Objective: To assess the extent of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in a Jordanian population, and to evaluate the sociodemographic factors affecting this behaviour. Subjects and Methods: Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 477 patients aged 16–65 years attending the Department of Dentistry, University of Jordan Hospital. Socio-demographic data were collected and interviewees were asked about their SMA behaviour during the last 6 months, the reasons and motives for this behaviour, and the source and dose of the antibiotics were noted. Results: The prevalence rate of SMA in the sample during the 6 months preceding the interview was 40.7% (194/477). Patients aged 36–55 years and those in the middle-class income group were most likely to perform SMA. SMA was mainly for sore throats, common colds and dental infections, and community pharmacies were the major source (104, 53.6% cases). Amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic, and only 73 (37.6%) patients followed the correct dosage guidelines. Previous experience with similar illness and saving time were the most common reasons for SMA. Ninety-four (19.7%) patients admitted that they consulted another physician to obtain antibiotics when their first physician did not prescribe any. Conclusion: The findings showed that SMA was a frequent practice among Jordanians, signifying the need for an educational campaign on the proper use of antibiotics in this population.

Enamel-renal syndrome (ERS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe enamel hypoplasia, failed tooth eruption, intrapulpal calcifications, enlarged gingiva, and nephrocalcinosis. Recently, mutations in FAM20A were reported to cause amelogenesis imperfecta and gingival fibromatosis syndrome (AIGFS), which closely resembles ERS except for the renal calcifications. We characterized three families with AIGFS and identified, in each case, recessive FAM20A mutations: family 1 (c.992G>A; g.63853G>A; p.Gly331Asp), family 2 (c.720-2A>G; g.62232A>G; p.Gln241_Arg271del), and family 3 (c.406C>T; g.50213C>T; p.Arg136* and c.1432C>T; g.68284C>T; p.Arg478*). Significantly, a kidney ultrasound of the family 2 proband revealed nephrocalcinosis, revising the diagnosis from AIGFS to ERS. By characterizing teeth extracted from the family 3 proband, we demonstrated that FAM20A −/− molars lacked true enamel, showed extensive crown and root resorption, hypercementosis, and partial replacement of resorbed mineral with bone or coalesced mineral spheres. Supported by the observation of severe ectopic calcifications in the kidneys of Fam20a null mice, we conclude that FAM20A, which has a kinase homology domain and localizes to the Golgi, is a putative Golgi kinase that plays a significant role in the regulation of biomineralization processes, and that mutations in FAM20A cause both AIGFS and ERS.

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Background:  Signs of physical abuse often present in the oro‐facial region and dentists are in a strategic position to recognise and report suspected cases. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, educational experiences and attitudes of Jordanian dentists towards child abuse and to assess their educational needs. Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey of a random sample of Jordanian dentists (n = 400) was conducted using an anonymous, self‐administered structured questionnaire. Results:  The response rate was 64%. Thirty‐four per cent (n = 88) of the respondents reported having formal training in recognising and reporting child abuse, and 42% (n = 106) had post‐qualification/continuing education training on the topic. Half of the dentists (127/256) suspected a case of child abuse in the past 5 years, but only 12% (31/256) reported their suspicions. The main reasons for not reporting suspicions of abuse were fear from anger of parents (43%), uncertainty about diagnosis (41%) and uncertainty about referral procedures (41%). Those dentists who had formal training in dental school (P = 0.0001) and post‐qualification courses in child abuse (P = 0.006) were significantly more likely to report suspicions. Conclusions:  A significant gap existed between recognising signs of physical child abuse and responding effectively. Improvements in child abuse education and continuing education courses are advised to provide dentists in Jordan with adequate knowledge of indicators of physical child abuse and to inform them on the protocol to follow when suspicions arise.

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