This study aimed to carry out a scoping review to map the scope and nature of the literature on gender equity and discrimination in dental research and leadership, using an intersectional approach. The protocol of this scoping review is available online in the Open Science Framework platform. The literature search was carried out in February 2024. The terms of the search strategy encompassed three concept groups: gender inequality, the outcomes assessed, and dental science. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE were consulted. Two independent reviewers assessed the retrieved records. The initial search returned 2,322 references; after screening, 362 duplicates were removed, and 1,923 records were excluded because titles and abstracts did not meet the eligibility criteria. Inter-examiner agreement between reviewers was high (kappa = 0.931). For the updated search, 424 references were retrieved, and 52 duplicates were removed. After screening the titles and abstracts of the remaining 372 references, 11 were selected for full-text screening, of which 10 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Combining the two searches, 35 references were included in this scoping review. The studies included in this review were conducted by authors from multiple countries: Brazil, the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Australia, and Austria, published between 1998 and 2024. The included studies showed persistent gender inequalities in dental research across different levels, particularly in leadership positions. There is a need to encourage further research on this topic under an intersectionality lens, on a broader scope of concepts, and to test interventions.

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze empathic capacity toward patients among dental students, considering gender and sociodemographic factors. A total of 441 Brazilian dental students participated, with data collected using Google Forms and a snowball sampling strategy. The structured questionnaire was based on the Survey Reporting Checklist (CROSS) and included questions related to sociodemographic characteristics and features of the Higher Education Institution. The Brazilian version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for students (JSE-BR) was applied to assess levels of empathy toward patients. JSE-BR scores range from 20 to 140, with higher scores indicating greater empathy. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25, applying the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and bivariate analyses using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests (p < 0.05). The mean age of the students was 24.1 years (±5.4); most were female (77.8%) and self-identified as White (54.9%), while 45.1% self-identified as non-White. A total of 54.3% of the students attended public higher education institutions, and 45.7% attended private institutions. Most students were exclusively engaged in academic activities (70%), whereas 30% combined their studies with paid employment. JSE-BR scores ranged from 46 to 140 (median: 125.2). In bivariate analyses, women demonstrated significantly higher empathy scores than men (p = 0.005). In conclusion, students’ gender influenced their level of empathy toward patients, with women demonstrating greater empathic capacity compared to men.

Qualitative research was carried out to understand how the subjects of health, education and the school community are involved in the Health at the School Program (HSP) and to evaluate the effectiveness of intersectorality in this context. An indepth interview was used as a collection method, which was evaluated by content analysis based on a matrix of interventions (MI). Of the three MI themes, the following were presented: HSP activities, management and training. Those involved in the HSP recognized the objective of the program and the concept of intersectorality, but there is still a need to involve, in an equivalent way, all subjects in the planning, development, evaluation and monitoring of the program; provide continuous training, improvements in communication and strengthening the link between sectors; and encourage community participation.

OBJECTIVE:To develop and evaluate a structural model of the pathways between dental caries, childhood stress, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in schoolchildren. METHODS:This cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 473 Brazilian schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years. Data collection involved a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Child Stress Scale (CSS), and the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10). Clinical examinations were performed to assess untreated dental caries using the dmft index. Structural equation modeling was conducted using Mplus version 8.6, and the results were reported in terms of standardized beta coefficients and p-values (95% significance level). RESULTS:Children with higher levels of stress experienced a negative impact on OHRQoL (β=0.458; P < 0.001). An indirect association was found, where childhood stress negatively affected OHRQoL through the presence of dental caries, with children who had more decayed teeth reporting worse OHRQoL (β=0.106; P = 0.003). Socioeconomic status was also associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL, both directly (β=-0.146; P = 0.002) and indirectly, through dental caries. CONCLUSION:The structural model showed that childhood stress negatively affects OHRQoL, both directly and indirectly, through dental caries. These findings highlight the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to pediatric dental care that takes psychological factors into account. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Integrating psychological support into pediatric dental practice can improve overall patient outcomes, particularly for children with higher stress levels and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Gender equality has become a concern and a topic of interest in science. Thus, this critical review aimed to analyze evidence of the gender gap in Brazilian dental science, to discuss challenges and to suggest evidence-based recommendations. Peer-reviewed publications were assessed, and data were obtained from Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística and two scientific agencies, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico. In Brazil, women are the majority among all registered dentists (61%), dental specialists (56.2%) and researchers (55.4%). Despite this great progress in female participation in dental science, prevailing structural sexism, gender stereotypes, bias, discriminatory behavior, and lack of a welcoming environment may be responsible for some current gender gap. For instance, there is limited representation of women in leadership positions in different domains, from paper authorship to conference speaking and research funding. Available data highlight the need for action to promote diversity and equal opportunities for all to succeed in dental science.

Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa para compreender como os sujeitos da saúde, da educação e da comunidade escolar estão envolvidos no Programa Saúde na Escola (PSE); e para avaliar a efetivação da intersetorialidade nesse contexto. Como método de coleta utilizou-se a entrevista em profundidade, que foi avaliada pela análise de conteúdo embasada em uma matriz de intervenção (MI). Dos três temas da MI, foram observados: atividades do PSE, gestão e capacitação/formação. Os envolvidos no PSE reconheceram o objetivo do programa e o conceito de intersetorialidade, mas ainda há necessidade de envolver, de forma equivalente, todos os sujeitos no planejamento, desenvolvimento, avaliação e monitoramento do programa; propiciar contínuas capacitações, melhorias na comunicação e no fortalecimento do vínculo entre os setores; e estimular a participação da comunidade.

Abstract An association between bruxism and musculoskeletal disorders, such as neck pain, has been established. This study investigated the association of possible sleep bruxism (PSB) activities, including grinding, bracing, and thrusting, with smartphone use, smartphone-induced neck pain, and sleep features. This cross-sectional study involved 403 Brazilian adolescents aged 11 to 19 years. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the severity of PSB, smartphone use, smartphone-induced neck pain, and sleep features (sleep duration and quality and history of nightmares). Sociodemographic factors, as well as snoring and drooling on the pillow, were considered potential confounders and were assessed based on reports from parents/caregivers. Participants were selected using multiple-stage sampling. Descriptive analysis and multinomial regression were performed (p ≤ 0.05). Adolescents reporting nightmares at least once a month (OR = 3.402; 95%CI: 1.315–8.802) and sometimes experiencing smartphone-induced neck pain (OR: 3.697, 95%CI: 1.103–12.388) were more likely to report moderate/severe grinding. Drooling on the pillow (OR = 3.105, 95%CI: 1.316–7.329), poor/fairly good sleep quality (OR = 2.717, 95%CI: 1.279–5.770), and smartphone-induced neck pain (OR = 3.227, 95%CI: 1.121–9.285) were associated with mild bracing. Adolescents experiencing nightmares once a week (OR = 3.209, 95% CI: 1.202– 8.565) had a higher prevalence of mild thrusting. Self-reported smartphone-induced neck pain, nightmares, poor/fairly good sleep quality, and drooling on the pillow were associated with a higher prevalence of PSB activities among Brazilian adolescents. Clinicians and researchers are encouraged to include assessments of smartphone use and sleep features in anamnesis, promoting a comprehensive approach to PSB, from diagnosis to treatment.

Abstract This study analyzed the influence of sociodemographic, occupational, and accident-related factors on adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among dental professionals. A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System, covering incidents of biological material exposure from 2018 to 2023 across all federal units. PEP adherence was the outcome analyzed, and related factors included sociodemographic, occupational, and accident characteristics. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed (α = 5%). A total of 15,650 notifications involving dental professionals were analyzed, representing 3.91% of all cases of occupational exposure, with a PEP adherence rate of 91.0%. The exposed professionals had a mean age of 32.5 years (SD = 10.4), were predominantly women (76.6%), of White race/ethnicity (65.4%), and had higher education (79.7%). The mean work experience was 3.6 years (SD = 6.8). In the adjusted model, adherence was associated with lower educational attainment (OR = 0.71; 95%CI: 0.58–0.88), younger age (OR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), and longer work experience (OR = 1.02; 95%CI: 1.01-1.03). Percutaneous exposure (OR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.16–1.67), contact with blood (OR = 1.47; 95%CI: 1.18–1.82), and dental procedure-related accidents (OR = 1.35; 95%CI: 1.07–1.70) increased the likelihood of adherence. Hepatitis B vaccination (OR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.62–2.36) was associated with increased adherence to PEP. Adherence to PEP was influenced by multiple factors, highlighting the need for effective strategies to improve adherence and occupational safety among these professionals.

Resilience refers to one's ability to face life's challenges and achieve positive outcomes, and has drawn increasing interest from researchers and policymakers. The Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ) is a measure that assesses resilience in adolescents according to a multidimensional perspective, encompassing its several different domains. This cross-sectional study aimed to translate and evaluate the measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the ARQ (B-ARQ) for use with Brazilian adolescents. Two native speakers in Brazilian Portuguese language who were also fluent in English language translated the ARQ from English into Portuguese. A committee of experts in validation studies compared the translated versions. A summarized version was produced and back-translated by a translator native of the English language and fluent in Portuguese. The B-ARQ was pre-tested in a sample of 21 adolescents. An expert committee considered the suggestions and defined the final version of the instrument, which was tested in a sample of 210 adolescent students from public and private schools in the city of Dom Pedrito, Brazil. All students filled out the 88-item instrument as well as a socio-demographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics of all variables (frequency distribution, floor, ceiling effects), internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the version with 88 items and the shortened version with 49 items. The short version with 49 items was validated in a cross-sectional study in an adolescent population of high school students using exploratory factor analysis in the Unites States. The 88-item ARQ had poor structural validity with unsatisfactory model fit indices. Therefore, the investigation focused on the short 49-item version of the ARQ (B-ARQ-SV). The final model presented satisfactory RMSEA = 0.042 (p = 0.994, 90% CI: 0.037-0.047) and SRMR of 0.076, despite the low CFI (0.878). The internal consistency was estimated with McDonald's Omega for each factor: Confidence (ω = 0.480), Negative Cognition (ω = 0.588), Empathy/tolerance (ω = 0.295), Emotional insight (ω = 0.425), Social Skill (ω = 0.235), Family Domain Connectedness (ω = 0.785), Family Domain Availability (ω = 0.847), Peers Domain Connectedness (ω = 0.719), Peers Domain Availability (ω = 0.402), School Domain Supportive environment (ω = 0.677), School Domain Connectedness (ω = 0.013), Community Domain Connectedness (ω = 0.791). One scale showed a ceiling effect (frequency higher than 15.0%), but we identified no critical floor effect. The B-ARQ-SV is a valid (in terms of content and structural validity) and reliable (in terms of internal consistency) measurement instrument to assess resilience in Brazilian adolescents.

BACKGROUND:Mandibular instability during primary tooth eruption has been suggested as a factor associated with parent-reported awake bruxism (PRAB) in early childhood, but this relationship remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the association between PRAB frequency and the number of erupted primary teeth by dental groups, as well as signs and symptoms of tooth eruption, oral habits, and sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 144 Brazilian children aged 4-36 months. Parents/caregivers completed an interview-based questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, oral habits, signs and symptoms of tooth eruption, and PRAB frequency. A single-trained dentist performed oral examinations to record erupted primary teeth. Descriptive analysis, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted (p < 0.05). RESULTS:The prevalence of PRAB was 16.7%. No significant association was found between PRAB frequency and sex, age, oral habits, or signs and symptoms of tooth eruption. However, more erupted primary molars (p = 0.038) and canines (p = 0.022) were associated with a lower PRAB frequency. CONCLUSION:The number of erupted primary molars and canines was associated with the frequency of PRAB in early childhood, supporting the hypothesis that AB during this stage may represent an adaptive behaviour.

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the characteristics of coronavirus (COVID-19)-disease related dental research in Brazil presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Division of the International Association for Dental Research (SBPqO). A search was carried out in the proceedings of the meeting to retrieve all abstracts. Those containing the term "COVID-19" in titles, abstracts, or keywords, and/or those of which the scope approached a COVID-19-related topic were included. The variables extracted from abstracts were: presenter category, field of study, design, data collection method, population, affiliation, and authors' gender. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, with a significance level of α = 0.05. The search retrieved 185 abstracts, 5 did not meet study eligibility criteria and were excluded. COVID-19-related research was presented by either aspiring/associate members (67.8%) or beginner members (32.2%). Data collection methods were predominantly digitally mediated (65%), followed by secondary data use (25%), and in-person data collection (7.2%). Irrespective of the role of authorship, there were a ratio of two female authors to each male. Among the last authors, the ratio was three females to each male. Female lead authors more frequently came from the Southeast region (71.8%; p = 0.470). There was an association between presenter category and study design (p = 0.012), clinical and epidemiological studies were more concentrated among experienced presenters. In conclusion, female dental researchers affiliated to southeastern institutions approached the topic of pandemic more frequently than male colleagues. The use of digital technology for data collection may have long-lasting impacts on the teaching and publication of dental research.

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between parenting styles and children's personality traits and parental-reported sleep bruxism (SB).MethodsA total of 301 parents/caregivers of Brazilian children participated in this cross-sectional study and answered an online questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics, sleep-related behaviors and parent-reported SB. The Brazilian versions of the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Junior assessed children's parenting styles and personality traits. Descriptive analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used.ResultsBoys (OR=2.07; 95% CI=1.09-3.91) whose snoring (OR=2.98; 95% CI=1.55-5.73) were associated with mild parent-reported SB. Boys (OR=2.61; 95% CI=1.20-5.70) and high levels of neuroticism (OR=2.27; 95% CI=1.06-4.860) were associated with moderate/severe parent-reported SB. Authoritarian parenting attitudes decreased the likelihood of moderate/severe parent-reported SB (OR=0.37; 95% CI=0.16-0.86).ConclusionsParents/caregivers who exhibited more authoritarian attitudes reported a lower prevalence of moderate/severe children SB. Neuroticism trait and snoring influenced the severity of parent-reported SB.

Exploring children’s dental pain experiences helps to develop healthcare policies for improving oral health and quality of life. A cross-sectional study involved 300 parents/caregivers of four- to seven-year-old children using snowball sampling. Parents/caregivers self-completed an online questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, parenting styles, their child’s oral hygiene practices, free sugar consumption, and dental history. The questionnaire was created using Google Forms and was disseminated to parents/caregivers via E-mail and/or WhatsApp©. Descriptive and Poisson regression analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Children’s dental pain experience was reported by 20.3% of the parents. The authoritative parenting style was predominant. The child’s mean age at the first consumption of sugar was 1.38 (±0.64) years, and 40.3% of the children had high-free sugar consumption. The mean age for the first dental appointment was 2.26 (±1.31) years, and 24.3% of the children never went to a dental appointment. The prevalence of dental pain experience was higher in children who attended their first dental appointment later (PR: 1.02; CI 95%: 1.01–1.03) and among those with high-free sugar consumption (PR: 1.90; CI 95%: 1.21–3.00). High sugar consumption and delay in the first dental appointment may increase the likelihood that children will experience dental pain.

The study assessed the Global Quality Score (GQS) and informational engagement of users with YouTube videos on the Brazilian public health system (SUS). The YouTube video search tool was used with the Portuguese keywords 'unified health system' and 'SUS'. The first 100 videos returned in the search were studied, using the GQS to measure their educational value, usefulness, and information quality. Users' engagement with the videos was calculated based on their number of likes/reactions and comments. Other data collected were authorship, year of publication, topic approached, target audience, video length, and use of references. Two trained and calibrated researchers collected the data. Multiple analysis was performed with Logistic Regression, using a 95% confidence interval and significance of p<0.05. There were no poor or generally poor GQS scores (scores 1 and 2) and most videos (58%) achieved moderate or good scores (scores 3 and 4). Videos published after the onset of COVID-19 had a 70% lower chance of engagement than those published in pre-pandemic years (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.12-0.74). Videos that targeted healthcare professionals were 72% less likely to achieve higher GQS scores, than those with an unidentified target audience (OR: 0.28; 95%CI: 0.10-0.75). The informational engagement of the videos showed fewer comments than likes/reactions. Most YouTube videos about the SUS had moderate or good global quality, which was associated with their period of publication and choice of target audience.

The aim of the present study was to assess whether mothers' sense of coherence (SOC) was a predictor of decline in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschoolers. A 3-year cohort study was conducted in Diamantina, Brazil. At baseline, 162 preschoolers aged one to three years were randomly selected from among children registered in local Primary Healthcare Units. In the first stage, mothers completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS), and the Brazilian short version of the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13). The total score obtained from the SOC-13 was used to select exposed and unexposed children. Clinical examinations were performed to detect the presence of dental caries, traumatic dental injury, and malocclusion. At follow-up, mothers completed the sociodemographic questionnaire and the B-ECOHIS again. The incidence of severe dental caries and adherence to the proposed treatment at baseline were evaluated. A decline in OHRQoL was considered if there was an increase in the B-ECOHIS score of at least one unit. The chi-square test and Poisson regression were performed. A total of 151 preschoolers participated in the study, among whom 37.7% showed a decline in OHRQoL. Mothers' SOC was not associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL (RR = 1.24; 95%CI = 0.81-1.88), while the incidence of severe dental caries had a greater impact on the decline in OHRQoL (RR = 2.02; 95%CI = 1.29-3.16). Mothers' low SOC was not a predictor of decline in the OHRQoL of preschoolers after a 3-year follow-up period.

Objective: To identify a structural model for the identification of psychosocial associated factors of early child-hood caries (ECC) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children and their families. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 533 preschool children from 4 to 6 years -old public and private preschools, from Ribeira similar to o das Neves, MG. Parents/caregivers self-completed the Brazilian versions of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) and Resilience Scale as well as a structured questionnaire addressing socioeconomic status and child's oral health behavior. Two dentists who had under-gone training and calibration exercises for ICDAS-epi and pufa index (Kappa >= 0.95) performed the examinations for ECC. Stages of ECC were classified as free of visible carious lesion, initial caries, moderate caries, extensive caries without pulp consequences and extensive caries with pulp consequences. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, using Mplus version 8.6. Results: Lower socioeconomic status (b=-0.250; p<0.001) and higher frequency of free sugar consumption (b = 0.122; p = 0.033) were directly associated with a more severe stage of ECC. Lower parental resilience had an indirect impact on more severe stage of ECC which was mediated by the variable 'frequency of free sugar consumption' (b=-0.089; p = 0.048). ECC was associated with lower child's OHRQoL (b = 0.587; p<0.001) and lower family's OHRQoL (b = 0.506; p<0.001). Conclusion: Structural modeling revealed that the severity of ECC negatively impacted the OHRQoL of pre-schoolers and their families. The main associated factors of the severity of ECC were lower socioeconomic status, higher frequency of free sugar consumption and lower parental resilience. Clinical Significance: T The findings indicate that psychosocial and behavior variables can be associated with the severity of ECC, and ECC can be associated with negative impact on wellbeing and ability to perform daily activities of preschoolers and their families.

The aims of this study were to perform an exploratory analysis of probable awake (AB) and sleep bruxism (SB) prevalence using of different diagnosis criteria based on the International Consensus; evaluate the associations between self-report and clinical signs/symptoms in adolescents. Participated in this cross-sectional study 403 adolescents aged 12- to 19-years-old enrolled in public and private schools from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic status and adolescents’ health status. Adolescents answered a questionnaire evaluating AB (e.g., grinding and clenching) and SB (e.g., grinding, bracing, and thrusting) activities and frequent headaches. A clinical examination was performed on adolescents to evaluate bruxism clinical signs/symptoms (pain upon palpation on masseter and temporal, linea alba, indentation on the tongue and attrition wear severity). Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Qui-square test were performed (P≤0.05). Adolescents mean age was 14.3±1.5 years, and 58.1% were female. Self-report of SB was identified in 31% of participants and self-report of AB in 51.6%. Almost all adolescents (99%) presented at least one tooth with attrition wear (98.5% on enamel and 0.5% on dentin), with a mean number of 12.4±5.7 teeth. Depending on the diagnosis criteria, the prevalence of probable SB and AB varied from 0- 99% and 0.2- 99%, respectively. A high inconsistency was found for the prevalence of probable AB and SB in adolescents, which were influenced by the different clinical sings/symptoms used as diagnosis criteria. Frequent headaches and pain upon palpation on masseter and temporal muscle were associated to self-report of AB and SB among adolescents.

Aim: To describe the burden of oral diseases and of self-reported periodontal disease of patients under Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) with warfarin.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Validated questionnaires assessed self-re-ported periodontal disease and demographic variables. After calibration (Kappa > 0.80), an examiner evaluated dental caries and the need for dental prostheses. Statistical analysis involved proportions and measures of central tendency. Results: The sample consisted of 158 individuals, with a mean age of 58.8 years (SD = 12.1), of which 62.7% of the participants were women. The average DMFT (Decayed, Mis-sing, and Filled Teeth) index was 22.9 (SD = 7.6), with the missing component being the highest (Mean = 16.23). The use of maxillary prosthesis (53.2%) was higher than mandibu-lar (32.3%). The need for mandibular prosthesis reached 66.5%. The percentage of partici-pants that referred gum disease, tooth migration, and tooth mobility was 29.6%, 37.4%, and 30.4%, respectively.Conclusions: The burden of oral diseases among individuals undergoing OAT is worrisome.