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Hopcraft MS. Commentary on the senate select committee into the provision of and access to dental services in Australia: an opportunity for reform. Aust Dent J 2024. [PMID: 38459709 DOI: 10.1111/adj.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
A recent Senate Select Committee has tabled its report into the provision of and access to dental care in Australia. The Senate Committee heard: There are significant barriers for many people accessing dental care, including high costs, trauma and fear, long waiting times and inaccessible services. There are service gaps, including a lack of special needs dentists, limited mobile services, very few Aboriginal dentists and sparse services in regional areas. There are significant impacts of poor oral health, including pain and suffering, shame and low self-esteem, poor nutrition and poorer general health. There are benefits to good oral health, including the ability to smile, eat and talk, improved confidence, increased productivity and being more employable. There were 35 recommendations for reform centred around the need to put the mouth back in the body and covered by five broad themes: More equitable access. Better integration. National data and coordination. Awareness and education. Culturally safe and accessible care. This paper provides an overview of the problem and focuses on the recommended funding reforms necessary to improve access to dental care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Hopcraft MS, McGrath R, Stormon N, Parker G. Mental health, psychological distress and burnout in Australian dental practitioners. Aust Dent J 2023; 68:160-170. [PMID: 37199455 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental practitioners are known to experience a high level of stress, but little is known about the mental health of Australian dental practitioners. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mental health conditions among Australian dental practitioners. METHODS A cross sectional survey of 1483 Australian dental practitioners was carried out from October to December 2021. Participants reported aspects of mental health including depression, anxiety disorder, burnout (Sydney Burnout Measure) and psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and General Health Questionnaire 12). RESULTS Self-reported psychological distress was high, with 32.0% rated as having moderate or severe psychological distress and 59.4% a high likelihood of minor (or more severe) psychological distress. One in four participants (24.8%) were classified as likely to be experiencing burnout, with 25.9% reporting ever having a diagnosis of depression, 11.4% a current diagnosis of depression, 23.1% ever having a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and 12.9% a current diagnosis of anxiety disorder. CONCLUSION Australian dental practitioners reported a high burden of psychological distress, burnout and mental health issues, suggesting a need for education and programmes to support their mental health and wellbeing. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- eviDent Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R McGrath
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Stormon
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Health Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Community and Oral Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - G Parker
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Hopcraft MS, McGrath R, Stormon N, Tavella G, Parker G. Australian dental practitioners experience of burnout. J Public Health Dent 2023; 83:397-407. [PMID: 38018025 DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with burnout in Australian dental practitioners. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 1483 Australian dental practitioners was conducted from Oct to Dec 2021. Participants reported burnout using the Sydney Burnout Measure, and aspects of mental health including psychological distress, depression, and anxiety disorders. Predictors of burnout were explored using a generalized linear model with a stepped approach including demographic, health and risk factor variables. RESULTS One in four participants were classified as likely to be experiencing burnout. Burnout was associated with working in a regional/rural location (β = 2.82, p < 0.001), an academic/non-clinical role (β = 5.01, p = 0.037), more years of experience as a dental practitioner (β = 0.08, p = 0.022), a current diagnosis of depression (β = 2.38, p = 0.049), moderate/severe psychological distress (β = 7.16, p < 0.001), poor self-rated physical health (β = 5.84, p < 0.001) and increasing alcohol consumption (β = 0.17, p = 0.020). Participants who scored high on resilience (β = -0.23, p = 0.002) or perfectionism (β = -0.24, p < 0.001) had lower burnout scores. CONCLUSION Australian dental practitioners appear to be at high risk of burnout which may impact on their health and wellbeing and ability to deliver patient care. There is a need for support services to manage burnout and education to address workplace and environmental factors that may contribute to burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- eviDent Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R McGrath
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Stormon
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Health Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Community and Oral Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - G Tavella
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - G Parker
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Hopcraft MS, McGrath R, Stormon N, Parker G. Mental health, psychological distress and burnout in Australian dental practitioners. Aust Dent J 2023; 68:216-217. [PMID: 37593977 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- eviDent Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R McGrath
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Stormon
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Health Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Community and Oral Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - G Parker
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the preferences of dentists in Australia in providing professional implant maintenance and implant-specific oral hygiene instructions (OHI). METHODS General dentists were surveyed online about their preferences in peri-implant diagnostics, maintenance provision, armamentarium used, and implant OHI techniques and frequency. RESULTS Most of the 303 respondents (96%) provided maintenance services; 87.6% reviewed implants regularly while 10.7% only performed diagnostics after detecting clinical signs/symptoms. Supragingival prosthesis cleaning was performed by 77.9% of respondents, 35.0% performed subgingival debridement, 41.9% treated peri-implant mucositis and 18.2% treated peri-implantitis. About 15% did not treat nor refer peri-implant disease, including significantly more non-implant providers and dentists without implant training. Maintenance armamentarium commonly included floss (76.3%), prophylaxis (73.9%), plastic curettes (43.3%) and stainless-steel ultrasonics (38.0%). Brushing (86.5%), flossing (73.9%) and interdental brush use (68.3%) were most commonly recommended. Implant OHI was repeated routinely by 57.4% of dentists who provided it. Dentists with greater implant training and experience were more likely to perform reviews and complex maintenance procedures. CONCLUSIONS Peri-implant diagnostics performed, treatments provided and armamentarium varied among dentists. Implant providers and those with higher levels of training had more preventative approaches to implant OHI. Possible shortcomings in disease management and OHI reinforcement were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Cheung
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - I B Darby
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Cheung MC, Hopcraft MS, Darby IB. Implant education patterns and clinical practice of general dentists in Australia. Aust Dent J 2019; 64:273-281. [DOI: 10.1111/adj.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- MC Cheung
- Melbourne Dental School The University of Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - MS Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School The University of Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - IB Darby
- Melbourne Dental School The University of Melbourne Victoria Australia
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Thomas LA, Tibble H, Too LS, Hopcraft MS, Bismark MM. Complaints about dental practitioners: an analysis of 6 years of complaints about dentists, dental prosthetists, oral health therapists, dental therapists and dental hygienists in Australia. Aust Dent J 2018; 63:285-293. [PMID: 29862517 PMCID: PMC6635754 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has found dental practitioners at elevated risk of complaint compared with other health professions. This study aimed to describe the frequency, nature and risk factors for complaints involving dental practitioners. METHODS We assembled a national dataset of complaints about registered health practitioners in Australia between January 2011 and December 2016. We classified complaints into 23 issues across three domains: health, performance and conduct. We compared rates of complaints about dental practitioners and other health practitioners. We used negative binomial regression analysis to identify factors associated with complaints. RESULTS Dental practitioners made up 3.5% of health practitioners, yet accounted for approximately 10% of complaints. Dental practitioners had the highest rate of complaints among fourteen health professions (42.7 per 1000 practitioners per year) with higher rates among dentists and dental prosthetists than allied dental practitioners. Male practitioners were at a higher risk of complaints. Most complaints about dentists related to treatments and procedures (59%). Around 4% of dentists received more than one complaint, accounting for 49% of complaints about dentists. In 60% of closed cases no regulatory action was required. Around 13% of complaints resulted in restrictive actions, such as conditions on practice. CONCLUSION Improved understanding of patterns may assist regulatory boards and professional associations to ensure competent practice and protect patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- LA Thomas
- Law and Public Health UnitMelbourne School of Population and Global HealthCentre for Health PolicyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - H Tibble
- Law and Public Health UnitMelbourne School of Population and Global HealthCentre for Health PolicyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - LS Too
- Law and Public Health UnitMelbourne School of Population and Global HealthCentre for Health PolicyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - MS Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental SchoolUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - MM Bismark
- Law and Public Health UnitMelbourne School of Population and Global HealthCentre for Health PolicyUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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Alexander G, Hopcraft MS, Tyas MJ, Wong RHK. Dentists' restorative decision-making and implications for an ‘amalgamless’ profession. Part 5: knowledge factors. Aust Dent J 2017; 62:440-452. [DOI: 10.1111/adj.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Alexander
- Melbourne Dental School; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health; La Trobe University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - MS Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - MJ Tyas
- Melbourne Dental School; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - RHK Wong
- Melbourne Dental School; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
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Alexander G, Hopcraft MS, Tyas MJ, Wong R. Dentists' restorative decision-making and implications for an 'amalgamless' profession. Part 4: clinical factor. Aust Dent J 2017; 62:363-371. [PMID: 28437002 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Minamata Convention embodies a worldwide reduction in the production and use of mercury and mercury-containing products and processes, including a phase-down of dental amalgam. This will change the approach to the use of direct restorative materials in the near future. There is little research as to the influence of clinical factors on dentists' decision-making which may be of use when determining the impact of any change. METHODS An online survey relating to aspects of and attitudes to the use of direct restorative materials was distributed to all dentists who were members of the Australian Dental Association and/or members or fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. Data were statistically analysed. RESULTS There were 408 respondents to the survey. Eighty-seven per cent of respondents (strongly) disagreed that amalgam was a technically more difficult material to place compared with resin composite, 82% (strongly) disagreed that placement time for amalgam was longer than that for resin composite and 69% (strongly) disagreed that amalgam was more difficult to finish than resin composite. Eighty-three per cent of respondents stated they were confident in their ability to place amalgam restorations. Where physical properties were of importance, indirect restorations were preferred (e.g. parafunction) 54%. The factors considered most important when choosing a direct restorative material included moisture control and aesthetics; least important factors were cost and time to place. CONCLUSIONS There is consensus that amalgam is not more technically difficult to use, place or finish than resin composite and vice versa. There is recognition that both amalgam and resin composite have limitations in terms of physical properties. When choosing a direct restorative material, clinical factors considered to be of greatest importance are moisture control, aesthetics and the need to apply minimally invasive approaches. There is little difference in the opinions of users and non-users of amalgam with respect to these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Alexander
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M J Tyas
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhk Wong
- Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Alexander G, Hopcraft MS, Tyas MJ, Wong RHK. Dentists' restorative decision-making and implications for an ‘amalgamless’ profession. Part 3: Dentists' attitudes. Aust Dent J 2016; 61:502-513. [DOI: 10.1111/adj.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Alexander
- Melbourne Dental School; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health; La Trobe University; Victoria Australia
| | - MS Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - MJ Tyas
- Melbourne Dental School; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - RHK Wong
- Melbourne Dental School; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
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Abstract
One of the biggest challenges currently facing the dental profession in Australia is the provision of quality and timely dental care to the elderly. Adults aged 65+ years are an exponentially growing section of the community with rapidly changing dental needs, thanks in part to improvements in oral health over the past 60 years that have resulted in a dramatically decreased rate of edentulism and subsequently an increased number of teeth present. This is a challenge not only for the public dental services, but also public health policy makers, private dental practitioners, professional organizations and dental education providers. It is an issue that crosses a range of dental care providers, not only dentists but also dental prosthetists and dental hygienists, whose role in the provision of dental services has been slowly growing in Australia. Furthermore, with evidence of links between oral and systemic health, this issue has significant impacts for the broader health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Alexander G, Hopcraft MS, Tyas MJ, Wong RHK. Dentists' restorative decision-making and implications for an 'amalgamless' profession. Part 1: a review. Aust Dent J 2014; 59:408-19. [PMID: 25090909 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Minamata Convention has agreed to a worldwide reduction and ultimate elimination in the production and use of mercury containing products. This will have implications for the practice of dentistry. Australian organizations' pronouncements on the issue are limited and research examining the Australian context dated. The restoration of teeth with direct materials has changed significantly since the 1980s. Up to this time amalgam was the material of choice for direct posterior restorations. Its properties and guidelines for placement were, and remain, well established. Resin composite has replaced amalgam as the material of choice in many clinical situations. Despite inherent clinical disadvantages compared to amalgam, there continues to be a shift toward greater use of resin composite. There is consensus worldwide that the restoration of posterior teeth using resin composite now exceeds that of amalgam. The reasons for this are reviewed in this article along with current evidence and commentary relating to direct restorative and evidence-based decision-making, minimally invasive approaches, and approaches to education. The implications for these in an 'amalgamless' profession are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Alexander
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria; Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, La Trobe University, Victoria
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Alexander G, Hopcraft MS, Tyas MJ, Wong RHK. Dentists' restorative decision-making and implications for an ‘amalgamless’ profession. Part 2: a qualitative study. Aust Dent J 2014; 59:420-31. [DOI: 10.1111/adj.12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Alexander
- Melbourne Dental School; The University of Melbourne; Victoria
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Health; La Trobe University; Victoria
| | - MS Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School; The University of Melbourne; Victoria
| | - MJ Tyas
- Melbourne Dental School; The University of Melbourne; Victoria
| | - RHK Wong
- Melbourne Dental School; The University of Melbourne; Victoria
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Cochrane NJ, Hopcraft MS, Tong AC, Thean HL, Thum YS, Tong DE, Wen J, Zhao SC, Stanton DP, Yuan Y, Shen P, Reynolds EC. Fluoride content of tank water in Australia. Aust Dent J 2014; 59:180-6. [PMID: 24861392 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to: (1) analyse the fluoride content of tank water; (2) determine whether the method of water collection or storage influenced fluoride content; and (3) survey participant attitudes towards water fluoridation. METHODS Plastic tubes and a questionnaire were distributed through dentists to households with water tanks in Victoria. A midstream tank water sample was collected and fluoride analysed in triplicate using ion chromatography RESULTS All samples (n = 123) contained negligible amounts of fluoride, with a mean fluoride concentration of <0.01 ppm (range: <0.01-0.18 ppm). No statistically significant association was found between fluoride content and variables investigated such as tank material, tank age, roof material and gutter material. Most people did not know whether their tank water contained fluoride and 40.8% preferred to have access to fluoridated water. The majority thought fluoride was safe and more than half of the respondents supported fluoridation. Fluoride content of tank water was well below the optimal levels for caries prevention. CONCLUSIONS People who rely solely on tank water for drinking may require additional exposure to fluoride for optimal caries prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Cochrane
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Victoria
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Martin JM, O'Halloran KA, Butcher JA, Hopcraft MS, Arnold-Smith TS, Calache H. Evaluation of a capacity building clinical educational model for oral health clinicians treating very young children. Community Dent Health 2014; 31:176-182. [PMID: 25300154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are significant levels of dental caries in Australian school-aged children, with children aged five years having a mean dmft of 1.3. It has also been identified that, in general, oral health clinicians lack confidence to treat very young children and this study aimed to increase capacity of public sector oral health clinicians to treat preschool children. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN An educational program was developed, implemented and evaluated for its capability to increase the confidence and knowledge of oral health clinicians and dental assistants in providing oral care for children aged 12 months to 5 years. RESULTS In 2011 and 2012, the course was delivered to 36 clinicians (22 dentists, 12 dental therapists, and two oral health therapists) and showed increases in their confidence and knowledge for participants when providing dental procedures to preschool children. CONCLUSIONS The educational program that was developed and implemented has met its objective of increasing the knowledge and confidence of practicing oral health clinicians and dental assistants in the management of preschool children. Strategies to further enhance the outcomes of this educational program have been proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - MS Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School; The University of Melbourne; Victoria
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Articaine is a new local anaesthetic drug introduced to the Australian dental market. The aim of this study was to elicit information regarding the use of articaine in Australia, and factors that influence attitudes towards adoption of new technology. METHODS A self-administered postal questionnaire was sent to a stratified systematic sample of dentists who were members of the Australian Dental Association, with questions regarding details about articaine use and how influences such as education and scientific literature affect their adoption of new technology. RESULTS Of the sample, 53% responded and over 70% of dentists surveyed used articaine, with 95% and 97% of respondents identifying scientific literature and continuing professional development courses respectively as influencing factors in their adoption of new technology. The most common reason for not using articaine was no perceived advantage and the most influential factor that would encourage non-users to start using articaine was a scientifically proven advantage. Senior clinicians, specialists and public sector dentists were less likely to use articaine. CONCLUSIONS A majority of Australian dentists were using articaine and cited continuing professional development courses, scientific literature and anecdotal peer reports as being influential in their adoption of new technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Yapp
- Postgraduate Endodontics, Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria.
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Abstract
Saliva plays an important protective role in the oral environment, and reductions in saliva quantity are known to increase the risk of oral diseases. Importantly, xerostomia or the perception of a dry mouth is now being recognized as an important risk factor for dental diseases. Furthermore, the subjective sensation of a dry mouth is a debilitating condition in itself that impacts on the quality of life of sufferers. With approximately 1 in 5 people reporting some form of dry mouth, and an increasing prevalence in the elderly, it is important for clinicians to have a thorough understanding of this problem. The aim of this paper is to review some of the literature relating to xerostomia in order to provide an evidence based update for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Cooperative Research Centre for Oral Health Sciences, Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria.
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Hopcraft MS, Morgan MV, Satur JG, Wright FAC. Utilizing dental hygienists to undertake dental examination and referral in residential aged care facilities. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2011; 39:378-84. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2010.00605.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hopcraft MS, Manton DJ, Chong PL, Ko G, Ong PYS, Sribalachandran S, Wang CJ, Yong PY, Jian LF. Participation in continuing professional development by dental practitioners in Victoria, Australia in 2007. Eur J Dent Educ 2010; 14:227-234. [PMID: 20946251 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0579.2010.00615.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) was introduced in 2005 in Victoria, Australia to ensure that dental practitioners maintained their skills, knowledge and kept up-to-date with current topics in dentistry. The aim of this study was to investigate the participation, impact on practice and attitudes of Victorian dentists and dental specialists to CPD activities since the commencement of mandatory CPD. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of registered dentists and dental specialists (n = 895) was conducted from May to August 2008 using an anonymous, postal, self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS The response rate was 66%. More than three quarters of practitioners believed mandatory CPD is a reasonable requirement for continued registration. Dentists reported attending an average of 30.9 h of certifiable clinical CPD whilst specialists attended an average of 33.2 h of certifiable clinical CPD over a 12-month period. Nearly three quarters of respondents reported changing their practice as a result of CPD activities, whilst one quarter attended CPD mainly to meet the mandatory requirements. CONCLUSIONS Overall there was a positive attitude towards mandatory CPD and a high level of participation in CPD activities by Victorian dentists and specialists in 2007, although nearly half of the respondents attended <20 h of certified clinical CPD during 2007. A number of barriers exist, particularly for rural and female practitioners in accessing CPD, and further research is required to examine the benefits derived from mandatory CPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Cooperative Research Centre for Oral Health Sciences, Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown a substantial decline in caries experience in Australian Army recruits between 1996 and 2002-2003, and in Australian adults between 1987-1988 and 2004-2006. However, studies in children have reported an increasing trend in caries experience between 1998 and 2002. The aim of this study was to investigate caries experience in Australian Army recruits in 2008. METHODS A cross-sectional study involving 1084 Australian Army recruits was conducted from January to May 2008. Data were obtained from a clinical dental examination with bitewing radiographs, and a questionnaire elicited socio-demographic data and history on lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water. RESULTS Mean DMFT scores were 3.16, 4.08, 5.16 and 7.11 for recruits aged 17-20, 21-25, 26-30 and 31-35 years, respectively. Recruits with a lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water had a mean DMFT of 3.02, while recruits with no exposure had a mean DMFT of 3.87. CONCLUSIONS Caries experience in Australian Army recruits aged 17-25 years increased between 2002-2003 and 2008. Recruits with lifetime exposure to fluoridated drinking water had 25 per cent less caries experience compared with recruits who had no exposure to fluoridated drinking water after adjusting for the effects of age, gender, education and socio-economic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hopcraft
- Melbourne Dental School, Cooperative Research Centre for Oral Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Victoria.
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