Acceptability of fissure sealants from the child's perspective

Safety and effectiveness of an innosvative SS-suction device to control moisture in dental procedures

Control of moisture is critical for retention of sealants, which can reduce the incidence of caries in high-risk groups.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the safety and efficacy of the novel SS-suction device in the laboratory and a small clinical trial in children aged 6 to 8-years-old.

METHODS

First, a laboratory test of 52 SS-suction devices was conducted to determine the pressure generated by the chin plate to maintain suction at different intervals and to determine the pressure resistance of the spring to maintain suction in a child's mouth. Second, 12 healthy children with sound lower molars participated in a clinical trial of the use of SS-suction during sealant application.

RESULTS

The laboratory test showed that when pressed to the maximum distance of 25 mm, the chin plate produced a pressure of 247.5 ± 116.6 mmHg. At this pressure, the SS-suction could be used safely for up to 120 min without damaging the soft tissues. In the clinical study, the dentists inserted and removed the SS-suction in 7.80 ± 2.48 s. The range by which the chin plate was pressed down varied between 0 and 13 mm. The highest pressure on the skin was 120 mmHg (at 13 mm) and the device effectively maintained suction and effectively removed water and saliva. The time required to apply sealant was 7.01 ± 2.26 min.

CONCLUSIONS

The SS-suction is a safe, effective device for two-handed application of sealants in children, with no negative side effects.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

We demonstrate the unique SS-suction device can quickly drain water and saliva to help dentists treat young patients using a two-handed approach; this device provides good control of moisture during sealant application. The device prevents the tongue and cheeks from interfering with the operation area, reduces tension, and does not require a dental assistant.

Is It Mum or the Dad? Parental Factors That Influence the Use and Acceptance of Fluoride Varnish among Parents in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Objective

To investigate parental factors that influence knowledge, use, and acceptance of fluoride varnish (FLV) application.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during December 2021. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit parents with children aged 3 to 6 years and residing in Eastern Saudi Arabia, excluding those working in the dental field. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: demographics, knowledge, previous experience, and acceptance of FLV and was pilot-tested and distributed online using social media.

Results

A total of 623 parents responded to the survey. Only 36.9% of parents had good FLV knowledge with dentists being the main source of information. Gender, educational level, family income, being in the medical field, and source of knowledge were factors that significantly (P < 0.05) influenced parental knowledge. Only 24.6% of the parents applied fluoride varnish to their children before, of whom only 29% were satisfied with the experience. Parent's FLV knowledge, view of dental visits, satisfaction with previous experience, perception of children's oral health, and willingness to reapply FLV were factors that significantly (P < 0.05) influenced FLV use. Working in the medical field, perception of dental visits, and the source of knowledge were factors that significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the parent's acceptance to apply FLV. While lack of knowledge about fluoride benefits (15%) was the main reason for parental refusal to apply FLV.

Conclusions

The current study highlights the lack of knowledge and application of FLV among parents. There were more factors influencing mothers' acceptance of FLV application compared to fathers. Age, educational level, working in the medical field, perception, and patterns of dental visits were some of the identified factors. Dentists played a major role in parental knowledge and FLV acceptance. In a country with high caries prevalence, preventive programs such as FLV education and application are crucial.

Developing a child patient satisfaction survey: a quality improvement project

AIM

To develop a child-centred patient satisfaction questionnaire for use in an Outpatient Paediatric Dental Department.

METHOD

Data from patient satisfaction interviews was used to develop a child satisfaction questionnaire, which was used in two different centres after piloting.

RESULTS

The final questionnaire contained 7 questions and a comments section, using writing and facial images used to record children views. The questionnaire was distributed to 203 children; 95% were happy or okay with the waiting area, 69% were happy about seeing the dentist and 77% children were happy overall.

CONCLUSION

Measures of satisfaction of children with regard to dental treatment were very different from those commonly used for adults. Further development and implementation of child satisfaction surveys should be considered.

Effectiveness of Pit and Fissure Sealants for Preventing and Arresting Occlusal Caries in Primary Molars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The use of pit and fissure sealants have been well supported in permanent teeth, but no concrete evidence is available to support this procedure in primary molars. This review aims to systematically assess randomized controlled trials and summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of different sealants in prevention and arrest of the pit and fissure occlusal caries in primary molars of children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2018. Seven studies were included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, assessed risk of bias using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool, and evaluated the certainty in the evidence adopting the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation approach. Odds ratio and retention rate of different sealants were recalculated and analyzed.

RESULTS

This review identified no significant difference in the overall caries incidence and progression when evaluated over 24 months between (1) resin-based sealant (RBS) and glass ionomer sealants (GIS) or resin-modified GIS; (2) conventional and newly developed RBS; (3) autopolymerized and light-polymerized RBS; (4) RBS with topical fluoride application and topical fluoride alone; and (5) RBS with topical fluoride application and resin infiltration with topical fluoride application. The pooled estimates of the mean retention rates of RBS and GIS on primary molars over an 18-months period were 85.94% and 23.18%, respectively. The certainty in the evidence of each outcome was determined as low or very low mainly because of high risk of overall bias and imprecision.

CONCLUSION

There are currently insufficient well-controlled randomized controlled clinical trials to determine whether sealants are beneficial in preventing or arresting noncavitated occlusal caries in the primary molars.