COVID-19 is now a worldwide concern, causing an unprecedented pandemic. The infected cases show different symptoms based on the severity of the disease. In asymptomatic and non-severe symptomatic cases, the host immune system can successfully eliminate the virus and its effects. In severe cases, however, immune system impairment causes cytokine release syndrome which eventually leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has shown promising results in reducing acute pulmonary inflammation. Considering the high potential impact of PBM on immune responses, we hypothesized that using PBM could be an effective treatment modality for ARDS management in COVID-19 patients.

Globally, the proportion and absolute numbers of people aged 65 and over are increasing. 1,2 In Canada, for example, it is estimated that by the year 2040, this age group will represent approximately one quarter of the population. 3 Given the association between ageing and becoming functionally dependent, an increase in the number of homebound and institutionalised seniors is also anticipated. 4,5 Research has shown that this population suffers disproportionately from various oral health problems, which have been linked to limited physical and cognitive functioning, 4 systemic conditions, and reduced access to oral health services. 6 With more people maintaining their natural teeth into old age, 4 this situation presents considerable challenges for the current

Introduction People with impaired mobility face difficulty accessing dental care. One solution is portable dentistry, which includes delivering dental care in homes or residential institutions. Dentists, however, appear reluctant to offer such services. Our objective was to understand how dentists perceived portable dentistry and potential challenges to its implementation. Methods We conducted a qualitative descriptive study based on semi‐structured interviews with a sample of dentists in Quebec, Canada. We employed a combination of maximum variation and snowball sampling strategies to recruit 14 participants. The interviews were conducted and audio‐recorded through Zoom and lasted approximately 40 minutes. After transcribing them, we performed a thematic analysis with a combination of inductive and deductive coding. Results Despite perceiving portable dentistry as a valuable practice model, participants showed little interest in adopting this approach, arguing it was not every dentist's “job” to provide portable services. They believed portable dentistry must be financially burdensome and difficult to integrate into their daily work due to lack of time and portable equipment. Accordingly, participants considered it was the duty of governments, professional organisations overseeing dentistry education and practice, and dental schools to develop portable dentistry programs and hire dentists to deliver such services. Conclusions To promote portable dentistry, it may be necessary to improve the knowledge and competencies of dentists, but also to challenge their professional identity as well as the current model of dental clinics as the standard of care delivery. To achieve this, we need strong leadership from dental schools, professional organisations and government.

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ObjectivesThis study aimed to understand the perspectives of dentists towards the Montreal‐Toulouse model, an innovative approach that encompasses person‐centredness and social dentistry. This model invites dentists to take three types of actions (understanding, decision‐making, intervening) on three overlapping levels (individual, community, societal). This study aimed to understand (a) How dentists perceived the Montreal‐Toulouse model as a framework for the practice of dentistry and (b) What parts of this model they were ready to adopt in their own practice.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study was conducted based on semi‐structured interviews with a sample of dentists in the Province of Quebec, Canada. A combination of maximum variation and snowball sampling strategies was employed and 14 information‐rich participants were recruited. The interviews were conducted and audio‐recorded through Zoom and lasted approximately 1 h and a half. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed through a combination of inductive and deductive coding.ResultsThe participants explained they valued person‐centred care and tried to put the individual level of the Montreal‐Toulouse model into practice. However, they expressed little interest in the social dentistry aspects of the model. They acknowledged not knowing how to organize and conduct upstream interventions and were not comfortable with social and political activism. According to them, advocating for better health‐related policies, while a noble act, ‘was not their job’. They also highlighted the structural challenges that dentists face in fostering biopsychosocial approaches such as the Montreal‐Toulouse model.ConclusionsTo promote the Montreal‐Toulouse model and empower dentists to address social determinants of health, an educational and organizational ‘paradigm shift’ towards social accountability might be necessary. Such a shift requires curricular modifications and reconsidering traditional teaching approaches in dental schools. Moreover, dentistry's professional organization could facilitate dentists' upstream actions through proper resource allocation and openness to collaboration with them.