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Changing Dental Profession – Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Oral Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 22104

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Thomas Wolf

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Guest Editor

Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
Interests: restorative dentistry; endodontics; hypnosis; oral epidemiology; health services research

Prof. Dr. Guglielmo Campus

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Guest Editor

Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
Interests: community dentistry; oral epidemiology; public health; cariology; oral health prevention; pediatric dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last two decades, an increasing trend toward new forms of dental practice has been observed. Although the classic model of a dental practice with only one dentist is still the most common form of practice internationally, requirements and political conditions have changed enormously. The choice of the practice model and the form of professional practice offer young dentists several options, e.g., being a self-employed intrapreneur or being an employee in one of the practice forms or working in the public health sector or in industry. Expectations for the future career of students and young dentists are diverse, with the oral health care sector shifting due to factors such as financial investors opening many large dental centers, increasing numbers of employed dentists, a possible oversupply in urban and undersupply in rural areas, and a shortage or emigration of skilled personnel. Furthermore, technical and professional challenges associated with progress through research, new fields such as artificial intelligence and big data, sustainability and green dentistry, teledentistry, the cross-border use of services, and digital transformation in health care contribute to change. These factors can influence dentists, people working in the oral health care sector, and even patients. A reorganization of public and private dental care providers’ activities might be required.

Papers addressing these topics are invited to this Special Issue, including protocol papers on dental personnel modification strategies, and surveys on awareness and modification of behaviors by patients and dentists. These influences should be analyzed, and approaches to solutions and support for the next generation of dentists should be developed.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Wolf
Prof. Dr. Guglielmo Campus
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

changing dental profession
digitalization
artificial intelligence
future career prospects
green dentistry
modern forms of practice
sustainability
oral health policy
e-health
young dentists

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

2 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Changing Dental Profession—Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice

by Thomas Gerhard Wolf and Guglielmo Campus

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041945 - 17 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4946

Abstract

In the last two decades, an increasing trend towards new forms of dental practice was observed [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Dental Profession – Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

8 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a One-Time Communication Training Session on Dental Students’ Self-Efficacy Expectancy

by Thekla J. Grötz, Lisa Zöll, Anke Hollinderbäumer, Thomas Nowak, Tamara Zajontz, Lina Behling, Sabine Fischbeck, Uwe Schmidt and James Deschner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043323 - 14 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1427

Abstract

An implementation of training units that provide evidence for improving students’ communication skills in the dental curriculum is now more than ever of utmost importance. This study aimed to investigate how students assess their skills after communication training and whether this training also increased students’ self-efficacy expectancy. A total of 32 male and 71 female students with a mean age of 25.6 ± 3.9 years participated in the study. Self-assessment of communication skills and self-efficacy expectancies were collected at two time points using Likert scales. Our study shows that the communication training, consisting of a practical exercise with actors and an online theory module, significantly improved the students’ self-assessment of their communication skills and also improved some aspects of self-efficacy expectancy. These results indicate that, in addition to the practical and technical-theoretical training of students, communication training is essential in the dental curriculum. In summary, this study showed that a one-time practical exercise with actors together with an online theory module could improve both the self-assessment of communication competence and some aspects of self-efficacy expectancy, which demonstrates the importance of training communication skills alongside practical and technical-theoretical training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Dental Profession – Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice)

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12 pages, 1574 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Medical and Dental Students’ Perception of Interdisciplinary Knowledge, Teaching Content, and Interprofessional Status at a German University: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Berit Hackenberg, Maximilian-Niclas Schlich, Haralampos Gouveris, Christopher Seifen, Christoph Matthias, Guglielmo Campus, Thomas Gerhard Wolf, Muthuraman Muthuraman and James Deschner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010428 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1928

Abstract

Although oral health is considered a key indicator of overall health, dentistry is still neglected in medical education at the university level. Interprofessional education (IPE) is an important tool to promote collaboration among health care providers and to reduce barriers to access in health care. In this cross-sectional study, medical and dental students at Mainz University, Germany, were surveyed regarding their perception of interdisciplinary knowledge, teaching content, interprofessional standing, and attitudes toward IPE. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to identify associated statements. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to understand how sex, study progress, and prior education might influence student attitudes. In total, 426 medical students and 211 dental students were included in the study. Dental students rated their interdisciplinary knowledge higher than medical students. The relevance of IPE as assessed by the students correlated significantly with their motivation to continue IPE after graduation. Both groups of students valued the other discipline but rejected a combined graduate program. Students with prior professional training valued the synergy of medicine and dentistry more the students without prior training. Interprofessional knowledge and interest in IPE was higher among dental students. Understanding students’ attitudes toward IPE is an important prerequisite for adapting university curricula to strengthen students’ attitudes and motivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Dental Profession – Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice)

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14 pages, 1740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age Estimation Using Maxillary Central Incisor Analysis on Cone Beam Computed Tomography Human Images

by María Arminda Santos, Juan Muinelo-Lorenzo, Ana Fernández-Alonso, Angelines Cruz-Landeira, Carlos Aroso and María Mercedes Suárez-Cunqueiro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13370; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013370 - 16 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2190

Abstract

Forensic dentistry plays an important role in human identification, and dental age estimation is an important part of the process. Secondary dentin deposition throughout an individual’s lifetime and consequent modification in teeth anatomy is an important parameter for age estimation procedures. The aim of the present study was to develop regression equations to determine age in adults by means of linear measurements and ratios on sagittal, coronal and axial slices of maxillary central incisors using cone bean computed tomography (CBCT). Multiplanar measurements of upper central incisors were taken for a sample of 373 CBCTs. Subsequently, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate linear regressions were performed for age estimation. The equations obtained from axial linear measurements and ratios presented a standard error of the estimate (SEE) of ±10.9 years (R² = 0.49), and a SEE of ±10.8 years (R² = 0.50), respectively. The equation obtained for multiplanar linear measurements presented a SEE of ±10.9 years (R² = 0.52), while the equation for multiplanar ratios presented a SEE of ±10.7 years (R² = 0.51). Thus, CBCT measurements on upper central incisors were found to be an acceptable method for age estimation. Horizontal measurements, especially pulp measurements, improve the accuracy of age estimate equations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Dental Profession – Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice)

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13 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

E-Professionalism among Dental Students from Malaysia and Finland

by Pentti Nieminen, Eswara Uma, Shani Ann Mani, Jacob John, Marja-Liisa Laitala and Olli-Pekka Lappalainen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063234 - 9 Mar 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3458

Abstract

The increased use of social media in dentistry is associated with both advantages and disadvantages. A new form of professionalism, “e-professionalism,” has emerged. It includes an online persona and online information in any format that displays cues to professional identity, attitudes, and behaviors. The objective was to explore the perceptions of Malaysian and Finnish dental students on e-professionalism. A survey of 613 Malaysian and Finnish students was performed. The main variables assessed were posting of objectionable or inappropriate content among students, attitudes towards unprofessional online content, perceived online presence, contacts with patients and faculty members on social media, and concerns about social media use. The prevalence of posting clearly unprofessional content was not high among dental students. Revealing information of patients was most common content of clear unprofessionalism. Students from Malaysia contacted patients and faculty members more actively in social media than students in Finland (73.6% of students in Malaysia and 11.8% in Finland had invited faculty members to be “friends”). Malaysian students were more concerned and more likely to react to inappropriate content on social media. Attitude of dental students towards social media use in dentistry were very positive in both countries. Students agreed that guiding patients online is a new responsibility for dentists in the digital age (86.4% of students in Malaysia and 73.4% in Finland). The findings indicate the existence of both benefits and dangers of social media on e-professionalism among students. There is a need to include robust digital professionalism awareness training for students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Dental Profession – Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice)

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22 pages, 1783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of COVID-19 Infection Control Measures by German Dentists: A Qualitative Study to Identify Enablers and Barriers

by Anne Müller, Florentina Sophie Melzow, Gerd Göstemeyer, Sebastian Paris and Falk Schwendicke

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115710 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2974

Abstract

Objectives: COVID-19 infection control measures have been recommended for dental practices worldwide. This qualitative study explored barriers and enablers for the implementation of these measures in German dental practices. Methods: Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted in November/December 2020 (purposive/snowball sampling). The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capabilities, Opportunities and Motivations influencing Behaviors model (COM-B) were used to guide interviews. Mayring’s content analysis was employed to analyze interviews. Results: All dentists (28–71 years, 4/8 female/male) had implemented infection control measures. Measures most frequently not adopted were FFP2 masks, face shields (impractical), the rotation of teams (insufficient staffing) and the avoidance of aerosol-generating treatments. Dentists with personal COVID-19 experience or those seeing themselves as a role model were more eager to adopt measures. We identified 34 enablers and 20 barriers. Major barriers were the lack of knowledge, guidelines and recommendations as well as limited availability and high costs of equipment. Pressure by staff and patients to ensure infection control was an enabler. Conclusions: Dentists are motivated to implement infection control measures, but lacking opportunities limited the adoption of certain measures. Policy makers and equipment manufacturers should address these points to increase the implementation of infection control measures against COVID-19 and potential future pandemics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Dental Profession – Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice)

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9 pages, 691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Tooth Loss after Periodontal Diagnosis: Development and Validation of a Clinical Decision Model

by Francisco Santos, Frederico Beato, Vanessa Machado, Luís Proença, José João Mendes and João Botelho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031363 - 2 Feb 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3404

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive early tooth loss multivariable model for periodontitis patients before periodontal treatment. A total of 544 patients seeking periodontal care at the university dental hospital were enrolled in the study. Teeth extracted after periodontal diagnosis and due to periodontal reasons were recorded. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were analyzed, considering the risk of short-term tooth loss. This study followed the transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines for development and validation, with two cohorts considered as follows: 455 patients in the development phase and 99 in the validation phase. As a result, it was possible to compute a predictive model based on tooth type and clinical attachment loss. The model explained 25.3% of the total variability and correctly ranked 98.9% of the cases. The final reduced model area under the curve (AUC) was 0.809 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.629–0.989) for the validation sample and 0.920 (95% CI: 0.891–0.950) for the development cohort. The established model presented adequate prediction potential of early tooth loss due to periodontitis. This model may have clinical and epidemiologic relevance towards the prediction of tooth loss burden. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changing Dental Profession – Modern Forms and Challenges in Dental Practice)

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