THREE-DIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PHARYNGEAL AIRWAY AND MAXILLARY SINUS VOLUMES IN INDIVIDUALS WITH NON-SYNDROMIC CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

Introduction: Children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are known to have airway problems. Introduction of ConeBeam CT (CBCT) and imaging software has facilitated generation of 3D images for assessing the volume of maxillary sinuses and pharyngeal airway. Consequently, the present study aimed at evaluating and comparing the maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway volume of patients with cleft lip and palate in healthy patients, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and method: The sample group included 27 individuals (15 with cleft lip and palate subjects and 12 healthy subjects). The pharyngeal airway and each maxillary sinus were three-dimensionally assessed, segmented and their volume was calculated. A comparison between the right and left sinus was performed by Student t-test, and the differences between the control and cleft groups were calculated using ANOVA. Results: No statistically significant differences were found when the maxillary sinuses volumes from each side were compared (p >0.05). The unilateral CLP patients presented the lowest sinus volume. Individuals with CLP did not exhibit a total airway volume smaller than the nonCLP controls. Conclusions: 3D imaging using CBCT and Romexis software is reliable for assessing maxillary sinus and pharyngeal airway volume. The present study showed that the pharyngeal airway is not compromised in CLP individuals. The unilateral CLP individuals present maxillary sinuses with smaller volumes, no differences being recorded between the cleft and non-cleft side

ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS FINDINGS ON CONE BEAM-COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN CLEFT LIP AND PALATE PATIENTS

Introduction: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is frequently used in surgery treatment planning in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of different anatomical variations of patients with cleft lip and palate using CBCT images. Materials and method: CBCTs taken from consecutive patients (n =25; mean age 10.7±4 years, range 6.5–23 years) with a non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP), between June 2014-2015, were systematically evaluated. Sinuses, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), maxilla and mandible were checked for incidental findings. Results: On 90.1 % of the CBCTs, incidental findings were found. The most prevalent ones were airway/sinus findings (78.1%), followed by dental problems, e.g. missing teeth (54%), nasal septum deviation (93%), middle ear and mastoid opacification, suggestive for otitis media (8%) and (chronic) mastoiditis (7%), abnormal TMJ anatomy (4.3%). Conclusions: Incidental findings are common on CBCTs in cleft lip and palate patients. Compared with the literature, CLP patients have more dental, nasal and ear problems. The CBCT scan should be reviewed by all specialists in the CLP team, stress being laid on their specific background knowledge concerning symptoms and treatment of these patients

PATIENT PERSPECTIVE ON ADHERENCE TO ORGANIZATIONAL PRINCIPLES IN DENTAL PRACTICE

The clinical activity in dental offices carries a heightened risk of pathogen transmission through direct contact with contaminated products, indirectly via instruments and equipment, and through cross-infection. This study aimed to evaluate patient perceptions of adherence to organizational principles in private dental practices. Material and Methods: To gauge public attitude and knowledge about the safety of medical procedures and infection control in dental offices, a questionnaire study was conducted with 75 patients undergoing dental treatments in two private clinics in Iași, aged between 20 and 75 years. Results: Patients believe they can contract diseases such as viral hepatitis B (76.3%), HIV infection (100%), viral hepatitis C (82.5%), viral hepatitis A (12.5%), influenza (96.5%), tuberculosis (23.7%), and chickenpox, smallpox, rubella (0.5 – 2.8%) during dental treatments. 96% of patients are unwilling to visit a dental clinic that previously treated an HIV-infected patient. 27% discussed with their dentist the risk of contracting diseases from dental treatments. 65.5% believe that a dentist infected with HIV can provide dental treatments if protective equipment (mask, gloves, glasses) is used. 100% agree that gloves and masks are essential for the dentist during treatment. Conclusions: Patients have a good understanding of the causes of infection transmission in dental clinics and how medical activities should be organized to reduce this risk. Continuous medical education and the implementation of specific programs should aim to increase compliance with infection control measures among both dentists and patients

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF CONTAMINATED WASTE IN DENTAL PRACTICE AMONG DENTAL DOCTORS IN IAȘI, ROMANIA

Biologically contaminated waste in medical practice has become one of the most urgent environmental issues. As producers of hazardous waste, dentists have the responsibility and obligation to ensure proper waste management in their clinics. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding the management of contaminated waste in dental practice among dental practitioners in Iași, Romania. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire via the survio platform, including questions related to demographic profile (age, gender, specialization, years of practice) and inquiries evaluating knowledge, awareness, and practice concerning biomedical waste management. Results: 78.7% of participants were aware of the guidelines regulating medical activity in dental offices; 85.3% of respondents correctly identified the colors for each type of waste; 46.7% of respondents chose “1 week” as the storage duration for waste; 72% of dentists consider that managing contaminated waste is their responsibility. Conclusions: our study revealed that although the attitude towards biomedical waste management was highly positive among the dentists, the results indicate that while dentists understand the importance of managing hazardous waste, knowledge and practice still have room for improvement

KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE INDICATIONS, CONTRAINDICATIONS AND ADVANTAGES OF CBCT EXAMINATIONS AMONG DENTISTS AND SPECIALISTS

CBCT has proven to be a highly effective diagnostic tool for maxillofacial imaging and has a wide range of dental uses. Aim: the goal of this study was to assess dentists and specialits level of knowledge and attitudes regarding the indications, contraindications, and benefits of CBCT tests. Material and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants responded to online questionnaires that asked them about their experience using CBCT, its benefits and drawbacks, operational principles, and their reasons for recommending or not recommending CBCT. With SPSS 26.0, a statistical analysis was performed. Results: Dentists and prosthetists specialits consider that they have good knowledge regarding the use of CBCT, the same situation being recorded for those who have more than 20 years of work experience. 93.3% of dentists and all specialists recommended CBCT to patients, the trend being the same in terms of seniority where 75% of those with less than 5 years of experience and all doctors with more than 5 years of experience recommended CBCT to patients Most of the participating doctors attended training courses on the use of CBCT. The main reasons why CBCT is not recommended are because it is not necessary (40%), it is an expensive operation (26.7%). Most participants prefer to perform their own interpretation of the radiological examination, except for half of the dentists, prosthetists. Conclusion:The results of the study indicate a satisfactory level of knowledge and attitudes regarding the use of CBCT. Dentists and prosthodontists recommend the use of CBCT as a more frequent diagnostic method. Practitioners with more years of practice, are more reluctant to use this method of radiological evaluation frequently