A practical approach to evidence-based dentistry: VIII: How to appraise an article based on a qualitative study

Experiences of dentists and caregivers of patients with special care needs-A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Patients with special care needs (developmental disabilities) have unique and complex needs regarding their oral health and care. This qualitative study aimed to identify the experiences, preferences and challenges of dentists and caregivers regarding behavior guidance techniques for dental care in persons with special care needs.

METHODS

Relying on qualitative description as articulated by Sandelowski, we conducted telephone interviews with a purposeful sample of five special care dentists and seven caregivers. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes were highlighted: (1) Neither pharmacological or non-pharmacological behavior guidance techniques was universally suitable, (2) A patient-centered approach was critical, (3) The dental environment triggered patients' behaviors and anxiety levels, (4) There was more demand for, than supply of, qualified dentists to treat patients with special care needs.

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with special care needs are heterogeneous and respond to various behavioral techniques required to deliver their treatment. Behavior guidance planning should be negotiated carefully with patients and caregivers and then individualized based on patients' capabilities and needs for treatment. The necessity to manage complex behaviors has contributed to the limitation of access to dental care for persons with special care needs. Dentistry as a profession has the obligation to uphold the social contract and meet its responsibility to the dental care needs of this population.

Parental Expressed Concerns about Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Treatment

Background: The staining associated with its caries arrest may be a deterrent for the use of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). This study aims to elucidate the concerns that inform parents' perceptions and acceptance of SDF as a treatment option for their child. Study Design: We analyzed qualitative data obtained through an investigation in which parents attending a pediatric dental appointment participated in a survey, which included an open-ended question to evaluate their opinions about SDF staining. Thematic analysis of the comments, offered by the subsample of participants who replied to this question (n=43), yielded insights about perception of SDF therapy. Results: Most parents who provided comments were mothers (83.7%), college graduates (72.1%), primarily white (48.8%) or Hispanic (27.9%). Six themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the parents' responses: Esthetic Concerns, Psychosocial Concerns, SDF Treatment Process, Risks and Side Effects, Situational Benefits, and Dental Treatment Process. While many of the parents' comments are related to appearance, other topics that merit consideration when discussing SDF treatment were mentioned. Conclusions: Although parents are concerned about the esthetic impact of SDF, they understand the risks of alternative treatments and welcome information that will allow them to make an informed decision. Location of the cavities and visibility of the staining appear to heavily influence the decision to accept or reject this therapy.

The opinion and response of health professionals associated with academics about the research design and methods: A study

AIM

The study aimed to survey the opinions and responses of health professionals in academics about their interest and experience in research, knowledge over study designs, and application of a common study design to find out the objectives behind any research study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A semi-structured questionnaire containing three variables with 15 questions were sent to 300 health professionals associated with academics in the category of Bachelor/Master/Doctorate working at Al-Farabi Colleges campuses located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected manually, descriptive frequencies were generated and the variables were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. The knowledge scores between the qualification and gender were carried out using ANOVA and t-test. The final response rate was in conjuction to the statistician to exclude the uncompleted responses from the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed a discrepancy in the participation; of 95 health professionals, (40) were females and (55) were males. Bachelor (16), Masters (61) and Doctorate holders (18) gave their opinion. For the first variable (research experience), all the surveyed categories showed the same response. However, for the second variable (study design and research criteria) bachelor holders showed poor, but equal performance was reported to the master and doctorate holders. In the third variable (objectives and common designs), bachelor holders showed a poor response in contrast to the master and doctorate holders whose have mixed opinions. For knowledge scores, no significance was present between the master and doctorate holders.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of understanding of the research objectives and common designs frequently used in research studies particularly among the bachelor holders. Additional postgraduate education on research methods is recommended to improve the knowledge and practices of research.