RESUMO
The mechanical control of supragingival biofilm is accepted as one of the most important measures to treat and prevent dental caries and periodontal diseases. Nevertheless, maintaining dental surfaces biofilm-free is not an easy task. In this regard, chemical agents, mainly in the form of mouthwashes, have been studied to help overcome the difficulties involved in the mechanical control of biofilm. The aim of this paper was to discuss proposals for the teaching of supragingival chemical control (SCC) in order to improve dentists' knowledge regarding this clinical issue. Firstly, the literature regarding the efficacy of antiseptics is presented, clearly showing that chemical agents are clinically effective in the reduction of biofilm and gingival inflammation when used as adjuvant agents to mechanical control. Thus, it is suggested that the content related to SCC be included in the curricular grid of dental schools. Secondly, some essential topics are recommended to be included in the teaching of SCC as follows: skills and competencies expected of a graduate dentist regarding SCC; how to include this content in the curricular grid; teaching-learning tools and techniques to be employed; and program content.
Assuntos
Biofilmes , Placa Dentária/prevenção & controle , Educação em Odontologia/métodos , Gengivite/prevenção & controle , Anti-Infecciosos Locais/uso terapêutico , Brasil , Cárie Dentária/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Antissépticos Bucais/química , Antissépticos Bucais/uso terapêutico , Doenças Periodontais/prevenção & controle , Aprendizagem Baseada em ProblemasRESUMO
The mechanical control of supragingival biofilm is accepted as one of the most important measures to treat and prevent dental caries and periodontal diseases. Nevertheless, maintaining dental surfaces biofilm-free is not an easy task. In this regard, chemical agents, mainly in the form of mouthwashes, have been studied to help overcome the difficulties involved in the mechanical control of biofilm. The aim of this paper was to discuss proposals for the teaching of supragingival chemical control (SCC) in order to improve dentists' knowledge regarding this clinical issue. Firstly, the literature regarding the efficacy of antiseptics is presented, clearly showing that chemical agents are clinically effective in the reduction of biofilm and gingival inflammation when used as adjuvant agents to mechanical control. Thus, it is suggested that the content related to SCC be included in the curricular grid of dental schools. Secondly, some essential topics are recommended to be included in the teaching of SCC as follows: skills and competencies expected of a graduate dentist regarding SCC; how to include this content in the curricular grid; teaching-learning tools and techniques to be employed; and program content.
Assuntos
Humanos , Biofilmes , Placa Dentária/prevenção & controle , Educação em Odontologia/métodos , Gengivite/prevenção & controle , Anti-Infecciosos Locais/uso terapêutico , Brasil , Cárie Dentária/prevenção & controle , Antissépticos Bucais/química , Antissépticos Bucais/uso terapêutico , Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas , Doenças Periodontais/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Avulsions are very common in a school setting. Teachers are often requested to help in such emergency situations. A survey consisting of seven simple questions regarding dental avulsion was answered by 60 teachers from five different elementary schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in order to evaluate their knowledge on the subject and establish a guideline to be followed when an accident of this type happens. A lack of technical information was observed among the teachers; most of them answered intuitively rather than on an informative basis. This study showed the need of a more effective communication between dental professionals and school teachers in order to better handle dental emergencies.