Journal of Dental School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Objectives This study aimed to assess the oral health status of a group of Telecommunication Company (TCC) employees in Tehran, Iran

Methods This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 426 employees using the WHO suggested protocol for oral health survey. Data regarding employees' oral health knowledge, behaviors, and status were collected by oral examination and using a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis included the Chi-square test, t-test, and ANOVA.

Results The participants’ mean age was 45.89±8.17 years, and 63% were males. The majority of the respondents were aware of the effectiveness of tooth brushing and dental flossing for prevention of oral diseases, and the relationship between oral health and general health. Twice a day tooth-brushing was reported by 28% and daily dental flossing by 48%. Also, 93% of the employees were non-smokers. Their mean DMFT was 12.88±5.56 with the following components: D: 1.40±1.80, M: 2.71±3.57, and F: 8.78±4.77). Filled teeth were more prevalent among women, subjects with higher educational degrees, and the office staff than the technicians.

Conclusion The TCC employees seem to enjoy a good level of access and utilization of dental care services considering their high share of filled teeth in their DMFT index. Better maintenance and further improvement of their oral health require comprehensive and continuous oral health promotion programs.

Objectives Healthcare workers including dentists and dental students are at risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Thus, it is imperative to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the infection control protocols.

Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated 164 dental students of Shahid Beheshti University using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic, knowledge (n=15), attitude (n=27) and performance (n=8) questions regarding hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. Data were collected and analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results The mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS was 18.66 (out of 30), 31.59 (out of 54) and 6.29 (out of 8), respectively. The students had low knowledge level about the routes of transmission, the standard infection control protocols, and infection treatment. They also had poor attitude towards treating the infected patients. There was no significant difference in knowledge, attitude and practice between different academic grades of dental students or males and females.

Conclusion The findings did not show satisfactory level of knowledge or attitude of Shahid Beheshti dental students regarding hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS infections. Thus, more educational programs emphasizing on blood-borne infections are recommended.

Objectives Dentists make clinical decisions about dental cares on a daily basis. Thus, the best scientific evidence should be used to maximize the probability of successful patient care outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of endodontists towards evidence-based dentistry in Iran in 2017.

Methods First a questionnaire was designed by the researchers. To evaluate the quality of the questionnaire, it was sent to six experts and they were asked to comment on each question. After collecting the questionnaires via e-mail, for each question, the statistics were determined by the expert and the reliability of the questionnaire was determined using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The target population of this cross-sectional study was the Iranian endodontists. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, and the frequency and descriptive indexes were used to evaluate the study variables (α=0.05).

Results The mean score of knowledge of endodontists about evidence-based dentistry was 63.43±13.7 (out of 100) and the mean score of their attitude towards evidence-based dentistry was 62.22±18.5.

Conclusion The results of this study revealed low level of knowledge and attitude of endodontists towards evidence-based dentistry, which is consistent with the results of studies conducted in other countries.

Objectives Vertical root fracture (VRF) is a common complication in endodontically-treated teeth. Due to its poor prognosis, a valid and reliable detection method is imperative for treatment planning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of reverse contrast in diagnosis of VRF by digital radiography.

Methods Fifty extracted single-rooted premolar teeth were selected for this in-vitro experimental study. The teeth were mounted in a dry mandible and fixed with wax. Radiographs were obtained of all teeth with 0° horizontal angle, and 0° and +15° vertical angle. VRFs were then created by a hammer in vertical direction. Radiographs were obtained again as previously described. Radiographs of each tooth were evaluated twice: once without reverse contrast and then with reverse contrast 2 weeks later. The weighted kappa coefficient was calculated to assess the inter-observer agreement. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) were compared in use and no use of reverse contrast using the Cochrane Q test. Results Radiographic angle had no significant effect on the diagnostic accuracy in use or no use of reverse contrast, except for the sensitivity value in no use of reverse contrast which was significantly higher in 15° vertical angle. The diagnostic accuracy of images enhanced with reverse contrast had no significant difference with original images in 0° and 15° vertical angles.  

Conclusion Radiographs enhanced with reverse contrast had no significant difference with original radiographs for diagnosis of VRFs. Thus, for detection of VRFs, reverse contrast should only be considered as an adjunct.

Objectives: Cost information can help policy makers to set user fees, public and private tariffs and budgets and also to conduct an economic evaluation to provide health care with acceptable quality and affordable price. This study aimed to do a cost analysis for the Iranian Comprehensive Health Centers (CHCs), to estimate the unit cost of different dental services.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Capital and recurrent cost information of three urban CHCs in Mashhad was collected. Cost identification was based on the provider’s perspective. The step-down costing method was adopted from Konte and Waker and applied in five steps: defining cost centers, identification of operational activities, assigning inputs to cost centers, allocate all costs to final centers, and compute unit costs.

Results: In dental services, the most important cost driver was human resources that comprised 69% of the total cost. The unit cost of a relative K for dental care was 12,189 Rials (1 USD: 31,407 Rials as in 2016). Accordingly, the unit cost for different dental services varied from 182,834 Rials for dental radiography to 1,589,570 Rials for class II composite restoration. The mean cost of a dental visit for examination and diagnosis estimated 247,436 Rials.

Conclusion: Comparison between the estimated unit cost and the current dental tariffs reveled considerable differences. Integration of dental services to primary health care in the Iranian CHCs would result in the economies of scope. 

Objectives Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a rare genetic disorder which is typically characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth failure and asymmetry in the size of the two halves or other parts of the body. Herein, we report accurate diagnosis and management of a patient with SRS.

Case Our patient was a 9-year-old boy with short stature and dysmorphic facial profile. The patient was diagnosed with SRS based on clinical and radiographic features such as short stature, triangular face, mandibular hypoplasia and clinodactyly. He was under growth hormone therapy since birth. The orthodontic treatment plan was space management for permanent teeth and growth modification to accelerate mandibular growth potential.

Conclusion Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for SRS patients. Growth hormone therapy is often prescribed. It is necessary to persuade these patients to undergo early orthodontic intervention and comply with the follow-up protocol.