Journal - Canadian Dental Association = Journal de l'Association dentaire canadienne
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In 2010, the Manitoba Dental Association launched its Free First Visit (FFV) program to provide dental screening for infants and toddlers. In this article, we review 3 years of FFV data submitted by participating dentists. ⋯ Although many Manitoba children have had an FFV, few visit a dentist by 12 months, as recommended by the dental profession. There is a need to improve the proportion of children visiting a dentist by the recommended age, and general practitioners should assume a greater role in providing this service.
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Comparative Study
Trends in pediatric dental surgery for severe early childhood caries in Manitoba, Canada.
Caries is the most common chronic disease of childhood, and severe forms may necessitate rehabilitative dental surgery. In this study, administrative data related to pediatric dental surgery performed under general anesthesia to treat severe early childhood caries in Manitoba, Canada, were reviewed to determine trends in pediatric dental surgery, as well as geographic, regional and socio-economic variations in surgical rates. ⋯ Pediatric dental surgery under general anesthesia for treatment of severe early childhood caries is common in Manitoba, and the demand increased in several communities over the study period. These results are being shared with decision-makers and communities to identify regions where oral health promotion is needed.
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The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children have their first visit to a dental professional no later than 12 months of age. In 2010, the Manitoba Dental Association launched the Free First Visit (FFV) program to increase access to early visits in the province. The purpose of the study reported here was to survey dentists about their views on the FFV program and to gain an understanding of their attitudes and practice patterns relating to the oral health of infants and toddlers and first dental visits. ⋯ A majority of dentists who responded to the survey approved of the FFV program and thought it should continue. Although these dentists recommended early first dental visits, the average age recommended by respondents was 6 months later than the target age of 12 months. It appears that, over time, dentists are becoming more aware of prevention and management techniques relating to infants and toddlers.
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Review Comparative Study
Implications of Dabigatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, for oral surgery practice.
Direct thrombin inhibitors, specifically orally administered dabigatran etexilate, are emerging as alternatives to warfarin for anticoagulation in the management of atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. The risk associated with bleeding events while taking dabigatran has been documented in multiple randomized controlled trials, but to date, no studies have focused on the risk of bleeding after dental extraction. ⋯ With the increasing use of direct thrombin inhibitors, the safe management of patients taking these anticoagulants must be delineated. This review compares dabigatran and warfarin, especially in terms of their effects on dental and oral surgery practice, and examines best management of these patients in light of the existing literature.