Abstract The aim of this study was to develop and achieve consensus on a cariology teaching framework for dental schools in Latin American Spanish-speaking countries. The Delphi process, with a ≥8 0% pre-defined participants’ agreement, included three phases and a Coordinating Group. During the Preparation phase three panels of experts were selected and invited to participate: a) Regional academic/professional Dental Associations (Associations-Panel): n = 12; b) Regional Dental Schools (Dental-Schools-Panel): existing dental schools (n = 263) from the 19 Spanish-speaking regional countries; c) International academic/professional associations Peer Experts (Peer-Panel): n = 4. Based on consensus documents from Europe, Colombia, the Caribbean, USA, Chile and Spain, and updated scientific evidence, the Coordinating Group developed a baseline framework proposal of domains, main competencies (MC) and specific competencies (SC). The Consultation-Agreement and Consensus phases included three rounds of questionnaires with a step-wise sharing of the MC updated version of the consensus framework with the Dental-Schools-Panel and including SC with the Associations-Panel. Diverse communication strategies were used ( e.g ., independent google-form questionnaires and workshops). Consensus was reached after an on-site Associations-Panel workshop and secret voting, followed by an online meeting with the Peers-Panel. A total of 127 academic/professional institutions participated (Associations-Panel: 11, 91.6%; Dental-Schools-Panel: 112, 42.6%, all countries; Peers-Panel: 4, 100%). The baseline Cariology teaching framework of 5 domains, 10 MC and 92 SC underwent modifications after agreements for a final consensus framework consisting of 5 domains, 10 MC and 85 SC. A Core Cariology curriculum framework in Spanish for Latin American Dental Schools was successfully developed and agreed upon with regional dental academic and professional institutions.

Abstract Dental caries can be effectively managed and prevented from developing into cavitated lesions while preserving tooth structure at all levels. However, the strong correlation between caries and socioeconomic factors may compromise the efficacy of preventive strategies. The high prevalence of persistent inequalities in dental caries in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC) is a matter of concern. The estimates of the burden of disease in some countries in this region are outdated or absent. This paper aims to summarize and present the final recommendations of a regional Consensus for Dental Caries Prevalence, Prospects, and Challenges for LACC. This consensus is based on four articles that were written by a team of Latin American experts, reviewed by dental associations, and presented and discussed in two consensus events. The following domains were explored: epidemiology, risk factors, prevention strategies, and management of dental caries with a focus on restorative procedures. Dental caries can manifest throughout the lifespan of an individual, making it a matter of concern for infants, children, adults, and older people alike. The prevalence rates of untreated caries in deciduous and permanent teeth are high in many parts of the world, including LACCs. Previous evidence suggests that the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-olds is moderate to high in most Latin American countries. Moreover, the prevalence of treatment needs and dental caries in the adult and elderly population can also be regarded as high in this region. The risk/protective factors (e.g., sugar consumption, exposure to fluoride, and oral hygiene) probably operate similarly in all LACCs, although variations in the interplay of these factors in some countries and within the same country cannot be ruled out. Although salt and water fluoridation programs are implemented in many countries, there is a need for implementation of a surveillance policy. There is also room for improvement with regard to the introduction of minimal intervention techniques in practice and public health programs. Dental caries is a marker of social disadvantage, and oral health promotion programs and interventions aimed at reducing the burden of dental caries in LACCs must consider the complexity of the socioeconomic dynamics in this region. There is an urgent need to promote engagement of stakeholders, policymakers, medical personnel, universities, dental associations, community members, and industries to develop regional plans that enhance the oral health agenda for LACCs. A list of recommendations has been presented to underpin strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence and severity of dental caries and improving the quality of life of the impacted LACC population in the near future.

Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento de la orientación empática en alumnos de los niveles o cursos de 1º a 5º año de la carrera de Doctor en Cirugía Dental de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Panamá. Material y métodos: Observacional-descriptiva. Diseño transversal. La población y muestra la constituyeron estudiantes de la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad de Panamá. Factores analizados: género y año académico (curso). Resultados: Ninguno de los factores fue significativo. Tampoco hubo diferencias significativas en la interacción de los factores "curso" y "género". Sin embargo, la prueba de comparación múltiple de medias permitió observar que existen diferencias entre los cursos. Conclusiones: Existen diferencias de orientación empática entre cursos; en los dos últimos años de la carrera ocurrió mayor disminución de ese nivel; las mujeres tienen niveles mayores de orientación empática en valores absolutos que los hombres; el mayor nivel de orientación empática se detectó en el grupo de tercer año.

Objective: To determine the level of empathic orientation of students of first year through fifth year of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Panama. Materials and methods: Observational descriptive cross-sectional study. Operational definition of the variable was made through the score obtained by the students in the Jefferson’s Physician Empathy Scale. The Universe and sample were the students from 1st to 5th year of the undergraduate program of Doctor in Dental Surgery. Results: None of the factors was more significant than the other. No significant differences were observed in the interaction between Course and Gender. The results reflect that the levels of empathic orientation remain the same between the courses and genders. However, the multiple comparisons test of means used, allowed us to detect that there are, in fact, differences between the courses. Conclusions: There are differences in empathic orientation between courses. In the last two years of the undergraduate studies, such orientation decreased. Women have higher levels of empathic orientation in absolute terms; the highest level of empathic orientation was detected in the 3rd year group.