Original scientific paper
Evidence Based Effectiveness of Pit and Fissure Sealants Applied by Students and Paediatric Dentists After Five Years
Šahza Hatibović-Kofman
; University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Canada
Munir El-Kassem
; University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Canada
Fernando Inocencio
; University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Canada
Melina [Mediha] Selimović
; University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Dentistry, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Lin Raimundo
; University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Canada
Abstract
Background: Pit and fi ssure sealants are widely researched in laboratory and clinical trials. Both experienced paediatric dentists as well as student dentists often use sealants as a preventive measure in paediatric dentistry. Objectives: 1. Compare the outcomes of pit and fi ssure sealants applied to primary and permanent dentitions by students and paediatric dentists; 2. Compare the outcomes of sealants placed in clinical and laboratory settings. Materials and Methods: Data were collected for 6871 sealants placed during a fi ve year period, from patient charts at a private paediatric clinic (PP) and a student teaching facility, Simulated Practice Environment Clinic (SPEC) at Schulich Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. Sealed teeth were identifi ed as intact, lost sealant, or carious. Results: Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test was performed. Of all the sealants placed by students and dentists, after fi ve years, 88.6% were intact, 7.2% were partially or totally lost and 4.1% had caries. There was no signifi cant difference (p>0.05) in the performance of paediatric dentists and students on primary teeth. There was statistically signifi cant difference (p<0.01) but no clinical difference between dentists and students in the treatment of permanent teeth. The laboratory success of 95% corresponded well with the clinical success of 93.5% and 98.4% caries free permanent teeth, performed by students and dentists, respectively. Conclusions: 1. After fi ve years, 96% of sealed and resealed teeth stayed caries free. 2. Laboratory studies can be good predictors of how sealant materials may perform in vivo.
Keywords
Dental Fissures; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Prevention; Students
Hrčak ID:
26710
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2008.
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