Diagnostic Agents in the Pediatric Eye Examination

In this chapter, the author reviews the most common topical ophthalmic drops for diagnostic use in a pediatric eye exam. Topical diagnostic agents have become an integral part of an ocular health examination even in infants and young children. Topical local anesthetics are commonly used for eye procedures such as tonometry, gonioscopy, and minor office procedures. The proper use of mydriatic drugs allows clinicians to identify and diagnose various ocular abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected. Cycloplegic refraction is a reliable procedure to determine the true refractive status of patients with accommodative esotropia, pseudomyopia, and latent hyperopia. Cycloplegic refraction is also useful in non-communicative or uncooperative patients and when a functional vision problem is suspected such as when visual acuities do not correlate with symptoms or clinical expecteds. Many times, diagnostic drops can help a clinician be more confident of the patient's clinical findings.

The Dental Implant Maintenance

As dental implant treatment has become a part of mainstream dental therapy, it is imperative to implement dental implant maintenance guidelines to achieve the long-term success of implant prostheses. Earlier, the success of a dental implant was mainly focused on the surgical phase to achieve good primary stability, with time, this belief has taken a major paradigm shift towards implementing and ensuring a periodic recall and following a maintenance phase for dental implants to achieve long-term success. As the dental team strives to attain and maintain the long-term success of implant prostheses, the patient should also recognize that their contribution towards the success of implant prostheses is also equally indispensable. This chapter highlights the importance of maintaining oral hygiene in implant rehabilitated patients and enumerates the implant maintenance protocol to be followed along with the different in-home and in-office procedures which can be implemented to achieve long-term success of the implant and peri-implant structures.

Knowledge and Attitude of Polish Dental Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: This study analyzed Polish dentists’ knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the main problems in their work during the early phase of the pandemic. Methods: Dentists responded to an online anonymous survey consisting of 57 questions relating to socio-demographics, knowledge about COVID-19, and office procedures. The obtained data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics, significance of dependencies and Chi square and Mann–Whitney tests; p < 0.05. Results: Ultimately, responses from 730 dentists were included. The mean age was 43.62 ± 11.57. Almost 3/4 of the respondents followed the information on COVID-19. A total of 95.5% had knowledge about COVID-19. Genetic testing was the basic test according to 69.2%. Further, 56.0% were concerned about the pandemic, and 23.6% were significantly anxious. In addition, 42.1% considered a risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace as very high. A total of 84.0% admitted patients performing a triage and using personal protective equipment (PPE). Further, 44.5% planned to become vaccinated. Continuing the work during the pandemic was strongly correlated with age, sector, and location and duration of work. Conclusions: Most Polish dentists follow the information on the COVID-19 protocol and have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. Dentists are concerned and anxious about the situation. The vast majority admitted patients during the pandemic and use PPE. Only almost half plan to be vaccinated.

Office Procedures in Cosmetic Gynaecology

Female genital cosmetic surgery is a set of multiple procedures focused on improving genital appearance, structure, and function. Sexual dysfunction affects a large proportion of the female population and appears to be associated with distorted genital anatomy although what women perceive as normal varies vastly depending on cultural and social beliefs. Cosmetic gynaecology office procedures are simple, quick, and effective solutions to improve sexual function as well as body image with minimal interventions and minimal side-effects. In this narrative review, we present these widely used minimally invasive aesthetic gynaecology interventions, focusing on their efficacy, and reported complications. Recommendations regarding heath professionals’ approach and ethical issues arising are also discussed.

Telemedicine Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of an International Survey

Objective The aim of the study is to survey hand surgeons' perspectives on telemedicine during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and intended applications after the pandemic. Methods Online surveys were sent to 285 Canadian and American surgeons in late April and early May 2020. Results Response rate was 63% (180)—84% (152) American and 16% (28) Canadian. Forty-three percent (76) of respondents were in private practice, 36% (64) academics, 13% (24) privademics, and 6% (12) hospital employed. The most common telemedicine platform was Zoom. During the pandemic, 42% of patient visits were conducted via telemedicine; however, 37% required a subsequent in-person office visit. The most common complaint by surgeons was the inability to provide routine in-office procedures. The most beneficial feature was ease of use, and the most frustrating feature was connectivity difficulty. Time spent was similar to in-person visits, and surgeons were likely to recommend their platforms. Surgeons were neutral about using telehealth in the future and were most likely to use it for follow-up visits. New patient visits for traumatic injuries or fractures were of limited value. Canadians used telemedicine for a greater proportion than Americans (50 vs. 40%, p <0.05) and spent more time than in-person visits (7/10 vs. 5/10, p <0.05). Americans were more likely to use telemedicine for postoperative follow-up visits (6/10 vs. 4/10, p <0.05) and in mornings before clinic opens (4/10 vs. 2/10, p <0.05). Private practices were more likely to use telemedicine for future allied health provider visits than all other practice types (p <0.05). Conclusion Telemedicine comprised nearly half of patient encounters during the COVID-19 pandemic, but limitations remain.