دکتر رضا عمرانی

The demand for rhinoplasty is increasing. Cosmetic surgery is under the influence of psychological variables. This study aimed to evaluate different determinants of the patient’s psychosocial functioning that might affect the outcome of rhinoplasty surgery.

This case-control research was conducted in Qazvin City, Iran in 2022. A total of 228 people (114 controls and 114 cases) who were matched entered the study. The study tools comprised two questionnaires: One was a researcher-made questionnaire to determine social factors, and the second was a standard international NEO-FFI test to assess personality traits. The findings were analyzed using the t-test and analysis of variance.

 one hundred fourteen cases and 114 controls participated in the study. Age was a significant factor in deciding on rhinoplasty (P=0.02). Regarding the social factors, the most prevalent factors were improving self-confidence, achieving more beauty, and peer pressure. The psychological part showed that extrovert people have a greater tendency to undergo rhinoplasty (P=0.04). Also, the neuroticism, openness, neuroticism, and agreeableness personality traits were higher in the case group and the conscientiousness in the control group (P=0.04).

 There is a difference between the psychosocial pattern of volunteers and non-volunteers of rhinoplasty. The psychosocial factors affect the participants’ tendency for cosmetic rhinoplasty. The authors of the article recommend psychological evaluation of cosmetic surgery candidates before the operation.

Dental stress is often considered as one of the important factors related to the patient's avoidance of dental visits. Considering the lack of comprehensive studies in this regard in Iran, we decided to design a study to explore the causes of dental stress.

The DASS (Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale) was used for data collection. The first part of the questionnaire was related to demographic characteristics, including age, sex, education level and occupation and dental treatment experience. The second part included 21 questions related to the stress. The relationship between the score of questionnaire and psychological and demographic factors were analyzed.

Two hundred and fifty-eight patients completed the questionnaires (129 men,129 women). the highest age frequency was seen in the 21-30-year-old group (n=93). The mean age of the patients was 32 years old. women had higher stress scores (p=0.054), First timers had higher mean score to patients with a positive history of dental visit or endodontics treatment (p=0.03). level of education was no related to the stress score. Stress level had negative correlation with age (p=0.03).

Demographic and psychological factors are related to the stress. It's necessary to know the cause of stress in dentistry to have a better control on patient and better treatment procedure.

Some studies have indicated that toothache is the primary reason for dental visits. The present study was conducted to assess the initial responses of Iranian individuals to toothaches.

The study included individuals referred to six dental clinics in Qazvin with severe pain. Then, they were asked about their initial reaction to pain. Seeking professional medical attention was considered a correct decision. The significance level was set at ≤ 0.05.

503 participants with a mean age of 31 (±7.5) years, including 260 females and 243 males. The initial reaction after the onset of toothache were searching the Internet [n=168], followed by visiting a dentist [n=143]. A significant correlation was found between age, history of dental visits, and correct reaction (p=0.033).

The Internet and social media significantly influence individuals' decisions regarding pain management. A notable proportion of individuals prefer self-treatment over visiting a dentist following a severe toothache.

The number of dental services provided is related to the type of services needed by a population and treatment decision making by dentists. This descriptive study aimed to compare the dental service mix in two different payment systems.

The dental records of a long-established dental clinic were reviewed. Treatment performed, during October 2018 and October 2019, by 36 dentists, 12 dentists worked in both payment method periods, 12 of them worked only in salary, and 12 of them worked in fee for service (FFS) period.

Preventive dental services and practices without treatment (visits, diagnostic radiography, and referrals) decreased, and practices included aggressive treatments (randomized controlled trial, extraction, and crown) and highly aggressive procedure (surgery) increased from salary to FFS period. The total activities of dentists were higher in FFS.

According to our results, in a salary system, the dentist was more likely to refer and perform preventive treatments, whereas in the FFS payment system, the dentists choose more aggressive treatments. Payment method may change dental service mix.