Student Number : 9703077F - MSc research report - School of Oral Health Sciences - Faculty of Health Sciences / Guidelines for endodontic procedures and practice have been described, but in South Africa there is no information on the adherence of practitioners to such guidelines. The aim of this study was to provide this information by administering a questionnaire to 1367 members of the South African Dental Association. Although the response rate was poor, 111 replies could be used. The majority of these respondents had more than 5 years experience. Half used a rubber dam, which is favourable relative to the global practice of endodontics. The majority use engine-driven instruments for canal preparation and all the respondents use radiographs. Lateral condensation and gutta percha were the preferred choices for canal obturation. Single-visit treatment was performed with varying frequency. The conclusion of this study is that South African dentists do adhere to most international and current standards. However, there is a need to develop quality assurance guidelines for endodontic treatment for South Africa, and which can also be applicable for developing countries.

Each of the seven investigations described in this thesis relate to the dental workforce in New Zealand (NZ). A variety of approaches were used to identify key trends in the NZ dental workforce, with a particular emphasis on comparing dental therapists, dental hygienists and dentists, and determining differences among dentists according to gender and immigrant status. Nation-wide postal surveys of dentists, dental therapists, and dental hygienists were undertaken to determine the working practices and career satisfaction of each type of oral health professional. A longitudinal analysis of the dentist workforce was then undertaken to describe changes in the NZ dentist workforce over time. An investigation of the job stressors and coping strategies of New Zealand dentists followed. This led to a qualitative study of the experiences of immigrant dentists in NZ, which sought further detail regarding the concerns raised by the Stress Study. The final investigation was a survey of the self-reported occupational health of NZ dentists, which built on from the results of the preceding studies. There were substantial differences in the working practices of male and female dentists. A greater proportion of female dentists had taken a career break of six weeks or more, usually to care for children. Larger proportions of women worked as employees or practice associates, and worked part-time. Women also planned to retire earlier than male respondents. Men were more active in continuing professional education and had higher career satisfaction. The career satisfaction of dental therapists and dental hygienists was similar, but dental therapists were much less satisfied with their income, and few felt a valued part of the dental community. Although many dental hygienists had taken substantial career breaks for childrearing, they were shorter than those taken by dental therapists. More therapists than hygienists planed to retire within the next 10 years. Over the nine-year period from 1997 to 2005, there was a significant increase in the number of women and overseas-trained dentists in the workforce. The proportion of dentists working in small towns decreased, and the percentage working part-time increased. The involvement of dentists in continuing professional development increased during that time. There was considerable variation in the number of stressors experienced by dentists, with overseas-qualified practitioners reported experiencing more stressors more frequently than did those trained in NZ. There were differences in the strategies used by male and female dentists to manage stress. Most immigrant dentists had found the dental registration examination process to be difficult and stressful. Uncertainty about the content of the examination and the high costs involved were key factors. Contact with practicing dentists during this time was found to be helpful. Overall, most dentists had good general health, but physical fitness levels were not ideal. The prevalence of hand dermatoses and musculoskeletal problems was high, with around 60% of dentists experiencing pain or discomfort. Workplace bullying was reported by 20% of dentists, and over 25% had experienced a violent or abusive incident. There is a need for ongoing monitoring of the workforce, particularly as the gender distribution (and societal trends and expectations) continues to change. Further support systems for immigrant dentists would be beneficial. Female and rural dentists also have unique circumstances and increased risk of professional isolation. Researchers and the professions will watch with interest the changes over the next decade as dual-qualified auxiliaries enter the dental workforce and public dental services are redeveloped.

Thesis (M.I.D.)--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-97).

Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 32-33). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Also available in print.

Thesis supervisors: Michael L. Spector, Deborah V. Dawson. Includes bibliographic references (p. 66-70).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 1997. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 1997. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis submitted in full compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Dental Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / This study is an evaluation of the perceptions of Zambian dental technicians and dentists of the dental technological services offered in Zambia. Zambia is a small nation (land size of 752,614km²) with a population of approximately 11,000,000. Patients needing oral restorative treatment have two options available to them; they seek treatment in state hospitals or through private practices. Access to prosthetic treatment is difficult due to the difficulties associated with obtaining treatment from the state as well as there being very few privately owned dental laboratories. Dental technology in Zambia dates back to 1964 and since its inception there has been no evaluation as to whether the services offered are adequate and satisfactory. The aim of this study was to;  Provide insights into the understanding of dentists and technicians regarding dental technical services.  Provide insights into available dental technical services with the aim of assisting in developing future guidelines for provision of such services in Zambia.  Identify national oral health objectives and make suggestions for the improvement and development of the services in Zambia. This aims of the research are relevant as the research was conducted at a time when the nation is undergoing a general introspection of service delivery. Data was collected through the medium of semi-structured personal interviews with registered and practicing dentists and technicians in the main cities of Zambia that include Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe. Their views were transcribed and coded according to significant themes that emerged for data analysis. ii The results indicate that there is reason to be concerned about the general quality of service delivery. In addition, the study showed that the working relationships between technicians and dentists require improvement. Moreover, the study established that Zambia has a critical shortage of skilled technicians and particularly ceramic technicians and ceramic dental laboratories. The data also revealed concerns that little attention by government policymakers is being afforded to dental technical services whilst attention is paid rather to clinical dental services. As a result, state owned laboratories suffer from a lack of adequate and functioning equipment as well as a lack of quality dental materials. Finally, the study showed that Zambia has no clear direct oral health policies that govern the dental technical services.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Technology: Dental Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / This study investigates the perceptions of dentists, dental technicians and dental patients with regard to the professionalization of dental technology as it is currently constituted in South Africa. The origin of dental technology worldwide lies in a trade and has historically been performed by craftsmen under the instruction of dentists. In South Africa during the early 1900s dental technology was practised in much the same way but the need for formalization of this field had been recognised. By 1945 dental technology was regulated by the Dental Mechanicians Board, which enabled only registered technicians to practise dental technology within South Africa. This field continues to be practised similarly at present. In order to establish the professional development of dental technology it is necessary to consider this field within a framework of desired professional attributes. This framework is provided by Greenwood (1957), who defines a profession by the following five attributes: systematic theory, professional authority, community sanction, ethical codes and a professional culture. Owing to the varied implementation and regulation of dental technology worldwide, little research into the professionalization of this field has been conducted to date. For the purpose of this study, dentists, dental technicians and dental patients in KwaZulu-Natal were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. The main themes emerging from this study were identified and considered with reference to the framework within which this study has been positioned. This study concludes that dental technology, as it is currently constituted in South Africa is perceived to be a profession by dentists, dental technicians and dental patients. .The term profession, however, is poorly understood by all three sample groups. Despite being considered a profession, dental technology is not considered to encompass all the attributes of a profession. Dental technology is therefore identified as a developing profession that positions this field somewhere along the professionalization continuum between a profession and a business. / Post Graduate Dept., Durban University of Technology.