool. Materials and Methods. A self-administered, close-ended, and prevalidated survey questionnaire was used, comprising 21 questions, and distributed electronically via e-mail, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger to evaluate the knowledge and perception of dentists regarding teledentistry. The data collected was compiled in a systematic manner and analyzed in terms of frequency (yes/no). Results. Out of a total of 350 dentists, 325 responded to the questionnaire, and it was seen that 62.5% of them did not have knowledge about teledentistry prior to COVID-19. 65.8% of dentists considered the practice of teledentistry in nonpandemic situations in the future. Conclusion. In the present study, it was observed that most of the dental professionals had inadequate knowledge about teledentistry before COVID-19, but the awareness and perception regarding teledentistry were currently satisfactory among the dental professionals in Pakistan. This emerging trend gives a positive hope for the implementation of teledentistry in the healthcare setup of Pakistan in the near future, as it will prove to be beneficial for safe dental practice during times of pandemic and even after.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists/statistics & numerical data
General dental practitioners' views on early childhood caries and timing of the first dental visit in Selangor, Malaysia

Hussein AS, Schroth RJ, Abu-Hassan MI

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP2326-38.
PMID: 23420056 DOI: 10.1177/1010539513475645

This survey evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Selangor regarding early childhood caries (ECC) prevention and the recommended timing of a child's first dental visit. A questionnaire was mailed to 521 licensed GDPs. Descriptive statistics were used, and bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. The response rate was 52.6%. Although 89.8% mentioned counseling parents and caregivers, only 44.2% were familiar with anticipatory guidance. Whereas 98.2% agreed that early examinations are important to prevent ECC, only 51.8% were aware of the recommendation for a first visit by 12 months of age. GDPs who recommended early dental visits were significantly more likely to be recent graduates, more familiar with professional guidelines, and less likely to be deterred by a child's crying or behavior. In conclusion, GDPs in Selangor are aware about the importance of early dental visits in ECC prevention. However, a considerable number of them are still not aware of the recommendation that children must first visit the dentist by 12 months of age. Furthermore, some of their current practices in ECC management and prevention do not match professional recommendations.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists/psychology*
Periodontal treatment needs and workforce requirements: comparisons between the normative and sociodental approaches using different skill mix models

Ab-Murat N, Sheiham A, Tsakos G, Watt R

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 2015 Apr;43(2):106-15.
PMID: 25178437 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12125

Assessment of dental treatment needs has predominantly been based on the normative approach, despite its numerous limitations. The sociodental approach is a more rational method of needs assessment as it incorporates broader concepts of health and needs and behavioural propensity. This study compares estimates of periodontal dental treatment needs and workforce requirements for different skill mixes using normative and sociodental approaches among a sample of adults in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists/supply & distribution*
Knowledge, perceptions and clinical application of the shortened dental arch concept among Malaysian government dentists

Kasim SKM, Razak IA, Yusof ZYM

Int Dent J, 2018 Feb;68(1):31-38.
PMID: 28782099 DOI: 10.1111/idj.12325

AIM: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of Malaysian government dentists regarding the shortened dental arch (SDA) concept and its application in clinical practice.
BACKGROUND: The SDA concept refers to a specific type of dentition with intact anterior teeth and a reduction in posterior occlusal pairs. Dentists' knowledge and perceptions of the SDA concept can influence its application in clinical practice.
METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire on the SDA concept was distributed to 326 government dentists in the states of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The data were analysed using SPSS version 22 software.
RESULTS: The response rate was 84.0%. The majority of respondents had good knowledge on five of six knowledge items and good attitudes towards 10 of 17 perception items. However, only one-fifth (20.4%) reported having applied the SDA concept in the clinic. A larger number of participants who graduated locally than who graduated abroad perceived that patients <60 years of age, without molar support, can attain acceptable chewing function and that SDA treatment does not lead to loss of occlusal vertical dimension (P < 0.05). A larger number of participants with ≤5 years of work experience than with >5 years of work experience perceived that the SDA concept enables simpler treatment planning (P < 0.05). Finally, a larger number of participants who graduated abroad than who graduated locally observed that patients without molar support had temporomandibular joint problems (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Although Malaysian government dentists have good knowledge and perceptions of the SDA concept, it is not widely applied in the clinic. Concerted efforts in SDA training of dentists are needed to help to shorten denture waiting lists and reduce costs.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext Prevalence of oral tori and exostosis in Malaysian population - A cross-sectional study

Kumar Singh A, Sulugodu Ramachandra S, Arora S, Dicksit DD, Kalyan CG, Singh P

J Oral Biol Craniofac Res, 2017 Sep-Dec;7(3):158-160.
PMID: 29123992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2017.08.008

Introduction: Oral tori and exostosis are non-pathological bony protuberances seen on the alveolar surfaces of the jaw bones. These are commonly seen on the palatal surfaces of the maxilla [torus palatinus (TP)] and around the premolars in the lingual surface of the mandible [torus mandibularis (TM)]. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of tori/exostosis in the Malaysian population.

Methodology: A total of 2666 patients were examined for the presence of tori and exostosis in the maxilla and mandible and were categorized into TP, TM, and exostosis (facial/labial). Collected data was analysed for obtaining descriptive statistics.

Results: 882 subjects were noticed with oral tori/exostosis among the population studied with a prevalence rate of 33%. TP was seen more in females (35%), compared to males (20%), and this difference was statistically significant (p value

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
What does the world think of ankyloglossia?

Jin RR, Sutcliffe A, Vento M, Miles C, Travadi J, Kishore K, et al.

Acta Paediatr, 2018 10;107(10):1733-1738.
PMID: 29385272 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14242

AIM: The diagnosis of tongue-tie (or ankyloglossia) has increased more than 10-fold in some countries. Whether this is a global phenomenon or related to cultural and professional differences is uncertain.
METHODS: An online survey in English, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish was disseminated between May and November 2016 via 27 international professional bodies to >30 clinical professions chosen a priori to represent occupations involved in the management of neonatal ankyloglossia.
RESULTS: A total of 1721 responses came from nursing (51%), medical (40%), dental (6%) and allied health (4%) clinicians. Nurses (40%) and allied health (34%) professionals were more likely than doctors (8%) to consider ankyloglossia as important for lactation problems, as were western (83%) compared to Asian (52%) clinicians. Referrals to clinicians for ankyloglossia management originated mainly from parents (38%). Interprofessional referrals were not clearly defined. Frenectomies were most likely to be performed by surgeons (65%) and dentists (35%), who were also less likely to be involved in lactation support. Clinicians performing frenectomies were more likely to consider analgesia as important compared to those not performing frenectomies.
CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment of ankyloglossia vary considerably around the world and between professions. Efforts to standardise management are required.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
m-Health for Early Detection of Oral Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Haron N, Zain RB, Ramanathan A, Abraham MT, Liew CS, Ng KG, et al.

Telemed J E Health, 2020 03;26(3):278-285.
PMID: 31081720 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0285

Background:
Up to 86% of oral cancer (OC) patients present at the late stage where survival is dismal. Limited access to specialist diagnosis is a significant factor for late presentation. The increasing use of smartphones presents an opportunity to use digital technology to facilitate early detection of OC.
Aim:
To evaluate the feasibility of using Mobile Mouth Screening Anywhere (MeMoSA®) to facilitate early detection of OC.
Methods:
A mobile phone app named MeMoSA was developed and the feasibility of integrating this for documentation of oral lesions, and communication between dentists and specialists for management decisions were evaluated. The experience of dentists and specialists in using MeMoSA was determined using qualitative questionnaires.
Results:
Communication between specialist and dentists using MeMoSA stratified cases and streamlined referral of patients. Twelve of 48 patients were found to have oral lesions or signs suspicious of cancer and 3 required referrals. The patient's compliance for referral was tracked with MeMoSA. All dentists agreed that MeMoSA could facilitate early detection of OC and believed that MeMoSA could assist in the identification of oral mucosal lesions through direct communication with specialists and continuous learning in the recognition of high-risk lesions.
Conclusions:
MeMoSA has the potential to be used to promote equitable health care and streamline patient management that could result in early detection of OC.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext Cross-cultural adaptation of modified dental pain screening questionnaire (M-DePaQ) in a primary dental care clinic in Kuala Lumpur

Kia ACL, Dalia Abdullah, Seong JS, Chiang SC, Pau A

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2017;17(1):38-45.

A validated screening tool for patient triage based on the pain symptoms, could potentially optimize the resources and expertise available in dental pain management. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Modified Dental Pain Questionnaire (M-DePaQ) for use in categorizing patients with pain into three groups of common dental conditions. Forward Malay and Chinese translation was performed, followed by backward English translation. The translation was reviewed by an expert panel and pre-tested on patients who are native speakers.Consecutive patients aged 18 years and older experiencing pain and attending the primary dental care clinic completed the questionnaires. Four calibrated dentists made clinical diagnoses independent of the questionnaire responses. For data analysis, the cases were split randomly into Random Sample 1 (RS1) and Random Sample 2 (RS2). Discriminant analysis was performed on RS1 to develop a model for classifying dental pain cases into three groups. The model was applied to cases in RS2, and a cross-validated accuracy rate was obtained. Criterion validity was assessed using measures such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and kappa. Of the 234 questionnaires distributed, 216 (92.3%) were returned. Classification rates were recorded at 73.8% for RS1, 75.0% for RS2, and 71.1% for all cases. The sensitivity values were 0.72, 0.39, and 0.43 for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The corresponding specificity values were 0.42, 0.87, and 0.94. The discriminant validity of the adapted questionnaire was satisfactory, but the criterion validity could not be established because of biases incorporated in the study.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Idiopathic osteosclerosis mimicry of a tooth: case report

Yusof M, Dasor MM, Ariffin F, Reduwan NH, Kamil W, Mah MC

Aust Dent J, 2020 Dec;65(4):308-312.
PMID: 32259287 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12756

This report presents two cases of idiopathic osteosclerosis involving the maxilla and mandible which were identified as a buccally impacted canine and a retained root, respectively, on clinical and plain radiographical examinations. Both patients were females who presented with hypodontia. Radiographic evaluation revealed solitary well-defined radiopaque masses with thickened cortical border. Both patients were undergoing orthodontic treatment and one was planned for a surgical traction of unerupted tooth prior to cone-beam CT assessment. In this report, we reviewed the clinical findings and explained the radiographic appearance of idiopathic osteosclerosis through plain radiographs and cone-beam CT to facilitate its identification among general dentists and oral and maxillofacial radiologists.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext Simple Orthodontic Correction of Rotated Malpositioned Teeth Using Sectional Wire and 2 × 4 Orthodontic Appliances in Mixed-Dentition: A Report of Two Cases

Sockalingam SNMP, Zakaria ASI, Khan KAM, Azmi FM, Noor NM

Case Rep Dent, 2020;2020:6972196.
PMID: 32695527 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6972196

The correction of rotated malpositioned tooth/teeth into the dental arch alignment in the mixed-dentition is often a challenging task for paediatric dentists. Failure in addressing this issue can bring about detrimental effect to the developing dentition and increases the probability of a complex orthodontic treatment in later years. Factors such as severity of the malpositioned teeth, patient's treatment compliance, limitation in specific functions of the selected appliance, availability of bone and space may dictate the success of the treatment. The combined use of a simple sectional orthodontic wire appliance and a 2 × 4 orthodontic appliance has been shown to produce a positive effect. The appliances resulted in derotation of the rotated malpositioned teeth and bringing them into arch alignment in two cases. This treatment option had eliminated the detrimental effects to the developing dentition and helped patients to enhance their smile and dental aesthetics.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Effectiveness of "OralDETECT": a Repetitive Test-enhanced, Corrective Feedback Method Competency Assessment Tool for Early Detection of Oral Cancer

Zain RB, Pateel DGS, Ramanathan A, Kallarakkal TG, Wong GR, Yang YH, et al.

J Cancer Educ, 2020 Aug 21.
PMID: 32821988 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01814-1

Early diagnosis of oral cancer results in less aggressive treatment and improves the quality of life and overall 5-year survival rate. Well-trained dental professionals can play a crucial role in the early detection of oral cancers. The present study aims to determine the effectiveness of the training program "OralDETECT", a spaced repetitive, test-enhanced learning tool with a corrective feedback mechanism for early detection of oral cancer. Thirty-two dentists and 259 dental students from three Malaysian dental schools were involved in this study. All participants were trained and calibrated to recognize oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral cancer using "OralDETECT", which is comprised of a series of pre-test, lecture, post-tests and review sessions. The percentage of correct answers (scores) for each test given by the participants was calculated and analysed using a paired t test. It was found that the overall percentage of diagnostic accuracy for both dental professionals and student groups increased to above 80% from the pre-tests to the final post-tests. There was a significant improvement in overall scores between the pre-tests and all three post-tests for the dental professional groups and the student groups. The diagnostic accuracy for individual OPMD and lesions suspicious of oral cancer also increased to above 80% for both groups. The results of our study demonstrate that the "OralDETECT" is an efficient and effective competency tool which can be used to train dental professionals and students for the early detection of OPMD and oral cancer.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Psychometric Assessment of the Urdu Version of the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear

Farid H, Pasha L, Majeed M

Malays J Med Sci, 2020 Mar;27(2):112-119.
PMID: 32788847 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.2.12

Background: The objective of the current study was to adapt the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C) in the Urdu language and measure its validity and reliability.
Methods: Original English questionnaire of IDAF-4C was translated into Urdu language by a panel of dentists and language experts (Urdu and English) followed by critical evaluation, modification and back translation into English language. A final Urdu questionnaire was distributed among 250 patients visiting the Endodontics section at Margalla Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the reliability of the Index whereas validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Mean rank scores of IDAF-4C for male and female participants were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U tests (P < 0.05).
Results: Of 250 questionnaires, 209 were returned with a response rate of 84%. Cronbach's alpha for the Urdu version of IDAF-4C was 0.88. Exploratory factor analysis of the IDAF-4C revealed one factor explaining 55.55% of the common variance (Eigenvalue = 4.5). The mean rank scores of all eight items of IDAF-4C were greater for female participants as compared to male participants with a statistically significant association (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The psychometric analysis of the Urdu version of IDAF-4C showed good reliability and consistency compared to the original version as well as other translated versions.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext A Review on COVID-19 Mediated Impacts and Risk Mitigation Strategies for Dental Health Professionals

Sharma S, Parolia A, Kanagasingam S

Eur J Dent, 2020 Dec;14(S 01):S159-S164.
PMID: 33167046 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718240

In the light of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), dentistry is facing unprecedented challenges. The closure of clinics has impacted dental health professionals (DHPs) not only financially but also psychologically. In this review, these consequences are discussed in detail to highlight the challenges that DHPs are facing thus far, in both developing and developed nations. Compromised mental health among DHPs is an important area that requires attention during this difficult period. Although, in previous pandemics, dentists have not worked on the frontline, the article discusses how their wide range of skillsets can be leveraged if another wave of COVID-19 pandemic appears. Finally, guidelines to reopen clinics and patient management have been discussed in detail that could serve as a quick reference guide for DHPs.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext Periodontal referral pattern in periodontal specialist clinic in faculty of dentistry, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM): a retrospective pilot study

Erni Noor, Nur Azielyana Noor Kamaruzaman, Nur Syahira Mohd Jeffri, Nik Nazurah Nik Eezammudden, Nur Zety Mohd Noh

Compendium of Oral Science, 2018;5(1):37-45.
MyJurnal

Objectives: Periodontitis is a chronic disease which remain undiagnosed and untreated without proper examination and referral to specialist clinic for further management Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of referrals to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Periodontal Specialist Clinic. Materials and methods: A total of 176 periodontal cases referred to UiTM Periodontal Specialist Clinic in year 2011 and 2016 were identified and patient’s referral forms were collected. The data obtained were the referred cases from undergraduate student clinics, other specialist clinics, UiTM primary dental care clinic and private dental clinics. Descriptive data analysis was conducted using frequency distribution by SPSS. Chi square analysis was used to evaluate the association of source of referral, diagnosis and reason for referrals to Periodontal Specialist Clinic. Results: There was increased referral cases to Periodontal Specialist Clinic in 2016 (86.9%) compared to 2011 (13.1%). Most referral to Periodontal Specialist Clinic were received from faculty’s undergraduate student clinic in both 2011 and 2016 (46%), followed by other specialists (27.3%), primary care clinic (25.6%) and private practice (1.1%). 96% of cases were referred for intervention by periodontist as more than half of the cases were referred for the non-surgical periodontal treatment. Chi square analysis showed the association between source of referral and reason for referral was statistically significant (p value=0.000). Conclusion: Proper periodontal screening in all patients and necessary referral to specialist clinic is crucial to prevent undiagnosed periodontal disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext Racial variations in tooth pain and care-seeking in adolescents in Malaysia

Tay K, Beh CLJ, Babar MG, Kweh TJ, Priya E, Pau A

BDJ Open, 2021 Jan 19;7(1):2.
PMID: 33469006 DOI: 10.1038/s41405-021-00058-5

OBJECTIVE: Tooth pain among adolescents is a common event that impacts substantially on quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of race in the tooth pain experience and associated care-seeking.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 14-18 years from four different public schools in Kuala Lumpur. Socio-demographic, pain symptoms, and social impacts data were collected as well as medication use and visiting a dentist for tooth pain.
RESULTS: Of 1473 questionnaires distributed, 1452 (98.6%) completed questionnaires were returned, with 269 (18.5%) reported having experienced tooth pain in the past 1 month. Those who identified as Indian (26.1%) were more likely to report tooth pain compared to Chinese (16.5%) and Malay (20.9%). In regression analysis, no factors were identified as independently associated with medication use, but Chinese and Indians compared to Malays, and those expressing difficulty sleeping were more likely to report visiting a dentist for treatment.
CONCLUSION: Racial variations in the tooth pain experience and care-seeking have been identified. This may be related to socio-economic status, but further research is needed on the role of culture-related care-seeking and accessibility of dental services.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext The Modern and Digital Transformation of Oral Health Care: A Mini Review

Alauddin MS, Baharuddin AS, Mohd Ghazali MI

Healthcare (Basel), 2021 Jan 25;9(2).
PMID: 33503807 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020118

Dentistry is a part of the field of medicine which is advocated in this digital revolution. The increasing trend in dentistry digitalization has led to the advancement in computer-derived data processing and manufacturing. This progress has been exponentially supported by the Internet of medical things (IoMT), big data and analytical algorithm, internet and communication technologies (ICT) including digital social media, augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). The interplay between these sophisticated digital aspects has dramatically changed the healthcare and biomedical sectors, especially for dentistry. This myriad of applications of technologies will not only be able to streamline oral health care, facilitate workflow, increase oral health at a fraction of the current conventional cost, relieve dentist and dental auxiliary staff from routine and laborious tasks, but also ignite participatory in personalized oral health care. This narrative article review highlights recent dentistry digitalization encompassing technological advancement, limitations, challenges, and conceptual theoretical modern approaches in oral health prevention and care, particularly in ensuring the quality, efficiency, and strategic dental care in the modern era of dentistry.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext Strength and difficulties questionnaire: A tool as prerequisite to measure child's mental health problems attending dental clinics

Pandiyan NJ, Hedge A

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent, 2016 Oct-Dec;34(4):354-8.
PMID: 27681399 DOI: 10.4103/0970-4388.191417

INTRODUCTION: Child's behavior on dental visit depends on variables such as age, parental behavior, parental anxiety, medical/dental history, and dental procedures. Behavioral-screening questionnaire, such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), can be used to preassess the child's mental health status which further predicts child behavioral pattern in dental clinics.
AIM: To measure emotional status among children of 3-14 years age group attending dental clinics.
METHODOLOGY: A total of 176 parents of children aged 3-14 years were involved in this study. The child's emotional and behavioral statuses were assessed using SDQ.
RESULTS: On analyzing the SDQ data, it was found that 80% of children came under the abnormal category whereas only 8% of children were found to be in normal category. Twelve percent of children came under borderline category. On the individual behavioral subsets scores, 13% were rated as abnormal on emotional subset, 40% on conduct problems, 12% on hyperactivity, and 29% on peer problems subset.
CONCLUSION: Findings of this study suggest that incorporating tools to identify the current emotional state would give a clue and allow the dentist to develop a behavior guidance plan to accomplish the necessary oral health care. However, the results are preliminary; studies with larger sample should be done to validate the results among diverse populations.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Utilization, knowledge and attitudes concerning sealants among Malaysian dentists: a national survey

Abdul Razak IA, Esa R, Jalallundin RL, Jaafar N

J Pedod, 1990;14(4):242-5.
PMID: 2098079

The aim of this postal survey was to assess the utilization, knowledge and attitude concerning sealants among Malaysian dentists. A pretested questionnaire was sent to all dentists (1217) who were on the Dentist Register of Malaysia of 1987. A response rate of 61.1% was obtained. The results indicate that 52.6% of the respondents have used sealants, but of these only 13.6% have used them frequently. The two "knowledge" related questions receiving the most support concerned the suitability of the first permanent molars for sealants and the loss of sealants attributable to problems at the time of application. The two "attitudinal" questions receiving the most support concerned the value of sealants in preventing dental caries and the need for the profession to expand more efforts toward increasing public demand for sealants. Only about 50% of the respondents believed that sealants are cost-effective.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext General dental practitioners' confidence in performing molar root canal treatment

Abdullah, M., Che Ab Aziz, Z.A., Roslan Saub, Murat, N., Sulaiman, E., Hashim, N., et al.

Ann Dent, 2009;16(1):9-14.
MyJurnal

The objectives of this study were to assess the practice of molar root canal treatment (RCT) among general dental practitioners (GDPs), confidence level of GDPs in performing molar RCT and to identify factors that influence their confidence in managing molar RCI. One hundred questionnaires were distributed to GDPs in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Fifty questionnaires were delivered by mail and the remaining fifty were hand-delivered. All data was coded and verified. Fiftysix OOPs rcsponded to the questionnaires. Only fortyfive questionnaires were accepted (n=45) as eleven OOPs had never performed molar RCI. Most of the OOPs followed the standard quality guidelines while performing molar RCT except for vitality testing (36.4%) and rubber dam usage (27.3%). In this study, 100% of the GDPs were confident in making diagnosis of perinidicular diseases and 95.4% were confident in performing molar RCT from history taking until obturation. Patients' tolerance and availability of instruments and materials (97.7%) were two factors that most influence the GDPs' confidence level. The. least influcncing factor was undergraduate training (78.1 %). Attending seminars and lectures on endodontic, large number of molar teeth treated for ReT, patLents' affordability to pay for RCT and postgraduate training also influencc GDPs' confidence to a certain degree. From this study, it can be concluded that majority of OOPs complied standard quality guidelines except for vitality testing and rubber dam usage. Most of them were confident in performing molar RCT and were greatly influenced by the availability or"instruments and materials in their clinic and patients' tolerance in receiving molar RCI.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists
Fulltext Efficacy of training dental officers in the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)

Loke, S.T.

Malaysian Dental Journal, 2007;28(1):24-31.
MyJurnal

Introduction: There is generally inconsistent appropriate orthodontic referral among local dentists. Orthodontic indices are not routinely used to assess the need for treatment. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) as an educational tool to improve their ability to assess orthodontic treatment need.

Methodology: Local dental officers assessed 30 study models on two occasions (before and after IOTN training) and their findings compared with an expert group for agreement in IOTN scores and referral decisions. Training comprised oral/visual presentation, instruction manuals, ‘hands-on’ and self-study. Kappa statistic (?) was used to assess agreement.

Results: As a group there was no significant improvement in referral decisions after training with only ‘moderate’ agreement (?=0.47), although half of the subjects improved. Agreement was better with aesthetic (?=0.51) than functional (?=0.41) assessment. ‘Sensitivity’ was 82.4% and ‘Specificity’ was 58.2% but both were not statistically significant before and after training.

Conclusion: The IOTN has potential as an educational tool for improving the diagnostic skills of dental officers. More accurate assessment of the Dental Health Component with the IOTN ruler and familiarity with the Aesthetic Component has to be emphasized in future training.

Matched MeSH terms: Dentists

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