Obtaining human teeth for dental education: A cross‐sectional study to create ethical and transparent processes

Abstract

Objectives This study explores the practices of obtaining human teeth for teaching and research in Paraguay. The goal of this research is to understand whether the data supports the need to improve ethical training within dental education, including the creation of a human tooth bank (HTB) Methods An observational cross‐sectional study was conducted. Three semi‐structured questionnaires were developed, one for each target population: dental students, dentists in practice, and the general population. The questionnaires were distributed between February and April 2021, using Google Forms Results The main places where human teeth were obtained by a student are dental clinics, followed by cemeteries. 94% of students and 91% of dentists paid for teeth on at least one occasion. There is a willingness on the part of students and dentists to donate collections of teeth, and among the general population to donate their teeth if they are extracted, for both teaching and research use. Note that, 31% of students and 6% of the population are aware of what an HTB is, at the same time only 16% of dentists know how it functions Conclusion The number of respondents who obtain teeth from cemeteries and who pay for their acquisition is high. Both of these practices raise ethical concerns. The implementation of informed consent for the donation of extracted teeth is practically nil; although there is a positive attitude towards its implementation. Also, there is a lack of knowledge about the role of an HTB; although the population expressed a willingness to donate extracted teeth.

Effects of Short-Term Exposure of Chloramine-T Solution on the Characteristics of Light-Cured and Chemical-Cured Adhesives

“…The human teeth used for research and teaching purposes are a potential source, especially in the in vitro bonding studies of enamel or dentin [28]. To maintain the fresh condition of teeth after extraction, chloramine T (CLT) is commonly used as a storage solution in adhesion studies; however, the duration varies among studies, ranging from a few hours to several months [29].…”