DT News - MEA - Interview: Improving oral health through scientific evidence

Marc Chalupsky, DTI

Wed. 3 February 2016

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Evidence-based dentistry continues to gain acceptance in oral health care. This treatment approach combines the dentist’s expertise, scientific evidence, and patient’s needs and preferences to determine the best patient care. At AEEDC Dubai 2016, Dental Tribune Online had the opportunity to speak with Dr Marcelo W.B. Araujo, Vice President of the Science Institute of the American Dental Association (ADA). Since assuming his current position a year ago, Araujo has focused on initiating scientific and dental research projects based on evidence-based dentistry.

Dental Tribune Online: Dr Araujo, what have been the most recent focus areas of the ADA Science Institute?
Dr Marcelo W.B. Araujo: I think in the past year ADA has had a stronger focus on our members, especially in terms of educating them based on science. The number one priority in our science department is evidence-based dentistry. This is an area where we focus on all the investments and resources needed to develop new clinical guidelines, systematic reviews and chairside guides. In that way, dentists can educate their patients exclusively by focusing on science.

We have also focused on the patient. The ADA is unique around the world in terms of evaluating products through research. The ADA Seal of Acceptance Program is a powerful instrument that has changed the requirements for manufacturing true innovations and product testing. By 2017, we are going to have a new set of product evaluation rules. When patients see the ADA seal, they know the product is trustworthy.

Finally, I think we have made some good progress in terms of promoting scientific information. In the last year, we published three articles on common issues in dentistry. Those three articles were among the most cited and downloaded papers of our Journal of the American Dental Association. The topics were prophylaxis, treatment of periodontal disease, and prevention, which has become an issue in the US.

Why has prevention become so important in dentistry in the US?
To answer that, one just has to consider the prevalence of oral disease in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published new data last year showing that about 91 per cent of Americans have tooth decay (treated and untreated). There is also a large percentage among them with untreated decay. Another study on periodontal disease highlighted the high rate of gingivitis and other types of periodontal disease among Americans. Our members are educated on new treatments and the latest technologies. To my mind, if one is able to prevent disease, one can have a very profitable practice with more patients in the chair. We also released a video on handwashing showing dentists how to clean their hands properly and thereby prevent possible diseases from spreading to patients.

What are the major responsibilities of the Science Institute?
The ADA is responsible for dental standards for practices and products in the US. Our research laboratory is composed of 12 people working on development standards and product evaluations. Some of our recent standards have covered high-speed instruments, ceramics and electric toothbrushes. We are very much involved in dental standards to provide the best solutions for our members. All these standards are based on reviews, which members can find in the ADA Professional Product Review. In this online publication, they are able to learn about the latest materials, dental instruments, and technologies suitable for dentistry. One example would be high-speed handpieces. We would then review their power and capabilities.

Tell us more about ADA’s presence here at AEEDC.
We are at AEEDC to inform trade visitors about our publications, initiatives and membership opportunities. We already have members from the Middle East and regard this region as an area of growth. It is very important for them to know that all of ADA’s research resources are available to them. International membership services include access to all research publications, which is something dentists from around the world care more and more about. We invite prospective members to our booth to learn about the numerous benefits of membership. Any dentist can become a international member.

Tomorrow, we are going to participate in the AEEDC forum with a focus on oral health in the Middle East. Combining our efforts towards evidence-based dentistry could advance collaboration between Middle Eastern organisations and the ADA.

Thank you very much for the interview.

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