Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of hypodontia in the permanent teeth among a group of the Qatari sample and to compare the present results with findings from other populations.Materials and Methods:Records of 1269 Qatari patients (674 females; mean age 11.8 ± 2.3 and 595 males; mean age 11.4 ± 2.2) which included panoramic radiographs were examined to identify hypodontia. All permanent teeth were investigated except third molars.Results:The prevalence of hypodontia was 6.2% (females 8% and males 4.2%; P < 0.05). The majority of patients had one or two missing teeth. There were no significant differences between right and left sides for any particular tooth. The most frequently missing teeth were maxillary lateral incisors (36.2%), followed by mandibular second premolar (32.6%) and maxillary second premolar (20.2%). Hypodontia was more commonly found unilaterally than bilaterally (63.2% and 44.3%; respectively).Conclusions:The prevalence of hypodontia in a group of the Qatari population was within the average value of the majority of published studies in the literature. Hypodontia was significantly more prevalent in females. Although less prevalent, considerable cases of bilateral missing were found in the present study, which necessitates the urgent need for intervention and multi-disciplinary team approach for management.

Objectives To evaluate and compare perceived pain and jaw function impairment during the first 4 weeks with slow maxillary expansion (SME) using quadhelix and rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using conventional banded hyrax. Materials and Methods Sixty patients aged 10.2 to 15 years were enrolled and consecutively recruited to either the quadhelix group (QG) or hyrax group (HG). A questionnaire was used to evaluate pain, jaw function impairment, and analgesic consumption in the first 7 days, at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks. Results Fifty-five patients (43 girls and 12 boys) completed the questionnaire at all time points (27 in the QG and 28 in the HG). Except at 4 hours, there were no significant differences between the groups regarding pain from teeth, tongue, and palate. Patients started to adapt after day 3. Patients in the HG group reported significantly higher scores for difficulty in swallowing (moderate to severe) during the first 6 days. In both groups, minimal effects were found on speech and the majority of patients did not experience difficulty in yawning or laughing. There was no significant difference in analgesic consumption between the groups. No correlations were found between age, gender, or malocclusion type and any of the investigated outcomes. Conclusions Quadhelix for SME and conventional banded hyrax for RME were well tolerated by patients after 1 week. The decision to use either appliance could be based on factors not related to patient experiences.

Objective:There is no data specific to the Qatari population on the prevalence and distribution of hyperdontia. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of hyperdontia in the permanent teeth among a group of Qatari sample and to compare the present results with findings from other populations.Materials and Methods:Records of 1269 Qatari patients (674 females; mean age 11.8 ± 2.3 and 595 males; mean age 11.4 ± 2.2 years) which included panoramic radiographs were examined to identify hyperdontia in the permanent dentition. Supernumerary teeth were assessed for their location, morphology, number, and whether impacted or not.Results:The prevalence of hyperdontia was 1.6% (females 0.7% and males 0.9%; P < 0169). The most common type of supernumerary teeth was the supplemental (45.5%), followed by the conical (40%). Of the supplemental teeth, the mandibular incisor was the most prevalent (60%), followed by the premolar (20%). No significant difference in the prevalence was found between the maxilla and mandible. More than half of supernumerary teeth identified were impacted (54.5%).Conclusions:The prevalence of hyperdontia in a group of Qatari population was within the normal range of the majority of published studies in the literature. Although not significant, hyperdontia cases were more prevalent in male patients.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in relation to oral health in children attending baby well clinics in primary health care centers (PHCC) in Qatar. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional design was adopted in which a piloted self-administered questionnaire was sent electronically to 417 physicians (pediatricians/family physicians) practicing in all PHCCs in Qatar. The questionnaire gathered information concerning demographic characteristics and KAP in relation to oral health in children. A score for each domain was given based on the percentage of correct answers. Statistical Analysis Descriptive and analytical statistics were employed. For descriptive statistics, the frequency of distribution in relation to demographic data and responses to items of the questionnaire was presented. For analytical statistics, associations between independent variables (predictors) and KAP were assessed by employing univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Predictors which were significantly associated in the unadjusted regression were entered into a final multivariate logistic regression to evaluate their effects after adjustment. Results The response rate was 24%. The overall mean scores of KAP were 61, 60, and 44.4%, respectively. Females were more likely to give positive answers than males (odds ratio [OR] = 12.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4–62.2, p = 0.02). Age groups 35 to 45 and >45 years had significantly more correct answers than <35 years age group (OR= 7.5, 95% CI = 1.1–56.6 and 9.2, 95% CI 1.2–44.6, respectively, p = 0.05). No significant associations were found between any of the independent variables with attitudes. With respect to practices, multivariate logistic regression revealed that specialty was significantly associated with practices. Pediatricians were more likely to adopt positive practices when compared with family medicine physicians (OR, 95% CI = 5.3 (1–25.6), p = 0.04). Conclusion Although physicians demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge and attitudes, this did not reflect positively on their practices. The overall score of practices was considered poor (44.4%). Poor practices in our sample reflected an urgent need for actions and plans to improve this aspect and confirmed other findings which stated that acceptable levels of knowledge or attitudes do not necessarily translate into favorable practices.

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