Uses of Natural and Traditional Medicine and difficulties for its application in dentistry

[摘要] Introduction: the incorporation of Natural and Traditional Medicine into dental practicehas broadened the scope of therapies for oral and maxillofacial disorders. However,difficulties are still found for its application.Objectives:describe some aspects of the application of Natural and Traditional Medicineby dentists from the municipality of Playa and identify the difficulties perceivedfor its application.Methods:a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2012 basedon a dedicated questionnaire applied to 88 dentists from the municipality ofPlaya, Havana, Cuba. The variables studied were years after graduation, specialty,master's degree, application of Natural and Traditional Medicine in dental treatment,therapies most commonly used, difficulties for their application and recommendationsto improve their use.Results: from the overall study sample, 58.0 % were professionals with 1 to 20 years'experience after graduation, whereas 60.2 % were General Comprehensive Dentistryspecialists. 97.7 % stated they made use of Natural and Traditional Medicinein dental treatment. The therapy most commonly employed was phytotherapy (80.7%). 62.5 % said that insufficient knowledge about these therapies wasa difficulty, and 35.2 % recommended to implement courses about them.Conclusions:almost all surveyed dentists said they included Natural and Traditional Medicinein their dental practice. The main difficulties cited in its application werelack of knowledge about these therapies and non-availability of the resourcesrequired in dental consultation offices.

[学科分类] 基础医学

[关键词] natural and traditional medicine;application;dentistry;odontology.