INTRODUCTION: Dentists' knowledge and expertise, especially in their early career, are primarily shaped during undergraduate studies. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of Syrian under-and postgraduate students regarding diagnosing and managing molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH)-affected teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Final-year dental students (FY-students), postgraduates in paediatric dentistry (PD-postgraduates) and postgraduates in other lines of specialty (OS-postgraduates) in all Syrian dental schools were invited to participate in an established web-based survey covering the knowledge and attitudes regarding the prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis and management of MIH. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact/chisquared tests at 5%. RESULTS: In total, 1142 post-and undergraduate students from six public and five private dental schools in Syria participated in this study (867 FY-students, 74 PD-postgraduates and 201 OS-postgraduates). PD-postgraduates were found to present statistically significantly better knowledge regarding MIH compared with the two other groups. Only 19% of FY-students and 54% of OS-postgraduates reported themselves familiar with MIH (compared with 97% of PD-postgraduates). Similarly, 18% of FY-students and 27% of OS-postgraduates were capable of diagnosing MIH (compared with 81% of PD-postgraduates). Stainless-steel crowns and direct composite fillings were chosen as most suitable for treating MIH-affected molars from all responders. CONCLUSIONS: FY-students and even OS-postgraduates in Syria lack knowledge and confidence when confronted with MIH. The university curricula need to include more educational materials to equip the students with the necessary tools to manage MIH clinically.
Background Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a widespread oral health problem. Dentists encounter several challenges regarding MIH management worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and clinical experiences on MIH among general dental practitioners and pediatric dentists in Syria. Methods All general dental practitioners and pediatric dentists belonging to the Syrian Dental Syndicate of Damascus were invited to complete a cross-sectional structured questionnaire (n = 1936). The questionnaire consisted of four sections and required responses regarding demographic data, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and experiences on MIH. Data were analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariate regression models using SPSS Ver. 23.0. Results The overall response rate was 36.31% (703/1936). Pediatric dentists were significantly more familiar with MIH (p < 0.001) and more confident when diagnosing it (p < 0.001). Most participants (43.95%) perceived an increase in MIH prevalence in Syria. Stainless steel crowns were the most favorable restorative material for molars with post-eruptive breakdown (51.38%). As for molars and incisors with opacities, composite resin was preferred with (41.82%), and (67.51%) respectively. General dental practitioners requested further training regarding MIH treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions Pediatric dentists were equipped with further knowledge regarding MIH, and were more confident when diagnosing it. There is a need for additional training and education for general dental practitioners. Most respondents perceived an increase in the prevalence of MIH. There is a dearth of data regarding MIH prevalence in Syria. The materials of choice for restoring teeth with MIH were stainless steel crowns and composite resin.
ObjectivesOrthodontic treatment improves both masticatory function and the aspects of facial esthetics through the correct alignment of the teeth. If oral hygiene is neglected during fixed orthodontic treatment, it may lead to plaque accumulation and gingivitis. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of the dental Water Jet (DWJ), and orthodontic toothbrush (O‐TH) in removing dental plaque around the orthodontic braces compared to conventional toothbrush (C‐TH) in adolescents.Materials and MethodsThis was a three‐arm, double‐blind, and parallel‐group randomized active‐controlled trial. Forty‐five patients were randomly allocated into three groups: DWJ, the O‐TH, and the C‐TH (control group). The primary outcome measure was dental plaque accumulation change from the baseline (t0) to post‐cleaning (t1), and plaque scores were recorded using the Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI). The current clinical trial was registered and approved by Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623000524695).ResultsA statistically significant difference was noted in the OPI scores between different time points in the DWJ group, the O‐TH group, and the C‐TH group (p < .05). However, no significant difference was noted between the groups after the cleaning procedure (p > .05).ConclusionThe level of oral hygiene was not satisfactory in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. In addition, the efficacy of the DWJ was not superior to O‐TH nor to C‐TH in plaque removal.
Introduction: Sodium hypochlorite solution apical extrusion leads to life-threatening sequelae. Gel-type has been suggested as a safer alternative during intra-canal irrigation due to its' higher viscosity. Objectives: To compare the apical extrusion of three sodium hypochlorite viscosities in primary molars prepared with two different instrumentation techniques. Material and methods: This was an in-vitro crossover study. Sixty human primary molar roots were divided into two groups (n = 30), depending on physiological root resorption, and each group was further divided into two sub-groups (n = 15) based on instrumentation technique. Manual instruments (K-file) and rotary files (ProTaper) were used for root canal instrumentation. Each group was irrigated with 5 ml of sodium hypochlorite solution and two different viscosities of sodium hypochlorite gel after preparation. The extruded volume was collected and calculated using Myers and Montgomery model. Statistical analysis was performed by applying Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between sodium hypochlorite solution and gel in manual instrumentation groups. No statistically significant difference was observed between the extruded volumes in the rotary instrumentation groups. Conclusions: Sodium hypochlorite gel is a safer alternative for primary molars prepared by stainless steel K-file. Preparation technique used in primary molars affects extruded irrigant volume more compared with physiologic root resorption.
ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare and evaluate the efficacy of topical use of povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) solution and chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on dental plaque regrowth after 3 and 7 days in toddlers aged 24–36 months.Materials and MethodsA randomized controlled trial that included 45 healthy toddlers aged 24–36 months, who were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received a placebo (distilled water (DW)) (negative control). The second group received topical CHX gel (0.2% w/v) (positive control). The third group received topical PVP‐I solution (10% w/v). Plaque accumulation was measured at the baseline (t0), after 3 days (t1) and after 7 days (t2) using the Turesky‐modified Quigley–Hein plaque index (TMQHPI). Oral hygiene practices were prohibited during the trial period. The trial ID is ACTRN12623000567628.ResultsIn the DW group, the mean of the TMQHPI score was 1.89 ± 0.67 at t0 and decreased to 1.45 ± 0.66 at t1 (p = .028). Similarly, in the CHX group, the mean of the TMQHPI score was 1.83 ± 1.06 at t0 and decreased to 1.02 ± 0.99 at t1 (p = .033). Regarding the PVP‐I group, the mean of the TMQHPI score went from 1.84 ± 0.85 to 1.01 ± 0.61 at t1 and then increased to 1.57 ± 0.74 at t2. Those changes were statistically significant (p = .001) and (p = .002), respectively. No statistically significant difference was noted between TMQHPI scores at t0 (p = .789). Regarding t1 and t2, no statistically significant difference was found between the three groups (p > .05).ConclusionCHX and PVP‐I efficacy lasted only for 3 days, and PVP‐I was not superior to CHX in terms of plaque control in toddlers. However, further studies are needed to determine the long‐term efficacy of these antiplaque agents in toddlers.
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