Abstract This study aimed to theorize, by means of social actors’ conception, about the reasons for the non-inclusion of oral health in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and analytical study based on the grounded theory methodology and the National Oral Health Policy. Eleven interviews were performed with public managers, delegates who participate in the municipal health council, and dental surgeons who belong to the public health service. The theorization of the study was created through the data analysis process, which resulted in “a consequence of the dominant disease-centered oral health care model” as the main category. Data were categorized according to a methodological framework. The health concept set forth by local social actors contributed to the non-inclusion of oral healthcare teams (OHTs) in the FHS. This theorization identified the origins of the studied phenomenon and can aid in future policy decision-making carried out by local social actors.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou construir teorização a partir da concepção de atores sociais acerca das razões da não inserção da atenção à saúde bucal na Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) no município de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, fundamentado no referencial teórico construído com base na Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal e metodológico na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados (TFD). Foram realizadas 11 entrevistas intensivas com atores sociais da gestão, do controle social e cirurgiões-dentistas do serviço público do município. Os dados foram categorizados segundo a TFD e a partir do processo de análise dos dados, construiu-se a teorização do estudo e obteve-se como categoria central “Consequência de uma concepção hegemônica doença-centrada da saúde para o modelo de atenção à saúde bucal”. A concepção de saúde dos atores sociais do município contribuiu para a não inserção da atenção à saúde bucal na ESF. A teorização permitiu a identificação da origem das condições do fenômeno estudado e poderá contribuir para tomada de decisões dos atores sociais em futuras ações políticas.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou construir teorização a partir da concepção de atores sociais acerca das razões da não inserção da atenção à saúde bucal na Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) no município de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, fundamentado no referencial teórico construído com base na Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal e metodológico na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados (TFD). Foram realizadas 11 entrevistas intensivas com atores sociais da gestão, do controle social e cirurgiões-dentistas do serviço público do município. Os dados foram categorizados segundo a TFD e a partir do processo de análise dos dados, construiu-se a teorização do estudo e obteve-se como categoria central “Consequência de uma concepção hegemônica doença-centrada da saúde para o modelo de atenção à saúde bucal”. A concepção de saúde dos atores sociais do município contribuiu para a não inserção da atenção à saúde bucal na ESF. A teorização permitiu a identificação da origem das condições do fenômeno estudado e poderá contribuir para tomada de decisões dos atores sociais em futuras ações políticas.

Abstract This study aimed to theorize, by means of social actors’ conception, about the reasons for the non-inclusion of oral health in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and analytical study based on the grounded theory methodology and the National Oral Health Policy. Eleven interviews were performed with public managers, delegates who participate in the municipal health council, and dental surgeons who belong to the public health service. The theorization of the study was created through the data analysis process, which resulted in “a consequence of the dominant disease-centered oral health care model” as the main category. Data were categorized according to a methodological framework. The health concept set forth by local social actors contributed to the non-inclusion of oral healthcare teams (OHTs) in the FHS. This theorization identified the origins of the studied phenomenon and can aid in future policy decision-making carried out by local social actors.

Abstract Oral health personnel must acknowledge the health needs of sexual and gender minorities. They should consult scientific literature to deepen their knowledge about sexuality, gender identity, general and oral health status, and treatment disparities among LGBTQIA+ people. The aim of this scoping review was to portray the development and current stage of internationally indexed literature approaching the oral health of this population. In this study, the search strategy used consisted of combinations of subject descriptors (MeSH terms), in two concept blocks: LGBTQIAP+ people and oral health. Global literature was searched through Medline (PUBMED), Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and Scopus electronic databases, with no language or date restrictions. Records were selected and evaluated by two independent reviewers, under the supervision of three senior reviewers and the inclusion criteria resulted in 189 eligible papers. Since the first study was published in 1974, numbers increased over the decades, reaching 67 (35.4%) in 2010-2019. The most frequently studied populations were North American (42.9%) and European (19.0%) and the most frequent language of publication was English (99.0%). There were 38 open access papers (20.1%). Medical (57.7%) and dental journals (20.1%) predominated. Cross-sectional studies were found more frequently (65.1%), followed by the cohort type (11.1%). Oral manifestation of STI (58.7%) was the topic most frequently addressed. The search for literature approaching the oral health of LGBTQIAP+ people showed evidence of the need to encourage research reported in papers made easily available, with more robust scientific evidence, and on a broader scope of topics, including oral health needs and treatment, and planning of oral health services.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the 100 most-cited papers in Dentistry, with a focus on female leadership in dental research. Papers were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS- CC) in the category ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine’. Gender was assessed through WoS-CC, Scopus, ResearchGate, social media, institutional websites, and software that assigns gender according to first names (https://genderapi.io). Characteristics of authors in leadership roles were retrieved, such as affiliation, publication history, citations, H factor, and i500. The 100 most-cited papers in Dentistry were authored by 394 researchers, 326 (82.7%) men, and 68 (17.3%) women - there were 4.8 male authors for each female. Among the lead authors, there were 11.3 males for each female. Among female senior authors, there were 7 males for each female. Among lead/senior authors of the 100 most-cited papers (first and last authors, respectively), 18 were women. There was an increase in the participation of women in the top cited papers regardless of authorship role across the six decades, with a peak of two female authors in the first decade of the 21st century. For female authors in leadership roles, their publication history shows the time between their first and last papers in WoS-CC ranged from 4 to 42 years for lead authors and 1 to 39 years for senior authors. Women were found to be largely underrepresented as leaders of the 100 most-cited papers, highlighting pervasive gender inequalities in dental research publications.

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar os 100 artigos mais citados em Odontologia, com foco na liderança feminina na pesquisa odontológica. Os artigos foram identificados utilizando-se a base de dados Web of Science Core Collection (WoS-CC) na categoria ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine’. O gênero dos autores foi avaliado por meio do WoS-CC, Scopus, ResearchGate, mídias sociais, sites institucionais e um software que atribui gênero de acordo com o primeiro nome (https://genderapi.io). As características dos autores em papéis de liderança foram identificadas, como afiliação, histórico de publicação, número de citações, fator H e i500. Os 100 trabalhos mais citados em Odontologia foram de autoria de 394 pesquisadores, sendo 326 (82,7%) homens e 68 (17,3%) mulheres - foram 4,8 autores homens para cada mulher. Entre os primeiros autores, havia 11,3 homens para cada mulher. Entre os últimos autores, havia 7 homens para cada mulher. Entre os primeiros/últimos autores dos 100 artigos mais citados, 18 eram mulheres. Houve um aumento na participação de mulheres nos artigos mais citados, independentemente do papel da autoria ao longo das seis décadas, com um pico de duas autoras na primeira década do século XXI. Para autoras em papéis de liderança, seu histórico de publicação mostra que o tempo entre o primeiro e o último artigo no WoS-CC variou de 4 a 42 anos para primeiro autor principais e de 1 a 39 anos para último autor. Verificou-se que as mulheres estão sub-representadas como líderes dos 100 artigos mais citados, destacando-se desigualdades de gênero generalizadas nas publicações em pesquisa odontológica.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a associação entre fatores socioeconômicos, organização dos serviços de saúde e a utilização de um sistema de gestão e monitoramento da dispensação de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Estudo epidemiológico ecológico que analisou dados secundários do Sistema Integrado de Gestão da Assistência Farmacêutica (SIGAF) da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de MG, Brasil, em 2017. Treze variáveis independentes foram analisadas para testar a influência destas com a adesão dos municípios ao SIGAF das prescrições odontológicas de antibióticos. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas, e a técnica de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão foi utilizada. Foram examinadas 57.279 prescrições de antibióticos prescritos por dentistas e registradas no SIGAF. Fatores socioeconômicos não foram associados ao uso do SIGAF para registro dessas prescrições. A cobertura de saúde bucal esteve positivamente associada à utilização do SIGAF para as dispensações de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas. A presença de Centro De Especialidade Odontológica, esteve negativamente associado ao desfecho. Municípios com maior cobertura de saúde bucal e sem Centro de Especialidade Odontológica foram mais propensos a utilizar o SIGAF.

Abstract This article aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors, health care organizations, and the use of a management and monitoring system for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in public health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is an ecological-epidemiological study that analyzed secondary data from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System (SIGAF) of the Department of Health of the state of MG, Brazil, in 2017. Thirteen independent variables were analyzed to assess their influence on municipal adherence to SIGAF system considering dental prescriptions of antibiotics. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and the Classification and Regression Tree technique was used to identify the municipal variables associated with the outcome. A total of 57,279 antibiotic courses prescribed by dentists and recorded in SIGAF were examined. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with the use of SIGAF to record these prescriptions. Oral healthcare coverage was positively associated with the use of SIGAF for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists. Dental Specialties Center were negatively associated with the outcome. Municipalities with high oral healthcare coverage and those without a Dental Specialties Center were more likely to use SIGAF.

Abstract This article aims to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors, health care organizations, and the use of a management and monitoring system for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists in public health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is an ecological-epidemiological study that analyzed secondary data from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System (SIGAF) of the Department of Health of the state of MG, Brazil, in 2017. Thirteen independent variables were analyzed to assess their influence on municipal adherence to SIGAF system considering dental prescriptions of antibiotics. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and the Classification and Regression Tree technique was used to identify the municipal variables associated with the outcome. A total of 57,279 antibiotic courses prescribed by dentists and recorded in SIGAF were examined. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with the use of SIGAF to record these prescriptions. Oral healthcare coverage was positively associated with the use of SIGAF for the dispensing of antibiotics prescribed by dentists. Dental Specialties Center were negatively associated with the outcome. Municipalities with high oral healthcare coverage and those without a Dental Specialties Center were more likely to use SIGAF.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a associação entre fatores socioeconômicos, organização dos serviços de saúde e a utilização de um sistema de gestão e monitoramento da dispensação de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Estudo epidemiológico ecológico que analisou dados secundários do Sistema Integrado de Gestão da Assistência Farmacêutica (SIGAF) da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de MG, Brasil, em 2017. Treze variáveis independentes foram analisadas para testar a influência destas com a adesão dos municípios ao SIGAF das prescrições odontológicas de antibióticos. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas, e a técnica de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão foi utilizada. Foram examinadas 57.279 prescrições de antibióticos prescritos por dentistas e registradas no SIGAF. Fatores socioeconômicos não foram associados ao uso do SIGAF para registro dessas prescrições. A cobertura de saúde bucal esteve positivamente associada à utilização do SIGAF para as dispensações de antibióticos prescritos por cirurgiões-dentistas. A presença de Centro De Especialidade Odontológica, esteve negativamente associado ao desfecho. Municípios com maior cobertura de saúde bucal e sem Centro de Especialidade Odontológica foram mais propensos a utilizar o SIGAF.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze possible associations between antibiotic dental prescriptions in the public health service, health service characteristics, and social characteristics of the municipalities. Using the register of dispensing in the public health service of a state in the Southeast region of Brazil, in 2017 we analyzed patterns of antibiotic prescriptions by dentists. Data were obtained from the Integrated Pharmaceutical Services Management System (SIGAF, in Portuguese). The outcome variable was the number of Daily Defined Doses (DDD) per 1,000 residents/year in each municipality. CART (Classification and Regression Tree) technique was used to determine the influence of the following variables: populational social characteristics (Human Development Index, Gini Index, the proportion of rural population and proportion of families benefiting from the Bolsa Família Program) and oral health services characteristics (access to individual dental care, number of dentists and oral health teams per 1,000 residents, and percentage of preventive and restorative individual dental procedures. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0. Antibiotics were the medications most prescribed by dentists in the public health service, with penicillin being the most frequently prescribed class. The average DDD/1,000 residents/year for the 421 municipalities surveyed was 96.54 (range 0.008 and 619.660). Select factors were associated with antibiotic prescriptions including access to individual dental care (Adjusted p-value ≤0.001), a number of oral health teams/1,000 inhabitants (Adjusted p-value=0.001), and Gini Index (Adjusted p-value = 0.046). Access to oral health services and inequality were associated with the use of antibiotics.

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify dental caries-protective factors among 5-year-old children using the salutogenic theory. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a small-sized municipality in the Southeast region of Brazil, with a representative sample of 247 children registered in preschool and their respective mothers. The data were collected through questionnaires administered to the mothers about the socioeconomic, behavioral, and biological aspects of the mother and children. Additionally, the collections included validated instruments concerning psychosocial aspects, such as a sense of coherence, resilience, family cohesion and religiosity, and intraoral examinations of the children through the decayed-missing-filled primary teeth (dmft) index. All examinations were performed by a trained and calibrated examiner. The non-adjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their respective confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multiple logistic regression with a hierarchical model. Among the examined children, 41.7% were caries-free. In the final model, the chances of the absence of dental caries experience (dmft = 0) were greater in children with mothers who had higher education levels (> 8 years of study) (OR = 2.55 [95%CIi:1.42–4.59]) and those who lived in an environment of high family cohesion (OR = 3.66 [95%CI: 1.19–11.29]). The results indicated that mothers’ level of education and family relationships are protective factors against dental caries in 5-year-old children, which overlapped with behavioral and biological factors.

Resumo Estudos que avaliem os fatores associados à subnotificação e às dificuldades dos dentistas para identificar e notificar abuso físico infantil são escassos e necessários. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência de identificação e de notificação de abuso físico infantil (AFI) e fatores associados por dentistas da atenção primária. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com amostra representativa dos dentistas da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Belo Horizonte. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário autoaplicável, validado para uso no Brasil. A análise estatística incluiu análise univariada e múltipla pela regressão de Poisson. Um total de 181 profissionais participaram do estudo. Destes, 73 (40,3%) já identificaram algum caso de AFI, mas apenas 11 (6,1%) realizaram a notificação. Dentistas com seis a 19 anos de trabalho no município apresentaram probabilidade 2,38 vezes [RP = 2,38 (CI 95%: 1,29-4,41)] maior de identificar casos de AFI do que aqueles com menos de seis anos de atuação. Possuir pós-graduação com foco em crianças [PR = 4,50(CI 95%: 1,08-18,68)] esteve positivamente associado a um maior número de notificações. O tempo de trabalho no município esteve associado à identificação de casos de AFI. A prevalência de notificação encontrada foi baixa.

Abstract Studies evaluating the factors associated with under reporting and with the recognition and reporting of child physical abuse are scarce and highly necessary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of recognition and reporting of child physical abuse (CPA) by Brazilian dentistsin primary care and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of dentistsfrom the Family Health Strategy in Belo Horizonte. A self-administered questionnaire validated to Brazilian Portuguesewas used for data collection. Statistical analysis included univariate and multiple analyses through Poisson regression. A total of 181dentists participated in the study. Among them, 73 (40.3%) had already recognized some cases of CPA, but only 11 (6.1%) ended up reporting. Dentists with six to 19 years of experience as a municipal worker presented 2.38 times [PR = 2.38 (95%CI: 1.29-4.41)] more probability to recognize cases of CPA than the ones with less than six years. Having a graduate degree with a major in childcare [PR = 4.50 (95%CI: 1.08-18.68)] was associated with a larger number of reports. The employment duration as municipal worker was positively associated with the recognition of CPA cases and the prevalence of reporting was low.

Resumo Estudos que avaliem os fatores associados à subnotificação e às dificuldades dos dentistas para identificar e notificar abuso físico infantil são escassos e necessários. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência de identificação e de notificação de abuso físico infantil (AFI) e fatores associados por dentistas da atenção primária. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com amostra representativa dos dentistas da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Belo Horizonte. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário autoaplicável, validado para uso no Brasil. A análise estatística incluiu análise univariada e múltipla pela regressão de Poisson. Um total de 181 profissionais participaram do estudo. Destes, 73 (40,3%) já identificaram algum caso de AFI, mas apenas 11 (6,1%) realizaram a notificação. Dentistas com seis a 19 anos de trabalho no município apresentaram probabilidade 2,38 vezes [RP = 2,38 (CI 95%: 1,29-4,41)] maior de identificar casos de AFI do que aqueles com menos de seis anos de atuação. Possuir pós-graduação com foco em crianças [PR = 4,50(CI 95%: 1,08-18,68)] esteve positivamente associado a um maior número de notificações. O tempo de trabalho no município esteve associado à identificação de casos de AFI. A prevalência de notificação encontrada foi baixa.

Abstract Studies evaluating the factors associated with under reporting and with the recognition and reporting of child physical abuse are scarce and highly necessary. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of recognition and reporting of child physical abuse (CPA) by Brazilian dentistsin primary care and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of dentistsfrom the Family Health Strategy in Belo Horizonte. A self-administered questionnaire validated to Brazilian Portuguesewas used for data collection. Statistical analysis included univariate and multiple analyses through Poisson regression. A total of 181dentists participated in the study. Among them, 73 (40.3%) had already recognized some cases of CPA, but only 11 (6.1%) ended up reporting. Dentists with six to 19 years of experience as a municipal worker presented 2.38 times [PR = 2.38 (95%CI: 1.29-4.41)] more probability to recognize cases of CPA than the ones with less than six years. Having a graduate degree with a major in childcare [PR = 4.50 (95%CI: 1.08-18.68)] was associated with a larger number of reports. The employment duration as municipal worker was positively associated with the recognition of CPA cases and the prevalence of reporting was low.

Abstract The objective of this study was to describe dental prescriptions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), opioids, and analgesics dispensed by the Brazilian National Health System (BNHS, SUS in Portuguese) of a Southeastern state from January to December 2017, and to analyze their association with socioeconomic and oral health care services’ characteristics at municipal level. Data were collected from the Brazilian Integrated Pharmaceutical Care Management System. Medicines were grouped according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. The total number of Defined Daily Doses (DDD) and DDD per 1,000 inhabitants (inhab.) per year were presented and compared between groups of municipalities. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25.0. The total number of NSAID, opioids, and analgesics prescriptions was 70,747 and accounted for 354,221.13 DDD. The most frequently prescribed medicine was ibuprofen (n = 24,676; 34.88%). The number of dental practitioners in the BNHS per 1,000 inhab. (p < 0.001), first dental appointment coverage (p = 0.010), oral health teams per 1,000 inhab. (p=0.022), and the proportion of rural population (p = 0.014) were variables positively associated with the number of DDD of NSAID per 1,000 inhab. per year. Bolsa Família program coverage per 1,000 inhab. (p = 0.022) was negatively associated with NSAID prescription. Regarding analgesics, first dental appointment coverage (p=0.002) and Bolsa Família program coverage per 1,000 inhab. (p = 0.012) were positively associated with DDD per 1,000 inhab. per year. In conclusion, dental prescriptions of analgesics and NSAID in the BNHS were associated with socioeconomic and oral health care services’ characteristics.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the satisfaction of adolescents undergoing dental treatment between 2016 and 2018 at the Dental School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (FAO UFMG). Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study using the Oral Health Services Satisfaction Assessment Questionnaire (QASSaB). The structured questionnaire has eleven questions divided among the dimensions: dentist / patient relationship, relationship with other professionals, effectiveness, accessibility/availability, technical-scientific quality, cleanliness and physical environment, acceptability, effectiveness/resolution, each with five response options. Descriptive data analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies. Results: A total of 145 adolescents participated in this study, 60 males and 85 females; 74.85% of adolescents rated dental treatment received as excellent, 76.7% reported having no symptoms after treatment, 46.2% considered it easy/very easy to get treatment, 65.6% reported that waiting time was short/very short, 90% considered dental equipment modern/very modern, 98% regarded the cleanliness of the waiting room and bathrooms as being excellent, 83.4% reported that they always received an explanation about the treatment, and 51.57% were totally satisfied with the appearance of the treated teeth and their chewing capacity. Conclusion: It was possible to observe that the adolescents, users of FAO UFMG, were satisfied with the service in the studied dimensions: human relations, effectiveness, accessibility/availability, technical-scientific quality, physical environment/cleanliness, acceptability and resolvability/effectiveness.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the role of poverty and its related factors on early childhood caries (ECC) experience among deprived children. Material and Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study surveyed 418 children aged one to six years enrolled in Brazilian public preschools from an area of the country known for its high social deprivation. Intraoral examination of children evaluated dental caries experience (dmft). Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire with sociodemographic indicators. Family income was dichotomized into below or above poverty line. Data analysis used Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis (p<0.05). Results: Predisposing variables for an increased chance of ECC were: age group 3-4 years (OR: 4.89; 95% CI: 2.32-10.31), age group 5-6-years (OR: 5.60; 95% CI: 2.60-12.04), being part of families living below poverty line (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.04-3.38) and having mothers with less than nine years of schooling (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 2.77-7.14). Children from families living below poverty line presented higher dmft (2.9 +3.8; p=0.001) and untreated dental caries (d component) (2.7 +3.7; p=0.002). Conclusion: ECC in a poor population was influenced by indicators of social deprivation. The poorest of poor children from mothers with less years of schooling were at higher risk.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the correlation between human development and dental caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren from the twenty-seven Brazilian states and to analyze the spatial distribution of these variables. Material and Methods: This was an ecological study using secondary data from the National Epidemiological Oral Health Survey 2010 and from the United Nations Development Program. Human development was measured by the Human Development Index (HDI) and dental caries by the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT). Dental caries prevalence and experience at the age of 12, and state HDI were entered into Google Sheets® and Google My Maps® for map creation. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation (HDI and DMFT, DMFT individual components, prevalence of dental caries and prevalence of dental pain) (p<0.05). Results: Prevalence of dental caries ranged from 37.3% to 78.2% among the states. Dental caries was more prevalent in Rondônia (78.2%) and less prevalent in Santa Catarina (37.3%). Mean DMFT ranged from 1.06 to 4.81, with the highest value in Rondônia (4.81) and the lowest in Distrito Federal (1.06). HDI ranged from 0.631 (Alagoas) to 0.863 (Distrito Federal). There were negative correlations between HDI and dental caries (r=-0.504), dental caries experience (r=-0.459), decayed (r=-0.441) and missing (r=-0.441) components of the DMFT (p<0.05). Conclusion: Higher human development of the region lower dental caries experience and prevalence in 12-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren.

Abstract: Several guidelines for dental practice have been published by dental associations and regulatory boards since the beginning of the pandemic. Initially, all non-emergency dental treatment were suspended. Healthcare personnel around the world are gradually expanding back to elective procedures. International updated recommendations alert that professionals must maintain regular observation of local health department reports, ensure personal protective equipment, and screen all patients for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. Telehealth strategies, patient screening, rescheduling when presenting COVID-19 symptoms and/or history of contact with infected people and hand/environment hygiene practices are reinforced. Appropriate cleaning and surface disinfection are mandatory. The dental staff must be trained to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), following a risk assessment and standard precautions: gloves; fluid resistant disposable gown, eye protection (face shield or goggles) and a medical mask. A fit tested N95 or KN95 respirator (or higher) is recommended when aerosol generating procedures are performed. Only essential accompanying persons should attend to dental appointment with the patient and must wear a cloth face covering or facemask. Social distancing and mask wearing by all staff are necessary in all areas of the office. Dental health care providers should keep up to date to the current guidance of clinical practice during the pandemic.