A Rønneberg1, A B Skaare2, B Hofmann3,4, I Espelid2. 1. Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Behavioural Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. anne.ronneberg@odont.uio.no. 2. Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Behavioural Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. 3. Section for Health, Technology and Society, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Gjøvik, Norway. 4. Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Abstract
AIM: To explore variation in treatment-related-decisions for severe caries in children among dentists in the Public Dental Service (PDS) in Norway. It was also to evaluate the treatment choices in relation to the best interest of children and a child's rights to enjoy the highest standard of health care. METHODS: A pre-coded questionnaire was sent electronically to all general dental practitioners (GDPs) working in the PDS in eight counties in Norway (n = 611). The questionnaire included two case scenarios to reflect common dental conditions related to severe caries among 5-year-old children. Paediatric dentists and paediatric students were invited to validate the different treatment options. Frequency distributions and statistical analyses were carried out using Chi square statistics. RESULTS: The response rate was 65% (n = 391) among the GDPs. A majority of the GDPs preferred a new appointment with behaviour management techniques (BMT) to a child presenting pulpitis and pain. Dentists educated outside the Nordic region would use restraint more often as a treatment alternative when the child was in pain than Nordic-educated dentists (p\0.05). Dentists with less than 10 years of experience preferred BMT and sedation more often when the child was in pain than their older colleagues, who, however, preferred a waiting approach and no immediate treatment if the child was not in pain(p\0.05) [corrected]. CONCLUSIONS: Use of BMT and sedation is related to region of education and years of experience. Awareness of ethical principles with the child´s best interest in mind, should receive increased attention.
AIM: To explore variation in treatment-related-decisions for severe caries in children among dentists in the Public Dental Service (PDS) in Norway. It was also to evaluate the treatment choices in relation to the best interest of children and a child's rights to enjoy the highest standard of health care. METHODS: A pre-coded questionnaire was sent electronically to all general dental practitioners (GDPs) working in the PDS in eight counties in Norway (n = 611). The questionnaire included two case scenarios to reflect common dental conditions related to severe caries among 5-year-old children. Paediatric dentists and paediatric students were invited to validate the different treatment options. Frequency distributions and statistical analyses were carried out using Chi square statistics. RESULTS: The response rate was 65% (n = 391) among the GDPs. A majority of the GDPs preferred a new appointment with behaviour management techniques (BMT) to a child presenting pulpitis and pain. Dentists educated outside the Nordic region would use restraint more often as a treatment alternative when the child was in pain than Nordic-educated dentists (p\0.05). Dentists with less than 10 years of experience preferred BMT and sedation more often when the child was in pain than their older colleagues, who, however, preferred a waiting approach and no immediate treatment if the child was not in pain(p\0.05) [corrected]. CONCLUSIONS: Use of BMT and sedation is related to region of education and years of experience. Awareness of ethical principles with the child´s best interest in mind, should receive increased attention.
Authors: Nicola U Zitzmann; Elisabeth Zemp; Roland Weiger; Niklaus P Lang; Clemens Walter Journal: Int J Prosthodont Date: 2011 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.681
Authors: Kathryn A Atchison; Carol A Bibb; Karen H Lefever; Ronald S Mito; Sylvia Lin; Rita Engelhardt Journal: J Dent Educ Date: 2002-12 Impact factor: 2.264