Tanit Clementino Santos

Bio: Tanit Clementino Santos is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: SERVQUAL & Public health. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 9 publications receiving 66 citations.

Oral cancer knowledge and awareness among dental students

Abstract: AIM: To assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate dental students about oral cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted based on a questionnaire containing 15 questions about prevention, clinical aspects, and attitudes towards oral cancer. One hundred-thirty-three undergraduate dental students between the second and fifth years were enrolled. The statistical significance was measured by Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: There was a predominance of females (58.65%) and most students were between 20 and 30 years of age (75.19%). The risk factors for oral cancer mainly described by the students were smoking (92.48%) and drinking (84.21%). Squamous cell carcinoma was described as the most common type of oral cancer by 48.12% of the students. As much as 53.38% of the participants considered the tongue as the most affected anatomic region, 57.89% reported ulcers as the most frequent clinical aspect, and 44.36% attributed a firm and painless aspect to the regional metastatic lymph nodes. Most students reported regularly conducting a thorough examination of the oral cavity (81.95%). Two of the 15 variables showed differences between the students, according to the school time: previous head and neck carcinoma (Pearson's chi-square, p = 0.03) and guidance on the discontinuation of harmful habits (Pearson's chi-square, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Students have a good knowledge of the etiology of oral cancer and are apparently alert in their examinations. The clinical aspects of the oral carcinoma, however, are not so clear. The difference regarding knowledge and attitudes towards oral cancer was minimal when different undergraduate years were considered. It is necessary to implement the clinical suspicion of oral cancer throughout the undergraduate course to enable awareness and early diagnosis.

Analysis of fungi in aerosols dispersed by high speed pens in dental clinics from Teresina, Piaui, Brazil.

Abstract: This quantitative and qualitative study aimed to evaluate the level of fungal contamination in aerosols dispersed by high rotation pens in dental clinics from Teresina, Piaui, Brazil. The data were collected during the attendance at two dental clinics. Petri dishes containing Sabouraud agar with chloramphenicol were opened for 15 min in the following places: in front of the chair, on the partitions to the right and left of the chair, and in the neighboring workbench. The plates were incubated at room temperature to allow the fungal growth and subsequent species identification. Colonies were formed in 100% of the plaques, accounting for 49 isolates belonging to 19 species, where the most frequent were: Curvularia clavata, Aspergillus niger, Phialemonium obovatum, Curvularia geniculata, and Scopulariopsis koningii. All identified species are pathogenic, and may develop allergic respiratory tract infections and even systemic infections in the patient and the dental surgeon. Our results indicate that the minimum safety distance between the dental chairs defended by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency is insufficient and that the boxes are an efficient variable to minimize the dispersion of fungal aerosols in the dental environment. Based on these findings, we recommend the adoption of a minimum safety distance of more than 2 m and the use of boxes between the dental chairs, as well as a biweekly cleaning of the air-conditioned system and water lines as viable and efficient measures for reduction of the formation and dispersion of fungal aerosols in these environments.

Frequency of the mesiopalatal canal in upper first permanent molars viewed through computed tomography.

Abstract: The success of any endodontic therapy depends on factors such as correct diagnosis and prognosis. Unawareness or failure to locate additional canals, such as the mesiopalatal canal in the upper first molar, may lead to unsuccessful treatment. Hence, it is valid to consider all the resources available for locating this anatomic structure, e.g. the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The purpose of this study was to verify the frequency of mesiopalatal canals in upper first permanent molars through computed tomography. Tomography images from a digital archive of a diagnostic imaging center were analyzed. Eighty (80) upper right first molars were assessed through CBCT in axial cross sections at 6mm and 3mm from the root apex; 40 were females and 40, males, randomly chosen. The results revealed that the mesiopalatal canals were present in 56.25% of the sections at 6mm from the root apex, and in 23.75% at 3mm from the apical limit. CBCT scan has proved to be a valid resource for locating mesiopalatal canal, especially in cases where location was not feasible through clinical means.

Satisfaction of Users of the Family Health Strategy in a Capital City of Northeast Brazil

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the satisfaction of users of the Family Health Strategy in relation to the Reliability and Safety aspects. Method: This is a quantitative research carried out with 353 participants enrolled in an Integrated Health Center of the eastern region of a capital in the Northeast Brazil, through the SERVQUAL instrument. The data collection took place from January to May 2015, the research was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the UNINOVAFAPI University Center. Results: The results indicated that in the Reliability dimension, participants agreed that the healthcare professionals record the attendance, perform on the promised date and have an interest in solving the problems. In the Security dimension, the majority of the participants were indifferent as to the behavior of the professionals generating confidence. They demonstrated security in requesting the services because they were politely attended by the professionals. Moreover, in the two dimensions analyzed, it was noticed that there is a tendency to increase satisfaction as the participants' income decreases with significant statistical relations, with satisfaction on Reliability and Security inversely proportional to income. Conclusion: It is considered that users of the Family Health Strategy have demonstrated satisfaction with the services received, however, there is a need for more studies with different methodological approaches to better elucidate the intersubjective issues that shape the process of interaction between users, healthcare professionals and services. Keywords: Family health; patient satisfaction; security.

Differences in root canal system configuration in human permanent teeth within different age groups.

Abstract: Aim To analyse the differences in root canal system configuration in patients belonging to different age groups using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology. Methodology CBCT examinations from a pre-existing database were accessed. Patients were divided according to age groups: '≤20 years', '21-40 years', '41-60 years' and '≥61 years'. Each group included tooth data regarding their root canal system configurations according to the Vertucci classification and its supplementary configurations. Cohen kappa coefficient of agreement was calculated to evaluate observer reliability. Results Overall 12 325 teeth from 670 patients were included. Most of the root groups had higher or equal prevalence of Vertucci type I configurations in the younger groups whilst presenting a greater tendency for multiple root canal system configurations in older patients, mainly Vertucci type II in both maxillary and mandibular second premolars and in the distal root of the mandibular first molar. The Cohen kappa coefficient of agreement was 89.4 ± 1.8%. Conclusion Clinicians should be aware that the root canal system configuration changes over a lifetime. In this study, the most affected teeth were the second premolars and the distal root of mandibular first molars.

Assessing Oral Cancer Awareness Among Dental Students

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess oral cancer awareness among undergraduate dental students in Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry. A validated questionnaire which tested oral cancer awareness was given to third- and fifth-year students of the dental faculty of Marmara University. A total of 198 students participated in this survey. Knowledge of oral cancer risk factors and diagnosis procedures, dentistry student's attitude towards oral cancers, management practice regarding oral cancer, and oral cancer information sources were assessed using 25 questions. The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 program. Among 198 participant dentistry students, there were 99 (50%) third-grade and 99 (50%) fifth-grade students. The largest number of the third- and last-grade students identified tobacco (98%) and alcohol usage (87.4%), prior oral cancer lesions (94.9%), viral infections (91.9%), UV exposure (94.4%), betel quid chewing (84.8%), older age (62.1%), and low consumption of fruit and vegetables (85.4%). Both groups showed higher scores in indicating squamous cell carcinoma as the most common form of oral cancer (p < 0.05); yet, third-grade students performed significantly higher scores in indicating erythroplakia and leukoplakia for most likely to be precancerous (p = 0.001; p < 0.05). This study highlighted the importance of improved educational methods for dentistry on oral cancer detection and prevention.