Pit and Fissure Sealants in Dental Public Health in Finland
Author Information
Author(s): Sari Kervanto-Seppälä, Ilpo Pietilä, Jukka H Meurman, Eero Kerosuo
Primary Institution: Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki
Hypothesis
To what extent are sealants applied and what are the attitudes of dental professionals towards sealant application in Finland?
Conclusion
There is a need for defined guidelines for sealant application criteria and policy both locally and nationwide.
Supporting Evidence
- 57% of chief dental officers reported systematic sealant application.
- 44% of dentists in small health centres reported applying sealants on suspected or detected enamel caries.
- The overall use of sealants decreased towards the end of the ten-year period.
- Health centres applying sealants over detected enamel caries had a lower DMFT value.
Takeaway
This study looked at how dentists in Finland use sealants to prevent cavities in children's teeth and found that many don't have clear rules about when to use them.
Methodology
A questionnaire was mailed to chief dental officers and general dentists in public dental health centres in Finland, with a response rate of 80%.
Potential Biases
Responses may vary based on personal beliefs and local practices, leading to inconsistencies.
Limitations
The study relies on self-reported data, which may not accurately reflect actual practices.
Participant Demographics
Participants included chief dental officers and general dentists from public dental health centres across Finland.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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