ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate whether the dimensions of cavitated dentin carious lesions on the occlusoproximal surfaces of primary teeth could predict the location of cement-enamel junction (CEJ). Material and Methods: Two hundred extracted primary molars were selected and digital images were obtained. The teeth were set in arch models for clinical measurement. The cervical-occlusal (CO) and buccal-lingual/palatal (BL/P) cavities’ dimensions were obtained by digital (Image J) and clinical (periodontal millimeter probe) assessments. The cervical margin location was also determined. The thresholds (cut-off points) were determined by sensitivity, specificity and the areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (Az) for the two methods. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the correlation between clinical and digital measurements. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the dimensions and cervical margin location. Results: There was a strong correlation between methods for all measurements (CO: r=0.90, VL/P: r=0.95). Cavities with BL/P distance higher than 4.5 mm and CO dimension higher than 3.5 mm had a lower chance of presenting the cervical limit above the CEJ, irrespective of the measurement method. Conclusion: CO and VL/P dimensions could be used to predict the CEJ location and, ultimately, as a clinical parameter for restorative decision-making.

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore associated variables with sense of coherence (SOC), and dental environment stress (DES) in a sample of dental students. All undergraduate (n = 474) and graduate (n = 105) dental students enrolled in the first semester of 2020 at a public university in southern Brazil were invited to participate. Data collection was performed by an online questionnaire, which included information related to sociodemographic and educational characteristics, biopsychosocial factors, aspects related to feelings experienced in the COVID-19 pandemic, and the SOC scale. The study outcome (DES) was measured by a validated tool. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between the outcome and all independent variables. A total of 408 students were included (response rate: 70.5%). The overall mean score of the DES scale was 73.95 (SD: 24.13). Students with higher SOC scores were observed to have significantly lower DES scores (βGRADUATE: -0.376; 95%: -0.482 to -0.271; βUNDERGRADUATE: -0.478; 95%:-0.658 to -0.297). Female undergraduate students (β: 11.788; 95%CI: 7.161–16.415) had higher DES scores compared with undergraduate male students. In addition, the presence of anxiety symptoms when providing dental care to patients with symptoms or suspected COVID-19 infection was associated with higher DES scores (β: 10.460; 95%CI: 5.644–15.277) among undergraduate dental students. The level of stress was higher in non-white undergraduate students than white (β: 8.912; 95%CI: 3.581–14.244). Among both undergraduate and graduate dental students, higher SOC scores were associated with lower DES.

Abstract: Specific measures to evaluate positive oral health have been in a nascent stage in Dentistry, especially in developing countries. The present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of Positive Oral Health and Well-Being (B-POHW). After forward-backwards translation to Brazilian Portuguese language, the cross-cultural adaptation of B-POHW was pretested, followed by the main study to perform psychometric analysis. We tested the model fit by Confirmatory Factor Analysis with categorical factor indicators in bifactor and simple structure models on a sample of 209 participants (mean age: 39.36 ± 12.26. Questionnaires about sociodemographic status, self-reported oral health-related outcomes, and general well-being were administered and used as external validation measures. Moreover, dental caries experience was clinically diagnosed. For test-retest reliability, 53 participants completed the B-POHW a fortnight later. The following results were found: a) the bifactor model presented the best model fit; b) the B-POHW demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω > 0.8); c) the intraclass correlation coefficient suggested good reliability for the Global Factor of B-POHW in the test-retest (ICC = 0.84); d) evidence based on other variables and construct representation was in line with the positive oral health framework. The B-POHW is psychometrically sound to be used in a Brazilian context, and evidence of its internal structure confirmed its theoretical framework for measuring positive oral health. These findings advance in holistic approaches, enabling to assess positive oral health in Dental practice in Brazil.

Abstract: The authors developed and validated a short form of the Brazilian Oral Health Literacy Assessment Task for Paediatric Dentistry (BOHLAT-P). Data included responses from 200 parents of preschoolers to sociodemographic and oral health service access questions on the BOHLAT-P, the Brazilian Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30), and the Brazilian Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS). Data on the preschoolers’ dental caries experience (ICDAS-II) were also included. An item response theory-based approach was employed to develop the short form, while confirmatory factor analysis evaluated the instrument dimensionality. The validity and reliability of the short form were tested by statistical analysis using BREALD-30, B-ECOHIS, and sociodemographic and dental caries experience data. The short form (BOHLAT-P-30) comprises 30 items, is unidimensional, and presents better model fit estimates (TLI = 0.94; CFI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.05) than those of the BOHLAT-P. Moreover, BOHLAT-P-30 demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.95). BOHLAT-P-30 scores were positively correlated with BREALD-30 scores (r = 0.71), with the number of years of schooling (r = 0.60), and with the number of hours spent reading (r = 0.33). BOHLAT-P-30 scores were negatively correlated with B-ECOHIS scores (r = -0.21), and with the number of teeth with cavitated caries (r = -0.18). After controlling for confounding factors, BOHLAT-P-30 scores were not found to be associated with caries presence, or with the number of teeth with cavitated caries. The BOHLAT-P-30 had properties similar to those of the BOHLAT-P, and proved to be a valid measure to assess the OHL of Brazilian parents.

Abstract: This study evaluated the influence of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) on the consumption of alcohol and cigarette use in adolescents. This prospective cohort began in 2012 (T1) with an initial random sample of 1134 12-year-old adolescents followed for 6 years in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. The present study comprised data from the two cohort reassessments that took place in 2014 (T2) and 2018 (T3). OHRQoL was measured with the Brazilian short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) at T2. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health measures were also collected during this period. Alcohol and cigarette consumption (regular use) in the past 30 days was evaluated at T3 through questions in the of the National School Health Survey (PeNSE) questionnaire. A multilevel Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the influence of predictor variables on substance use. Of the 770 adolescents at T2, 575 and 576 adolescents were reassessed at T3 for alcohol and cigarette consumption, respectively. Adolescents with higher overall CPQ11-14 scores were at higher risk for regular consumption of alcohol (IRR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.02) and cigarette (IRR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03-1.05). Non-white adolescents with low socioeconomic status, untreated dental caries, and who had not been to the dentist (last 6 months) were also associated with increased regular consumption of licit substances. Adolescents with worse OHRQoL presented a higher consumption of alcohol and cigarette. These findings are useful for planning public health strategies to improve adolescent OHRQoL and reduce the harmful substance use.

Abstract: This study assessed the association between self-reported oral health and the normative indices of dental caries in an adolescent population. This study is based on a 6-year data from a cohort, beginning in 2012, with 1,134 twelve-year-old adolescents. After three phases of data collection, 68% of the samples were followed up. Self-reported oral health was evaluated through the question: “Would you say that the health of your teeth, lips, jaws, and mouth is …?”, and answers were categorized as “good” or “poor.” Calibrated dentists examined clinical conditions using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Statistical analysis was performed using multilevel logistic regression models, considering the dependence of those observed thrice and adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and dental visit variables. Adolescents who evaluated their oral health as poor had higher mean DMFT (OR: 1.35; CI95% 1.22–1.50). When evaluated separately, decayed (OR: 2.43; CI95% 1.83–3.23) and missing (OR: 3.94; CI95% 1.26–12.26) teeth also presented significant results, showing poor self-reported oral health associated with a higher mean. Adolescents’ self-perceived oral health was associated with normative dental caries indices, and this association was maintained throughout adolescence.

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar a influência da cárie dentária não tratada e do status socioeconômico (SES) sobre o abandono escolar dos adolescentes. Foi realizado um estudo de coorte de seis anos de acompanhamento com uma amostra aleatória de adolescentes (12 anos de idade) avaliados inicialmente em 2012 em Santa Maria, Brasil. Sexo, status socioeconômico (educação da mãe e renda familiar) e cárie não tratada foram coletados no início do estudo. A variável de desfecho foi coletada no acompanhamento por meio do autorrelato e foi dividida em três categorias: adolescentes que apenas estudavam, aqueles que estudavam e trabalhavam e quem tinha abandonado a escola. Um modelo de regressão multinomial foi realizado para avaliar a influência da doença bucal e do SES sobre o abandono escolar, por meio da razão de risco relativo (RRR) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Dos 1.134 adolescentes avaliados no início do estudo, 768 participantes com idade média de 17,5 anos foram reavaliados no acompanhamento (taxa de resposta de 67,8%). Meninos (RRR: 2,31; IC 95%: 1,19- 4,48) e adolescentes com cárie não tratada no início do estudo tiveram um incremento no abandono escolar (RRR: 2,26; IC 95%: 1,12-4,56). Mães com baixa escolaridade (RRR: 2,24; IC95%: 1,09-4,61) tiveram maior probabilidade de ter filhos que abandonaram a escola. Cárie dentária não tratada e baixo SES no início da adolescência pode influenciar a tendência de evasão escolar.

Abstract The objective was assess the influence of untreated caries and socioeconomic status (SES) on school dropout among adolescents. A six-year cohort study was conducted with random sample of adolescents (12 years-old) who had been evaluated initially in 2012 from Santa Maria, Brazil. Sex, socioeconomic status (mother’s education and household income), and untreated caries were collected at the baseline. The outcome variable was collected at the follow-up through self-report and was divided into three categories: adolescents who only studied, who studied and employed, and who school dropouts. A multinomial regression model was performed to assess the influence of oral disease and SES on school leaving, through relative risk ratio (RRR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). From of 1,134 adolescents evaluated at the baseline, 768 participants with a mean age of 17.5 years were re-evaluated at follow-up (67.8% response rate). Male (RRR: 2.31; 95%CI: 1.19-4.48) and adolescents with untreated caries at the baseline had an increment in school-leaving (RRR: 2.26; 95%CI: 1.12-4.56). Mothers with low education (RRR: 2.24; 95%CI: 1.09-4.61) had a higher probability of having children who leave school. Untreated caries and low SES in early adolescence can influence the tendency to school dropouts.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence of oral health clinical and non-clinical indicators on adolescents’ academic performance. Material and Methods: A longitudinal design was performed with a random sample of 1,134 12-year-old Brazilian adolescents. In 2012, the adolescents were clinically assessed by calibrated dentists and investigated about demographics, socioeconomic factors, dental service use, toothache, and verbal bullying related to oral condition via structured questionnaires. The contextual variable was obtained from the city’s official database. After two years, 771 adolescents were reassessed. The outcome adolescent’s academic performance (good or poor) was collected through official school’s register. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associated factors for adolescents’ academic performance. Results: Adolescents with toothache (OR 1.74; CI 95%: 1.05-2.89), who have been a victim of bullying (OR 2.23; CI 95%: 1.21-4.09), and were male (OR 1.92; CI 95%: 1.19-3.09) had a lower academic performance. On the other hand, adolescents whose mothers had higher educational levels (OR 1.79; CI 95%: 1.08-2.97) and belonged to higher-income households (OR 1.95; CI 95%: 1.18-3.23) had higher academic performance when compared to their peers. Conclusion: Adverse oral conditions, as well as subjective and socioeconomic factors, impacted on adolescents’ academic performance.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mostrar a relação entre a ingestão do açúcar na dieta infantil e a presença da Cárie da Primeira Infância em um grupo de crianças pré-escolares. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes de 0 a 6 anos atendidos na Clínica de Bebês entre 2010 a 2016, da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Os dados analisados foram: identificação do paciente, sexo, idade, introdução do açúcar (idade e frequência), aleitamento materno exclusivo, uso de mamadeira contendo açúcar, escovação (com ou sem flúor) e diagnóstico de cárie dentária feito através do International Caries Detection and Assessment System. A análise descritiva mostrou as características da amostra e análises comparativas foram realizadas pelos testes de Fisher e T-Student, para verificar a relação entre variáveis individuais e a ingestão de açucares. Resultados: A média de idade das crianças foi de 29 meses. Dos 86 prontuários analisados, 80,0% das crianças ingeriam alimentos açucarados, sendo parte da rotina alimentar. Apenas 36 prontuários continham informações sobre a Cárie da Primeira Infância, nestes foi encontrada uma prevalência de 86,2% da amostra. Não houve diferença estatística entre dieta açucarada e demais variáveis (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem uma intensa relação entre açúcar e Cárie da Primeira Infância. A alta frequência de ingestão de açúcar é um fator de risco para o surgimento da Cárie da Primeira Infância, podendo ser retardada a sua inserção na alimentação infantil. A orientação alimentar e de higienização é fundamental no processo do tratamento assim como a conscientização familiar.

ABSTRACT Objective: To show the relation between sugar intake in the infant diet and the presence of early childhood caries in a group of preschoolers. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients aged 0 to 6 years attended at the Clinic of Babies from 2010 to 2016, at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. The data analyzed were: patient identification, gender, age, sugar introduction (age and frequency), exclusive breastfeeding, use of a bottle containing sugar, brushing (with or without fluoride) and diagnosis of dental caries through the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Descriptive analysis showed the characteristics of the sample and comparison analyzes were performed using Fisher and T-Student tests, to verify the relation between individual variables and sugary intake. Results: The average age of the children was 29 months. Of the 86 medical records analyzed, 80.0% of the children ingested sugary foods, and its were part of the eating routine. Only 36 medical records contained information about early childhood caries, in which 86.2% of prevalence was found. There was no statistical difference between sugary diet and other variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest an intense relationship between sugar and early childhood caries. The high frequency of sugar intake is a risk factor for the onset of caries in early childhood, and its insertion in infant feeding may be delayed. Food and hygiene orientation is fundamental in the treatment process as well as family awareness.

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of clinical and socioeconomic factors on social capital throughout adolescence. A cohort study was performed in 2012 (T1) with a random sample of 1,134 12-year-old adolescents from Santa Maria, Brazil. Questions on socioeconomic factors (maternal education, household income, household crowding) were answered by the parents. Clinicians evaluated their dental caries (decayed, missing, and filled status of permanent teeth) and gingival bleeding (using the Community Periodontal Index). Contextual variables including the mean income of the neighborhood in which the school was located were used (T1). The adolescents were revaluated in 2018 (T2) and answered questions regarding social capital (social trust, social control, empowerment, neighborhood security, and political effectiveness). A path analysis was used to test the relationship between the predictor variables (T1) and social capital (T2). A total of 768 adolescents were reevaluated at a 6-year follow-up (cohort retention rate of 67.7%). Most of the adolescents were girls, with a low household income, about 40% had caries experience (T1), and about 64% had high social capital (T2). The highest neighborhood’s mean income was related to a lower household income in T1 (p < 0.01), and this was directly related to a low social capital in T2 (p = 0.04). Furthermore, caries experience at T1 was directly associated with low social capital at T2 (p = 0.03). Socioeconomic factors were also related to caries experience. Individuals who lived in neighborhoods with greater inequality such as families with a low household income and those with untreated dental caries in early adolescence, had a low social capital after follow-up.

RESUMO: Introdução: Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) é afetada por diferentes condições clínicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto da gengivite na QVRSB de adolescentes. Metodologia: Este estudo de coorte consistiu em uma amostra aleatória de 1.134 escolares iniciado em 2012, na cidade de Santa Maria, Brasil. Após dois anos, 743 adolescentes foram acompanhados (taxa de resposta: 65,5%). Dados clínicos, socioeconômicos e de QVRSB foram coletados. A QVRSB foi avaliada pela versão brasileira curta do Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14) e o sangramento gengival foi coletado através do Índice Periodontal Comunitário. Gengivite foi considerada com o indivíduo apresentando 15% ou mais locais de sangramento. Os modelos de regressão de Poisson foram utilizados para avaliar a associação entre gengivite e os escores total e específico do domínio do CPQ11-14. A prevalência de gengivite na primeira avaliação foi considerada o preditor principal para a QVRSB no acompanhamento. Resultados: A gengivite no baseline foi associada à maior pontuação geral do CPQ 11-14 (RR = 1,07; IC95% 1,01 - 1,14) e ao domínio de bem-estar emocional (RR = 1,17; IC95% 1,04 - 1,31), independentemente das outras condições orais e variáveis socioeconômicas. Conclusão: Os achados indicam que a gengivite impacta negativamente a QVRSB de adolescentes. Além disso, sexo, escolaridade materna e renda familiar mensal também foram associados à QVRSB.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is affected by different clinical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gingivitis on OHRQoL in adolescents. Methodology: This cohort study consisted of a random sample of 1,134 schoolchildren enrolled during 2012, in Santa Maria, Brazil. After two years, 743 adolescents were follow-up (response rate: 65.5%). Clinical, socioeconomic and OHRQoL data were collected. OHRQoL was assessed by the short Brazilian version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14), and gingival bleeding through Community Periodontal Index. Gingivitis was considered with the presence of 15% or more bleeding sites. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the association between gingivitis and overall and domain-specific CPQ11-14 scores. Prevalence of gingivitis at baseline was considered the main predictor for the OHRQoL at follow-up. Results: Gingivitis at baseline was associated with higher overall CPQ 11-14 score (RR = 1.07; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.14), and emotional well-being (RR = 1.17; 95%CI 1.04 - 1.31), independently of other oral conditions and socioeconomic variables. Conclusions: The findings indicate that gingivitis negatively impacts the adolescents’ OHRQoL. Moreover, gender, maternal schooling and household income were also associated with OHRQoL.

RESUMO: Introdução: Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) é afetada por diferentes condições clínicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto da gengivite na QVRSB de adolescentes. Metodologia: Este estudo de coorte consistiu em uma amostra aleatória de 1.134 escolares iniciado em 2012, na cidade de Santa Maria, Brasil. Após dois anos, 743 adolescentes foram acompanhados (taxa de resposta: 65,5%). Dados clínicos, socioeconômicos e de QVRSB foram coletados. A QVRSB foi avaliada pela versão brasileira curta do Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14) e o sangramento gengival foi coletado através do Índice Periodontal Comunitário. Gengivite foi considerada com o indivíduo apresentando 15% ou mais locais de sangramento. Os modelos de regressão de Poisson foram utilizados para avaliar a associação entre gengivite e os escores total e específico do domínio do CPQ11-14. A prevalência de gengivite na primeira avaliação foi considerada o preditor principal para a QVRSB no acompanhamento. Resultados: A gengivite no baseline foi associada à maior pontuação geral do CPQ 11-14 (RR = 1,07; IC95% 1,01 - 1,14) e ao domínio de bem-estar emocional (RR = 1,17; IC95% 1,04 - 1,31), independentemente das outras condições orais e variáveis socioeconômicas. Conclusão: Os achados indicam que a gengivite impacta negativamente a QVRSB de adolescentes. Além disso, sexo, escolaridade materna e renda familiar mensal também foram associados à QVRSB.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is affected by different clinical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gingivitis on OHRQoL in adolescents. Methodology: This cohort study consisted of a random sample of 1,134 schoolchildren enrolled during 2012, in Santa Maria, Brazil. After two years, 743 adolescents were follow-up (response rate: 65.5%). Clinical, socioeconomic and OHRQoL data were collected. OHRQoL was assessed by the short Brazilian version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14), and gingival bleeding through Community Periodontal Index. Gingivitis was considered with the presence of 15% or more bleeding sites. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate the association between gingivitis and overall and domain-specific CPQ11-14 scores. Prevalence of gingivitis at baseline was considered the main predictor for the OHRQoL at follow-up. Results: Gingivitis at baseline was associated with higher overall CPQ 11-14 score (RR = 1.07; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.14), and emotional well-being (RR = 1.17; 95%CI 1.04 - 1.31), independently of other oral conditions and socioeconomic variables. Conclusions: The findings indicate that gingivitis negatively impacts the adolescents’ OHRQoL. Moreover, gender, maternal schooling and household income were also associated with OHRQoL.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the association of demographic conditions, socioeconomic status, clinical variables, and psychosocial factors with the number of filled teeth in adolescents from public schools. This cohort study comprised 1,134 12-year-old adolescents enrolled in public schools in Santa Maria, Brazil, in 2012. They were followed-up in 2014, where 743 individuals were reassessed (follow-up rate of 65.52%) for the number of filled teeth. Data were collected via dental examinations and structured interviews. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were collected from parents or legal guardians. The psychosocial factor comprised students’ subjective measurement of happiness (Brazilian version of the Subjective Happiness Scale - SHS). Dental examinations were performed to assess the number of filled teeth through decay, missing, and filled teeth index (DMF-T). Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression analyses were performed to assess the association between baseline variables and filled teeth at follow-up. The number of filled teeth in 2012 and 2014 were 193 (17.02%) and 235 (31.63%), respectively. The incidence of filled teeth in 2014 was 42 (5.65%). Adolescents with untreated dental caries, those who visited the dentist in the last 6 months, those that exhibited being happier, and those who had filled teeth at baseline were associated with a higher number of filled teeth at follow-up. We conclude that the number of filled teeth in adolescents was influenced by clinical and psychosocial factors, emphasizing the need to focus on oral health policies in individuals with higher disease burden and those who feel psychologically inferior.

Resumo Nas últimas décadas, vários instrumentos tem sido utilizados para avaliar o impacto dos problemas de saúde bucal na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (OHRQoL) dos indivíduos. No entanto, alguns instrumentos não possuem validação metodológica completa ou apresentam diferenças conceituais que dificultam as comparações com instrumentos. Assim, pode ser difícil para clínicos e pesquisadores selecionar um questionário que reflita com precisão o que é realmente significativo para os indivíduos. Esta comunicação rápida teve como objetivo discutir a importância de usar um checklist apropriado para selecionar um instrumento com boa qualidade metodológica. O COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist foi desenvolvido para fornecer ferramentas para a seleção de instrumentos baseados em evidências. O COSMIN checklist compreende dez quadros que avaliam se um estudo atende o padrão para uma boa qualidade metodológica e dois quadros adicionais para atender a estudos que usam o método Item Response Theory e os requisitos gerais para a generalização de resultados, resultando em quatro etapas a serem seguidas. Desta forma, é necessário pelo menos alguma experiência em psicometria ou clinimetria para um amplo uso deste checklist. As aplicações do COSMIN incluem seu uso para garantir a padronização de adaptações transculturais e comparações mais seguras entre estudos de mensuração e avaliação de qualidade metodológica de revisões sistemáticas de propriedades de mensuração. Além disso, ele pode ser usado por estudantes ao treinar sobre propriedades de mensuração e por editores e revisores ao revisar manuscritos sobre este tópico. A divulgação do COSMIN checklist é, portanto, necessária para melhorar a seleção e avaliação dos instrumentos de medição da saúde.

Abstract In the last decades, several instruments have been used to evaluate the impact of oral health problems on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of individuals. However, some instruments lack thorough methodological validation or present conceptual differences that hinder comparisons with instruments. Thus, it can be difficult to clinicians and researchers to select a questionnaire that accurately reflect what are really meaningful to individuals. This short communication aimed to discuss the importance of use an appropriate checklist to select an instrument with a good methodological quality. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist was developed to provide tools for evidence-based instrument selection. The COSMIN checklist comprises ten boxes that evaluate whether a study meets the standard for good methodological quality and two additional boxes to meet studies that use the Item Response Theory method and general requirements for results generalization, resulting in four steps to be followed. In this way, it is required at least some expertise in psychometrics or clinimetrics to a wide-ranging use of this checklist. The COSMIN applications include its use to ensure the standardization of cross-cultural adaptations and safer comparisons between measurement studies and evaluation of methodological quality of systematic reviews of measurement properties. Also, it can be used by students when training about measurement properties and by editors and reviewers when revising manuscripts on this topic. The popularization of COSMIN checklist is therefore necessary to improve the selection and evaluation of health measurement instruments.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a administração da versão brasileira do questionário Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), aplicado através de entrevista pessoal e por telefone. Uma amostra randomizada de 76 pais/responsáveis de crianças de até 6 anos de idade foi selecionada na Clínica de Odontopediatria da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brasil. Os pacientes foram selecionados aleatoriamente para 2 grupos diferentes, de acordo com a sequência de administração: E-T (Entrevista Pessoal-Telefone) e T-E (Telefone-Entrevista Pessoal). Dois entrevistadores aplicaram o questionário ECOHIS com um intervalo de 2 semanas entre os métodos. A confiabilidade entre as seções dos diferentes métodos de administração foi avaliada pelo Alfa de Cronbach e Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). Houve diferenças nas médias do ECOHIS entre os métodos de entrevista pessoal e telefone. No entanto, os valores de Alfa de Cronbach foram entre 0,94-0,96 e ICC entre 0,91-0,93, mostrando valores aceitáveis. O gráfico de Blant-Altman confirmou os resultados dos testes de confiabilidade, suportando a acurácia dos métodos. Embora exista uma pequena diferença nos escores, o uso de ambos os métodos de administração do ECOHIS produz dados confiáveis quando um único método é utilizado do início até o final do estudo. Os resultados forneceram evidências para usar tanto entrevista pessoal quanto por telefone como métodos de administração do ECOHIS.

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the administration of the Brazilian version of Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire, applied by face-to-face and telephone format. A randomized sample of 76 parents/guardians of children up to 6 years old was selected in a Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. Patients were randomly selected for 2 different groups, according to administration sequence: F-T (Face-to-face-Telephone) and T-F (Telephone-Face-to-face). Two interviewers administered the ECOHIS questionnaire with 2 week interval between the methods. The reliability between sections of the different methods of administration was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). There were differences in means of the ECOHIS between face-to-face and telephone methods. However, the value Cronbach's alpha were between 0.94-0.96, and value ICC ranged from 0.91-0.93, proving to be acceptable values. The Bland-Altman plots confirmed the results of reliability tests, supporting the accuracy of the methods. Although there is a slight difference in the scores, the use of both mode of administration of the ECOHIS yields reliable data when single method is used from the beginning to the end of the study. The results provided evidence to use either Face-to-face or Telephone method of administration of the ECOHIS