Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of dentists on Minimal Intervention Dentistry: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of dentists on Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID).

DATA

Cross-sectional studies that analyzed KAP outcomes on MID principles were included.

SOURCES

Eight databases (Cochrane, DOSS, Embase, LILACS, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and the grey literature were searched on January 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Two independent reviewers selected the included studies, initially by screening titles and abstracts and, finally, by full-text reading. The methodological quality of studies was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment Checklist for Prevalence Studies. Proportion meta-analysis was conducted using a random effect model for data analysis. Cochran's Q test was used to assess the heterogeneity and the I² statistic for evaluation of true variation due to heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of 2,079 studies initially identified, twelve were included in the systematic review. Twenty-four statements about MID were included in the meta-analysis, based on data from ten studies (n=1728 participants). The pooled proportion of knowledge on MID was 75.66% (95%CI: 69.33 - 81.48; p<0.01; I²: 97%; Tau2: 0.0456) and of attitudes and practice was 47.95% (95%CI: 38.55 - 57.43; p<0.01; I²: 98%; Tau2: 0.0743). The higher prevalences rates were in the "knowledge" field, and the lowest was in "attitudes and practice".

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the knowledge of dentists on MID topics is acceptable, and the attitudes and practices need improvements. The studies lacked uniformity in methods and there is still a need for more studies to elucidate the KAP of dentists worldwide.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the cognizance and the way oral healthcare professionals are treating dental caries is the first step to expanding the minimal intervention evidence into a dental practice. The final goal is to change the practice and make Minimal Intervention Dentistry the standard of care for dental caries worldwide.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021257518.

Grupo Tutorial em Saúde Bucal: a experiência em atenção primária no Centro de Saúde do Itapoã-DF

Este artigo apresenta o relato de experiência do Programa de Educação Tutorial em Odontologia da Universidade de Brasília, durante o período de março a dezembro de 2010. O cenário de prática das atividades de campo é a Regional Administrativa do Itapoã, no Distrito Federal, e a atuação do grupo tutorial acontece junto às Equipes de Saúde da Família por meio de rotinas educativo-preventivas em saúde bucal durante as visitas domiciliares, atividades clínicas e desenvolvimento de pesquisas. Alunos e preceptores estão sendo capazes de reconhecer os determinantes sociais do processo saúde-doença, analisar os indicadores de saúde bucal da população, aprimorar práticas educativas utilizadas na Estratégia Saúde da Família e promover saúde no âmbito da comunidade. As principais dificuldades encontradas dizem respeito a limitação de espaço físico e de recursos capazes de atender a demanda do grupo tutorial e das famílias assistidas. Esta experiência tutorial junto à Estratégia Saúde da Família possibilita um aprendizado que vai muito mais além do que a tradição de ensino bio-tecnicista da odontologia, bem como permite aos discentes de odontologia da UnB ‘vivenciar uma experiência real’ e refletir sobre os conhecimentos teóricos obtidos nos ‘bancos da universidade’.