Leanne Sykes | Univeristy Of Pretoria (original) (raw)
Papers by Leanne Sykes
South African Dental Journal
A professional has a job that needs a high level of education and training, and who acts in a man... more A professional has a job that needs a high level of education and training, and who acts in a manner that conforms to the technical and ethical standards of their profession. They are also expected to adhere to a specific set of duties known as professional ethics and competencies. Many duties are common to most professions such as honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability, objectivity, respectfulness and obedience to the law. In medicine and dentistry there are additional duties related to all aspects of patient care and workplace interactions. In this paper the duties of a doctor will be discussed under the categories of legal duties, business-related duties, professional duties, clinical duties, educational duties, the duty to work, and moral / ethical duties. While it is recognised that practitioners have a right to practice their trade as a result of their professional education and training, they are also obligated to behave in a manner that will uphold the reputation o...
South African Dental Journal
A recent study amongst South African dental students found that a number of them had perceived mo... more A recent study amongst South African dental students found that a number of them had perceived moderate to severe stress and as a result, some have resorted to stimulant drugs. The aim of the study was to assess substance use by dental and oral hygiene students at a university in South Africa. A cross-sectional design was used and all dental and oral hygiene students registered in 2019 at a university in South Africa were asked to participate. Materials and Methods A pretested, validated self-administered questionnaire was used to achieve the aim. The objectives were to identify which substances were used, where they were obtained, frequency and reasons for use, as well as the self-perceived benefits and side effects experienced. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. The data was confidential and anonymity was ensured. A total of 303 (88%) agreed to participate with ages from 17 to 36 years and a mean of 22.3 years. Over two thirds 206 (67.9%) used substances. Almost half of the ...
South African Dental Journal
In keeping with the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, no dental treatment... more In keeping with the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, no dental treatment shouldbbe commenced prior to carrying out all the requisite preparatory stages. This includes a thorough initial assessment, establishing an accurate diagnosis, drawing up a list of possible treatment options, presenting these to the patient, and allowing them to make an autonomous and educated decision. This should be followed with the formulation of a structured and carefully considered treatment plan.This case illustrates a case of iatrogenically induced damage suffered by a patient where unplanned treatment was carried out with no consideration of the possible immediate, short term or long terms outcomes. It stresses the need for dentists to consider and pre-empt the consequences of their treatment (or lack there-of) and formulate the best possible plan for each patient. It also needs to be stressed that the proposed management plan must be informed by the principle of ‘shared decis...
South African Dental Journal
There are currently several media adverts on radio and television in which “experts” confidently ... more There are currently several media adverts on radio and television in which “experts” confidently inform the public of their unique kinds of toothpaste which not only strengthen but can rebuild enamel and lost tooth substance.The concerns raised in this paper relate to pharmaceutical companies preying on uninformed, concerned, and often-compromised consumers to promote their products. To this end, some make fallacious claims, misrepresent or overinflate their products' therapeutic potential, which all overtly or covertly create false hopes and unrealistic expectations. The profession needs to collectively identify a body that will monitor the information presented to the public by dental manufacturers, advertising bodies, and social media websites. If we stand by and say nothing, we agree with the data and legitimize the product. Dental clinicians need to be more accountable, active, and visible on television, social media sites and in popular publications providing educational i...
South African Dental Journal
Dentists who wish to specialize in a specific discipline have to undergo and complete a rigorous,... more Dentists who wish to specialize in a specific discipline have to undergo and complete a rigorous, structured and extensive postgraduate academic and practical training programme, and pass all the requisite exams. Only then can they be registered with a regulating professional body and be recognized as such in that field. Thereafter their scope of practice becomes limited to that specialty alone. This differs from general dentists, who are not restricted in their scope of practice, but may have limitations to the extent of their capabilities. They may choose to upskill themselves through attendance at short courses, hands-on training workshops, informal study groups, dental company workshops or even YouTube videos. Unlike the trainee in a formal institution, this is unstructured and outcomes are unspecified, yet some of these practitioners then market themselves as specialists in these fields. While the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has set out a list of core eth...
South African Dental Journal, 2021
The many new airborne viral pathogens such as coronavirus (Covid-19), the novel variant (SARS-CoV... more The many new airborne viral pathogens such as coronavirus (Covid-19), the novel variant (SARS-CoV-2), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory distress syndrome (MERS), have brought about a whole new avalanche of problems. These airborne pathogens are all highly contagious and transmissible, especially in the dental setting where the procedures and machinery used may generate enormous amounts of aerosol spray. This is an ideal vector for air/ droplet spread. Most dentists have implemented screening procedures to determine if their patients are well enough to be treated, and have begun wearing a full gamut of personal protective clothing (PPE). Nonetheless, a concern that has received limited attention in the literature is the “contagious clinician” who continues to work and who may pose a risk of infecting their patients. This paper explores both the patient’s rights to quality care in a safe and healthy enviro...
South African Dental Journal, 2017
Brittleness and low strength render conventional ceramic systems unsuitable for routine restorati... more Brittleness and low strength render conventional ceramic systems unsuitable for routine restorative use in molars. Modern, high-strength ceramic core materials such as high purity aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3) and yttrium-partially stabilized zirconia (Y-PSZ) have been designed for aesthetic, metal-free, all-ceramics in posterior teeth. aims and objectives: To compare the biaxial flexural strengths of these two 1. core materials. To compare the strengths of Y-PSZ samples produced 2. by two manufacturers. Materials and methods: Three groups of discs measuring 16mm diameter and 2mm thickness were prepared for each of the sample materials, high purity Al 2 O 3 , commercially available as Turkom-Cera, and Y-PSZ, commercially available as Cercon and LAVA. The Biaxial flexural strengths were measured using a Zwick Z010 Material Testing Machine. Reliability was compared using Weibull Moduli. Results: Mean strengths for LAVA, Cercon and Turkom-Cera were 866.44, 586.92, 155.71 MPa respectively. Statistically significant differences were shown between the mean values. Discussion and conclusions: This project showed that the samples of Y-PSZ had higher biaxial flexural strengths than those of high purity Al 2 O 3. The biaxial flexural strengths of Y-PSZ, sourced from two manufacturers, are significantly different. It is suggested that Y-PSZ is suitable and indicated for restorative use in molar regions.
South African Dental Journal, 2017
The Medical School of the University of Arizona have developed a "Curriculum on Medical Ignorance... more The Medical School of the University of Arizona have developed a "Curriculum on Medical Ignorance" programme with which defines levels of knowledge. It is aptly called: The Ignorance Map There are six levels of knowledge: Known Unknowns: all the things you know you don't know. Unknown Unknowns: all the things you don't know you don't know Errors: all the things you think you know but don't Unknown Knowns: all the things you don't know you know Taboos: dangerous, polluting or forbidden knowledge Denials: all the things too difficult, time consuming or painful to know, so you don't 1 INTrODUCTION A prosthodontist was recently called by a dentist who was asking for advice about a patient who was anaesthetized and lying in the chair at that time. The patient was partially dentate in the mandible, with severe periodontal disease and over-eruption of the remaining six anterior teeth. These were opposed by a complete maxillary denture. The patient had been unable to tolerate a mandibular partial denture resulting in development of a classical combination syndrome. The dentist planned to extract the remaining teeth and at the same time insert six implants in each arch. These were going to be immediately loaded with complete over-dentures, and later restored with two fixed implant supported prostheses. As a new implant system was to be used, the company representative had volunteered to assist with the instrumentation, componentry and surgical placement. However, once
South African Dental Journal, 2017
South African Dental Journal, 2016
SADJ : journal of the South African Dental Association = tydskrif van die Suid-Afrikaanse Tandheelkundige Vereniging, 2014
This in vitro investigation compared the effect of using either gold or titanium retaining screws... more This in vitro investigation compared the effect of using either gold or titanium retaining screws on preload in the dental implant- abutment complex. Inadequate preload can result in screw loosening, whilst fracture may occur if preload is excessive. These are the most commonly reported complications in implant-retained prostheses, and result in unscheduled, costly and time-consuming visits for the patient and the clinician. This study investigated changes in preload generation after repeated torque applications to gold and titanium screws. The test set-up consisted of an implant body, a cylindrical transmucosa abutment, and the test samples of gold and of titanium retaining screws. The implant bodies were anchored using a load cell, and the transmucosal abutments were attached using either gold or titanium retaining screws. A torque gauge was used to apply torque of 20Ncm, 32Ncm, and 40Ncm to the retaining screws. The preloads generated in each screw type were compared at each torq...
South African Dental Journal, 2017
South African Dental Journal, 2016
Traditionally, medicine has been governed by the principle of Primum non nocere - "first do ... more Traditionally, medicine has been governed by the principle of Primum non nocere - "first do no harm", which implies both doing good and avoiding doing harm. However, in medical research, this approach is far too simplistic. Today we need also to be attuned to the vast domain of related ethical issues. In ethics, as indeed in English, many terms and concepts are clearly confusing. They may seem similar, yet be different: is petrol flammable, or inflammable? Others question logic, dishonest and honest, so why not diseased and eased (instead of healthy)? Many terms are also highly debatable; if someone sets out to fail and actually succeeds, is that a success or a failure? This paper will explore some basic principles of medical ethics and then relate them to scientific research in terms of study design. These principles give guidance for the protection and safeguarding of researchers, participants (specifically dental patients), and the community.
South African Dental Journal, 2016
A letter was recently sent to members of a research committee which read as follows: "Dear M... more A letter was recently sent to members of a research committee which read as follows: "Dear Members. We have 27 protocols to review and will divide them between all members. Each protocol will be evaluated by two people, thus you will all have to evaluate ±9 protocols". The response from the resident statistician read: "Hello. I would like to correct this common statement highlighted above. Although it is a colloquial statement, it should be corrected among members. It is preferred to state that "each will evaluate between 7-11 protocols or 9±2 (7-11 protocols)."
South African Dental Journal, 2020
Advances in technology necessitate constant changes in all aspects of medical education and patie... more Advances in technology necessitate constant changes in all aspects of medical education and patient care. This requires educators and clinicians to merge traditional practices with new innovations, materials and techniques. We are also aware that rapid and dramatic changes are taking place in the world with respect to urbanisation and migration, science and technology and the future of the earth.
South African Dental Journal, 2021
People have contemplated what it entails to be good and to do good. Philosophers propose that bei... more People have contemplated what it entails to be good and to do good. Philosophers propose that being good is an idea about yourself or others, while doing good is an action, towards yourself or others. Other theorists feel that those who want to ‘be good’ actually want to ‘be seen as good’, while those who strive to ‘do good’ are more concerned with following some calling or moral character. If we consider the dental situation, it raises the question of whether the motivation to do good should reign over the practical delivery of good dental treatment. This brings up many new considerations related to being good and doing good, and whether we are looking at good in terms of the practical performance of the clinical work or in terms of addressing the patient’s best interests and welfare. This paper will explore some of the interesting dilemmas that clinicians may face in their daily practices. It aims to raise their awareness of the differences between patients’ demands, actual needs,...
South African Dental Journal, 2017
There has been a global explosion in the access to and use of social media (SM) internet sites an... more There has been a global explosion in the access to and use of social media (SM) internet sites and instant messenger services. As a result, the ways people obtain, share, publish and discuss information have changed. The medical and dental professions have not been spared from this development, with many health care providers and patients using SM for communicating with colleagues and patients; gaining access to or disseminating healthrelated information and for social networking. In addition, there are many professional sites aimed solely at health care professionals or specifically dentists.1
South African Dental Journal, 2016
Patients often ask oral health care practitioners to recommend the "best" mouthwash for... more Patients often ask oral health care practitioners to recommend the "best" mouthwash for their specific needs and desires. Considering the vast array of products available, the number of television, radio and printed media advertisements, and the promotional campaigns from dental representatives, selecting and recommending a single product can be daunting. As a result, advice and selection are often based on personal preferences, and may not identify a mouthwash most suitable for the specific needs of a particular patient. This study was undertaken to investigate the range, availability, advertised indications and ingredients of all the mouthwashes on offer in six large supermarket chains in Gauteng. After identifying all the available over-the-counter mouthwashes on sale, a descriptive cross sectional study was undertaken. The advertised indications for use, active ingredients, mode of action and cost of the collected samples were compared. The results may help clinicians ...
South African Dental Journal, 2017
South African Dental Journal
A professional has a job that needs a high level of education and training, and who acts in a man... more A professional has a job that needs a high level of education and training, and who acts in a manner that conforms to the technical and ethical standards of their profession. They are also expected to adhere to a specific set of duties known as professional ethics and competencies. Many duties are common to most professions such as honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability, objectivity, respectfulness and obedience to the law. In medicine and dentistry there are additional duties related to all aspects of patient care and workplace interactions. In this paper the duties of a doctor will be discussed under the categories of legal duties, business-related duties, professional duties, clinical duties, educational duties, the duty to work, and moral / ethical duties. While it is recognised that practitioners have a right to practice their trade as a result of their professional education and training, they are also obligated to behave in a manner that will uphold the reputation o...
South African Dental Journal
A recent study amongst South African dental students found that a number of them had perceived mo... more A recent study amongst South African dental students found that a number of them had perceived moderate to severe stress and as a result, some have resorted to stimulant drugs. The aim of the study was to assess substance use by dental and oral hygiene students at a university in South Africa. A cross-sectional design was used and all dental and oral hygiene students registered in 2019 at a university in South Africa were asked to participate. Materials and Methods A pretested, validated self-administered questionnaire was used to achieve the aim. The objectives were to identify which substances were used, where they were obtained, frequency and reasons for use, as well as the self-perceived benefits and side effects experienced. Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. The data was confidential and anonymity was ensured. A total of 303 (88%) agreed to participate with ages from 17 to 36 years and a mean of 22.3 years. Over two thirds 206 (67.9%) used substances. Almost half of the ...
South African Dental Journal
In keeping with the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, no dental treatment... more In keeping with the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, no dental treatment shouldbbe commenced prior to carrying out all the requisite preparatory stages. This includes a thorough initial assessment, establishing an accurate diagnosis, drawing up a list of possible treatment options, presenting these to the patient, and allowing them to make an autonomous and educated decision. This should be followed with the formulation of a structured and carefully considered treatment plan.This case illustrates a case of iatrogenically induced damage suffered by a patient where unplanned treatment was carried out with no consideration of the possible immediate, short term or long terms outcomes. It stresses the need for dentists to consider and pre-empt the consequences of their treatment (or lack there-of) and formulate the best possible plan for each patient. It also needs to be stressed that the proposed management plan must be informed by the principle of ‘shared decis...
South African Dental Journal
There are currently several media adverts on radio and television in which “experts” confidently ... more There are currently several media adverts on radio and television in which “experts” confidently inform the public of their unique kinds of toothpaste which not only strengthen but can rebuild enamel and lost tooth substance.The concerns raised in this paper relate to pharmaceutical companies preying on uninformed, concerned, and often-compromised consumers to promote their products. To this end, some make fallacious claims, misrepresent or overinflate their products' therapeutic potential, which all overtly or covertly create false hopes and unrealistic expectations. The profession needs to collectively identify a body that will monitor the information presented to the public by dental manufacturers, advertising bodies, and social media websites. If we stand by and say nothing, we agree with the data and legitimize the product. Dental clinicians need to be more accountable, active, and visible on television, social media sites and in popular publications providing educational i...
South African Dental Journal
Dentists who wish to specialize in a specific discipline have to undergo and complete a rigorous,... more Dentists who wish to specialize in a specific discipline have to undergo and complete a rigorous, structured and extensive postgraduate academic and practical training programme, and pass all the requisite exams. Only then can they be registered with a regulating professional body and be recognized as such in that field. Thereafter their scope of practice becomes limited to that specialty alone. This differs from general dentists, who are not restricted in their scope of practice, but may have limitations to the extent of their capabilities. They may choose to upskill themselves through attendance at short courses, hands-on training workshops, informal study groups, dental company workshops or even YouTube videos. Unlike the trainee in a formal institution, this is unstructured and outcomes are unspecified, yet some of these practitioners then market themselves as specialists in these fields. While the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has set out a list of core eth...
South African Dental Journal, 2021
The many new airborne viral pathogens such as coronavirus (Covid-19), the novel variant (SARS-CoV... more The many new airborne viral pathogens such as coronavirus (Covid-19), the novel variant (SARS-CoV-2), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory distress syndrome (MERS), have brought about a whole new avalanche of problems. These airborne pathogens are all highly contagious and transmissible, especially in the dental setting where the procedures and machinery used may generate enormous amounts of aerosol spray. This is an ideal vector for air/ droplet spread. Most dentists have implemented screening procedures to determine if their patients are well enough to be treated, and have begun wearing a full gamut of personal protective clothing (PPE). Nonetheless, a concern that has received limited attention in the literature is the “contagious clinician” who continues to work and who may pose a risk of infecting their patients. This paper explores both the patient’s rights to quality care in a safe and healthy enviro...
South African Dental Journal, 2017
Brittleness and low strength render conventional ceramic systems unsuitable for routine restorati... more Brittleness and low strength render conventional ceramic systems unsuitable for routine restorative use in molars. Modern, high-strength ceramic core materials such as high purity aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3) and yttrium-partially stabilized zirconia (Y-PSZ) have been designed for aesthetic, metal-free, all-ceramics in posterior teeth. aims and objectives: To compare the biaxial flexural strengths of these two 1. core materials. To compare the strengths of Y-PSZ samples produced 2. by two manufacturers. Materials and methods: Three groups of discs measuring 16mm diameter and 2mm thickness were prepared for each of the sample materials, high purity Al 2 O 3 , commercially available as Turkom-Cera, and Y-PSZ, commercially available as Cercon and LAVA. The Biaxial flexural strengths were measured using a Zwick Z010 Material Testing Machine. Reliability was compared using Weibull Moduli. Results: Mean strengths for LAVA, Cercon and Turkom-Cera were 866.44, 586.92, 155.71 MPa respectively. Statistically significant differences were shown between the mean values. Discussion and conclusions: This project showed that the samples of Y-PSZ had higher biaxial flexural strengths than those of high purity Al 2 O 3. The biaxial flexural strengths of Y-PSZ, sourced from two manufacturers, are significantly different. It is suggested that Y-PSZ is suitable and indicated for restorative use in molar regions.
South African Dental Journal, 2017
The Medical School of the University of Arizona have developed a "Curriculum on Medical Ignorance... more The Medical School of the University of Arizona have developed a "Curriculum on Medical Ignorance" programme with which defines levels of knowledge. It is aptly called: The Ignorance Map There are six levels of knowledge: Known Unknowns: all the things you know you don't know. Unknown Unknowns: all the things you don't know you don't know Errors: all the things you think you know but don't Unknown Knowns: all the things you don't know you know Taboos: dangerous, polluting or forbidden knowledge Denials: all the things too difficult, time consuming or painful to know, so you don't 1 INTrODUCTION A prosthodontist was recently called by a dentist who was asking for advice about a patient who was anaesthetized and lying in the chair at that time. The patient was partially dentate in the mandible, with severe periodontal disease and over-eruption of the remaining six anterior teeth. These were opposed by a complete maxillary denture. The patient had been unable to tolerate a mandibular partial denture resulting in development of a classical combination syndrome. The dentist planned to extract the remaining teeth and at the same time insert six implants in each arch. These were going to be immediately loaded with complete over-dentures, and later restored with two fixed implant supported prostheses. As a new implant system was to be used, the company representative had volunteered to assist with the instrumentation, componentry and surgical placement. However, once
South African Dental Journal, 2017
South African Dental Journal, 2016
SADJ : journal of the South African Dental Association = tydskrif van die Suid-Afrikaanse Tandheelkundige Vereniging, 2014
This in vitro investigation compared the effect of using either gold or titanium retaining screws... more This in vitro investigation compared the effect of using either gold or titanium retaining screws on preload in the dental implant- abutment complex. Inadequate preload can result in screw loosening, whilst fracture may occur if preload is excessive. These are the most commonly reported complications in implant-retained prostheses, and result in unscheduled, costly and time-consuming visits for the patient and the clinician. This study investigated changes in preload generation after repeated torque applications to gold and titanium screws. The test set-up consisted of an implant body, a cylindrical transmucosa abutment, and the test samples of gold and of titanium retaining screws. The implant bodies were anchored using a load cell, and the transmucosal abutments were attached using either gold or titanium retaining screws. A torque gauge was used to apply torque of 20Ncm, 32Ncm, and 40Ncm to the retaining screws. The preloads generated in each screw type were compared at each torq...
South African Dental Journal, 2017
South African Dental Journal, 2016
Traditionally, medicine has been governed by the principle of Primum non nocere - "first do ... more Traditionally, medicine has been governed by the principle of Primum non nocere - "first do no harm", which implies both doing good and avoiding doing harm. However, in medical research, this approach is far too simplistic. Today we need also to be attuned to the vast domain of related ethical issues. In ethics, as indeed in English, many terms and concepts are clearly confusing. They may seem similar, yet be different: is petrol flammable, or inflammable? Others question logic, dishonest and honest, so why not diseased and eased (instead of healthy)? Many terms are also highly debatable; if someone sets out to fail and actually succeeds, is that a success or a failure? This paper will explore some basic principles of medical ethics and then relate them to scientific research in terms of study design. These principles give guidance for the protection and safeguarding of researchers, participants (specifically dental patients), and the community.
South African Dental Journal, 2016
A letter was recently sent to members of a research committee which read as follows: "Dear M... more A letter was recently sent to members of a research committee which read as follows: "Dear Members. We have 27 protocols to review and will divide them between all members. Each protocol will be evaluated by two people, thus you will all have to evaluate ±9 protocols". The response from the resident statistician read: "Hello. I would like to correct this common statement highlighted above. Although it is a colloquial statement, it should be corrected among members. It is preferred to state that "each will evaluate between 7-11 protocols or 9±2 (7-11 protocols)."
South African Dental Journal, 2020
Advances in technology necessitate constant changes in all aspects of medical education and patie... more Advances in technology necessitate constant changes in all aspects of medical education and patient care. This requires educators and clinicians to merge traditional practices with new innovations, materials and techniques. We are also aware that rapid and dramatic changes are taking place in the world with respect to urbanisation and migration, science and technology and the future of the earth.
South African Dental Journal, 2021
People have contemplated what it entails to be good and to do good. Philosophers propose that bei... more People have contemplated what it entails to be good and to do good. Philosophers propose that being good is an idea about yourself or others, while doing good is an action, towards yourself or others. Other theorists feel that those who want to ‘be good’ actually want to ‘be seen as good’, while those who strive to ‘do good’ are more concerned with following some calling or moral character. If we consider the dental situation, it raises the question of whether the motivation to do good should reign over the practical delivery of good dental treatment. This brings up many new considerations related to being good and doing good, and whether we are looking at good in terms of the practical performance of the clinical work or in terms of addressing the patient’s best interests and welfare. This paper will explore some of the interesting dilemmas that clinicians may face in their daily practices. It aims to raise their awareness of the differences between patients’ demands, actual needs,...
South African Dental Journal, 2017
There has been a global explosion in the access to and use of social media (SM) internet sites an... more There has been a global explosion in the access to and use of social media (SM) internet sites and instant messenger services. As a result, the ways people obtain, share, publish and discuss information have changed. The medical and dental professions have not been spared from this development, with many health care providers and patients using SM for communicating with colleagues and patients; gaining access to or disseminating healthrelated information and for social networking. In addition, there are many professional sites aimed solely at health care professionals or specifically dentists.1
South African Dental Journal, 2016
Patients often ask oral health care practitioners to recommend the "best" mouthwash for... more Patients often ask oral health care practitioners to recommend the "best" mouthwash for their specific needs and desires. Considering the vast array of products available, the number of television, radio and printed media advertisements, and the promotional campaigns from dental representatives, selecting and recommending a single product can be daunting. As a result, advice and selection are often based on personal preferences, and may not identify a mouthwash most suitable for the specific needs of a particular patient. This study was undertaken to investigate the range, availability, advertised indications and ingredients of all the mouthwashes on offer in six large supermarket chains in Gauteng. After identifying all the available over-the-counter mouthwashes on sale, a descriptive cross sectional study was undertaken. The advertised indications for use, active ingredients, mode of action and cost of the collected samples were compared. The results may help clinicians ...
South African Dental Journal, 2017