Objective: to analyze the teaching of geriatric dentistry from the perspective of the National Curricular Guidelines (NCG) for undergraduate courses in dentistry in South American countries. Method: an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach was carried out, covering the dental schools of public universities in five South American countries which included a geriatric dentistry module in their curriculums. Twenty intentionally selected participants were included. Semi-structured open interviews were recorded using digital media and the content was analyzed using the Thematic Analysis technique with Atlas-Ti® software, based on the current NCG in each country. Results: the NCG evaluated in the five countries were similar in terms of the norms that guide the education of the dental surgeon. Three categories of analysis were identified: professional profile, skill development and the geriatric dentistry teaching-learning process for the undergraduate student. Conclusions: dentistry teaching has sought to connect with the NCG. However, the simple insertion of a geriatric dentistry module in the curriculum is not sufficient to promote a teaching-learning process that allows the student to develop skills to provide better care for the elderly.

Objective This study aimed to qualitatively analyse undergraduate geriatric dentistry (GD) teaching characteristics identified by geriatric dentistry teachers and senior students in five South American countries. Background GD involves the knowledge and skills required to provide oral health care for older people. Methods Exploratory‐descriptive research with a qualitative approach developed in the undergraduate context of public universities in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Nine dental schools were intentionally selected. The participants were GD module teachers (20) and their senior students (30). Data were collected through open interviews via Skype® conducted between May and August 2015 and were analysed using a content analysis technique with ATLAS.ti® software, resulting in four categories. Results GD modules are theoretical or a theoretical‐practical mix. Most teachers are prosthodontists without specific training in GD. Their motivations to teach GD are related to personal, family, professional and social reasons. Humanity, sensitivity and knowledge of older people are considered fundamental characteristics of a GD teacher. Conclusions Students' first contact with an older person usually occurs during clinical activities. The participants mentioned insufficient hours for GD modules in the curricula and exclusively theoretical modules that do not allow students to learn typical specificities of older people. In the context of this study, the undergraduate GD teaching‐learning process presented some weaknesses regarding educational methods, professor training and the interaction between older people and students. Diversification of learning scenarios and GD professor training are highly recommended.

Objective: To review the scientific literature and identify dental plaque control strategies focussed on elderly people that improve plaque indices. Design: Scoping review (Joanna Briggs protocol).Data sources: Individual search strategies developed for six databases. The selection of the manuscripts in two phases: title and abstract review, and complete review. Eligibility criteria: Studies on interventions for plaque control in elderly people (60y+).Epidemiological studies and those focussed on caregivers, health professionals and periodontal maintenance therapies were excluded. Results:The initial search yielded 2803 studies, 26 were included. The results were classified into: exclusively chemical (10), educational (9), exclusively mechanical (6), and combined mechanical and chemical (1). The studies reported different types of interventions: sugarless chewing gum, chlorhexidine (CHX) in different preparations and concentrations, mouthwash based on essential oils, stannous/sodium fluoride dentifrice and lactoferrin/lactoperoxidase tablets. Additionally, conventional and alternative toothbrushes and professional brushing were tested. Educational interventions included oral hygiene guidance, verbal information, and demonstrations of dental and denture cleaning procedures, and lifestyle changes. Many studies have reported strategies that improve dental plaque indices but without statistical significance when compared to control groups. Promising results were found with the use of CHX, sugarless chewing gum, professional brushing and educational strategies with demonstration, but the results were not long-lasting. Conclusion:The literature reports that mechanical, chemical and educational strategies have some efficacy in dental plaque control in the elderly population. The results should be viewed with caution, considering the type of intervention (isolated or combined) and the maintenance of the results obtained.

Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar o panorama do ensino de Odontogeriatria nos cursos de graduação em Odontologia das universidades públicas no Brasil. Analisou-se, por meio de estatística descritiva, a oferta desta disciplina, mediante pesquisa nos sítios eletrônicos das universidades públicas brasileiras, bem como suas caracteristicas. O estudo constatou que menos da metade dos cursos investigados oferecem a disciplina de Odontogeriatria e, quando o fazem, enfatizam o ensino teórico com conteúdos básicos ao cuidado da saúde bucal de pessoas idosas. As informações estavam disponíveis nos sítios eletrônicos de grande parte das universidades, porém nem todas as características principais foram apresentadas. É relevante qualificar a oferta desta disciplina em termos metodológicos e de conteúdo, para que futuros cirurgiões-dentistas estejam aptos a cuidar da saúde bucal deste grupo populacional. Descritores: Idoso; Educação em Odontologia; Envelhecimento; Ensino. This study aims at presenting an overview of geriatric dentistry teaching in Brazilian public dentistry undergraduate courses. The availability of this subject and its characteristics were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics, through searching in official websites, as well as their features. The study has found that less than half of the investigated courses offer geriatric dentistry as a subject, and that they emphasize theoretical basic contents than the actual practice of oral health care with the elderly. The official websites of most universities had the information needed; however, the main characteristics of the courses were not present in all of them. It is important to qualify the subject in the courses where it is available, taking into account both methodology and content, in order for soon-to-be dental surgeons to be apt to care for the oral health of these group of people.

ContextIt is not clear if an oral hygiene protocol to control biofilm applied before cardiac surgery can reduce infection rates.ObjectiveWe aim to verify the effectiveness of an oral hygiene protocol in reducing postoperative infections when compared to usual practices, in patients admitted to a cardiology unit, prior to cardiac surgery.Design, Setting and ParticipantsRandomized, blind, controlled clinical trial, with 107 participants who expected to undergo cardiac surgery, randomized into two groups: Experimental Group (EG) standardized oral hygiene protocol (54) and Control Group (CG), usual practices performed in patients admitted (53). Intervention: a standardized oral hygiene protocol, 1 day before surgery: professional prophylaxis with a portable ultrasound device, tooth brushing and flossing plus a 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate solution (0.12% CHX) mouth rinsing. When applicable, removable prostheses cleaning. Primary outcome: the presence of infection.ResultsThe occurrence of postoperative infection was higher in CG = 7 (13.2%) than in EG = 5 (9.3%); but no statistical difference was found between protocols (p = 0.518). The length of stayed from surgery to discharge presented a statistical difference (p = 0.047; RR = 4.9; CI = 1.01–24.33); the percentage of postoperative infection was almost five times higher in those participants who stayed 11 or more days.ConclusionThe standardized oral hygiene protocol with mechanical and chemical cleaning, 1 day before cardiac surgery, was not more effective than the usual practices performed regarding the reduction of postoperative infections. Other interventions regarding oral hygiene procedures before cardiac surgery must be studied to contribute to the reduction of adverse post‐surgical events.Clinical Trial RegistrationSite Ensaclinicos.gov.br number U1111‐1214‐2862.DescriptorsHealthcare Associated Infections, Cardiovascular Diseases, Periodontal Diseases, Dental Biofilm, Cardiovascular Surgery.

Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar o panorama do ensino de Odontogeriatria nos cursos de graduação em Odontologia das universidades públicas no Brasil. Analisou-se, por meio de estatística descritiva, a oferta desta disciplina, mediante pesquisa nos sítios eletrônicos das universidades públicas brasileiras, bem como suas caracteristicas. O estudo constatou que menos da metade dos cursos investigados oferecem a disciplina de Odontogeriatria e, quando o fazem, enfatizam o ensino teórico com conteúdos básicos ao cuidado da saúde bucal de pessoas idosas. As informações estavam disponíveis nos sítios eletrônicos de grande parte das universidades, porém nem todas as características principais foram apresentadas. É relevante qualificar a oferta desta disciplina em termos metodológicos e de conteúdo, para que futuros cirurgiões-dentistas estejam aptos a cuidar da saúde bucal deste grupo populacional.