The views and experiences of general dental practitioners (GDP's) in West Yorkshire who used the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in research

Comparing the effectiveness of competition as a method of reminding primary oral health care dentists to record diagnoses with two alternative methods used to enhance the recording of diagnoses in primary health care

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether competition is an effective method to remind primary oral health care dentists to record diagnoses (RRD). The effectiveness of competition was examined in comparison with financial group bonuses (FGBs) and electronic reminders (ERs) of the electronic health record, together with superior-subordinate or development discussions. Putative differences in the diagnosis recording cultures of Finnish public health care physicians and dentists were studied. This was a retrospective quasi-experimental observational study in which the effects of the interventions on the rate of recording diagnoses were identified using a general linear regression model and proportions of visits with recorded diagnoses. The rate of increase in the recording of diagnoses in dentists was 0.995 ± 0.273%/month (mean ± SEM) after the implementation of RRDs and this did not differ from that obtained after starting FGBs (0.919 ± 0.130%/month) or ERs with superior-subordinate or development discussions (1.562 ± 0.277%/month) in physicians. As the rates of increase did not differ none of the applied methods seemed to be more effective than the others when trying to influence the behaviour of primary health care clinicians. Altogether, public primary health care physicians were more active than respective primary oral health care dentists to record diagnoses.

Bioactive self-etching sealant on newly erupted molars: A split-mouth clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

This randomized clinical trial compares retention, survival rate, and evolution of caries of newly erupted permanent molars sealed with bioactive self-etching sealants with pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG).

METHODS

A split-mouth clinical trial was conducted with 56 permanent second molars in stages 2 and 3 of crown eruption; ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) was between 0 and 2. The molars were randomized and blinded in relation to the side (right or left) that would receive the sealants; the conventional resin sealant (FS), Fluroshield (Dentsply), or bioactive self-etch sealant (BS), BeautiSealant with S-PRG (Shofu). The sealants were compared in terms of retention, quality of sealant remnant (anatomical shape, marginal adaptation, surface texture, and marginal discoloration), and development of caries by ICDAS after 1, 6, and 12 months. The Wilcoxon, x² of independence, Kaplan-Meier, and Mantel-Cox survival statistical tests were applied (α = 5%).

RESULTS

The total retention was higher for FS (57.1%) at all periods, and there was no difference in the quality of sealants at all periods. The ICDAS decreased after 6 (p = 0.025) and 12 months (p = 0.027) for both materials. Despite the lower retention of BS, the clinical quality of sealants over 12 months were similar.

CONCLUSION

Teeth sealed with BS presented higher sound teeth predominance (ICDAS 0) compared to FS sealant, even with a higher loss of material.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Eruption of permanent molars is a relevant period, and the prevention/management of initial caries is essential in these critical stages. Sealants can be an important prevention strategy. After 12 months of follow-up, there was a major failure of the bioactive sealant but without the development of caries lesions.

Prevalence and incidence of dental caries associated with the effect of tooth brushing and fluoride varnishing in schoolchildren at Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Protocol of the EESO-Gal study

Introduction

Dental caries is the most prevalent oral disease in Ecuador. In our country, there are no studies that have included the population of the Galapagos Islands. Fluoride application to incipient lesions of dental caries has shown to be effective in avoiding the use of invasive restorative procedures.

Objectives

The objective of the EESO-Gal study is to determine the prevalence and incidence of dental caries and to evaluate the effect of supervised dental brushing, accompanied by periodic applications of fluoride varnish on incipient precarious lesions of schoolchildren in the Galapagos Islands. This article presents the protocol of the EESO-Gal study.

Methods

A cohort is planned with Galapagos Islands schoolchildren to determine the prevalence and incidence of dental caries, with assessments every six months, during twenty-four months.

Results

We expect to determine the prevalence and incidence of caries every six months, for twenty-four months, in schoolchildren between three and ten years of age, and obtain data to show the state of the caries conditions in Galapagos schoolchildren, with the inclusion of daily brushing at school, supervised by the teacher, and with the application of fluoride varnish every six months.

Conclusions

The prevalence of dental caries and incidence after the program will demonstrate the importance of implementing oral health prevention and promotion actions to create hygiene and health habits from an early age.