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The coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put enormous pressure on health care systems around the world. Dentistry has had to adjust to the new epidemic situation to not only bring relief to suffering patients but also to avoid becoming a source of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Methods: A comprehensive, cross-sectional survey was conducted between April 6 and 16, 2020 among 875 Polish dental practitioners. The aim of the research was to assess dentists’ attitudes and professional approaches resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: 71.2% of dentists who responded to the questionnaire decided to suspend their clinical practice during that particular time. The main factors for this fact were the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), the respondents’ subjective perceptions of the risk of COVID-19 contraction and a general feeling of anxiety and uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 situation. The authors observed a significant decrease in the number of patients admitted weekly in April 2020 (12.06; SD, 11.55) in comparison to that in the time before the state of pandemic was declared on March 11, 2020 (49.21; SD, 24.97). Conclusions: Due to the unpreparedness of the dental sector, both in national health and private settings, most of the Polish dentists decided to voluntarily suspend their clinical practice in order to mitigate the spread of the disease. The COVID-19 outbreak has revealed numerous shortcomings in the dental care system, especially regarding the insufficient coordination of health services related to the pandemic and lack of advanced PPE. This has led to an overwhelming feeling of fear, confusion and anxiety among dental professionals in Poland and a sudden decrease in the number of performed dental procedures. Hopefully enriched with the recent experience and due to the implementation of proper strategic and long-term measures, dental practitioners will be better prepared and adapted to global health care disruptions in the future.

A scoping review was conducted to synthesize available evidence of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental practitioners in providing care to children in out-of-home care (OOHC). Scientific databases and the grey literature were searched: 855 studies were screened after removing duplicates; 800 studies were excluded based on the title and/or abstract, and the full text of 55 studies was reviewed, with 7 included in the analysis. These included three peer-reviewed articles regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dental practitioners in providing care to children in OOHC, as well as four guidelines. Dental practitioners had some knowledge of the high health care needs of OOHC children, but knowledge regarding when children entering care received dental assessment and about OOHC dental care pathways was low. Practices of dental practitioners were varied, most gave oral hygiene instructions, but there was inconsistency in practices regarding continuity of care following placement changes and failure to attend policies. There was more consensus with dental practitioner attitudes, with practitioners in private settings seeming to prefer not to treat children in OOHC. Three of the identified guidelines provided logistical information about OOHC and consent. The final guideline gave practical information on treating children with a background of adverse childhood events (ACEs), including children in OOHC. Further research and education is warranted to aid dental practitioners in providing care to children in OOHC.

Background Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a growing health problem, and its treatment is a challenge. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the perceptions, knowledge, and clinical experiences of MIH in general dental practitioners (GDPs) and paediatric dentists (PDs) in Spain. Methods All dentists belonging to the College of Dentists of the Region of Murcia, in the South-East of Spain, were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. They were asked to complete a two-part questionnaire including sociodemographic profiles and knowledge, experience, and perceptions of MIH. Data were analysed using Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and Cramer’s V test. Results The overall response rate was 18.6% (214/1147). Most respondents were aged 31–40 years (44.86%), with more than 15 years of professional experience (39.72%). They worked mainly in the private sector (84.58%) and were licensed in dentistry (74.30%): 95.45% of PDs had detected an increase in the incidence of MIH in recent years ( p  <  0.001). Only 23.80% of GDPs claimed to have made a training course on MIH. With respect to the aetiology, chronic medical conditions ( p  = 0.029) and environmental pollutants ( p  = 0.008) were the only factors that showed significant between-group differences. Durability ( p  = 0.009) and remineralization potential ( p  = 0.018) were the factors where there was a between-group difference in the choice of the restoration material. In the case of post-eruptive fractures and opacities, the preferred material for both groups was resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC). However, in incisor lesions, composite was the material of choice for both groups, with significant differences ( p  = 0.032) in the use of glass ionomer. Most respondents expressed a need for continuing education on MIH. Conclusion Spanish dentists perceived an increase in the incidence of MIH. The material of choice was RMGIC for non-aesthetic sectors and composite for incisors. Dentists believe it is difficult or very difficult to manage MIH, since the long-term success of restorations of MIH lesions is compromised because resin adhesion is not good. Both GDPs and PDs believe they need more training on the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of MIH.

This study aims to assess the awareness of botulinum toxin (BTX), a treatment for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and bruxism, among patients, dental students and dental practitioners. Over a 7-month period (September 2023-March 2024), a paper-based questionnaire was distributed to randomly selected patients, dental students, and practitioners at the Griffith University Dental Clinic (GUDC) in Queensland, Australia. The questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge and awareness of BTX as a treatment for TMD and bruxism. A total of 325 participants completed the questionnaire, comprising 171 patients, 130 students and 24 dental practitioners. Dental practitioners demonstrated the highest knowledge and awareness surrounding the uses of BTX in TMD treatment. While students had less knowledge than practitioners, their understanding of BTX increased as they advanced through their studies. Both dental practitioners and students favored non-BTX treatments for TMD. Patients exhibited limited awareness of BTX, with female patients being more informed and receptive. The results from this study highlight the need for increased awareness of BTX for the treatment of TMD, particularly amongst patients and dental students, and to a lesser extent, dental practitioners.

Background Child abuse and neglect are significant social and health issues in New Zealand. As the government provides free oral care to children and adolescents, oral health practitioners are positioned to respond to child protection concerns. However, research on the knowledge and attitudes of oral health practitioners is limited. This study aimed to understand the knowledge and attitudes of New Zealand dental and oral health therapists in detecting and reporting child abuse and neglect. Methods In this descriptive exploratory cross-sectional study, we invited registered New Zealand dental and oral health therapists treating children and adolescents to the anonymous online survey. Results Among the 92 dental and oral health therapists, 72% agreed that they could recognise the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. Yet, only 48% agreed they were familiar with the reporting process. During their professional careers, 62% had at least 1 suspected case; and only 21% had ever reported their concerns. Fear of false reporting (70%) was the most significant barrier. Conclusions Participants understood child abuse and neglect as significant social issues; however, the knowledge and attitudes to respond were limited. Efforts to enhance the knowledge and attitudes will be necessary to promote child safety and wellbeing.

Background Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an alarming problem with considerable challenges in management. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge, perceptions, and clinical experiences of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) between general dental practitioners (GDPs) and paediatric dentists (PDs) in Hong Kong. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 557 randomly selected GDPs (approximately 25% of all registered dentists) and all registered PDs ( n  = 31) were invited. They were asked to complete a 4-section questionnaire adapted and modified from a study by Gambetta-Tessini and co-workers on sociodemographic profiles, knowledge, experience, and perceptions regarding MIH. Data were analyzed with chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and multiple factor ANCOVA tests. Results The overall response rate was 43.37% (255/588). Majority (74.1%) of the respondents encountered MIH in their practices. A significantly higher mean knowledge score (46.33 ± 7.1) was observed among PDs than GDPs (43.09 ± 7.0) ( P  < 0.01) and among PDs who are 40 years old or younger ( P  < 0.001). Differences in treatment of MIH were also observed between PDs and GDPs ( P  < 0.05). Paediatric dentists were more confident in diagnosing and treating MIH ( P  < 0.001). Most respondents (87.8%) expressed a need for continuing education on MIH. Conclusion Continuing education on MIH is needed to assure that the highest quality of evidence-based care is given to patients with MIH. Dissemination of latest best evidence on MIH, especially to GDPs, will assure that the condition is accurately diagnosed and well managed.

Originating in China in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly spread to more than 216 countries in the world by May 2020. Because dentists are at a higher risk of contracting the disease, the present study assessed the fear and anxiety among dental practitioners of becoming infected with COVID-19. An online cross-sectional questionnaire survey comprising of 9 questions was conducted among dental practitioners of Telangana. Age, gender, qualification, type of practice, years of practice, and place of residence were the demographic variables recorded. The response to each question was recorded in a YES or NO format, and mean fear score was calculated to categorize answers into low and high levels of fear. Comparison of mean fear score was done using t-test for 2 variables and analysis of variance for 3 or more than 3 variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the levels of fear with demographic variables was done. < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean fear and anxiety score of this study population reported was high 6.57 ± 2.07, with 58.31% of the population presenting with a low level of fear and anxiety. Only qualification ( = 0.045) and gender ( = 0.035) revealed a significant difference in fear to Q7and Q8, respectively. Irrespective of the age, gender, qualification, type of practice, and years in practice, the levels of fear reported in the present study were very similar. Respondents between 41 and 60 y of age (6.70 ± 2.01 y) and those with individual practices (6.70 ± 2.06 y) exhibited high fear scores. The present study demonstrates cross-sectional data of fear and anxiety among dental practitioners during the COVID-19 outbreak. Heightened levels of fear observed in this study call for a nationwide analysis of fear among dentists and deliberate management strategies for the same.

Purpose: Studies show that Teledentistry helps enhance communication between dental peers and patients and improves time management and education. The knowledge and awareness of Teledentistry levels need to be measured for a wider adaption. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and awareness of Teledentistry among dental practitioners and patients who live in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study with two participant groups. It uses five-point Likert-type quantitative, valid, and reliable questionnaires, one for dental providers and one for patients. The providers' questionnaire covers four domains: (1) Teledentistry system effectiveness to improve practice, (2) Teledentistry system usefulness for the dental practice, (3) Teledentistry system usefulness for patients, and (4) Concerns about confidentiality and security of Teledentistry. The patients' questionnaire covers two domains: (1) Patients who have previous experience in Teledentistry and (2) Patients who did not have previous experience in Teledentistry. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this study and distributed it at teaching, governmental hospitals, and private dental clinics. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to collect responses. All consent forms have been collected from the participants. Results: A total of 512 responses were collected using Google Forms, 203 from the dental healthcare provider and 309 from the patients. The collected data were coded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. More than 60% of dentists believe in the worth of Teledentistry, which helps patient education, monitors patients' conditions, and improves the services provided to patients in remote areas. Also, more than 70% of patients believe that Teledentistry can significantly save time and money, and more than half wish that Teledentistry be applied to all hospitals. Conclusion: Dentists and patients generally showed optimism and support for the Teledentistry concept, in addition to how Teledentistry can be beneficial for both dentists and patients. Keywords: Teledentistry, Telehealth, dental care, cross-sectional, awareness, knowledge

Background Influenced by governmental measures, collaboration in oral health care practices in the Netherlands has increased in recent decades. Previous studies on this subject have mainly concerned the composition of the staff or have been normative rather than descriptive. Based on the existing literature, four aspects were expected to be of significant influence on the collaboration on oral health care practices: goals, leadership, the allocation of tasks and responsibilities and formalization. Methods The aim of this study was to describe a classification of collaboration between general dental practitioners and dental hygienists within oral health care practices in the Netherlands. Eighteen semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted in nine oral health care practices, which differed with regard to both practice characteristics and characteristics of the principal general dental practitioner. In all practices, the principal general dental practitioner and one dental hygienist were consulted. The interviews were conducted in the practices of the respondents and were held between October 2019 and July 2020. The interviews were analyzed through theoretical thematic analysis using Microsoft Word 2010 and Atlas.ti 8. Three researchers coded and analyzed three practices, and discussed their results. Based on their mutual conclusions, one researcher analysed all practices. The final results were reviewed and approved by the other two researchers. Results Different factors influencing the collaboration between general dental practitioners and dental hygienist in the Netherlands were found. The most important factors seemed to be leadership style and goals for collaboration. Leadership style varied from very directive to very supportive and seemed to be connected to the allocation of responsibilities. Goals for collaboration varied from predominantly patient-related to mostly practice-related. Formalization appeared to be more present in larger practices and practices that are affiliated to a dental chain. Conclusions Based on leadership style and goals for collaboration, a classification was identified. This classification is recommended as a starting point for further research on directive and supportive leadership in oral health care practices.