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This paper describes and reports the patient-specific characteristics of an urgent dental care clinic for COVID-19 infected, suspected, exposed or quarantined patients from March to December 2020 in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland. The triage and the treatment protocol were established based on the scientific data. Patient files were evaluated from the hospital district's electronic medical record system. IBM SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. There were 1114 consultations and 257 visits at the clinic. Most of the patients were generally healthy with mean age of 35, had toothache and were suspected to be SARS-CoV-2 positive. Seventeen of the patients received positive tests for COVID-19 infection. The main treatment was tooth extraction, mostly due to caries. Statistically significant differences between COVID-19 infected and other patients occurred in age (45 vs 34 years-of-age, p =.009) and number of teeth (25 vs 28, p =.031). No SARS-CoV-2 infection transmission chains were traced to the clinic. During the challenging pandemic time, patients were carefully screened by specialists in clinical dentistry and treated safely and effectively. Patient-specific characteristics revealed no differences between COVID-19 infected and other patients in terms of symptoms or treatment needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Doses induced by individual dental examinations are low. However, dental radiography accounts for nearly one third of the total number of radiological examinations in the European Union. Therefore, special attention is needed with regard to radiation protection. In order to lower patient doses, the staff performing dental examinations must have competence in imaging as well as in radiation protection issues. This paper presents a systematic review about the core competencies needed by the healthcare staff in performing digital dental radiological imaging quality assurance. Materials and methods. The following databases were searched: Pubmed, Cinahl, Pro Quest and IEEXplore digital library. Also volumes of some dental imaging journals and doctoral theses of the Finnish universities educating dentists were searched. The search was performed using both MeSH terms and keywords using the option 'search all text'. The original keywords were: dental imaging, digital, x-ray, panoramic, quality, assurance, competence, competency, skills, knowledge, radiographer, radiologist technician, dentist, oral hygienist, radiation protection and their Finnish synonyms. Results. Core competencies needed by the healthcare staff performing digital dental radiological imaging quality assurance described in the selected studies were: management of dental imaging equipment, competence in image quality and factors associated with it, dose optimization and quality assurance. Conclusions. In the future there will be higher doses in dental imaging due to increasing use of CBCT and digital imaging. The staff performing dental imaging must have competence in dental imaging quality assurance issues found in this review. They also have to practice ethical radiation safety culture in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This register-based study assessed the frequency of and age-specified variation in tooth extractions in adults visiting private dentists in Finland in 2012–2017. Retrospective study design was used on the register-based data of private sector services. Data of the entire 6 years, 2012–2017, included records of a total of 6,252,039 patients. From among these, further detailed information was gathered in 2012 for 1,058,305 patients, and in 2017, for 985,043 patients. For each 6 years, the data were aggregated into patients' 5-year age groups that were observation elements. Proportions of patients undergoing oral surgical treatments were compared during the 6 years 2012–2017, and details of tooth extractions in 2012 and 2017. Linear regression modelling was used to analyse thinkable age- and year-related inclinations in oral surgical treatments. Across the 6 years, a total of 848,362 patients (13.6%) underwent oral surgical treatments, and the rates varied by year 13.3–13.8%. By age group, the smallest rates (9–10%) were for 35–49-year-olds and greatest (20–22%) for those aged below 25 or over 84. The rates in same-age groups were stable. In 2012 and 2017, mean numbers of tooth extractions per patient by year were 0.17 and 0.18, and per patients undergoing oral surgical treatments, 1.29 and 1.27, respectively. Proportion of patients undergoing oral surgical treatments and mean number of tooth extractions per patient was greater in younger and older age groups. Tooth extractions in adults are age-dependent and age-specified differences remain stable across the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(i) To study the measurement invariance of Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES) and Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ), (ii) to compare the perception of orofacial appearance (OA) and (iii) to study the frequency of individuals who have sought or received aesthetic dental treatment between Brazil and Finland. This was a cross-sectional observational study with snowball non-probability sample selection. Students and staff from universities in Finland and Brazil were invited to participate. Data were collected online using a demographic questionnaire, OES and PIDAQ. The samples consisted of 3636 Finns (75.0% female; age: 32.0 years) and 1468 Brazilians (72.6% female; age: 33.2 years). The frequency of receiving aesthetic dental treatment was estimated. If configurational invariance was observed, cross-national measurement invariance was verified by multigroup analysis. When measurement invariance was attested, factor scores were compared using Welch's t-test. OES showed configurational and measurement invariance and no significant difference between the countries. Despite similarity in satisfaction with OA, 71.9% of Brazilians had received aesthetic dental treatment, while 59.4% of Finns had never sought such treatments. PIDAQ did not present configurational invariance between the countries. Although there is no difference in satisfaction with OA, seeking and receiving aesthetic dental treatment is significantly greater for Brazilians. Psychosocial impact of OA is perceived differently in the studied countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between physical and mental well-being and physical activity with dental fear among university students in Finland.Methods: We used the 2016 data from the Finnish student health survey (n = 3090). Perceived physical and mental well-being was ascertained with the questions 'How would you describe your current state of physical well-being?' and 'How would you describe your current state of mental well-being'. Dental fear was inquired with question 'Do you feel scared about dental care?' Associations between physical and mental well-being and dental fear were analyzed with cross tabulations and logistic regression analysis.Results: When controlling for age, gender, educational sector, tobacco and alcohol use, those reporting poor or moderate physical or mental well-being were more likely to have high dental fear than were those reporting good physical or mental well-being.Conclusions: In addition to mental well-being, physical well-being was also associated with dental fear; those with poor or moderate physical well-being were more likely to have dental fear than were those with good physical well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to clarify demographic and clinical aspects of patients with ameloblastoma treated at a single Finnish institute during 1985-2016. Associations between predictor variables (gender and age) and outcome variables (location, tumour type, growth patterns and average tumour size) were sought.Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was designed and implemented including 34 patients diagnosed with primary ameloblastoma and treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital. Patient records were investigated, and tissue samples re-evaluated. The chi-square test was used on all categorized variables and t-test for continuous ones. A p value equal to or under .05 was considered significant.Results: Males were slightly more predominant among the Finnish patients with ameloblastoma. Maxillary tumours were seen exclusively in male patients (p = .034). Additionally, these patients were older than patients with mandibular tumours (p = .007). A mixture in histological growth patterns was more common than originally anticipated. The study revealed a wide range of clinical signs and subjective symptoms, of which pain or other sensations were experienced most often.Conclusions: This study of 34 subjects shows that southern Finnish patients with ameloblastoma do not substantially differ from patients in similar study designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Oral lichen planus (OLP) and lichenoid lesions (OLL) are regarded as precursor lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with potential for malignant transformation. This potential is not clear due to difficulties in diagnosis of OLP and OLL. Our aim was therefore to evaluate previously identified OLP and OLL as precursor lesions in OSCC and to identify cancer related etiological factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases (total 323, comprising 164 females and 159 males) with OSCC treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases and Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital during 2015. Confirmed by histopathological biopsy, 58 (17.9%) had OLP and 13 had OLL (4.0%) as precursor lesion.Results: Patients with OLP were slightly older than those without it. OLP was more common in females than in males (p < .0001). TN class 1 tumors were more prevalent among patients with OLP or OLL (p = .006) and cancer relapses less common (p = .005). Smoking was less frequent in patients with OLP and OLL (p < .0001). Also alcohol abuse was less frequent among these patients (p < .001).Conclusion: Our findings confirm the importance of active follow-up of all patients with OLP and OLL even in patients who do not fit a traditional high-risk category for OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:We analyzed operator-related differences in endodontic malpractice claims in Finland. Materials and methods:Data comprised the endodontic malpractice claims handled at the Patient Insurance Centre (PIC) in 2002–2006 and 2011–2013. Two dental advisors at the PIC scrutinized the original documents of the cases (n = 1271). The case-related information included patient’s age and gender, type of tooth, presence of radiographs, and methods of instrumentation and apex location. As injuries, we recorded broken instrument, perforation, injuries due to root canal irrigants/medicaments, and miscellaneous injuries. We categorized the injuries according to the PIC decisions as avoidable, unavoidable, or no injury. Operator-related information included dentist’s age, gender, specialization, and service sector. We assessed level of patient documentation as adequate, moderate, or poor. Chi-squared tests,t-tests, and logistic regression modelling served in statistical analyses. Results:Patients’ mean age was 44.7 (range 8–85) years, and 71% were women. The private sector constituted 54% of claim cases. Younger patients, female dentists, and general practitioners predominated in the public sector. We found no sector differences in patients’ gender, dentists’ age, or type of injured tooth. PIC advisors confirmed no injury in 24% of claim cases; the advisors considered 65% of injury cases (n = 970) as avoidable and 35% as unavoidable. We found no operator-related differences in these figures. Working methods differed by operator’s age and gender. Adequate patient documentation predominated in the public sector and among female, younger, or specialized dentists. Conclusions:Operator-related factors had no impact on endodontic malpractice claims. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of malocclusion traits and the extent of orthodontic treatment in a Finnish adult population.Materials and methodsThe study population comprised subjects (n = 1964) from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 living in the city of Oulu and within 100 km of it. A clinical oral and dental examination with registration of occlusion was carried out in 2012 in connection with a 46-year follow-up survey. Data on previous orthodontic treatment were collected based on a questionnaire.ResultsIn the clinical examination, 39.5% of the subjects had at least one malocclusion trait. The most common malocclusion traits were lateral crossbite (17.9%), overbite ≥ 6 mm (11.7%) and overjet ≥ 6 mm (9.7%). Crossbite on the left premolars, negative overjet and increased overbite were found more frequently in men. The prevalence of malocclusion traits was at the same level in treated and untreated groups. Overall, 18.6% of the subjects had undergone orthodontic treatment. Women showed a significantly higher prevalence of orthodontic treatment.ConclusionsThe most common malocclusion trait in the present study was lateral crossbite. Significant male dominance in the prevalence of malocclusion was observed, which has not been reported earlier in Finland. Orthodontic treatment of malocclusion traits was more common among females in Northern Finland. This study indicates that orthodontic treatment provided in childhood was, on average, adequate in reducing malocclusion traits to the level observed in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ObjectivesIn Finland, a dental subsidization reform, implemented in 2001–2002, abolished age restrictions on subsidized dental care. The aim of this study was to investigate income-related inequality in the perceived oral health and its determinants among adult Finns before and after the reform.Materials and methodsThree identical cross-sectional nationally representative postal surveys, concerning perceived oral health and the use of dental services among people born before 1971, were conducted in 2001 (n = 2157), in 2004 (n = 1814) and in 2007 (n = 1671). Three measures of perceived oral health were used: toothache or oral discomfort during the past 12 months, current need for dental care and self-reported oral health status. Concentration index was used to analyse the income-related inequalities. Its decomposition was used to study factors related to the inequalities.ResultsThe proportion of respondents reporting need for dental care decreased from 2001 to 2007, while no changes were seen in reports of toothache or self-reported oral health status. Income-related inequalities in reports of toothache and perceived need for care widened, while the inequality in self-reported oral health remained stable. Most of the inequalities were related to income itself, perceived general health and the time since the last visit to dental care.ConclusionsIt seems that the income-related inequalities in perceived oral health remained or even widened after the reform. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ObjectiveThe aim was to compare the changes in parents’ oral health-related behaviour, knowledge and attitudes in 2001–2003 and 2003–2005, during a 3.4-year-intervention in Pori and in the reference area Rauma, Finland.Materials and methodsThe study population consisted of parents of children who participated in the oral health promotion programme in Pori (all 5th and 6th graders who started the 2001–2002 school year in the town of Pori,n = 1691) and the parents of same-aged children in a reference town (n = 807). In 2001–2003, the promotion was targeted only to the children in Pori. In 2003–2005, the promotion was targeted also to parents, for example via local mass media. The statistical significances of the differences in parents’ self-reported behaviour, knowledge and attitudes, and changes in these, were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U-tests and confidence intervals.ResultsIn 2001–2003, the trend in changing behaviours was in favour of parents in Pori. Mothers in Pori also improved their knowledge and the attitude ‘importance of brushing for health and appearance’. In 2003–2005, the trend in changing behaviours was rather similar in both towns, which may be due to diffusion of the oral health intervention to Rauma via the media.ConclusionsThe results suggest that health promotion targeted to children, which in previous studies has been shown to be successful in improving children’s behaviours, also helped their parents in mending their habits. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority in Finland has paid attention to the large numbers of dental panoramic tomographs (DPTs), particularly in 7-12-year-old children. The majority of these radiographs are taken for orthodontic reasons. Because of the high radiosensitivity of children, the size of the irradiated field should be carefully chosen to yield the necessary diagnostic information at the lowest possible dose. The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to assess the outcome of DPTs within this age group in terms of type and location of pathological findings. It was also hypothesized that DPTs of orthodontic patients rarely display unrestored caries.Materials and Methods: Four hundred and forty-one DPTs, taken of 7-12-year-old children in 2010-2014, were randomly sampled. The 413 of them (94%) that had been taken for orthodontic reasons were analysed.Results: All pathologic findings were restricted to the tooth-bearing area and there was no pathology in the bone structure or any incidental findings in the region of temporomandibular joint. Unlike hypothesized, 27% of the orthodontic DPTs showed caries in deciduous teeth and 16% in permanent teeth. A sub-sample of 229 DPTs, analysed for developmental dental and occlusal problems, most commonly displayed crowding (50%), positional anomalies and local problems with tooth eruption (32%), as well as hyperodontia (15%).Conclusion: Inclusion of only the actual area of interest in the image field should be considered case-specifically as a means to reduce the radiation dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThe Patient Insurance Centre in Finland reimburses patients who sustained injuries associated with medical and dental care without having to demonstrate malpractice. The aim was to analyse all dental injuries claimed through the Patient Insurance Centre over a 12-year period in order to identify factors affecting reimbursement of claims.MethodsThis study investigated all dental patient insurance claims in Finland during 2000–2011. The injury cases were grouped as (K00–K08) according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Calendar year, claimant’s age and gender, dental disease group and health service sector were the explanatory factors and the outcome was the decision of a claim. Multiple logistic regression modelling was used in the statistical analyses.ResultsThe total number of decisions related to dental claims at the PIC in 2000–2011 was 7662, of which women claimed a clear majority (72%). Diseases of the pulp and periapical tissues (K04) and dental caries (K02) were the major disease groups (both 29%). Of the claims 40% were eligible for reimbursement, 27% were classified as insignificant or unavoidable injuries and 32% were rejected for other reasons. The proportion of reimbursed claims declined during the period. Patients from the private sector were more likely to be eligible for compensation than were those from the public sector (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.71–2.10).ConclusionsThe number of dental patient insurance claims in Finland clearly rose, while the proportion of reimbursed claims declined. More claims received compensation in the private sector than in the public sector. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: Few studies of patient harm and harm-prevention methods in dentistry exist. This study aimed to identify and characterize dental patient safety incidents (PSIs) in a national sample of closed dental cases reported to the Regional State Administrative Agencies (AVIs) and the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) in Finland.Materials and Methods: The sample included all available fully resolved dental cases (n = 948) during 2000-2012 (initiated by the end of 2011). Cases included both patient and next of kin complaints and notifications from other authorities, employers, pharmacies, etc. The cases analyzed concerned both public and private dentistry and included incident reports lodged against dentists and other dental-care professionals. Data also include the most severe cases since these are reported to Valvira. PSIs were categorized according to common incident types and preventability and severity assessments were based on expert opinions in the decisions from closed cases.Results: Most alleged PSIs were proven valid and evaluated as potentially preventable. PSIs were most often related to different dental treatment procedures or diagnostics. More than half of all PSIs were assessed as severe, posing severe risk or as causing permanent or long-lasting harm to patients. The risk for PSI was highest among male general dental practitioners with recurring complaints and notifications.Conclusions: Despite some limitations, this register-based study identifies new perspectives on improving safety in dental care. Many PSIs could be prevented through the proper and more systematic use of already available error-prevention methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Although inhalation or ingestion of orthodontic appliances can lead to serious medical problems, the real incidence of these complications is anecdotal. This study had two aims: (1) to define the frequency of accidental inhalation/ingestion of orthodontic objects in Finland and (2) to analyze their further management. Materials and methods. An electronic, semi-structured questionnaire was sent to all members of the Orthodontic Section of Apollonia, the Finnish Dental Society ( n = 251) and the Finnish Federation of Dental Hygienists ( n = 437). After one reminder, 55.8% of dentists and 34.8% of dental hygienists responded. Results. In total, 20.0% of the dentists and 6.9% of the dental hygienists reported having one patient who had ingested or inhaled an orthodontic object. The percentages for two or more cases were 18.6% and 6.9%, respectively. According to dentists' answers, the procedures following these complications were (1) observation for 2-14 days ( n = 27), (2) radiologic evaluation ( n = 14), (3) medical emergency ( n = 6) and (4) dietary instruction ( n = 4). Dental hygienists reported (1) observation ( n = 9), (2) dietary instruction ( n = 3) and (3) medical emergency ( n = 1). None of the cases had been life-threatening. Conclusions. Although the risk of inhalation or ingestion of orthodontic objects is small and the consequences rarely serious, it should be taken into consideration. Prospective patients should be informed of this possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Cultural or ethnic factors may play an important role in subjects' pain reports. The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence of orofacial pain symptoms between Finnish and Thai populations. Materials and methods. The Finnish study population comprised the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, of which 5696 subjects participated in the present study. The Thai sample consisted of 1501 randomly selected people living in 10 different districts in Bangkok. Data on orofacial pain was collected based on questionnaires. Results. After adjusting for age, gender and education, the logistic regression analysis showed that Thai subjects had an increased risk for reporting oral pain (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 3.7-5.4), tooth pain (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.8-2.4) and pain in the face (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2-1.7). Conclusions. It can be concluded that Thai people report more orofacial pain symptoms than Finnish subjects. Cross-cultural factors exist in the background of reporting pain symptoms in the oral and facial area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a common developmental enamel defect characterized by demarcated opacities in permanent molars and incisors. Its etiology still remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess if the socioeconomic environment of the child is associated with MIH. Materials and methods. The study was located in two rural towns and three urban cities in Finland. A total of 818 children, between 7-13 years old, were examined for MIH using the evaluation criteria in line with those of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, but excluding opacities smaller than 2 mm in diameter. The mothers filled in a questionnaire which included questions related to the family's way of living (e.g. area of residency, farming, day care attendance) and socioeconomic status (family income, number of mother's school years, level of maternal education). Results. The prevalence of MIH in the study population was 17.1%. Family income, urban residency and day care attendance were associated with MIH in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression, only urban residency during a child's first 2 years of life remained associated with MIH. The prevalence of MIH in urban areas was 21.3% and in rural areas 11.5% (OR = 2.18, CI = 1.35-3.53, p = 0.001). Conclusions. The prevalence of MIH was related to urban residency and could not be explained by any other factor included in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Few data are available on dental patient safety (PS), as most PS studies have focused on other activities in health care. Objective. To detect types and causes of dental PS incidents (PSIs), including adverse events (AEs) and near misses (NMs), in Finnish dental care. Material and methods. Altogether 1041 privately or publicly employed dentists in southern Finland completed a structured questionnaire using an internet-based system (Webropol) in 2010. Results. Nearly one third of the dentists reported some PSI in the previous 12 months. Of the 872 reported events, 53% were classified as AEs, 45% as NMs and 2% remained unclassified. Nearly half of the PSIs had occurred during some form of dental treatment. One third of the AEs were related to dental equipment, devices and supplies. Most of the reported AEs resulted in little or no permanent harm to patients. However, 13% of AEs were considered as serious enough to potentially cause severe harm or did in fact cause permanent harm. Conclusions. Reported dental PSIs in Finland are in many respects similar to those reported in other countries. Compared to all annual dental visits in Finland, severe dental AEs seem to be relatively rare. Less severe AEs and NMs are not uncommon, especially in dental surgery, endodontic and restorative treatment. The results of this retrospective study, however, reveal more about incident types than their true prevalence and that further studies on dental PS are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Oral health of young people has improved in the industrialized countries during past decades. However, stagnation of this progress has been reported recently. The main aim of this epidemiological study was to investigate the level of cariological treatment history and need (DMFT, DT) and polarization of dental caries among a healthy young male population born in the early 1990s. Materials and methods. Oral health of 13,564 men and 255 women born in 1990, 1991 or 1992 was screened based on the WHO criteria for epidemiological studies by 15 calibrated dentists in 20 garrisons (of a total 24) of the Finnish Defence Forces in January and July 2011. Mean DMFT and DT (SD) values and their distribution were calculated excluding wisdom teeth. Polarization was investigated using the Lorentz analysis. Results. Mean DMFT, DT and FT values were DMFT = 4.1 (SD = 4.2), DT = 1.4 (SD = 2.5) and FT = 2.7 (SD = 2.9). Almost half of the men (45.1%) and one third of the women (37.3%) had at least one tooth needing restorative treatment. About 30% of the conscripts had 90% of all caries lesions and ∼ 10% of the conscripts had half of all lesions. Conclusions. Oral health of young males has not improved since the previous study among conscripts 15 years ago. Polarization of dental caries still exists. About half of the young male population still has manifested dental caries. Oral health promotion must not be neglected, even in countries with low caries prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To assess the prevalence and technical quality of endodontic treatment (ET) in Finland by panoramic radiography. Materials and methods. As part of the Finnish nationwide Health 2000 Survey, panoramic radiographs of 5244 dentate subjects, aged 30-95 years, were analyzed. The criterion for a technically adequate ET was a distance from the root filling to the root apex of ≤3 mm. Results. Sixty-one per cent of subjects had one or more teeth with ET. ET was more prevalent in older subjects and among women. Of all teeth ( n == 120 250), 7% had had ET, the percentages being greatest for molars and premolars. Technical quality was adequate in 47% of all ET, in 71% of anterior teeth, in 51% of premolars and in 25% of molars. Conclusions. Prevalence and technical quality of endodontic treatment in Finland are comparable to that reported elsewhere, but are still calling for improvement in endodontic treatment, especially regarding molars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dental fear and alexithymia in a nationally representative adult population sample, controlling for age, gender, education and marital status as well as depressive and anxiety disorders. An additional aim was to evaluate whether gender modified this association. Material and methods. The two-stage stratified cluster sample ( n == 8028) represented the Finnish population aged 30 years and older. Participants ( n == 5241) answered the question ''How afraid are you of visiting a dentist?'' They also filled out the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), which included three sub-scales, i.e. difficulties in identifying feelings (DIF), difficulties in describing feelings (DDF) and externally oriented thinking (EOT). Anxiety and depressive disorders were assessed with a standardized structured psychiatric interview according to DSM-IV criteria. To evaluate the association between dental fear and alexithymia, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting simultaneously for the effects of possible confounding variables. Results. Gender modified the association between dental fear and alexithymia. Among women, those reporting higher scores for TAS-20, DIF and EOT sub-scale scores were more likely to have high dental fear than were those reporting lower scores. Among men no such association was observed. Those participants who reported high DDF sub-scale scores were more likely to have high dental fear than were those reporting lower scores. Conclusions. Alexithymics are more likely to have high dental fear than non-alexithymics are. The findings support the suggestion that some people with dental fear may have internal personality vulnerability to anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To compare the short- and long-term effectiveness of a prefabricated occlusal appliance with that of a stabilization appliance when treating headache in patients with myofascial pain. Material and methods. Sixty-six patients, 94% of whom suffered concomitantly from headache, at two centres for Stomatognathic Physiology in Sweden and Finland were included in a randomized controlled trial. History questionnaires and clinical examination according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were used at baseline and at 10-week and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Patients were randomly assigned to either a prefabricated (R) or a stabilization appliance (S) group. Results. There were significant decreases in the frequency and intensity of headache in both groups at all follow-ups, without statistically significant differences between groups. At baseline, 23 patients in both groups reported recurrent-continuous headache and, at 12 months, seven in the R group and four in the S group. The mean intensity (numeric rating scale) of headache prior to treatment decreased significantly at 12 months from 5.3 to 2.1 in the R group and from 6.1 to 2.9 in the S group. At the 12-month follow-up, 56% of patients in the R group reported a 30% reduction in intensity of headache and 50% a 50% reduction. In the S group, corresponding values were 39% and 36%, respectively. Non-specific physical symptoms were significantly associated with frequency of headache at baseline and at 6 months, and with depression at 6 and 12 months. Conclusion. The effectiveness of the prefabricated appliance seems to be similar to that of the stabilization appliance in the treatment of headache in patients with myofascial pain in both the short and long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To describe the periodontal condition of the elderly in Finland and its association with sociodemographic factors. Material and methods. The study was based on a subpopulation of 1460 persons (748 dentate persons) aged ≥65 years who participated in a nationally representative Health 2000 Survey in Finland. The data for this study were collected by means of an interview and a clinical oral examination. Results. Seventy-three percent of the participants in this study had gingival bleeding in at least one sextant. The proportion of participants with no teeth with deepened periodontal pockets ≥4 mm deep was 31%. Twenty-eight percent of the participants had one to three teeth with deepened periodontal pockets ≥4 mm deep, 15% had four to six and 26% had ≥7. At the individual level, a high number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets was associated with sociodemographic factors such as high age, intermediate or higher education, and living in a rural area. Conclusion. At a national level, the greatest need for periodontal treatment presently derives from persons aged 65–74 years and/or those with low education, due to their high representation in the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Our objective was to study whether dental condition, measured by numbers of sound, decayed, missing, and restored teeth, was associated with dental fear, and whether age, dental attendance, and/or gender modified this association. Material and Methods. The sample (n=8,028) comprised Finnish adults aged 30 years and older and the study included people (n=6,335) who participated in a home interview and a clinical dental examination. Dental fear was measured by the question: “How afraid are you of visiting a dentist?” Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between dental fear and dental condition variables, i.e. numbers of decayed, missing, sound, and restored teeth considering the effects of age, attendance, and gender. Results. With the exception of number of restored teeth, all dental condition variables were associated with dental fear. The association between dental fear and number of decayed teeth was positive and was independent of age, gender, and attendance. Age modified the association between dental fear and number of missing and sound teeth. Among the oldest age group, the numbers of missing and sound teeth were positively associated with dental fear while being negatively associated among the youngest age group. Conclusions. People with high dental fear have poorer dental condition than those with lower fear. Neither gender nor dental attendance affects the association between dental fear and dental condition. The associations between dental fear and numbers of missing and sound teeth vary according to year of birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a data-mining system for the online determination of mean DS, M, and FS or DMFS values per subject at different ages from electronic patient records at two health centers to see if there are north-south differences in oral health in Finland. Material and methods. The mean index values were determined at two health centers using the codes of dental charts and progress notes of electronic dental records during the digital era of more than 10 years in a total of 153,619 subjects of all ages. Extracted teeth, as well as sound, carious, and restored tooth surfaces, were recorded from the dental charts. Treatments were then additionally registered from progress notes of the records when performed. Results. The cumulative DS and FS values were similar in subjects under the age of 20 years at both health centers. In adults, caries was more abundant in northern Finland, where there was a higher number of restored surfaces (>40) registered, compared to only 30 in southern Finland at the age of 40 years. A high increase in the number of extractions began at age 45 in the north compared to age 70 in the south. These changes were clearly reflected in the DMFS index. Conclusions. Online determination of health parameters is a feasible methodology. The results revealed that north-south regional differences in dental health still occur in adults in Finland, but not in subjects younger than 20 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dentists' selection of measures for assessing oral health risk factors for young adults, in relation to their oral health status and to those dentists' characteristics, was studied in one administrative unit of the Finnish public oral health service. A random selection (n = 239) was made of all young adults born in the period 1966-71 and clinically examined during 1994. On the original oral health records of those selected, all notes were scrutinized concerning the most recent clinical examination and treatment course; in total 208 (87%) records. We found that assessment of risk factors to oral health was rare. The patient's diet had been recorded as assessed in 7% of all cases, use of fluoride in 8%, and oral hygiene habits in 14%. No salivary tests were performed; nor was patients' use of tobacco assessed. No correlation was detected between measures used by these dentists and their patients' oral health status (DMFT and DT scores, number of approximal incipient lesions, and number of healthy sextants by CPITN). The oral health status impelled only slightly assessments by bite-wing radiographs. Fewer than half (44%) of the dentists performed and recorded any kind of assessment measure; 4% assessed diet, hygiene, and use of fluoride for all their patients in our sample. A dentist's gender showed no correlation with number of measures used; younger dentists tended to perform and record assessments slightly more often than did older dentists, but in all age groups there were those who had not done this. The practice of risk-factor assessment should be more widespread and standardized, contributing to needs-based treatment and allocation of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the symposium on fluoride research conducted by the Scandinavian Association of the International Association for Dental Research in Naantali, Finland on August 1999. Topics addressed during the symposium; Organizations supporting the symposium.