Caries Diagnosis in Dental Practices: Results From Dentists in a Brazilian Community

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess practices related to diagnosis of dental caries among dentists (n=217) from Araraquara, São Paulo State, Brazil. Data on sociodemographic information and practitioner characteristics were collected using a pretested questionnaire, and data on practices related to caries diagnosis were gathered by using a translated and culturally adapted questionnaire from the US National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used for data analysis. Respondents reported using in most of their patients radiographs (Rx) to diagnose proximal caries (59%), explorer (Ex) for the diagnosis of occlusal caries (64%) and on the margins of existing restorations (79%), as well as air jet (AJ) with drying (92%). Magnification (M) (25%), fiber optic transillumination (FOTI; 14%), and laser fluorescence (LF) (3%) were used in the minority of patients. Regression analysis revealed that the following dentists' characteristics were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the use of diagnostic methods on a greater percentage of their patients: advanced degree (Rx, FOTI), higher percentage of patients with individualized caries prevention (Rx, FOTI, M), more years since dental school graduation (Ex, M), and work in an exclusively private practice model (LF). In conclusion, most Brazilian dentists from Araraquara reported they most commonly use visual, tactile, and radiographic imaging for the diagnosis of dental caries. Some dentists' characteristics, such as time from dental school graduation and having a postgraduation course, were associated with the use of certain diagnostic methods.

Knowledge and Use of Caries Detection Methods among Dental Students and Dental Practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“…Variable levels in the knowledge of advanced dental caries diagnosis methods among dental students as well as dental practitioners were noted. This is consistent with studies from across the world that have shown that the practice of dentistry has not kept pace with the rapid advances made in the principles of dental caries diagnosis [ 37 , 38 ]. Correspondingly, in a study conducted in 2011, it was found that low use of FOTI among dentists in out-patient clinics was observed [ 38 ].…”

Caries risk assessment in dental practices by dentists from a Brazilian community

“…Limitations of this study include: a) the crosssectional nature of the study design; b) the use of a convenience sample from a Brazilian city that may not reflect practices on risk assessment throughout the country; c) the presumption that the reported preventive measures are actually what the dentists perform in routine practice; 19 d) the lack of questions about the use of electronic charts that may incorporate caries risk assessment systems; e) although certain socioeconomic variables were included in the study, other factors such as educational level were not. Nonetheless, the similarity of demographic characteristics among participant dentists and non-participating dentists, 38 dentists from Araraquara 14 and Brazilian 13 dentists, as well as the feasibility of the questionnaire to compare dental practice patterns globally 38 are the strengths of the study, and can help advance the knowledge base for a specific country, for an assessment of the topic on undergraduate courses, and to increase awareness among dentists seeking continuing education on the topic.…”

Methods for Caries Prevention in Children Reported by Dentists from a Brazilian Community

“…The questionnaire design of the study works under the assumption that what dentists accurately reported their practice patterns doing in practice is actually what they perform routinely in their dental practices; c) dentists were asked about their overall preventive measures, not whether they gave individual patients recommendations for single or multiple treatments [25]; and d) the questions measured self-reported preventive procedures that may be influenced by social desirability and recall bias [15]. Nonetheless, the study proved to be a feasible tool to study dental practice patterns and it can be used to compare the results to other dentist populations [11].…”

“…Detailed information on the recruitment process and strategies to increase the response rate (pre-paid return envelope, questionnaires sent to work address; a second copy of the questionnaire to non-respondents; precontact by telephone; collection of completed questionnaires at work address) for the major study is described in a previous paper [11].…”