Showing 11 results for Afsa
Afsaneh Pakdaman, Parisa Aref,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aims: High level of caries was reported in pre-school children at the national level. Due to importance of focusing on high-risk children, this study was carried out to evaluate an oral health promotion program designed for Ameneh orphan center.
Materials and Methods: Two centers were chosen and assigned to intervention (Ameneh orphan center) and comparison (Shobeir orphan center). Dental examination has been carried out using dental mirror and blunt probe under artificial light and dmfs index was recorded. Health promotion program including topical fluoride application after dental treatment as well as power point education session for caregivers was delivered in intervention group. Children in the other center were only received routine dental treatment. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and regression tests.
Results: 79 children in the intervention group and 51 children in comparison group were evaluated in the study. The mean age of children in the intervention group was 4.7 (SD=1.6) and in the comparison group was 4.6 (SD=1.2). The dmfs index in the intervention and comparison groups was 6.86±10.23 and 8.75±12.42 (NS), respectively. The mean dmfs after intervention in the intervention group was 7.93±11.21 and in the control group was 9.88±12.51, which showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Comparison in subgroups showed that the mean dmfs in the group received fluoride varnish in addition to complete dental treatment was significantly less than the comparison group (P<0.05). Controlling the effect of baseline caries and age on the outcome variable with regression analysis showed that the effect of baseline caries should be considered when comparing two groups.
Conclusion: Oral health promotion programs including topical fluoride application can be used in high-risk groups of children.
Mohamad Reza Khami, Ensieh Akhgari, Anahita Moscowchi, Reza Yazdani, Simin Zahra Mohebbi, Afsaneh Pakdaman, Samane Razeghi,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (7 2012)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate self-perceived need to learn practice management and self reported knowledge in this regard among dentists.
Materials and Methods: A group of five academic staff members of Community Oral Health Department (Tehran Dental School) and four dentists formed an expert panel to develop the content of the course. This group developed a list of topics related to principles of successful dental practice. To investigate the necessity of educating the topics and self-assessed knowledge of the topics, a questionnaire was designed and administered to 55 volunteer dentists. Forty six dentists completed the questionnaire. T-test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analyses.
Results: Totally more than two-third of the dentists believed that a huge need exists for education of all the topics. The corresponded figure for such topics as ergonomics and medical emergencies was about 90%. About 80% of the dentists felt that they had a vast knowledge of safety and infection control. On the other hand, 54.3% of them reported weak knowledge regarding professional rules and regulations. Self-reported educational need and knowledge of the dentists did not show significant association with their age, gender, and work experience
(P>0.05).
Conclusion: The dentists believed in the necessity of educating such topics and evaluated their knowledge as deficient in these areas. This shows the necessity of developing courses on these topics.
Afsaneh Pakdaman, Ahmad Khormali, Ahmad Reza Shamshiri,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aims: One of the important aspects for evaluating an organization is assessing the level of satisfaction of the clients. This study was conducted to compare the level of satisfaction between traditional and new methods of delivering dental care in the clinic of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 308 patients received dental care at the dental clinics of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in spring 2010. Data were collected from Comprehensive Care Unit (CCU) in addition to 7 isolated clinics including restorative, periodontics, endodontics, radiology, and prosthodontics (fix and removable) using translated version of the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ), consisted of 19 questions in three main domains in addition to demographic questions. Descriptive statistics was used as percentage of answers. In order to compare the mean score between domains ANOVA test was used.
Results: The standardized mean scores in each domain were: pain control 58±17, access 59±12, quality 68±11 and total Dental Satisfaction Index (DSI) score of 62±10. 92.5% of the respondents reported that students were very careful when examining their patients. 96.8% reported that they treat their patients with respect . The most common reasons for dissatisfaction apart from waiting time and getting appointments were not providing preventive care and pain control.
Conclusion: The results of this study shows acceptable level of satisfaction with dental care in teaching clinics of this dental school, however efforts on implementing preventive care and pain control strategies are suggested.
Afsaneh Pakdaman, Behrouz Akbari-Adergani,
Volume 31, Issue 3 (11-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The systemic and topical preventive effect of fluoride on tooth decay has been reported. The aim of the present study was to determine the fluoride level in imported and national fluoridated dentifrices in the Iranian market.
Materials and Methods: Sampling was randomly performed from the main market centers and pharmacies in Tehran. The total fluoride (TF) and total soluble fluoride (TSF) concentrations were determined by ion specific electrode potentiometer method. The samples were coded and one trained researcher performed the analysis. Descriptive statistics as percentage and analytical statistics reported as independent t-test were reported.
Results: In adults’ toothpastes, the total fluoride ranged from 191 to 1601.9 ppm with the mean of 911.2 (SD=331.4) ppm. The total soluble fluoride ranged from 322.8 to 1518.8 ppm with the mean of 1021 (SD=279.8) ppm. In children’s toothpaste total fluoride ranged from 236.3 to 1163.7 ppm and the total fluoride of 594 (SD=375). Total soluble fluoride in children’s toothpaste ranged 655.6-1102.6 with the mean of 879.1 (SD=316.07). Analysis of the total fluoride (TF) and total soluble fluoride (TSF) showed that there was no significant difference between the local and imported toothpastes (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The fluoride level of Iranian toothpaste was similar to that of the imported toothpastes, however there was variation in the level of fluoride in products.
Katayoun Sargeran, Simin Zahra Mohebbi, Afsaneh Tajik,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: The increase in life expectancy and decrease in birth rate enhances the elderly population in different societies and consequently, the demand from the health system for providing the treatment needs has been elevated. It has been proposed that dentists must improve their attitude, knowledge, and practice to meet these needs. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of general dentists regarding geriatric oral health.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, 150 general dentists participating in the annual congress of the Iranian Dental Association in 2018 were selected and completed a valid and reliable self-administered questionnaire including 5 parts about knowledge, attitude and practice regarding old age and oral health of elders. SPSS23 and multiple regression were used for data analysis.
Results: The mean age of dentists was 34.3 (SD: 9.1) and 92 (61.3%) of participants were women. The mean knowledge score about the old age was 16.67 (of maximum: 26, SD: 4.31) and the mean knowledge on the geriatric oral health was 11.01 (of maximum: 18, SD: 2.81). The mean general attitude about elderly was 19.1 (of maximum: 30, SD: 4.26), the mean attitude on geriatric oral health was 13.09 (of maximum: 20, SD: 2.65), and the mean practice about geriatric oral health was 6.5 (of maximum: 10, SD:2.96). Age was significantly associated with knowledge regarding the elderly (P<0.034); i.e. with increase in age lower scores in knowledge were gained.
Conclusion: General dentists participating in the congress of the Iranian Dental Association demonstrated a medium level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the oral health of elders. Proper educational programs should be planned in dental schools to improve dental student's knowledge, attitude and practice about geriatric oral health.
Afsaneh Pakdaman, Sholeh Ghabraei, Mohammad Javad Kharrazi Fard, Ali Saadatpoor Moghaddam,
Volume 34, Issue 0 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Supporting the preventive approach is important in training future dentists. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of senior dental students regarding non-invasive management of dental caries.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 using total sampling method and a valid and reliable questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude and self-reported practice of senior dental students regarding caries risk assessment (CRA) and management of lesions in two paper patients were assessed. The data analysis was performed using SPSS20 and the descriptive and analytical statistics were reported.
Results: In overall, 86 students (response rate=91%) were responded. In the knowledge section, caries history in the previous year, having frequent fermentable carbohydrate, xerostomia, and low socio-economic status were considered by more than half of students as factor for caries risk assessment. More than 90% of students had a positive attitude towards CRA in children. Nearly 50% of students tend to restore enamel lesions in proximal and occlusal surfaces in high-risk scenarios. There was significant association between the OHI instruction and debris index improvement (P=0.04) in the integrated comprehensive care clinic (TUMS). The linear regression analysis showed that there was no significant association between the demographic characteristics, place of education, previous course on the level of knowledge and attitude.
Conclusion: Senior dental students despite their general knowledge and positive attitude toward caries risk assessment, tended to aggressively manage the incipient lesions in the enamel and DEJ. Delivering prevention as integrated in the comprehensive care unit in order to improve oral hygiene status of patients is recommended.
Mehrafruz Daneshian, Kianoosh Malekzadeh, Masoomeh Afsa,
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Achieving non-invasive methods for the proper detection of secondary caries adjacent to dental restorations has a great importance. As alterations in horizontal and vertical angles of X-ray beam would affect the detection of dental caries on radiographs, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of changing the horizontal angle of X- ray on detection of dental caries adjacent to class II amalgam restorations in posterior teeth on periapical radiographs.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, artificial carious lesions were prepared in axial walls of the amalgam restoration cavities in interproximal surfaces of 27 human extracted premolar teeth. Periapical radiographies with different horizontal X- ray angles were obtained, observed, and rated by 5 maxillofacial radiologists for detection of carious lesions. For each observer, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of radiographs in the individual horizontal angles were calculated and compared by nonparametric Kruskal Wallis test. Interobserver agreement was assessed by fleiss’ kappa coefficient.
Results: The highest accuracy of periapical radiographs for the detection of secondary caries of mesial dental surfaces was in 5-degree of mesial and distal X- ray angle (86.66%) and for the distal dental surfaces was allocated to 10-degree of distal X- ray angle (85.90%). Also, there was a significant difference in the accuracy between different horizontal angles (mesial and distal 0, 5, 10, 15-degree) (P=0.01). The higher agreement between observers in detecting mesial surface caries was in 10-degree of distal angle (0.86) and in detecting distal caries was in 5-degree of distal angle (0.89).
Conclusion: In the case of doubt in the existence of recurrent caries in the interproximal tooth surface, if the carious lesion is not visible on standard radiographic image with direct angle of X- ray, A 5- 10 degree of x- ray horizontal angle can improve the detection of secondary caries under amalgam restorations in interproximal dental surfaces.
Soheila Khalili, Hajar Shekarchizadeh, Afsaneh Pakdaman,
Volume 35, Issue 0 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aims: For dental students, communication skills are essential to effectively transfer the necessary information to the patient and meet the patient’s needs and expectations. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the patient communication skills of dental students at Islamic Azad university of Isfahan in 2021.
Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional analytical study, an online standardized questionnaire DCCC (Dental consultation communication checklist) was provided to all clinical dental students applying a census sampling method. In total, from 248 clinical dental students, 230 students participated in the study (response rate=92.7%). The questionnaire included five dimensions of introduction, medical history, clinical examination, closure and patient. In order to determine the patient communication skills, its dimensions, and the association between patient communication skills and students’ demographic characteristics, friedman test, analysis of variance, independent t-test and a linear regression model were used for statistical analysis.
Results: The mean score of total communication skills of the students (117.16±15.6) was above average which was obtained from the maximum score of 155. There was a significant difference between the dimensions of communication skills (P<0.001). The highest scores were assigned to the clinical examination, patient, medical history, introduction and closure, respectively. No significant relationship existed between the score of students' communication skills with gender (P=0.08), age (P=0.17), marital status (P=0.19), and educational background in psychology (P=0.07). No significant relationship revealed between the total score of communication skills (P=0.92) and its dimensions (introduction P=0.79, medical history P=0.90, clinical examination P=0.77, closure P=0.35, and patient P=0.85) with the students’ academic year.
Conclusion: The total score of dental students’ communication skills and all its dimensions was above average. However, students reported poorer performance in dimensions of introduction and closure than the other dimensions. Therefore, it is recommended to design and implement educational interventions specially to improve the dimensions of introduction and closure.
Afsaneh Pakdaman, Parisa Mohsenzadeh, Mahdia Gholami,
Volume 36, Issue 0 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Considering the prevalence of periodontal disease in Iranian adults and its impact on general health and the role of medical practitioners, the purpose of the present study was to determine physician’s knowledge and attitude towards periodontal health.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran in 2019 and after getting informed consent, a valid and reliable questionnaire was provided to medical practitioners in a continuing education course. Data were analyzed using the SPSS26 software.
Results: In total 170 subjects (response rate=95%) responded. The mean scores of knowledge and attitude towards periodontal health were 4.1 (maximum score of 6) and 51.9 (maximum score of 65), respectively. Work experience (P=0.022) and period of time after graduation (P=0.007) had a positive and significant relationship with participants' knowledge. Also, gender (P=0.012), work experience (P=0.002), period after graduation (P=0.005) and practitioner’s workplace (P=0.001) were significantly associated with their attitudes. The results showed that women had a better attitude towards prevention of gum disease.
Conclusion: In the present study, medical practitioners’ knowledge was good towards description of healthy periodontium and the first sign of periodontal diseas. Also, their attitudes regarding the importance of oral and dental diseases and its impact on social activities were appropriate. The results of the present study showed more emphasis is needed on delivering relevant dental education in medical curriculum.
Seyede Marjan Hosseini, Afsaneh Pakdaman,
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common chronic diseases. Health care workers specially “Behvarz” due to their wide range of duties, have the potential role in delivering education and prevention of dental caries. The purpose of the present study was to assess the perspective of “Behvarz” working in health care centers of Kordkooy city regarding oral health.
Materials and Methods: Focus group discussions was conducted with a convenient sample of “Behvarz” working in health centers of Kordkooy city. Total number of 26 Behvarz with the mean work experience of 13 years took part in the study. After obtaining informed consent, group discussions performed in- person (2 groups of 7 and 2 groups of 6 participants) in health centers considering universal precautions. Two researchers coordinated the discussions. Five questions proposed on dental service utilization and oral health challenges and data collection continued until saturation obtained. The content of the discussion recorded and transcribed verbatim. For content analysis, two raters independently coded the content; sub-themes and themes were then extracted and consensus obtained.
Results: More than half of the participants were 34 years of age and older. Regarding the challenges related to dental care in health centers, the main themes were; resource limitation, workload, lack of awareness of “Behvarz” role, limited access, economic barriers to prevention and care. Regarding the challenges to prevention, the main themes were; poor knowledge of patients, limited oral health related knowledge of “Behvarz”, and human resources. The main suggestions were emphasizing on the role of schools, mothers and patient education.
Conclusion: Our research showed that despite the important role of “Behvarz” in delivering oral health promotion at the population level, this role is neglected and needs further attention.
Afsaneh Ghorbani, Sedigheh Sheikhzadeh, Homayoun Alaghehmand, Valiollah Arash, Seyyed Ali Seyyed Majidi,
Volume 37, Issue 0 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Ensuring the long-term stability of orthodontic treatments and preventing tooth relapse remains a significant challenge in orthodontics, often addressed through the extended use of retainers. Given the pivotal role of retainers' physical and mechanical properties in this regard, this study aimed to investigate the tensile strength, flexural strength, and deflection of three distinct types of fixed orthodontic retainers.
Materials and Methods: In this laboratory study, each group comprised 12 samples of twisted, flat, and coaxial retainer wires, each measuring 8 mm in length. These samples were affixed onto the polyethylene blocks using cyanoacrylate adhesive and subsequently subjected to compressive loads using a universal testing machine. The maximum bending strength and deflection rate were recorded from stress-strain diagrams. To evaluate the tensile strength, the identical samples underwent tensile loading. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing SPSS software, employing analysis of variance tests to compare data between groups.
Results: Significant differences were observed in the bending strength (P=0.004), deflection (P<0.001), and tensile strength (P<0.001) among the investigated retainer wires. The flat retainer wire exhibited the highest bending strength, averaging 822.876±136.07 MPa, while the coaxial retainer wire showed the lowest, with an average of 673.65±73.35 MPa. Regarding deflection, the flat retainer wire displayed the highest average at 4.04±0.6 mm, surpassing the other two types of retainers. However, the tensile strength of the twisted retainer wires, averaging 699.7±83.46 MPa, exceeded that of both the flat and coaxial retainer wires.
Conclusion: The flat retainer wires demonstrated the highest bending and deflection strength, while the twisted retainer wires exhibited the highest tensile strength. Overall, the bending strength, deflection, and tensile strength of the 3-strand twisted and flat retainer wires outperformed those of the 5-strand coaxial retainer wires, increased flexural and tensile strengths imply a higher resistance of the wires to the forces induced by harder and more viscous foodstuffs.
