The Utilisation of CAD/CAM Technology Amongst Austrian Dentists: A Pilot Study

ObjectiveComputer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology in dentistry has become noticeably more significant in recent years. The further development of CAD/CAM systems has led to a broader range of applications, more user-friendly operation, and improved accessibility. The present online survey aimed to investigate CAD/CAM technology utilisation amongst Austrian dentists as the first social media pilot study from Europe on this specific topic.Materials and methodsFor this purpose, an online survey consisting of 27 questions was created using Google Forms. The questions were divided into 3 sections: general inquiries, questions for CAD/CAM users, and questions for nonusers. The questionnaire was randomly distributed to Austrian dentists via email and social media. A total of 115 responses were submitted.ResultsThe vast majority of respondents, 52.6% (n = 60), practised as general dentists. Furthermore, a significant proportion of participants specialised in oral surgery, 17.5% (n = 20), and orthodontics, 12.3% (n = 14). Approximately half of the respondents, 51.8% (n = 59), reported having a CAD/CAM device at their current workplace. Amongst the CAD/CAM users, 70.7% (n = 58) believed that CAD/CAM is important in increasing the number of patients visiting the dental practice. In total, 54.2% (n = 26) of nonusers indicated the high initial cost of purchasing a CAD/CAM device as the main reason for not utilising this technology.ConclusionsCAD/CAM technology appears to have infiltrated the workflow of Austrian dentists with predictions of growing implementation amongst dental practices in the future.     

Secular trends in dental services provided by dental therapists and dentists in Southwest Alaska

BackgroundThe goal of the study was to identify secular trends in dental service delivery between dental therapists and dentists in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of Southwest Alaska, the first area of the United States to authorize dental therapy practice.MethodsElectronic health record transactions from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation from 2006 through 2015 (n = 27,459) were analyzed. Five types of dental services were identified using Current Dental Terminology procedure codes: diagnostic, preventive, restorative, endodontic, and oral surgery. Main outcomes were percentages of services provided by dental therapists compared with dentists and population-level preventive oral health care.ResultsThe overall number of diagnostic, preventive, and restorative services in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta increased. For diagnostic services, there was a 3.5% annual decrease observed for dentists and a 4.1% annual increase for dental therapists (P < .001). Similar trends were observed for restorative services. For preventive services, there was no change for dentists (P = .89) and a 4.8% annual increase for dental therapists (P < .001). Dental therapists were more likely than dentists to provide preventive care at the population level.ConclusionsDental therapists have made substantial contributions to the delivery of dental services in Alaska Native communities, particularly for population-based preventive care.Practical ImplicationsThe study’s findings indicate that there is a role for dental therapy practice in addressing poor access to oral health care in underserved communities.     

Tobacco control and the dental profession. A survey of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) national dental associations

AIM: To explore the current role played by national dental associations (NDAs) in tobacco control and to assess relevant policy initiatives across OECD countries. DESIGN: A self-complete questionnaire survey. SAMPLE: Chief Executive Officers of NDAs of OECD countries. RESULTS: A response rate of 74% was achieved. An overview of tobacco control policies from OECD member states was obtained. Half of the NDAs reported that they had a policy on tobacco control. Furthermore, a minority of OECD countries appear to have tobacco control guidelines that specifically include reference to the role of dental professionals. Dentists are able to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in less than a third of OECD member states. In a small number of OECD countries there was funding available to encourage dentists to become more actively involved in tobacco control activities. Undergraduate training focusing on tobacco control is not universally provided across all OECD countries. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to put tobacco control initiatives on the oral health policy agenda of NDAs across the OECD. A range of policy opportunities exist to facilitate greater involvement of the dental profession in tobacco control activities.     

Dentists’ knowledge and opinions about oral mucosal lesions

This study aims to identify, compare and analyse the knowledge and opinions of dentists regarding oral mucosal lesions and evaluate the differences between the attitudes of dentists by practice settings. 300 dentists were enrolled in the study. Three groups were formed. The first group included general dental practitioners working in private dental offices; the second group were dentists practising in dental polyclinics; the third group was composed of dentists employed at universities in Istanbul, working in departments except for the department of oral surgery and medicine. A 17-item self constructed questionnaire investigating demographic attributes, dental practice characteristics, oral mucosal lesions (OML) knowledge and respondents’ opinions was completed and all questions were asked by the same author. 85% of the dentists admitted difficulties in diagnosing OML. 62% failed to update their knowledge from the literature, 93% did not undertake biopsies or consult other practitioners. Dentists practising at universities attempted to treat fewer patients with OML (p = 0.0001). The results of this questionnaire conclude that most dentists experience difficulties in diagnosing some OML.     

Estimating COVID-19 prevalence and infection control practices among US dentists

BackgroundUnderstanding the risks associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission during oral health care delivery and assessing mitigation strategies for dental offices are critical to improving patient safety and access to oral health care.MethodsThe authors invited licensed US dentists practicing primarily in private practice or public health to participate in a web-based survey in June 2020. Dentists from every US state (n = 2,195) answered questions about COVID-19–associated symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 infection, mental and physical health conditions, and infection control procedures used in their primary dental practices.ResultsMost of the dentists (82.2%) were asymptomatic for 1 month before administration of the survey; 16.6% reported being tested for SARS-CoV-2; and 3.7%, 2.7%, and 0% tested positive via respiratory, blood, and salivary samples, respectively. Among those not tested, 0.3% received a probable COVID-19 diagnosis from a physician. In all, 20 of the 2,195 respondents had been infected with SARS-CoV-2; weighted according to age and location to approximate all US dentists, 0.9% (95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 1.5) had confirmed or probable COVID-19. Dentists reported symptoms of depression (8.6%) and anxiety (19.5%). Enhanced infection control procedures were implemented in 99.7% of dentists’ primary practices, most commonly disinfection, COVID-19 screening, social distancing, and wearing face masks. Most practicing dentists (72.8%) used personal protective equipment according to interim guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ConclusionsCOVID-19 prevalence and testing positivity rates were low among practicing US dentists. This indicates that the current infection control recommendations may be sufficient to prevent infection in dental settings.Practical ImplicationsDentists have enhanced their infection control practices in response to COVID-19 and may benefit from greater availability of personal protective equipment. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04423770.     

Financial,psychological, or cultural reasons for extracting healthy or restorable teeth

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine how often dental patients request extraction for nondental reasons and how dentists handle such requests.MethodsThe authors conducted a survey among 800 Dutch dentists from November 17, 2019, through January 5, 2020. The questionnaire contained 17 items, including a hypothetical case vingette.ResultsA total of 242 dentists responded to the survey (response rate was 30.3%, 48.3% of respondents were women, and mean [standard deviation] age was 45.3 [11.8] years). Sixty-eight percent of respondents reported that they had been confronted with a request for extraction on nondental grounds in the past 3 years. One-half of these dentists received such a request 5 times or fewer, 21.3% received such a request 6 through 10 times, 11.3% received such a request 11 through 20 times, and 8.8% received such a request 21 through 30 times. Their most recent request concerned a financial reason (49.7%), a combination of psychological and financial reasons (27.7%), a psychological reason (18.2%), or another reason (4.4%). Most dentists (87.5%) evaluated the patient’s competency to make health care decisions. Of all nondental extraction requests, 75.6% (n = 114) were granted. Only 4.0% (n = 6) of the dentists regretted the extraction. Most dentists (82.0%, n = 191) would have refused the extraction in the hypothetical case vignette.ConclusionsNondental requests for extraction are relatively common. Although dentists are reluctant in theory, they are likely to grant such requests in everyday practice, particularly if the patient cannot afford an indicated conservative treatment.Practical ImplicationsDentists should keep in mind that they cannot ethically or legally be required to perform an intervention deemed harmful, even if an autonomous patient made the request.     

Collaboration between dental faculties and National Dental Associations (NDAs) within the World Dental Federation-European Regional Organization zone: an NDAs perspective

Although improvements in certain oral health measures have been achieved, many global oral health matters and challenges exist. Collaborations and partnerships among various institutions are crucial in solving such problems. The main aim of the present study was to analyse the nature and extent of the partnership between dental faculties and National Dental Associations (NDAs). A questionnaire was developed, focusing on the relationship between NDAs and dental faculties within the World Dental Federation-European Regional Organization (FDI-ERO) zone with regard to major professional activities, such as dental education (both undergraduate and continuing education), workforce issues, improvement of national oral health, and science and knowledge transfer. The questionnaire was sent to all member NDAs within the ERO zone. The response rate was 21/41 (53.65%). The major activities in which NDAs were found to be involved were improvement of national oral health (100%), followed by continuing education activities (90%), whereas the activity which received least involvement was the development of an undergraduate dental curriculum (52%). The NDAs perceived their relationship with dental faculties to be quite satisfactory in the fields of continuing education, science and knowledge transfer, and the implementation of new technologies into daily dental practice. However, it was suggested that their relationship needed significant improvement with regard to the development of an undergraduate dental education curriculum, dental workforce issues and negotiations with the authorities regarding professional matters/issues. As the two important elements of organised dentistry, NDAs and dental faculties have a significant role to play in the improvement of oral health and in finding solutions to global oral health challenges; therefore, their collaboration and partnership are crucial for this purpose. On the basis of the perceptions of NDAs regarding their relationship with dental faculties, it can be concluded that their partnership can and should be further improved.     

International Consensus on a Dental Antibiotic Stewardship Core Outcome Set

IntroductionAntibiotic resistance is a global health crisis. Ensuring responsible, appropriate use (stewardship) is an important for keeping antibiotics working as long as possible. Around 10% of antibiotics across health care are prescribed by oral health care professionals, with high rates of unnecessary use. To maximise the value from research to optimise antibiotic use in dentistry, this study developed international consensus on a core outcome set for dental antibiotic stewardship.MethodsCandidate outcomes were sourced from a literature review. International participants were recruited via professional bodies, patient organisations, and social media, with at least 30 dentists, academics, and patient contributors in total. Outcomes scored “critical for inclusion” by >70% of the participants (dentists, academics, and patients) after 2 Delphi rounds were included in the core outcome set following a final consensus meeting. The study protocol was registered with the COMET Initiative and published in BMC Trials.ResultsA total of 33 participants from 15 countries, including 8 low- and middle-income countries, completed both rounds of the Delphi study. Antibiotic use outcomes (eg, appropriateness of prescribing), adverse or poor outcomes (eg, complications from disease progression), and a patient-reported outcome were included in the final, agreed core set. Outcomes relating to quality, time, and cost were not included.ConclusionsThis core outcome set for dental antibiotic stewardship represents the minimum which future studies of antibiotic stewardship in dentistry should report. By supporting researchers to design and report their studies in a way meaningful to multiple stakeholders and enabling international comparisons, the oral health profession's contribution to global efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance can be further improved.     

Analysis of the attitudes and needs/demands of dental practitioners in the field of patient safety and risk management

Patient safety is a relatively new discipline aimed at improving the quality of care, minimising treatment errors and improving the safety of patients. Although health professions always have a specific concern for patient safety, few practitioners have a clear understanding of the broad context and not all health‐care providers practice it. This might well be because of limited availability of information and materials as well as a lack of national or international laws and regulations. Thus, through member National Dental Associations (NDAs) of FDI (World Dental Federation), the present study aimed at analysing the attitudes of dental practitioners to the issues of patient safety and risk management, and the availability of materials and laws and regulations. Determination of their specific needs and demands in these fields was also attempted. For this purpose, an online questionnaire was developed for the member NDAs to respond. Questions mainly focused on the awareness regarding patient safety, availability of materials and regulations and the particular topics for which dentists needed further knowledge and information. A total of 40 responses were received. While some countries lack any documents, patient safety documents and materials were available in some countries but they were mostly limited to infection control and radiation protection and did not address other important aspects of patient safety. The NDAs clearly demanded more information. A significant number of countries also lacked national laws and/or regulations regarding patient safety. Although dentistry always has a genuine concern for patient safety, the findings of the survey suggest that yet more efforts are needed to improve the knowledge, understanding and awareness of dental practitioners regarding its broad context and the relatively ‘new’ patient safety culture. NDAs, dental educators, national, regional and international dental organisations and health authorities all can play significant roles to achieve these goals.     

Oral health and oral health care use among able-bodied adults enrolled in Medicaid in Kentucky after Medicaid expansion: A mixed methods study

BackgroundOral health care use remains low among adult Medicaid recipients, despite the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s expansion increasing access to care in many states. It remains unclear the extent to which low use reflects either low demand for care or barriers to accessing care. The authors aimed to examine factors associated with low oral health care use among adults enrolled in Medicaid.MethodsThe authors conducted a survey from May through September 2018 among able-bodied (n = 9,363) Medicaid recipients who were aged 19 through 65 years and nondisabled childless adults in Kentucky. The survey included questions on perceived oral health care use. Semistructured interviews were also conducted from May through November 2018 among a subset of participants (n = 127).ResultsMore than one-third (37.8%) of respondents reported fair or poor oral health, compared with 26.2% who reported fair or poor physical health. Although 47.6% of respondents indicated needing oral health care in the past 6 months, only one-half of this group reported receiving all of the care they needed. Self-reported barriers included lack of coverage for needed services and lack of access to care (for example, low provider availability and transportation difficulties).ConclusionsLow rates of oral health care use can be attributed to a subset of the study population having low demand and another subset facing barriers to accessing care. Although Medicaid-covered services might be adequate for beneficiaries with good oral health, those with advanced dental diseases and a history of irregular care might benefit from coverage for more extensive restorative services.Practical ImplicationsThese results can inform dentists and policy makers about how to design effective interventions and policies to improve oral health care use and oral health outcomes.     

Implementation of evidence‐based dentistry into practice: analysis of awareness,perceptions and attitudes of dentists in the World Dental Federation–European Regional Organization zone

Based on evidence‐based dentistry (EBD) being a relatively new concept in dentistry, the attitudes, perceptions and level of awareness of dentists regarding EBD, and perceived barriers to its implementation into daily practice, were comparatively analysed in six countries of the FDI (World Dental Federation‐Federation Dentaire Internationale)‐European Regional Organization (ERO) zone (France, Georgia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Turkey). For this purpose, a questionnaire, ‘The Relationship Between Dental Practitioners and Universities’, was developed by the FDI‐ERO Working Group and applied by National Dental Associations (NDAs). A total of 850 valid responses were received, and cumulative data, comparisons between countries and potential impact of demographic variables were analysed. Regarding EBD, similar percentages of respondents reported that they ‘know what it is’ (32.8%) and ‘they practice’ (32.1%). Most respondents believed that ‘EBD is beneficial’ (89.1%); however, they had different thoughts regarding ‘who actually benefited from EBD’. Of the participants, 60% believed that ‘dentists experience difficulties in implementing EBD’. Although lack of time, lack of education and limited availability of evidence‐based clinical guidelines were among the major barriers, there were differences among countries (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also observed between countries regarding certain questions such as ‘where EBD needed to be taught’ (P < 0.05), as both undergraduate and continuing education were suggested to be suitable. Age, practice mode and years of practice significantly affected many of the responses (P < 0.05). There was a general, positive attitude toward EBD; however, there was also a clear demand for more information and support to enhance dentists’ knowledge and use of EBD in everyday practice and a specific role for the NDAs.     

National and international guidelines on the replacement of missing teeth with dentures for head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy: A rapid review

BackgroundReplacement of missing teeth is not a straightforward task in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients post-radiotherapy. There is debate regarding the best way to care for these patients as it has been reported that using dentures by HNC patients after receiving treatment with radiotherapy might initiate the development of osteoradionecrosis.AimThis rapid review aimed to collate and compare the national and international guidelines for the use of dentures following radiotherapy for HNC patients.Materials and methodsThree steps were included in data collection of this rapid review (first step; identification of dental and relevant non-dental associations/societies, second step, identification of national and international guidelines regarding the dental management of HNC patients, and third step; identification of recommendations about the replacement of missing teeth in HNC patients).ResultsIn the 193 countries recognized by the United Nations, there were 238 relevant societies found, from those 175 confirmed that they do not have clear guidelines. Only 32 associations/societies (all in either Europe and North America) recommend guidelines for their dentists (N = 12 guidelines) about the dental management of HNC patients and show their position regarding the use of dentures for HNC patients after receiving treatment with radiotherapy.ConclusionsThere are very few guidelines and those that do exist differ, lack detail, and rarely go beyond routine advice. Accordingly, clear, detailed, and evidence-based guidelines are required to inform the management of patients with missing teeth following radiotherapy for HNC patients.     

Career characteristics and postgraduate education of female dentist graduates of the College of Dentistry at King Saud University,Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to investigate the number of female bachelor of dental surgery graduates who earned postgraduate education degrees from King Saud University, their specialties, degrees of qualification, and countries of graduation.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted through face-to-face or phone interview among 677 female dentists who graduated from the College of Dentistry at King Saud University between 1984 and 2006.ResultsFive hundred forty-five (81%) graduate female dentists responded, of whom 54% had completed postgraduate dental education. In the Saudi Board, 17% had obtained degrees in advanced restorative dentistry, 15% in pediatric dentistry, 14% in advanced general dentistry, 11% in orthodontics, 10% in prosthodontics, 8% in operative dentistry, 5% in endodontics, 5% in periodontics, 3% in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and 11% in other specialties. Fifty-nine percent had master’s degrees, 7% had doctorates, 32% had board certificates, and 2% had fellowship certificates.ConclusionMore than half (54%) the female dentists surveyed had pursued postgraduate education. This investigation highlighted the different specialties enrolled by female dentists. Orthodontic post graduate program displayed the highest percentage of interest. Understanding the unavoidable social family needs and the demand for higher education by female dentists provides ideas as more programs should be planned to accommodate the needs of Saudi female dentists. This type of study should be repeated due to the increasing interest of female dentists in higher education.     

The Saudi Arabian national demographic and health survey, 2017: Study design and oral health-related influences

ObjectiveTo describe the study design, and the distal and proximal influences on oral health reported in the national demographic and health survey (DHS) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 2017.MethodsThe 2017 KSA DHS used an innovative multistage stratified random-sampling technique to select the population sample by using primary health care centers’ (PHCs) catchment areas as the primary sampling unit. Over 45,000 household heads plus a family member were interviewed. A conceptual framework for distal and proximal oral health influences specific to the KSA was adapted based on the oral health surveillance model. Cross-tabulation and Chi-square tests were performed with consideration for sample weights to provide estimates representative for the KSA population. Frequencies and weighted percentages for each variable reflecting each construct were reported.ResultsThe total number of individuals included in the analysis was n = 55,511, ages ranging between 2 and > 65 years. Lack of dental care when needed was reported for 22.5 % of the population (males = 20.8 %/females = 24.7 %). Proportion of population from Central, West, East, South, and North regions who reported available dental care services when needed was 62.3 %, 58.0 %, 58.9 %, 62.3 %, and 60.1 %, respectively. PHCs were the most regular source for dental care (55.1 %). In total, 48.3 % visited the dentist at least once last year (males = 49.4 % /females = 46.8 %). Dental pain was the most common reason for last dental visit (69.0 %), while only 6.4 % reported visited the dentist for routine visit. Only 15.3 % reported brushing their teeth at least twice per day (males = 14.6 % /females = 16.4 %).ConclusionTwo major oral health influences previously reported to have a significant negative influence on oral health, namely, limited routine dental check-up visits and inadequate oral hygiene, were present among KSA residents. Further inferential study is needed to investigate such influence on oral health status within the KSA population.     

Compliance with Key Practices of Root Canal Treatment Varies by the Reward System Applied in Public Dental Services

IntroductionTo assess clinical practices in root canal treatments (RCTs) performed by general dental practitioners under 2 different reward schemes applied in public dental services.MethodsThis study used a retrospective design with tooth as the observation unit. The data included all teeth (n = 547) with nonsurgical primary RCT completed in 2016. Electronic documents included treatment details and radiographs. RCT assessment covered 4 key items: taking pre- and postoperative radiographs, using a rubber dam, measuring working length. Assessed dichotomies indicated whether practices were adequate. Dentists’ reward schemes were “salaried” and “fee-for-service.” Chi squared tests analyzed frequency differences.ResultsRCTs formed 2 groups by the reward scheme: 305 RCTs were performed by salaried dentists and 242 by fee-for-service dentists. Preoperative radiographs were diagnosable for 76.1% and postoperative radiographs, for 95.1% of all RCTs. Rubber dam use was documented for 28.9% of the RCTs, more frequently when performed by salaried than by fee-for-service dentists (43.9% vs 9.9%, P < .001). Working length measurement was documented for 72.9% of the RCTs, more frequently for RCTs performed by salaried than by fee-for-service dentists (85.2% vs 57.4%, P < .001). All 4 key items were assessed as adequate in 19.0% of all RCTs, more frequently when performed by salaried than by fee-for-service dentists (29.5% vs 5.8%, P < .001).ConclusionsDeficiencies in RCTs, particularly underuse of rubber dams call for further research to understand the reasons for noncompliance with good clinical practice guidelines.     

Dentist Empathic Accuracy Is Associated With Patient-Reported Reassurance

ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to determine dentists’ ability to accurately estimate patients’ anxiety level during dental treatment (ie, “empathic accuracy”) and to determine the strength of the association between empathic accuracy and patient-reported reassurance.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 177 adult patients who underwent different invasive dental procedures (ie, extractions or procedures requiring injections and drilling) performed by 10 different dentists from 3 dental offices in the Netherlands. Patients reported their anxiety level during treatment and the extent to which they felt reassured by the dentist using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Simultaneously, the dentists estimated patients’ anxiety level. Empathic accuracy was calculated as an absolute difference between patient-reported anxiety (100-point VAS) and dentist estimation of anxiety (100-point VAS).ResultsAgreement between dentists’ assessment of patients' anxiety and patient-reported anxiety proved good, intraclass correlation coefficient (177) = 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.71. A small to medium-sized positive correlation, r (177) = 0.15; 95% CI, 0.00-0.29, was found between dentists’ empathic accuracy and patient-reported reassurance. A negative correlation was found between empathic accuracy and patients’ anxiety scores, r (177) = ?0.23; 95% CI, ?0.38 to ?0.09.ConclusionsGiven that greater empathic accuracy was associated with higher patient-reported reassurance during treatment, training young dental professionals in empathic accuracy might help patients feel reassured. Importantly, our results also suggest that with elevated levels of patient anxiety it is increasingly challenging for dentists to recognise this emotion, and thus support the patient in anoptimal manner.     

Reasons for Delay in Seeking Treatment for Dental Caries in Tanzania

IntroductionThe delay in seeking dental treatment is a universal health problem, with a reported prevalence as high as 98%. It is a critical feature not only in planning management but also in the final treatment outcome.AimThis study aimed to determine the reasons for the delay in seeking treatment for dental caries amongst patients attending public dental clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.MethodologyThis was a cross-sectional study carried out in 5 public hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It included 315 adult patients who had dental caries. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included questions regarding reasons for the delay in seeking care for dental caries. Data were analysed using the SPSS computer software version 26. A one-way analysis of variance was used to assess the association between variables, and the significance level was set at P < .05.ResultsA majority (n = 244, 77.5%) of the participants delayed seeking dental care upon noting a problem in their teeth. However, the association between the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and delay in seeking dental care was statistically insignificant (P > .05). The most common reason given by the participants who delayed seeking dental care for their decayed teeth included self-negligence (n = 184, 75.4%), the practice of self-medication (n = 164, 67.2%), and ignorance (n = 110, 45.1%).ConclusionsThe majority of patients experiencing dental caries seek dental care very late. Delay in seeking dental care is not dependent on sociodemographic characteristics of individuals. Self-negligence, the practice of self‑medication, and ignorance are the major reasons for the delay.     

Association between dental pain and depression in Korean adults using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the prevalence of depression and dental pain using a well characterised, nationally representative, population‐based study. This study analysed data from the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 4886). Oral health status was assessed using the oral health questionnaire, and oral examination was performed by trained dentists. Depression was defined as the participant having been diagnosed as depression during the previous year. Logistic regression was applied to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), controlling for a range of covariates. Results demonstrated that participants included in ‘root canal treatment is necessary’ showed higher prevalence of self‐reported dental pain; in particular, participants with depression presented more dental pain than those without depression. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, self‐reported dental pain increased in participants with depression. The AOR (95% CI) for having self‐reported dental pain was 1·58 (1·08–2·33) in dentists' diagnosis of no dental pain/depression group, 1·62 (1·32–1·98) in dentists' diagnosis of dental pain/no depression group and 2·84 (1·10–7·37) in dentists' diagnosis of dental pain/depression group. It was concluded that depression was associated with dental pain after adjustment for potential confounders in Korean adults. Thus, dentists should consider the possible presence of psychopathology when treating patients with dental pain.