Browsing by Author "Salami, Anas A."

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An Audit on the Quality of Intra-Oral Digital Radiographs Taken in a Postgraduate Paediatric Dentistry Setting
(2017-02-01) Salami, Anas A.; El-Halabi, Manal; Hussein, Iyad; Kowash, Mawlood B.
Abstract: Background: Quality assurance (QA) for radiographs sustains accurate diagnostic information while maintaining radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Aims: To audit the quality of digital intraoral periapical (IOPAs) and bitewings (BWs) radiographs taken in a postgraduate paediatric dentistry setting. Standards: The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) guidance describes three grades of radiograph quality. Excellent (Grade 1 >70% of total exposures), diagnostically acceptable (Grade 2 <20%) and unacceptable (Grade 3 <10%). Methodology: A pilot study was performed on 10 IOPAs and 10 BWs. 50 IOPAs and 50 BWs were reviewed in 2 audit cycles with a 6 month interval (total of 200 X-rays). Results: First Cycle: Of 50 IOPAs: 18 (36%) scored Grade 1, 25 (50%) Grade 2 and 7 (14%) Grade 3. Of 50 BWs: 10 (20%) scored Grade 1, 33 (66%) Grade 2 and 7 (14%) Grade 3. Second Cycle: Of 50 IOPAs: 28 (56%) scored Grade 1, 15 (30%) Grade 2 and 7 (14%) Grade 3. Of 50 BWs: 27 (54%) scored Grade 1, 17 (34%) Grade 2 and 6 (12%) Grade 3. Rejection rate of Grade 3 was analysed in both cycles. A clear improvement in radiograph quality was demonstrated between both cycles, but the standard was not met. Action plan and recommendations: Results were disseminated to all staff and recommendations to improve radiograph quality were made to use film holders and paediatric film sizes. Conclusion: Although a significant improvement was observed in the 2nd cycle, the overall standard of radiographs fell short of the guidelines. Thus, the quality of radiographs requires continuous auditing to reach the gold standard. An audit spiral is planned.
Oral health status of pre-school children of incarcerated mothers in United Arab Emirates prison nurseries and oral health knowledge and attitudes of their caregivers
(2018-07) Salami, Anas A.; El-Halabi, Manal; Hussein, Iyad; Kowash, Mawlood B.
Aim: To evaluate the oral-health of preschool-children of incarcerated-mothers at nine United Arab Emirates (UAE) prison nurseries and assess the oral-health knowledge and attitudes of the prison nurseries’ caregivers. Study design: Cross sectional comparative study. Methods: A total of 128 and 254 preschool children formed the study and control groups respectively. All were examined clinically for dental caries using the dmft score and oral health and hygiene status indices. Knowledge and attitudes of all caregivers (n = 45) at prison nurseries were assessed using an interview questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of caries was not significantly different between the two groups with 89.9% [mean-dmft 4.97 (± 3.61)] in the study group and 92.1% [mean-dmft 4.48 (± 3.60)] in the controls. Oral-hygiene in the control group was better with 18.2% having good oral-hygiene compared to 6.2% in the study-group. Oral-health knowledge and attitude of the caregivers of prison nurseries were not satisfactory. Conclusions: Despite the non-significant difference in the caries prevalence between the study and control groups, oral hygiene and care level of vulnerable-children of incarcerated-mothers were significantly poorer. Prisons’ caregivers had poor knowledge and attitude of dental health matters.