Márcia Maria Vendiciano Barbosa Vasconcelos

Satisfação dos usuários assistidos nos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas do Município do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil

This study evaluated patient satisfaction at four specialized dental clinics in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Data were collected through a standardized self-applied individual questionnaire with 272 patients, to evaluate user satisfaction with public dental services. The findings indicated a positive evaluation on most dimensions, except for accessibility. Significant differences were observed between the services on the following dimensions: patient-dentist relationship (p = 0.001); patient-dental assistant relationship (p = 0.007); effectiveness (p = 0.014) accessibility/waiting time (p = 0.018); physical environment/reception room cleanliness (p = 0.004); acceptability (p = 0.029); and effectiveness/tooth appearance (p = 0.029), effectiveness/chewing capacity (p < 0.001). In conclusion, most users were satisfied with the dental care, and satisfaction differed between services.

The role of occlusal factors on the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders

Abstract Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between occlusal factors and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methodology: One hundred patients were selected among those who sought medical or dental care in public practice in Recife, Brazil. The presence of malocclusions and absence of five or more posterior teeth were evaluated by the clinical exam. TMD diagnosis was given using Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD). Statistics were carried out using Fisher and Mann–Whitney methods with 5% significance level, as well as multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The sample was mainly comprised of women (83%), individuals over 30 years old (57%) and singles (53%). The percentage of TMD and malocclusion in total sample was 42% and 50%, respectively, while in TMD subjects, malocclusion was present in 38·1%. There was no association between TMD and the occlusal factors studied. Conclusion: It can be concluded that malocclusion and loss of five or more posterior teeth does not contribute to TMD.

Association between symptoms of depression and oral health conditions: ORAL HEALTH AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

AIMS To investigate the symptoms of depression and oral health status in Brazilian public healthcare system users. MATERIALS AND METHODS Analysis of a cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of 776 individuals aged 15 years or older, in the urban areas of Recife (Brazil), obtained by multistage sampling. Committee on Ethics in Research with Human Beings (CAAE) 0538.0.172.172-11. Depression symptoms were verified by means of Axis II of the Research Diagnostic Criteria in Temporomandibular Disorder. For the socioeconomic level, the economic classification criteria of the Brazilian Association of Research Companies and clinical exam record charts were used to establish variables related to oral health conditions. RESULTS The variables discomfort on occlusion (OR = 1.882 CI = 1.384-2.560), gingival bleeding (OR = 1.384 CI = 1.002-1.912), and self-perception of oral health (OR = 1.549 CI = 1.054-2.277), remained in the regression model. CONCLUSION Discomfort on occlusion, self-perception of oral health, gingival bleeding, sex, and skin color were shown to be associated with the presence of depressive symptoms.

Effect of a Brazilian regional basic diet on the prevalence of caries in rats

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a regional basic diet (RBD) on the prevalence of caries in the molar teeth of rats of both sexes aged 23 days. The animals were divided into six groups of 10 rats each receiving the following diets for 30 and 60 days after weaning: RBD, a cariogenic diet, and a commercial diet. The prevalence and penetration of caries in the molar teeth of the rats was then analyzed. The RBD produced caries in 37.5% of the teeth of animals fed 30 days, and in 83.4% of animals fed 60 days, while the cariogenic diet produced caries in 72.5% and 77.5% of the teeth of animals fed 30 and 60 days, respectively. Rats fed the RBD for 30 days had caries in the enamel in 38% of their teeth, 48% had superficial dentin caries, and 7.5% moderate dentin caries. The effect of the RBD did not differ significantly from that of the cariogenic diet in terms of the presence of caries in rats fed 60 days. The penetration depth of the caries produced by the RBD was the same as that produced by the cariogenic diet. Our results show that the RBD has the same cariogenic potential as the cariogenic diet. Since the RBD is the only option for the low-income population, there should be a study of how to compensate for the cariogenicity of this diet.

State, trait, and dental anxiety in caregivers of individuals with disabilities: ANXIETY IN CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare state anxiety, trait anxiety, and dental anxiety in caregivers of patients with special needs and caregivers of pediatric patients without special needs at dental clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire. All respondents were older than 18 years of age. Individuals with cognitive impairment and those taking anxiolytics, antidepressants, or sleep-inducing medication were excluded from the study. The sample consisted of 55 caregivers of patients with special needs and 55 caregivers of pediatric dental patients. A questionnaire was administered to determine the sociodemographic profile of the patients based on the 2015 Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria. Anxiety regarding dental treatment was measured using the dental anxiety scale. The state-trait anxiety inventory was used to identify state and trait anxiety levels. RESULTS Caregivers of individuals with disabilities had a similar level of anxiety as caregivers of pediatric dental patients. Most caregivers of individuals with disabilities were mothers with an older age and a greater frequency of trait anxiety, especially when these mothers had health problems. State anxiety was associated with a lower education level. CONCLUSIONS Higher dental anxiety levels were found among caregivers with a higher level of trait anxiety, independently of the type of patient to which care was given.