MBRU Theses & Dissertations

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Assessment of the Knowledge of United Arab Emirates Dentists of Child Maltreatment, Protection and Safeguarding
(2016-08) Al Hajeri, Hind
Background: Child safeguarding, governed by international, national and local laws, is the responsibility of all members of society. Members of the dental team are in a unique position to recognize Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) in dental practice and in the wider society. Objective: To assess the awareness of dentists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with regards to child maltreatment, child protection and child safeguarding. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 381 UAE dentists was conducted. Questions related to the knowledge and practice of CAN and related safeguarding issues were tabled and cross tabulated against demographic variables. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation test. Statistical significance was set as p <0.05. Results: 39.4 %(n=152) of the participants had suspected CAN (mean1.3 CAN cases in the last 5 years); male dentists suspected more CAN than female dentists, however, orthodontists, paediatric dentists (p=0.000) and female dentists (p=0.001) were more knowledgeable about diagnosing CAN. Paediatric dentists attended more CAN-related postgraduate training (p=0.000) than other specialties. Amongst other results, 53.5% (n=204) were not aware of child protection guidelines,58.1% (n=224) and 54.1% (n=206) had undergraduate and postgraduate training about CAN issues respectively and 90.8% (n=346) believed that CAN should be addressed. Barriers to dentists referring CAN cases for child protection were; fear of family violence (59.6%, n=227), lack of knowledge of referral process (60.2%,n=228) and lack of diagnosis certainty (54.9%, n=206).UAE dentists qualified in Western and Asian countries had significantly fewer barriers for child protection (p=0.022)than the Arab and Gulf Cooperation Council qualified dentists. Conclusions: The UAE dentists surveyed witnessed CAN with an average of 1.3 cases in the last 5 years. Many variables (such as gender, specialty, and country of qualification) affected the dentist’s knowledge of CAN and the practice of child safeguarding. Despite agreeing that CAN is an issue that should be addressed, a majority were not aware of the local child protection guidelines and had perceived barriers preventing them from arranging a child protection referral. Female dentists, orthodontists and paediatric dentists scored significantly higher in recognizing CAN cases compared to male dentists and other specialties (general dental practitioners, restorative dentists and oral surgeons).Training and practice recommendations were made. Knowledge of CAN did not necessarily mean more practice of child protection. There was no correlation between those who scored high in CAN knowledge and the CAN practice scores.
Changes In Children’s Oral-Health-Related Quality Of Life Following Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia In The United Arab Emirates
(2019) Obaid Al Antali, Kholoud
Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is one of the most common childhood diseases in preschool children. Many young pediatric patients with ECC receive Dental treatment under Dental General Anesthesia (DGA). Changes in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) can be used to assess the outcome of DGA treatment. The aim of our study was to assess whether dental rehabilitation of young UAE children under DGA improved OHRQoL for children and their families. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study, using a pre-and-post design survey to evaluate changes in OHRQoL following comprehensive dental treatment under GA was conducted. A total of 173 parents completed Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) before and three to six months after their children mean age 4.6 (+ 1.86 years) underwent comprehensive dental treatment under DGA by a specialist pediatric dentist in a pediatric dental clinic in Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi Emirate during a year period from 1st March 2017 to 28th February 2018. The ECOHIS and its effect size (ES) served to evaluate children's OHRQoL, the Wilcoxon signed-rank, Internal consistency and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analyses. Results: A total of 244 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study pre-operatively. However, 71 participants did not complete the post-operative questionnaire and a total number of 173 parents completed the pre- and post-operative ECOHIS questionnaires, and this accounted for 71% response rate. The mean dmft of the children prior to the treatment was 13.8 (+ 3.07). Pain and eating problems among children and parents feeling upset and guilty were the most frequently reported impacts at baseline. The overall ECOHIS scores decreased significantly (p < 0.001) after DGA treatment, revealing a large ES for the child (2.19) and family (2.79) sections of the ECOHIS. The change in the child’s self-image and social interaction scores was statistically related to their caries experience. Conclusion: DGA treatment resulted in significant improvement in all child and family physical, psychological and social aspects of oral health quality of life. There is a need for studies to involve more children including those with special needs and medically compromised children in all of the UAE emirates and also studies for surveying the effect of DGA on OHRQoL of school age children, with the questionnaires being completed by children themselves and not their parents/guardians.
Characteristics of pediatric dental treatment provided under general anesthesia in Dubai, United Arab Emirates - A retrospective analysis
(2021) Abdo, Mohammad Motea
Background: Dental general anesthesia (DGA) is a widely used technique in pediatric dentistry. Several researchers have examined their DGA cases and tried to pinpoint the primary cause leading to it. Furthermore, factors affecting the success rate of DGA are a widely investigated topic in the literature. However, in the UAE there is a notable paucity of properly conducted studies specifically relating to this subject. Aim: This study was set out to analyse characteristics of dental treatment provided for children under General Anesthesia (GA) and review any differences of treatment between Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) and healthy patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data that was collected from the electronic records of all patients who underwent any dental treatment under GA in the period between January 1 st 2016 up until the 29th of February 2020. Data included sociodemographic status of patients, preoperative information such as diagnosis and justification of GA, intraoperative information including treatment details and duration, and post-operative information such as follow-up rates and morbidities. Results: The study population consisted of 98 patients. Majority of the sample were males (62.2%), and the mean age was 5.4 years. 26 out of the 98 children had a medical condition and were categorized as ASA II. Results of the study showed that the most common diagnosis leading to GA is Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and the most common justification is lack of cooperation due to young age. The study also showed that nearly half the patients missed their one-week, 3-months and 6-months follow-up visits. Further dental treatment was needed for 23 (23.5%) patients which were delivered under local anesthesia in the dental chair. Out of the 23 patient who received further treatment (60.9%) were due to new carious lesions. Four (4.08%) out of the 98 children had a repeat GA episode. SHCN patients received significantly more interventive measures and significantly less pulp therapies than healthy patients. The ratio of fissure sealants was 3.65 sealants per SHCN patient compared to 0.77 sealants per healthy child. Conclusion: A more comprehensive treatment plan which consists of fewer pulp therapies was adopted to treat SHCN children accompanied by a notable increase in preventive interventions when compared to healthy patients. Frequently missing recall appointments following DGA increased the likelihood of developing new carious lesions and consequently increased the need for further dental treatment.
Dental Caries Experience and Oral Health in Down Syndrome Children In Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A Case Control Study
(2016-08) Ghaith, Batool
Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health status in Down syndrome (DS) children in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: A total of 106 DS children (mean age = 9.3 ± 2.8)and 125 healthy children (mean age = 11.7 ± 4.4) were recruited from both special needs centres and private/public schools in Dubai. A dental examination including caries assessment using dmft/DMFT indices, oral hygiene assessment using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, an assessment of occlusal anomalies, dentofacial abnormalities, soft tissue abnormalities and erosion were conducted. Results: The mean number of DMFT in DS children was significantly higher than that in healthy children (3.32 ± 4.62 vs. 2.16 ± 2.86). The dmft scores were highest among the youngest age groups in DS with primary dentition compared to their controls. The Met Need Index (MNI) and Restorative Index (RI) were calculated from the mean dmft/DMFT of the studied DS sample. DS children in the primary dentition group had higher RI and MNI scores than the control group (RI= 27% and MNI= 40%vs RI= 2.52% and MNI= 2.54%). On the other hand, Calculus Index (CI) was found to be significantly higher among children with DS (0.25±0.52) compared with healthy controls (0.07±0.27) (p-value < 0.004).DS subjects had a significantly higher proportion of open bite compared to the controlgroup (40% vs 11.2%), crossbite (42% vs. 28%), scissor bite (9.5% vs 2.4%), anterior spacing (45.3% vs 32%) and posterior spacing (20.8% vs. 8%). Class IIImolar Angle malocclusion was significantly higher in DS (66%) compared to controls (11.2%). DS individuals had remarkably increased frequencies of dentofacial anomalies such as shovel shaped incisors, high arched palate and microdontia compared to controls. In addition, erosion was significantly higher among DS children compared to healthy control(34% vs. 15.3%). Conclusions: Individuals with DS feature unique medical and orofacial characteristics that might interfere with their oral health. This current study had concluded thatDS children in Dubai had higher caries rate compared to healthy children. Despite the high caries rate among DS subjects, they received more restorations and dental treatment compared to the controlgroup.DS subjectsin Dubai demonstrated most of the dentofacial anomalies usually seen in DS individuals.
Dentists’ Knowledge and Application of the Guidelines for the Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries in the United Arab Emirates
(2016-08) Alyasi, Mediya
Purpose/Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and to compare the level of general dental practitioners’ (GDPs) knowledge within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the ways to manage traumatic dental injuries, and to compare their level of knowledge with that of paediatric dentists’ (PDs). Materials and Methods: A two-part questionnaire consisted of seven questions relating to the participants’ demographic data and alongside thirteen questions demonstrating trauma case scenarios. The questionnaires were distributed among dentists’ electronic mail as well as in two local conferences. A total of 296questionnaires were received and data were statistically analysed to identify GDPs’ knowledge regarding how to manage dental trauma cases, and to henceforth compare the score of GDPs’ knowledge with that of PDs’. Results: Out of a total top score of 13 the mean score for GDPs’ knowledge was 4.87±1.82 which illustrated poor knowledge. This means that only 37.5% of the total of the 13 questions was answered correctly. The mean knowledge score of paediatric dentists was 5.56±1.47, which is also poor with 42.8% correct answers. However, the difference in knowledge between GDPs and PDs was statistically significant (p-value =0.005). Conclusions: This survey demonstrates poor knowledge of dental trauma management among the surveyed GDPs as well as PDs, and highlights the need to develop strategies to improve the knowledge base in this area of dentistry. Keywords: Traumatic dental injuries, knowledge, guidelines, general dental practitioners, paediatric dentists, United Arab Emirates.
Development of a dental reference data set for Emirati children and adolescents based on the Demirjian’s method
(2021) Al Haj, Sharifa
Background: The ability to predict the difference between chronological age (CA) and dental age (DA) is an important aid in the accurate diagnosis and treatment planning process in the pediatric population. Aim: To establish a Dental Reference Data Set (DRDS) of Emirati children aged between 5 to 15 years. Materials and Methods: Dental Panoramic Tomography (DPTs) of 139 Emirati children aged 5 to 15 were to conduct a retrospective case-note cross- sectional study and used to establish a DRDS. The Tooth Development Stages (TDS) system described by Demirjian (1973) was used to assess all the permanent teeth on the left side of the Mandible. Results: The mean maturation score of the Emirati population compared was not statistically significant from that of the French-Canadian children (males P value = 0.723, females P value = 0.664). Emirati children’s DA was higher compared to the Canadian standards. The mean difference between DA-CA in girls and in boys was 1.21 and 0.79 years respectively (p <0.001). Using a normalization methodology, self-weighted scores were developed for Emirati girls and boys. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the Demirjianmethod was suitable for estimating the dental age in a group of Emirati children.
Educational Initiative for School Nurses and Physical Education Teachers on the Emergency Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
(2017-08) Alsari, Shahad
Introduction: Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) is an urgent matter crucial for long term prognosis, especially in cases of tooth avulsion. School playgrounds and physical education (PE) classes are common sites for TDIs. School nurses and PE teachers find themselves the first respondents to TDIs occurring on school premises. Proper knowledge of the emergency management of the TDIs on the part of school nurses and PE teachers will inevitably lead to better outcomes. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of school nurses and PE teachers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) about the management of emergency dental trauma at school and to measure the educational impact of the specially designed educational session on school nurses’ and PE teachers’ knowledge regarding TDIs both immediately after the session and three months later. Materials and methods: The design of this study was a longitudinal (cohort) prospective pre-and post t-test design involving a questionnaire survey distributed to the school nurses and PE teachers during an educational session, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures were used to compare the three group means for the same participants, a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant in all statistical analysis. Results: Results of the repeated ANOVA test revealed a significant improvement in the knowledge score among participants from the initial survey to immediately after the educational session, and sustainability of knowledge from immediately after the educational session to three months after the first session. Conclusion: The study demonstrated an initial lack of knowledge about the emergency management of the TDIs among school nurses and PE teachers in Dubai. A significant improvement in the
The Effects of the Placement of Prefabricated Metal Crowns Utilizing the Hall Technique on Masseter Muscle Activity: A Surface Electromyography Study in Children
(2019-08) Serdaneh, Salsabeel
Background: Hall technique crowns, used to restore non-pulpal carious primary molars, change the occlusal apparatus temporarily, of which the masseters muscles are part of. Surface-electromyography (sEMG) is used to assess masseter muscle activity (MMA). Aim: To assess the effect of Hall technique crownson MMA in children by measuring sEMG. Methods: Bilateral MMA was recorded (mean integrated sEMG expressed in μV.s) for ten cycles of Rest Position (RP) and Maximum Voluntary Clenching(MVC) over 20 seconds immediately-pre (P₁) and immediately-post (P₂) cementing a single HTC in 12 healthy children withcaries. Further post op results at two weeks (P₃) and six weeks (P₄) results were obtained for 9 and 7 out of the 12 children respectively. T-test, ANOVA and post hoc statistical analyses were used. Significance was set at (p<0.05). Results: Bilateral MMA was low at rest and increased during clenching in children. MMA increased significantly (p<0.001) between RP and MVC at P₁ from 1.85(+0.96) to 5.49(+2.30) μV.s; at P₂ from 1.77(+1.15) to 3.75(+1.81); at P₃ from 1.39(+0.54) to 5.54(+1.45) and finally at P₄ from 1.46(+0.56) to 6.6(+2.56). While there were no significant differences between all RP-MMA readings at P₁, P₂, P₃& P₄(p=0.18), the MVC-MMA readings differed significantly (p<0.001) as MVC-MMA at P₁(baseline) reduced by a third at P₂, returning to (p=0.822) and increasing above (p<0.001) MVC-MMA baseline levels at P₃ and P₄ respectively. Conclusions: Children’s masseter muscle clenching activity, as measured by sEMG, reduced immediately after cementing a single HTPMC. The activity returned to, and later exceeded, baseline levels at two and six weeks respectively. HTPMCs had minimal effect on masseter muscle rest activity.
Enamel Defects and Caries in Preterm Children Aged 5-10 Years in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(2019-08) Alshehhi, Anood
Background: Enamel defects are among the most commonly reported dental findings in preterm/low birth weight children. They potentially lead to an increase in caries susceptibility. Aim: To assess the prevalence of enamel defects and dental caries in a group of preterm children (aged 5-10 years)in Dubai, United Arab Emirates(UAE). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of sixty-two preterm children (mean age=8.1±1.54) and sixty-two full-term children (mean age=8.1±1.73) of both genders born in Latifah Children’s Hospital in Dubai (UAE). The medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all births between January 2007 and December 2012 to obtain demographics, birth condition, gestational week and birth weight. A dental examination to check for enamel defects and dental caries was performed by one calibrated examiner. Results: The prevalence of enamel defects in the pre-term study group was significantly higher than the full-term control group (58.15% and 24.2%respectively; P< 0.001).Enamel defectswere4.34 times more prevalent among preterm children. Birth weight was a statistically significant factor contributing to enamel defects (P<0.001). Preterm children with low and very- low birth weight had more enamel defects 34(94.4%) than full-term children with normal birth weight 13(86.7%). Intubation and type of delivery were significant contributing factors to enamel defects (P<0.05).Pre-term children had double the risk of white or creamy demarcated opacities and three times more risk of post eruptive breakdown compared to the full-term group(P=0.017). In the primary dentition the mean dmft was 4.61±4.30, while in the permanent dentition DMFT was 0.38±0.99.There was a statistically significant difference in permanent teeth caries experience amongst pre-term children compared to the full-term control as measured by DMFT (P=0.008), while there wasno statistically significant difference in primary teeth caries experience as measured by dmft(P=0.222). Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that, in the UAE city of Dubai, there was a high prevalence of enamel defects in the pre-term group. Dental caries experience in the permanent dentition was significantly higher in the pre-term group compared to their full-term counterparts.
Extraction of the Broken Down First Permanent Molar in Children: Practice and Knowledge of United Arab Emirates Dentists
(2017-08) Dastouri, Maryam
Introduction: Treatment of broken down first permanent molars (BDFPMs) varies from simple restorations to enforced extractions. In 2014, the guidelines for “Enforced Extractions of First Permanent Molars (EExFPMs)” were published in the United Kingdom. Aim: To assess the knowledge and practice of dentists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the extraction of BDFPMs in children in light of the 2014 guidelines. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional sample of general dental practitioners (GDPs), paediatric dentists (PDs) and other practicing dentists dealing with children in the UAE completed a self-administered questionnaire between January 2016 and April 2016. Multiple choice questions covered management of BDFPMs; experience of BDFPMs extraction; knowledge and practice of the principle of EExFPMs; views on preservation or extraction of BDFPMs; to whom a case of BDFPMs would be referred; knowledge of the ideal age for the EExFPMs and finally actual awareness of the 2014 UK guidelines. Chi-square tests were conducted and statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: A total of 199 from 300 questionnaires were completed (66.33% return rate). Of those, 85% of the participants believed in saving BDFPMs rather than extraction and 89% preferred to refer/consult with other specialists. A majority (63%) believed that the decision to extract or keep BDFPMs was age related, and 61% knew the most appropriate age to extract lower FPMs (8.5- 10.5 years). Despite 69% being aware of the concept of EExFPMs in general, 51% had not considered and 74% had not practiced it in children. In addition, 82% of UAE dentists were unaware of the UK 2014 EExFPMs guidelines. Training background, specialty were significant influencing factors (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dentists in UAE prefer to restore rather than extract BDFPMs in children, although they would consult other specialists in case of BDFPMs extraction. There was lack of awareness of the actual UK 2014 EExFPMs guidelines in the UAE.
Hall Versus Conventional Preformed Metal Crowns: Radiographic Identification by Pediatric Dentists
(2021) Mohanraja, Sahaana
Background: It is assumed that Conventional preformed metal crowns (PMCs) are usually well adapted to the primary molars, while it has been claimed that the Hall technique (HT) PMC is an oversized, poorly fitting crown with overhanging margins. PMCs, if present in children, are usually identifiable on routine bitewings. Aim: To investigate if pediatric dentists (PDs) were able to identify or perceive any radiographic differences between HT PMCs versus conventional PMCs and to assess the perception and acceptability of HT by PDs over time. Method: An online cross-sectional questionnaire of 25 questions survey was sent via global dentistry society groups, to PDs across the globe between 1 st January to the 31st March 2020. It included 10 randomly selected bitewings showing PMCs (five HT and five conventional). A score out of 10 was calculated for the PMCs detection. T-test, Pearson’s and Fischer’s Chisquare, and Odd Ratios (OR) were calculated (p<0.05). Results: Responses of dentists (N=476) from 58 countries were obtained, with 97% reporting that they used PMCs in their practice. The majority (98.7%) had heard/understood HT, while 79% used it. There was a clear shift, towards supporting the use of the HT, over time with an opinion change OR of 11.154 [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.006- 20.715]. More than two thirds (67%) of the PDs thought that there was no radiographic difference between HT and iii conventional PMCs (out of the 10 bitewings provided), and only five PMCs were identified correctly [average correct score of 4.9 (±1.73) out of 10]. The remainder (33%) who thought there were differences, scored higher than those who had the opposite view (5.31±1.22, and 4.68±1.9 respectively, p<0.00001) No one managed to identify all the 10 PMCs correctly, however, the participants were able to successfully identify HT PMCs on bitewings 4.63 times more than conventional PMCs (OR for successfully identifying HT PMCs; 24.857 [CI: 15.059- 41.028] compared to an OR for successfully identifying conventional PMCs; 5.361 [CI: 3.089- 9.304], p<0.0001). Conclusion: Most of the surveyed PDs identified the PMC type in only half of bitewing radiographs provided. Despite that they perceived that there was no clear radiographic difference between HT and conventional PMCs on bitewings radiographs, the chance of them recognizing HT PMCs on these bitewings was almost five times higher than conventional PMCs. There was a clear supportive shift in opinion over time, for the use of the HT.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers toward their Pre-School Children’s Oral Health: A Questionnaire Survey among a Subpopulation in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
(2016-08) Mahoud, Noura
Background: Parental knowledge and beliefs may have a possibly detrimental effect on young children’s oral health. Oral hygiene and healthy eating habits in children is significantly affected by their parent’s knowledge and awareness of the importance of dental health. Particularly crucial in the preventative cycle is the positive attitude toward good dental care as displayed by the parents. A positive correlation has been determined between parents’ attitudes towards dentistry and better dental health of their children. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers toward their children’s oral health in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 383mothers (average age of the mothers was 36.61 (+7.86 years), of preschool children average age 3.49 (+1.63 years) who attended Sharjah Dental Center, UAE. Data were collected through an interview, using a structured preform. Results: Adequate knowledge was found among (58.2%), and poor knowledge was found among (41.8%);(99% ) of the mothers exhibited excellent attitude and only (20%) were following good practices towards their children’s oral health. Poor knowledge and practices of mothers toward their children’s oral health was significantly associated with mothers’ occupation and education. Employed mothers scored significantly higher mean of knowledge than the others. Mothers with secondary level of education and university qualification had significantly higher scores of practice compared with mothers with primary education. Employed and student mothers had higher scores of attitude higher than unemployed mothers and mothers owning their own businesses. These differences were statistically significant. There were no significant differences in attitudes of mothers from different educational backgrounds. Conclusions & Recommendation: This study demonstrated that although mothers had better than average knowledge and excellent attitude towards their children’s oral health issues; most of them carried out improper practices towards their children’s oral health. The results also demonstrated differences in mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practices according to their educational and employment backgrounds. The data suggested the need for an establishment of awareness programs in order to improve knowledge and practices of the mothers towards their children’s oral health.
Oral Health Challenges Facing the Autistic Child in Dubai: A Survey
(2016-08) Mansoor, Dina
Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by the autistic children and their families in Dubai from three different perspectives of dental care: oral care at home, oral care at the dentist and access to oral care, and to compare the results to their normally developing peers. Materials and Methods: This is a case control comparative study, of 84 autistic and 53 healthy 2 to 18 year old children who were recruited from autistic children attending special needs centers in Dubai and from schools in the same geographic areas including siblings of the autistic children whenever available. Data collection was by way of a survey questionnaire sent to the parents or guardians through the centers and school administrations. The data analysis was done using SPSS statistical system using frequency distributions, descriptive analysis and T-test analysis for comparison. Results: Significantly more parents of autistic children compared to parents of healthy children reported difficulty across almost all oral care variables explored, including oral care at home, oral care at the dentist and access to oral care. The autistic children experienced more difficulty in tooth brushing at home and needed to be physically restrained for it. Their uncooperative behavior and sensory sensitivities increased more during their dental visits, which discouraged their parents from taking them for regular dental checkups. More autistic children had never been to a dentist before due to their uncooperative behavior. Conclusion: This study indicates that autistic children in Dubai experience more challenges and barriers to oral care than their typically developing healthy peers.
Oral Health Problems in Leukaemic Paediatric Patients in the United Arab Emirates: A Retrospective Study
(2016-08) Alnuaimi, Eman
Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of oral health problems in leukaemic paediatric patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and correlate it to the phase of chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 120 of paediatric leukaemic patients (age below 15) in the UAE were reviewed for the occurrence of oral health problems. Records from the three main hospitals that provide cancer therapy were accessed after obtaining the required ethical approvals. Results: The overall oral sequelae prevalence in leukaemic patients in our study was 60%. The most common oral health problem recorded in the patients’ records was oral mucositis and ulceration followed by dental caries and oral candidiasis that accounted for 52.4%, 18.3%, and 14.2% of reported cases respectively. Other oral health problems recorded were gingivitis and gingival bleeding, herpetic gingivostomatitis, dental caries, poor oral hygiene, and facial palsy. The peak incidence of occurrence of most oral problems was during phase IV (maintenance). Conclusion: Our study highlighted important oral complications of leukaemic paediatric patients in the UAE that were not studied previously. Oral health problems as a result of leukaemia and its management are variable and are unavoidable. Close liaison between the oncology and dental teams is essential. Moreover, this study highlighted the importance of supportive care for this group of patients that can help minimize the oral adverse effects of the disease and its treatment, thus improving the oral health-related quality of life (H-RQL) of these patients.
Oral Health Status among Children with Cerebral Palsy in Dubai United Arab Emirates: A Case Control Study
(2016-08) Alhashmi, Haifa
Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health status of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: 84 CP children (mean age =9.33 ±3.89) and 125 healthy children (mean age =9.30 ± 2.68) were recruited from special needs centres, along with private/public schools in Dubai. A dental examination including caries assessment using dmft/DMFT indices, oral hygiene assessment using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, calculus index and oral debris index was conducted. In addition, assessments of occlusal anomalies, dentofacial abnormalities, soft tissue abnormalities, and erosion were conducted. Results: The mean number of DMFT/dmft scores of CP children were comparable to that of healthy children. The Met Need Index (MNI) and Restorative Index (RI) in the CP group with mixed dentition scored the lowest compared with the control group. Calculus Index (CI) was found to be significantly higher among children with CP (0.56±0.78) compared with controls (0.07±0.27)(p-value < 0.001).The proportion of debris was significantly lower among children with CP;57(69.5%) compared with 110(88%) in the healthy controls(p-value =0.001).CP subjects had a significantly higher proportion of anterior open bite compared to the control group (29.3% vs 11.2%, respectively) (p value=0.001), anterior spacing (50% vs 32%)(p value=0.007)and trauma(31.7% vs3.2%) (p value <0.001).Class II molar Angle malocclusion was significantly higher in CP(80.7%) compared to controls (25.5%)(p value <0.001).CP individuals had remarkably increased frequencies of dentofacial anomalies such as high arched palate, tongue thrust, and lymphadenopathy compared to controls. In addition, CP subjects had significantly higher proportion of oral soft tissues’ anomalies such as angular cheilitis, macroglossia, and drooling. Moreover, erosion was significantly higher among CP children relative to healthy controls (42.7% vs15.2%, p-value< 0.001) Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that CP patients had a tendency toward lower rates of caries compared to healthy children, along with lower rates of restorative and dental care. Significantly higher calculus deposits, lower debris index, and comparable oral hygiene index were also observed. Further, different forms of malocclusion in CP children exceeded those of children without disabilities.
Oral Manifestations and Dentofacial Anomalies in Beta Thalassaemia Major Children in Dubai (UAE): A Case Control Study 2015
(2016-08) Al Raeesi, Shaikha,
Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify special oral and dentofacial manifestations peculiar to beta thalassaemia major children in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: A total of 38 Emirati children with beta thalassaemia major (mean age =10.18 ± 3.19) and 76 healthy Emirati children (mean age = 10.79 ± 3.54) were recruited from Dubai Genetic & Thalassaemia Centre, along with public schools in Dubai. A dental examination including caries assessment using dmft/DMFT indices, oral hygiene assessment using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, an assessment of occlusal anomalies, dentofacial abnormalities and soft tissue abnormalities was conducted. Results: There was a clear and statistically significant difference in caries experience amongst thalassaemia children compared to the healthy controls with DMFT (2.73 ± 0.22 vs 0.21 ± 0.56, p-value = 0.017). The Met Need Index (MNI) and the Restorative Index (RI) were calculated from the mean dmft/DMFT of the studied sample. Children in the thalassaemia group received less treatment than their controls in all age groups; however, this was not shown to be statistically significant. Calculus Index (CI) was found to be significantly higher among children with beta thalassaemia (0.27 ± 0.43) compared with healthy controls (0.09 ± 0.32) p-value 0.002. Conversely, the proportion of gingivitis was found to be significantly lower among children with thalassaemia compared with that of the healthy controls 44.7% and 69.7% respectively ( p-value = 0.009). On the other hand, beta thalassaemia subjects had a higher proportion of class II Molar Angle Malocclusion (40%) compared to the healthy controls class II (25%). Children with thalassaemia had significantly higher proportion of retained primary teeth compared with healthy controls (18.4% vs. 0%, p-value = 0.001). It was obsereved that gingival pigmentation in children with thalassaemia was significantly higher compared with healthy controls (23.7% vs 0%, p-value = 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of this study concluded that children with thalassaemia in Dubai had higher caries rate compared to healthy children. Other oral and dentofacial anomalies were observed in the group. There is a need to implement awareness programs to alert patients’ parents and caretakers of the need to provide better care.
Parents Perception Toward Infants Teething in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(2021) Almatrouk, Sarah Fahad
Background: Teething is a normal physiological phenomenon of the continuum of dental development during which the tooth moves from its intraosseous position within the jaw until it reaches the oral cavity. It begins around six months of age with the lower primary central incisors' eruption and is completed by three years. Many parents assume the certainty of the presence of signs and symptoms associated with teething. Aims: This study aimed to assess parental knowledge and beliefs regarding the teething process and investigate parental practices to alleviate symptoms associated with teething in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to parents in Dubai, UAE. The questionnaire contained three sections eliciting demographic characteristics and assessing parents’ knowledge, beliefs, and practice regarding teething. The chi-square test was used to analyse relationships (knowledge, beliefs, and practices) and (demographic characteristics). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to measure the ii normality of the scores. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant in all statistical analyses. Results: Overall, 323 participants were included in the final analysis, with the majority of the participants being females (mothers) aged 30-39 years old (39.6%). Increased drooling, desire to bite, gum irritation, fever, and sleep disturbance were the most reported symptoms of teething stated by 282 (87.3 %), 279 (86.4 %), 278 (86.4 %), 277 (85.8%), and 264 (81.7%) of the parents, respectively. Most of the participants, 194 (61%) reported that their child was moderately distressed. Around (39.9%) of the participants reported that their child distress lasted for more than a week. Our study found that (57.9%) and (36.8%) of parents received their advice regarding managing teething symptoms from relatives and pediatricians, respectively. The level of knowledge about teething was significantly associated with the participants' age with the middle age group having a better knowledge. (p-value= 0.045). Conclusions: Most of the parents had misconceptions about the signs that typically occur during teething. A common lack of knowledge about teething among parents should encourage dental healthcare providers to educate parents and other healthcare providers regarding the teething process and the management of its potential sign and symptoms.
Pediatric dentists preference of general anesthesia endotracheal intubation route and their perception of a modified oral intubation technique
(2021) Alderei, Najla Salim Balaswad
Aim: Pediatric airway management in light of notable modifications in endotracheal anesthesia armamentarium is an essential aspect in the pediatric population undergoing general anesthesia (GA). We aimed to assess Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pediatric dentists’ preference of GA endotracheal intubation and their perception regarding a modified technique of oral intubation using a Ring, Adair and Elwyn “RAE” tube during dental treatment under general anesthesia. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was circulated via social media platforms and emails to pediatric dentists practicing in the GCC. It included demographic variables and questions about preference, familiarity and perception of pediatric dentists related to a modified oral intubation method using an oral RAE tube. Responses were analyzed by using χ2 and Exact Fischer’s test. Statistical significance was set as p <0.05. Results: A total of 73 pediatric dentists who perform dental treatment under GA responded. Male pediatric dentists were more familiar with RAE tube than females (p=0.031). Sixty-four percent of respondents (n=18) within the age 36-45 agreed on the proposed modified technique (p=0.027). Over 83.3% (n=15) out of 18 with ≥ 21 years of experience believed that the modified technique will cause difficulty when compared to nasal intubation (n=0.009). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that 79.5% of the studied sample considered nasal intubation as the route of choice, despite the fact that they believe it was associated with more complications. The majority of GCC pediatric dentists were unfamiliar with the RAE tube. Interestingly, these results showed 50.7% level of agreement in utilizing a modified oral intubation technique using RAE tube. Therefore, it is recommended that further research should be undertaken and hands on workshops are conducted to familiarize GCC pediatric dentists with the feasibility and easiness in performing dental procedures under GA without tube interference.
Prevalence and severity of ectopic eruption of first permanent molars in 5 to 12 year old children attending Dubai Dental Hospital in United Arab Emirates
(2022) Akbar, Ali Mohammed
Background: Ectopic eruption (EE) occurs when a tooth fails to follow its normal pathway of eruption. Failure to detect EE of a first permanent molar (FPM) can lead to premature loss of the second primary molar, loss of space available for the erupting premolar and complex treatment. It is usually diagnosed during radiographic examination in early mixed dentition. Selection of proper treatment option depends on the severity of EE. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the patterns and severity of EE of FPM among 5- to 12-year-old children attending Dubai Dental Hospital (DDH). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the dental records (radiographs and notes) of 962 patients (485 males, and 477 females) aged 5 to 12 years. The gender, age, nationality, and medical status of the patients, the tooth number, and severity of EE were recorded. The reported diagnosis of the EE of FPM in the patients’ record and whether the patient was treated by a faculty member, or a postgraduate dentist were also recorded. Results: Of the 962 patients, 39 (4.1%) patients had one of more EE of FPM. In those 39 patients, 61 ectopically erupting FPMs were reported. The distribution of EE of FPM showed significant difference between maxillary (2%) and mandibular (1.1%) FPMs (pvalue=0.01334). Also, bilateral EE was 2.6 times more common in the maxillae than the mandible (p-value=0.013). Faculty members (8.3%) had reported significantly more ectopic eruptions of FPMs than training dentists (3.6%) (p-value=0.033). Conclusions: The prevalence of EE was within the range reported in previous studies.
The Prevalence and Severity of Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation In Dubai, UAE, A Cross Sectional Study
(2016-08) Hussain, Ghada
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of Molar Incisor Hypominerlisation (MIH) among school children in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: A randomised cluster sample of 8 to 12 year-old children had their first permanent molars and permanent incisors (index teeth) evaluated for prevalence and severity of MIH using the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. The examinations were conducted at public schools by two calibrated examiners. A total of 342 children (mean age = 9.46) were randomly selected from public schools in Dubai and Hatta (rural area). Results: The prevalence of MIH was 27.2 % in Dubai, (93 out of 342 children); there were no significant differences between Dubai and Hatta. The prevalence of MIH was significantly greater in girls (32.6%) compared to (18.1%) in boys with a p-value of 0.002. The prevalence of MH was higher than MIH: 61 out of 93 children (65.6%) had MH, compared to 32 out of 93 children (34.4%) who had MIH. MH in maxillary molars was significantly higher than mandibular molars, 20.8% compared to 14.6% (p= <0.005). Maxillary incisors were effected more by MIH 8.8% compare to mandibular incisors (0.9%) (p= <0.001). The presence of demarcated opacities was significantly higher in girls than boys (p = 0.002). Moreover, a large majority of the children with MIH in the present study (53%) presented with mild defects, (17%) moderate defect and (30%) severe defects. Conclusions: The prevalence of MIH in school children in Dubai was 27.2 percent. Location and age appeared to have no significant correlation with MIH except in gender. Girls had more MIH than boys (P=0.002), which warrants further research.

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