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OBJECTIVES: An International Workshop addressed the prevalence and classification of HIV/AIDS associated oral lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship of immunosuppression with measures of probing pocket depth (PPD), recession (REC), and clinical attachment level (CAL) in an HIV‐infected population from North Carolina (NC), a state in the southeastern United States (USA).

OBJECTIVES: Examine variations in oral manifestations of HIV by gender, race, risk behaviors, substance use and immune status in a previously unstudied population in the southeast region of the USA.

The article details a clinical trial comparing Trypsin-Chymotrypsin and Naproxen Sodium for managing post-root canal pain. Topics discussed include the trial's design, which is a triple-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 100 patients; the primary outcome measure, which is pain reduction assessed at various intervals using a numerical rating scale; and the null hypothesis stating no expected difference in pain relief between the two treatments.

This document provides information on a clinical trial, NCT06428630, that aims to investigate the systemic absorption of dexamethasone oral rinse in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) or oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) and healthy subjects. The trial will determine the amount of absorption and assess any correlation with the severity of the oral mucosal disorder. The study involves different groups of patients and control subjects, and the drug will be administered in the same therapeutic dose used in standard care settings. Additionally, the document includes a systematic literature review on long-term systemic corticosteroid exposure and its effects on oral mucosal diseases like OLP. It also provides recruitment information for a clinical trial studying the effects of corticosteroid treatment on OLP. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Quintessenz Zahnmedizin is the property of Quintessenz Verlags GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Quintessenz Zahnmedizin is the property of Quintessenz Verlags GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents the diagnosis of various cases of HIV in seven pediatric patients. It is suggested that clinicians consider checking infants or young children for HIV so that detection and treatment can be made at the earliest possible time. Cases include a sexually active 18-year old male from Haiti who underwent blood transfusion, sexually active 14-year old boy and a 10-year old whose mother tested positive of HIV when he was 2 years old. The children were showing various symptoms including upper respiratory infections, lymphopenia, cystic fibrosis, and hepatosplenomegaly. General characteristics of the patients at the time of diagnosis are included.

We report seven cases of children whose HIV diagnoses were made well beyond the neonatal period. How they were missed is an important reminder for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) signs and symptoms may be first identified by dental hygienists during routine extra and intra-oral examinations. A comprehensive extra-oral and intra-oral examination during regular dental hygiene assessment is paramount to identifying oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and cancerous lesions for timely referral and treatment. Integrating a systematic list of questions during the medical and dental assessment along with careful visual and tactile examinations is critical to identifying OPMDs and cancerous lesions. Understanding the relationship between oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and how vaccination can prevent HPV-related OPSCC is critical to providing evidence-based recommendations and care. The purpose of this report is to provide an update on current epidemiological trends of OSCC and OPSCC rates in the United States (US) and provide the latest evidence on what dental hygienists must know to improve health outcomes and mitigate the consequences of undiagnosed cancer. This report considers enduring challenges with the annual rise in OPSCC rates and the public health burden of HPV-related cancers in the US. Emphasis on regular, quality continuing education about OSCC and OPSCC is emphasized along with recommendations for evidence-based training. Keywords Oral squamous cell carcinoma, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, oral potentially malignant disorders, human papillomavirus, extra oral examination, intraoral examination, HPV vaccine, INTRODUCTION Cancer surveillance remains an essential component of health care delivery and is critical to dental hygiene practice. Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality both globally and in the [...]

Purpose Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related illness that is becoming increasingly more prevalent in the United States. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental, allied oral health, and nursing students' perceived knowledge, comfort, and attitudes for individuals with AD. Methods A total of 851 students from a university dental and nursing school were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. A 48-item survey comprising of demographic questions, the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS) was disseminated via an electronic survey platform. Responses were summarized as means and standard deviations or counts and rates. Comparisons of survey responses by program type and exposure to AD, age group, and prior degree were performed using the chi-square test for association and analysis of variance. Results The response rate was 33.2%. Nursing students demonstrated the highest level of knowledge on AD with mean score of 25.26 (SD 2.87), followed by dental (M=23.4, SD 3.26) and allied oral health students (M=22.10, SD 2.98). Overall, students demonstrated perceived comfort in treating patients with AD and related dementias with mean scores in the 'slightly agree' range. Nursing students demonstrated the highest level of perceived comfort (M=5.61, SD 0.71). Conclusions Nursing students demonstrated higher knowledge and more positive attitudes toward AD than dental and allied oral health students. There is a need for improved educational training and an expanded didactic curriculum to enhance knowledge for dental and allied oral health students. This pilot study provides a blueprint for replication on a national level Keywords Alzheimer's disease, geriatric dentistry, dementia, attitudes, health professional students NDHRA priority area, Professional development: Education(evaluation). Submitted for publication: 7/10/2023; accepted after revision: 9/19/2023, INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease is an age-related illness that is becoming increasingly more prevalent, with approximately 5.8 million Americans over the age of 65 living with the disease. (1) It is [...]

Purpose: Limited scleroderma is associated with significant risks to the orofacial complex. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate the experiences of participants with limited scleroderma related to oral health quality of life and oral health. Methods: A sequential mixed methods study was used in a population of individuals diagnosed with limited scleroderma. Participants were recruited through rheumatology specialists, referral, and social media; purposive sampling was used to recruit participants to be interviewed. The validated Oral Health Impact profile (OHIP) and Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS) instruments and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data were reported through thematic analysis. Results: Forty-eight (n=48) qualifying participants participated in the quantitative phase, and 12 (n=12) participated in the qualitative phase. Based on a Likert Scale from 0-4, mean OHIP-14 scores ranged from 2.76 to 2.85, with anxiety over oral condition, embarrassed by oral problems, and oral self-consciousness having the greatest negative impact on quality of life. Mean MHISS scores ranged from 2.13 to 3.11. The highest OHRQoL scores were related to dry mouth symptoms. Factors influencing oral health-related quality of life were varied; dry mouth and microstomia were the prevalent complaints. Thematic analysis revealed challenges to oral health included self-care and professional dental care factors, both of which depended upon individual disease expression. Financial and emotional burdens also influenced participants' oral health. Conclusion: The oral health-related quality of life of those with limited scleroderma is impacted by multiple factors and oral health care professionals must seek out improved treatment modalities to address the needs of these vulnerable individuals. Future studies related to interprofessional collaborative care with scleroderma specialists are recommended. Keywords: systemic scleroderma, limited scleroderma, CREST syndrome, oral health-related quality of life, autoimmune disease, patient experience This manuscript supports the NDHRA priority area, Population level: Access to care (vulnerable populations). Submitted for publication: 6/30/20; accepted: 12/15/20, Introduction There are two major categories of scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder, limited and diffuse. Diffuse scleroderma has widespread skin involvement, rapid progression, and early visceral involvement. (1) Limited cutaneous systemic [...]

Byline: Anita. Munde, Ravindra. Karle, Sudharani. Biradar, Sunil. Mishra Metastatic malignant melanoma (MMM) of the oral cavity is extremely rare which generally presents in the setting of disseminated disease and [...]

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to compare public perceptions of Idaho adults regarding oral cancer (OC) screening with other common cancer screenings including breast cancer (BC), prostate cancer (PC), and colon cancer (CC) screenings. Methods: This study utilized a convenience sample (N = 100) of Idaho residents. A self-designed, validated interview-administered questionnaire was administered by a data collection service using computer-assisted telephone interview software to assess consumer perceptions about cancer screenings. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, and Pearson's Chi-Square tests. Results: Participants were predominantly white (90%) with a mean age of 52.7 years with some post-high school education (80%) and the majority had received OC screenings (54%).The majority of participants perceived benefits of each specific cancer screening as very helpful: (a) OC screening (60%), (b) BC screening (79.2% females), (c) PC screening (63.8% males), and (d) CC screening (84%), and also reported no perceived risks regarding OC (80%), BC (60.4%), PC (66%) screening. Only 11% reported fear of finding cancer with an OC screening. The study findings supported significant associations (p Conclusion: This study identified associations between consumer perceptions of OC screening when compared with BC, PC, and CC. Concerns about cost and time for cancer screenings may reflect low consumer awareness regarding differences between OC and other cancer screenings. Future studies including larger samples representing more diverse populations are recommended to further explore the basis of participants' perceptions of cancer screenings and to identify ways to minimize barriers to cancer screenings. Keywords: oral cancer, cancer screening, oral neoplasms, cancer prevention, cancer control, health attitudes This manuscript supports the NDHRA priority area Client level: Oral healthcare, (Health promotion: treatments, behaviors, products)., Introduction The National Cancer Institute (NCI) indicates over 300,000 men and women are living with a prior diagnosis of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in the United States [...]

Smoking exacts a huge toll on the health of everyone who becomes addicted to nicotine. That toll is greater in people with HIV, and not only because as a group they smoke more than the general population. Research shows that smoking subtracts more years from the life of a middle-aged person with HIV than HIV itself. Nicotine addiction raises the risk of all-cause mortality more in HIV-positive smokers than in HIV-negative smokers. A nationwide study in Denmark found that HIV-positive smokers run a 6 times higher risk of myocardial infarction than HIV-positive never-smokers, but current smoking only doubled the MI risk in HIV-negative people. Research in HIV-positive and negative men and women in the United States found that HIV-positive smokers who had prior AIDS pneumonia had a 3.5-fold higher risk of lung cancer than HIV-negative smokers. Meta-analysis of 18 studies involving more than 625,000 people with HIV found significantly higher rates of smoking-related cancer and infection-related cancer in HIV-positive people than in the general population. People who quit smoking enjoy rapid declines in their risk of smoking-related disease. In the US general population, people who quit by age 40 cut their risk w of smoking-related death by 90%. Analysis of almost 5500 SMART trial participants determined that current HIV-positive smokers had a higher risk of five outcomes than former smokers with HIV: all-cause mortality, AIDS-related disease, major cardiovascular disease, non-AIDS cancer, and bacterial pneumonia. In a large DAD study analysis, cardiovascular disease incidence fell steadily as time since quitting rose. A CDC study of a nationally representative HIV population identified numerous factors independently linked to higher smoking prevalence: younger age, white or black race versus Hispanic ethnicity, less education, incarceration, poverty, noninjection drug use, binge alcohol drinking, major depression, and a viral load above 200 copies/mL., Smoking leads all preventable causes of death across the world. (1) And it's more deadly in people with HIV than in HIV-negative people. (2) That's not a surprise, because smoking [...]

The overlapping characteristics of facial pain can make it difficult to pinpoint the cause. This article, with a handy at-a-glance table, can help. Facial pain is a common complaint: Up [...]

Purpose: Oral complications are common in children undergoing head and neck radiation and chemotherapy. The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge, perceived ability and practice behaviors of pediatric oncology and hematology nurses in assisting with the various oral health care needs of pediatric oncology patients and to identify pediatric oncology nurses' previous training/education, practice types and other demographic characteristics that are related to their oral health competencies. Methods: A survey of a convenience sample of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Nurses was conducted during the Association of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Nurses' (APHON) 36th Annual Conference and Exhibit. Descriptive analysis and the exploratory factor analyses were performed using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC). Results: Among the 300 surveys that were distributed, 235 surveys were completed (78% response rate) by pediatric oncology or hematology nurses who provide direct patient care in the U.S. Approximately 75% reported receiving less than 3 hours of oral health related education/training. Sixty percent did not have a clinical requirement regarding the assessment of the teeth and gums during their nursing school education. Bivariate analyses indicated that nurses who had clinical requirements regarding oral health assessment during nursing education/training presented greater overall oral health competencies including having greater confidence in examining oral complications than those who did not. Conclusion: Pediatric oncology nurses' knowledge, perceived ability and practice in assisting patient's oral hygiene care, preventing and managing oral complications vary by topic and might reflect their educational preparedness. This study may provide valuable information pertaining to the need and opportunity for interprofessional oral health care education and collaboration with nursing and dental professionals, in order to increase access to comprehensive oral care for pediatric cancer patients. Keywords: knowledge, nurse, oral health, pediatric oncology, perceived ability, practice behaviors This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention: Validate and test assessment instruments/strategies/mechanisms that increase health promotion and disease prevention among diverse populations., INTRODUCTION Information gathered from the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries, both of which collect data relating to the diagnosis and treatment [...]

Background. The US Public Health Service (USPHS) recommends tobacco cessation counseling (TCC) training for all health care professionals. Within physical therapist practice, smoking can have adverse effects on treatment outcomes in all body systems. In addition, people with physical disabilities have a higher smoking prevalence than the general population, creating a strong need for tobacco cessation among physical therapy clientele. Therefore, TCC training is an important component of entry-level physical therapist education. Objective. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine need for TCC training within entry-level physical therapist education and (2) to identify potential barriers to implementation of USPHS guidelines in the academic environment. Design. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. Methods. Directors or academic coordinators of clinical education from entrylevel physical therapist programs (N=204) were surveyed using an online instrument designed specifically for this study. Data regarding program and faculty characteristics, tobacco-related training content, and faculty opinions toward TCC in both physical therapist practice and education were analyzed descriptively. Results. The response rate was 71%. A majority (60%) of programs indicated inclusion of tobacco-related training, most commonly 1 to 2 hours in duration, and of these programs, 40% trained students in the implementation of USPHS clinical guidelines for TCC. Limitations. Data analyses were constrained by limited or missing data in some areas. A single faculty member completed the survey for each program. Conclusions. There is a need for TCC training in entry-level physical therapist education. Inclusion may be facilitated by addressing perceived barriers toward TCC as a component of physical therapist practice and promoting the relevance of TCC as it relates to intended outcomes of physical therapy interventions., Smoking is the leading preventable cause of chronic disease and premature mortality. (1,2) As vital providers of rehabilitation, prevention, and risk reduction services, (3) physical therapists are uniquely positioned to [...]

Purpose: The purpose of the project was to identify the oral health status and needs of the older adult population >60 years old in Illinois for policy decisions and to help identify possible need for oral health interventions. No baseline data has previously been collected on this population in Illinois. Methods: A public/private collaboration was formed, which included the Illinois Department of Public Health, the IFLOSS Coalition and dental and dental hygiene schools in Illinois. The screening tool was developed based on methods outlined by Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors for Basic Screening Surveys. Questionnaires and in-mouth screenings were conducted at selected sites statewide. Data was collected by dental and dental hygiene students and faculty at onsite clinics and community outreach sites. Results: A total of 437 seniors were screened statewide. Of this population, 81% had no dental insurance, 13% were edentulous and 58% claimed to have had a dental visit in the last year.A total of 26% rated their oral health as fair or poor, while 29% had untreated caries. Suspicious oral lesions were present in 14% (n=308 for the oral lesions indicator), 19% needed immediate dental care and 41% required referral. Conclusion: This study revealed that surveillance can be accomplished by the collaboration among entities with focus on a specific population. Additional surveillance efforts are warranted among older adults in Illinois in an effort to plan and to implement appropriate interventions for addressing the oral health needs of this population. Keywords: older adults, oral health, Basic Screening Survey This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention: Validate and test assessment instruments/strategies/mechanisms that increase health promotion and disease prevention among diverse populations., Introduction According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the older adult population is increasing dramatically, with researchers expecting the population of U.S. residents ≥ 65 years old to increase from 40 [...]

Purpose: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is rampant among young adults and is linked with cervical and oropharyngeal cancers (OPC). As the preventive arm of oral health care, dental hygienists can take the lead in educating the young adult population about risk factors for HPV and OPC. Dental hygienists' active involvement in educational initiatives may help minimize the spread of HPV associated STDs, prevent transmission of HPV to the head and neck region, and decrease the development of OPC. Keywords: human papillomavirus, oropharyngeal cancer, risk factors, at-risk behaviors, dental hygienists, sexually transmitted diseases This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Health Promotion/ Disease Prevention: Assess strategies for effective communication between the dental hygienist and client., Introduction Currently, over 110 million individuals are infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), costing the U.S. health care system more than 16 billion dollars. (1) STDs caused by the human [...]

Purpose: There are more than 35,000 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancers (OPC) diagnosed each year. Most OPCs are diagnosed in advanced stages, requiring aggressive treatment and resulting in higher morbidity and mortality than when diagnosed early. The overall 5 year survival rate of OPC is about 60%. Early detection of OPC lesions are the key to survival. A major risk factor for OPC is chronic tobacco use. The purpose of this paper is to report changes in dental hygienists' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors 6 months after attending a standardized lecture format continuing education (CE) course on early OPC detection and tobacco cessation counseling compared to baseline values. Methods: A total of 64 CE courses were given for dental professionals throughout the 10 U.S. public health districts to determine if OPC screenings and tobacco cessation counseling behaviors could be modified at 6 months post-training. Questionnaires were obtained at baseline and 6 months later using a pre-/post-test design. Results: A total of 1,463 dental hygienists participated at baseline and 543 at a 6 month follow-up. Data showed a significant difference in knowledge and behavior compared to baseline values. Conclusion: CE appeared to have a significant influence on participants' OPC and tobacco cessation knowledge and behavior, and could potentially make a difference on prevention, early detection and ultimately on OPC control. Keywords: Oropharyngeal cancer, tobacco cessation, dental hygienists, continuing education This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention: Assess strategies for effective communication between the dental hygienist and client., Introduction There are more than 35,000 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancers (OPC) diagnosed each year. (1) OPC includes cancers of the lip, tongue, floor of mouth, oral cavity, [...]

Abstract Purpose: Patients with HIV/AIDS deserve to be treated with compassion and receive comprehensive care by their dentist and dental hygienists. Previous studies have shown that many dental and dental [...]

Purpose: In the U.S., an estimated 21% of people living with HIV/AIDS do not know their positive HIV status. Expanding rapid HIV testing in the dental setting may increase the number of individuals who are aware of their HIV status and can begin medical care and social support services if seropositive and appropriate. As a member of the dental team, the dental hygienist, with the proper knowledge and training, may be suitable to conduct rapid HIV testing. Keywords: HIV, AIDS, HIV Testing, Oral Hygiene, Dental Hygiene Education This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Health Services Research: Assess the impact of dental hygiene services on the outcomes of care for patients with special needs., Introduction In the U.S., over half a million people are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). (1) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [...]

Purpose: The 5 year survival rates for oral cancer have not changed in the last 50 years. A simple intra- and extra-oral examination provided by health care professionals could help to reduce morbidity and mortality of oral cancer. This study focused on Texas dental hygienists' performance of oral cancer screenings (OCS) and factors that influenced their performance of this examination. Methods: A 33 question survey of 608 randomly selected Texas dental hygienists was conducted. Frequency, chi-square and Spearman correlation tests were performed. Results: Three hundred and six hygienists replied and provided the data for this study. The data indicated that 45.8% 'always' performed OCS, 23.5% performed OCS at the initial appointment and 47.4% at the recall appointment. Experience and comfort level were the greatest influences on OCS performance. Dental hygienists practicing for 16 or more years performed OCS 51.2% of the time, while those with only 0 to 5 years of experience performed OCS 25.5% of the time. A statistically significant correlation (ρ=0.15, p Conclusion: Dental hygienists' knowledge about oral cancer was not current and comfort levels with performing OCS were low. These indicate a need for a stronger emphasis on the importance of OCS for students during dental hygiene education and a more thorough continuing education for practicing dental hygienists. Keywords: Oral cancer, screening, dental hygienists, knowledge, education This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Clinical Dental Hygiene Care: Assess the use of evidence-based treatment recommendations in dental hygiene practice; Investigate how dental hygienists identify patients who are at-risk for oral/systemic disease., Introduction Oral cancer ranks twelfth among all cancers. (1,2) Each year, approximately 30,000 U.S. residents are diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancers, and nearly 8,000 die from their cancers. (3) [...]

Purpose: The primary goal of this 3 year grant-funded pilot project was to determine if a specialized training program could increase the number of dental hygienists in New York state who routinely address tobacco use with their patients. Methods: A training program based on the 2000 Clinical Practice Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, was developed to educate licensed and registered dental hygienists in New York. Outcome data are from cross-sectional surveys conducted before and after the training and from the New York State Smokers' Quitline. Results: The formal training program was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of a sample of hygienists routinely addressing tobacco use and dependence with their patients. An increased number of calls to the Quitline were generated. Conclusion: A comprehensive training program based on accepted clinical guidelines, which included increased accessibility to free supplies, was associated with an increase in the proportion of dental hygienists who routinely address tobacco use and dependence with their patients. Keywords: Tobacco, cessation, behavior change, hygienists, training, Quitline, oral health This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention: Validate and test assessment instruments/strategies/mechanisms that increase health promotion and disease prevention among diverse populations., Introduction Each year in New York state, over 25,000 people die from a tobacco-related illness, 1.1 million children are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes and 27,700 children under [...]

Purpose: Obesity is a major public health issue in the United States. Dental hygienists influence their patients' oral health by providing dietary and behavioral recommendations that encourage good oral health practices. However, it is not known if they are ready to provide behavioral counseling strategies for weight Ioss. This study investigates whether dental hygienists in North Carolina are confident to counsel patients who are at-risk for obesity. Methods: A questionnaire was used to survey 246 dental hygienists attending a continuing education (CE) course. It investigated self-reported confidence in providing obesity counseling, educational preparation, outcome expectations and self-efficacy. The primary outcome was confidence in providing weight loss counseling. Mantel Haenszel statistics were used to compare group of interest. Results: Of the dental hygienists surveyed, 43% perceived an increase of overweight patients in their practices. Nearly all (95%) felt that dental hygienists have a role in helping patients improve nutrition. Over half (65%) expressed confidence in discussing obesity-related health risks. On average, the confidence in getting patients to follow weight loss advice was significantly different (p=0.02) for those with a 2 year degree and those with a 4 year degree. Conclusions: The findings indicate that many North Carolina dental hygienists are willing to discuss obesity with patients. Key Words: dental hygienist, obesity, confidence, education and counseling This study supports the NDHRA priority area, Clinical Dental Hygiene Care: Investigates how dental hygienists use emerging science to reduce risk in susceptible patients., This project won 2nd place in the DENTSPLYADHA Graduate Dental Hygiene Research Competition, June, 2009. Introduction Obesity is a major public health problem in the United States, and is considered [...]

Byline: Sudhindra. Baliga, Minal. Chaudhary, Sham. Bhat, Poonam. Bhatiya, Nilima. Thosar, Pooja. Bhansali Background: Sickle cell anemia is a congenital hemoglobinopathy characterized by deformed red blood cells. Oxidative stress plays [...]

We report seven cases of children whose HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) diagnosis was made well beyond the neonatal period. These cases serve to remind clinicians to consider HIV in the [...]

Objective: To characterise the psychological profiles of Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and patients with sicca symptoms but without SS; to find predictors for salivary gland function; to evaluate salivary scintigraphy as [...]

Background: The lung is a common site of disease in HIV infection. Virus has been detected in BAL fluid (BALF) and saliva. However, the relationship between viral loads detected at [...]

Byline: Swati. Gupta, Jigna. Shah, Shilpa. Parikh, Piyush. Limbdiwala, Sumit. Goel Background: Oral cancer accounts for 5% of all malignant tumors and 60% of these lesions are well advanced at [...]

Byline: K. Patil, V. Mahima, B. Jayanth, L. Ambika Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is a rare monoclonal proliferation of B-lymphocytes and is classified as a poorly differentiated lymphocytic lymphoma. This tumor [...]

Many oral and pharyngeal cancers (OPC) are preventable. Early detection improves survival rates. Hygienists have opportunities to help reduce the oral cancer burden among their patients. Purpose. The purpose of this project was to qualitatively assess North Carolina dental Hygienists' views regarding OPC prevention and early detection. Methods. Sixteen practicing dental hygienists participated in 2, 8-person focus groups. Focus groups were taped, transcribed, and analyzed qualitatively for content. Results. Four major themes arose: 1) The charge of the dental hygienist was not necessarily to diagnose cancer, but to recognize abnormalities and initiate referral when necessary; 2) The dental hygienist is only helpful in the tobacco cessation process if the patient has a desire to quit; 3) The dental hygienist is most effective if the patient believes the provider is genuine and truly cares about the patient's well-being; 4) There is always a need for continued education in oral cancer screenings and tobacco cessation, specifically for hands-on courses. Barriers to performing OPC exams included: financial, time, and insufficient dentist support. Barriers for dental hygienists in providing tobacco cessation counseling included: lack of patient interest, lack of patient education materials and resources, smoking parents of adolescents, personality issues, and provider-patient diversity in age, gender, ethnicity, and culture. Conclusions. Dental hygienists felt their most important contribution to oral cancer control was patient education and oral cancer awareness. Professional continuing education is important and barriers need to be addressed to improve oral cancer control efforts. Keywords: oral cancer screenings, dental hygienists, oral assessment, tobacco cessation, Introduction According to cancer statistics, more than 34 000 people are diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) in the United States each year. The five-year survival rate among OPC [...]

Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Etiology Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment Oral considerations Role of Dentist Special considerations for dental treatment References Abstract Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease characterized [...]

[AIDS Reader. 2006;16:531-532] Key words: HIV/AIDS - Ulcers, apthous - Fungal infection - Thalidomide A 33-year-old Hispanic woman with AIDS and a recent CD4+ cell count of 9/microL and an [...]

Maintaining a healthy, pain-free mouth poses a challenge for the patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the provider. Clinicians who care for these patients must become knowledgeable of the [...]

Oral diseases are common manifestations of HIV infection, with up to 90% of HIV-infected patients developing an oral lesion through the course of their HIV disease.[1] Oral candidiasis, aphthous-like ulcerations, [...]

The recent publication of an article that is listed as a Critical Issue in the Journal of Dental Hygiene (1) deserves strong letters of endorsement from nursing professionals. (2) It [...]

In the U.S., it is estimated that 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancer this year, causing over 8,000 deaths. Worldwide, oral cancer is the sixth most [...]