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Purpose: To investigate caretakers' understanding of midlevel providers and determine if there is theoretical acceptance of midlevel dental therapist (DT) integration into the dental workforce. Methods: Validated DT integration surveys were disseminated to caregivers of pediatric medical patients in an urban teaching hospital. Subjects completed a questionnaire regarding previous care received by a midlevel medical provider and were questioned on the acceptance of a midlevel dental provider (i.e., DTs) into the dental workforce. Results: Two hundred two questionnaires were evaluated for recalled previous medical midlevel care (ML; 71.2 percent) and those who were unaware of ML care being provided to their child (UML; 28.7 percent). MLs were significantly in agreement with DTs performing primary tooth restorations (P<0.001), permanent tooth restorations (P=0.001), primary tooth extractions (P=0.022), and emergency treatment (P<0.001). UMLs and MLs significantly agreed that procedures be completed with the supervision of a dentist (P<0.001). Conclusions: Caregivers of pediatric medical patients are receptive to the concept of DTs and largely agree with them performing dental procedures. However, the dissemination of information on DTs to the public is necessary to increase awareness of their education, scope of practice and integration into the dental field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the current knowledge and usage of silver diammine fluoride (SDF) by general dentists in Louisiana and to identify primary barriers to the implementation of SDF. Methods: A 16-item survey was emailed to 1719 Louisiana Dental Association members to identify factors influencing general dentists' usage of SDF. Results: Eighty-two surveys were completed with a response rate of 4.8 percent, with 69 identified as general dentists. Over half of the respondents were male (53.6%) and their practice experience ranged from less than one year to 48 years. The majority were solo owners (43.5%) while 7.3 percent had jobs in the corporate setting. Most agreed/strongly agreed that their knowledge of SDF was from either dental journals or online resources, while fewer stated they were taught about SDF (25%) or used SDF (8%) in dental school. The majority knew the advantages and off-label usage of SDF. However, only 40 percent recognized that SDF was officially approved for tooth hypersensitivity only. The most reported perceived barrier to SDF implementation was not learning about SDF in dental school (36%). Conclusion: There is a lack of understanding of SDF usage among Louisiana general dentists. The main reason for not incorporating SDF into their practice is the lack of training in their dental education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to collect information on involvement, training, and barriers to participation in advocacy efforts for Public Policy Advocates (PPAs) of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and make recommendations to the AAPD. Methods: Preliminary data were collected from the PPAs during structured AAPD program meetings, conference calls, and individual interviews. Based on these data, a survey was created, piloted, and sent electronically to all PPAs. Data were analyzed and collated by frequencies. Results: Responses from 38 PPAs (100 percent) revealed they were involved with state legislatures and state chapters of the AAPD and American Dental Association. Eighty-two percent of the PPAs requested additional public policy training and clearer communication channels within the network. PPAs are funding their own advocacy efforts, and the time and resources spent away from patient care is a financial barrier. Conclusions: The Public Policy Advocate network holds a broad policy skill set and voluntarily commits time and resource to advocate for the support of the pediatric dental patient at state and federal government levels. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry can strengthen the PPA's self-directed leadership role at state and federal levels through formalized training, restructuring of the network, and increased resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the availability of general dentists who treat very young children with private insurance in the context of recommendations for age one dental visit.Methods: Administrative data from Delta Dental of Iowa were analyzed to identify general dentists providing care to children younger than 18 years old in 2005 and 2012. Characteristics of dentists providing care to children younger than two years old were compared, examining changes over time. Geographical distribution of dentists who treated children younger than two years old was examined.Results: The proportion of dentists treating children younger than two years old increased from six percent in 2005 to 18 percent in 2012. Younger dentists, females, graduates of The University of Iowa College of Dentistry, and those in metropolitan locations were significantly more likely to treat children younger than two years old. Fifty-one of 99 counties lacked any dentists who had provided care to privately insured children younger than two years old.Conclusions: The proportion of dentists in Iowa treating privately insured children younger than two years old has increased since 2005. However, relatively few general dentists provided care to very young children when compared to previous survey-based figures. Geographic distribution of providers supports the hypothesis that provider availability may pose a barrier to early dental visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intraoral findings and other minor developmental malformations in newborns from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Methods: Study subjects were neonates born in San Luis Potosi Morones Prieto Hospital between September 1989 and February 1990. All subjects are examined at this hospital within 20 hours of birth. Premature babies or those requiring intensive care were excluded. Examinations are performed by a team consisting of a geneticist, an oral pathologist, 2 dentists, and an oral surgeon using mirrors, tongue blades, and a flashlight. Results: The team examined 2,182 neonates and found a frequency of 99% for congenital oral cysts, 2% for natal teeth, 11% for ankyloglossia, 8% for commissural lip pits, and 54% for congenital vascular malformations. The male/female ratios for ankyloglossia and natal teeth were 1.5:1 and 1:2.3, respectively. Conclusions: Babies born at the same hospital demonstrated a high rate of oral cysts, natal teeth, ankyloglossia, and commissural lip pits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between pediatric dentists and endodontists at a pulp therapy symposium conjointly sponsored by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) on November 2-3, 2007. Presymposium and postsymposium tests were administered, and respondent answers were compared between pediatric dentists and endodontists. Opinions on 3 areas were sought: pulp therapy for cariously involved primary teeth; indirect pulp treatment (IPT) for cariously involved immature permanent teeth; and innovative treatment options including pulpal revascularization and regeneration. Results were analyzed with χ² tests. Comparisons of presymposium and postsymposium responses and between the 2 groups of attendees indicated that the pediatric dentistry and endodontic communities agree that formocresol will be replaced as a primary tooth pulpotomy agent, that mineral trioxide is the first choice to take its place, that IPT in primary teeth holds hope as a replacement for pulpotamy, and that IPT is an acceptable pulp therapy technique for cariously involved young permanent teeth. Both groups believe that pulp revascularization and regeneration will be viable treatment modalities in the future. The AAE and the AAPD are positioned to begin preparation of best practice guidelines that share common language and treatment recommendations for pulp therapies performed by bath specialties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the utilization of periodontal therapy in treating pediatric dental patients with periodontal diseases. It states that periodontics plays significant role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental diseases through the conduct of periodontal examination. It reveals that consent from patients needs to be sought by dentists before performing dental treatment.

The article presents the guideline which focuses on addressing the special health care needs (SHCN) of patients in the field of dentistry. The guidelines aims to provide effective oral health care services to SHCN patients as well as develop treatment on the various dental diseases affecting the group. In addition, the factors that need to be considered by dentists to assess the patient's dental health and the management of oral diseases were also discussed.

The article presents the guideline which focuses on the appropriate use of local anesthesia by oral health care providers for treating pediatric dental patients. It provides discussion on the various kinds of anesthesia utilized by dental care providers which help prevent the development of pain among oral patients. In addition, the complications which may develop including allergies and nervous systems problems brought by anesthesia overdose were also discussed.

The article presents the guideline which focuses on how dental health care providers will manage the behavior of pediatric dental patients provided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (APPD). It states that the guideline provides various behavior guidance practices that will assist dentists and parents towards the effective delivery of dental care to patients. Such techniques include patient assessment, enhanced communicative behavior by dentists to patients.

Since the 1970s, the incidence of obesity has more than doubled for children 2 to 5 years of age and adolescents 12 to 19 years of age, and has more than tripled for children 6 to 11 years of age. The increasing numbers of overweight and obese children and youth has led federal policymakers to rank it as a critical health threat. The purpose of this review article is to raise awareness within the pediatric dental community about the childhood obesity epidemic. This article reviews the underlying causes of childhood obesity and discusses the links between both nutrition and obesity to caries. Because pediatric health professionals have daily contact with children and their caregivers, the role of pediatric dentists in preventing and managing obesity is proposed and discussed. In addition, methods are presented that pediatric dentists can use to elevate awareness and address childhood overweight and obesity issues from practice-based, community-based, and advocacy/policy-based perspectives. The authors share an array of ideas that can be incorporated by the pediatric dental team in their practice and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dentists' and parents' assessment of primary maxillary incisors regarding attractiveness, perceived health, and treatment preferences were investigated in this study. Methods: Sample groups of 103 general dentists, 67 pediatric dentists, 97 parents of children in low-income families and 112 parents of children in high-income families completed questionnaires presenting color photographs and radiographs of maxillary incisors. Questions addressed treatment need, health beliefs, and demographics. Results: All groups recognized grossly carious teeth and carious teeth with visible sinus tracts as unhealthy and unattractive. All agreed that grossly carious teeth warranted extraction (dentists=92%, parents=73%). For carious teeth with sinus tracts, dentists favored extraction and restorations while parents favored fluoride application. Dentists rated a dark incisor as healthy and not requiring treatment. Parents rated a dark incisor as neutral for attractiveness and health, but favored extraction or restoration. All groups found anterior steel crowns esthetically unacceptable. Trust of the dentist, pain for the child, and dentist skill was important for parents in treatment plan acceptance. Conclusions: A dentist's inexperience in pediatrics may result in a failure to diagnose or recognize the significance of some conditions. Proper parental education can better inform parents on dental conditions requiring prompt professional attention. Although parents today are more involved in clinical decision-making, they still rely on the dentist's expertise and advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a chart related to dental growth and development.

The article presents information on the role of patient record as an essential component of the delivery of competent and quality oral health care. It includes reviews of current literature, recommendations of the American Dental Association and current record-keeping by pediatric dental residency programs, dental schools and pediatric dental practitioners, and consultation with experts in risk management. The patient record provides all privileged parties with the history and details of patient assessment and communications between dentist, patient and caregiver, as well as specific treatment recommendations, alternatives, risks and care provided. It is an important legal document in third party relationships.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the assessment of pain and distress by the child, dentist, and independent observers during a dental injection and study the relationship between the different assessments. Methods: The amount of pain experienced by the child during local anesthesia was re- ported independently by the child to both the dentist and parent on a 4-point scale running from "no pain" to "a lot of pain." The dentist and observers also gave a score for the pain experienced on a 4-point scale. The amount of distress experienced by the child during local anesthesia was assessed by the dentist and observers using a 6-point scale (from "relaxed" to "out of contact"). Results: The dentists' pain assessment was the lowest. A substantial correlation was found between the child's self-reported pain and the pain as assessed by independent observers. There was a moderate correlation between the amount of distress and pain intensity as reported by the child during the anesthesia phase. Conclusions: Observation of a child in a videotaped procedure is apparently the most reliable method to accurately assess pain behavior and to discriminate pain from distress. A combination of the child's report and video observation is advised to assess pain in young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first National Health Interview Survey to collect data on children, 6 to 11 years of age, with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and/or learning disability (LD) provided specific information on: (1) the widespread demographic distribution of children with ADD and LD, (2) related health conditions, (3) use of special education programs, and (4) the extensive use of health care services. The underlying reality was the increasing need for information because dental practitioners provide services to many of these children in their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) commitment to oral health in the interest of children rather than self-interest. Topics include the percentage of AAPD members who are American Board of Pediatric Dentistry certified, how many Public Policy Advocates reside in the states, and the fours task forces such as Talent Pool Development, Project Management, and Global Interactions.

The article presents information on dental radiographs. The guidelines for prescribing dental radiographs are recommended by the Dental Radiographic Patient Selection Criteria Panel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The article gives recommendations that are subjected to clinical judgment and may not apply to every patient.

The article presents the life and works of pediatric dentist Thomas K. Barber. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan and attended Michigan State University. He joined at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1951 and became the department head in Pediatric Dentistry in 1965. Dr. Barber was a caring, hands-on pediatric dentist and for several years worked at a Pediatric Dental practice with Dr. Anthony Malone in Oak Park, Illinois.

The article presents the oral care policy which focuses on the ethical responsibility of dentists to refer patients to practitioners with their failure of providing dental treatment to patients. It states that the dentist' obligations in the care of patients include three ethical virtues including autonomy, beneficence, nonmalificence and justice. The policy states on the need of dentists to provide effective oral health care services to patients as well as provide treatment to oral diseases.

The article presents the oral health policy which focuses on the prevention of disease transmission with the provision of dental health care services. The policy has identified practices that will protect patients and dental providers against diseases. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAOP) has published the "Guidelines for Infection Control in the Dental-Care Setting―2003" which contain infection control measures in the field of oral health care.

The article reports on the contribution of dentist Edwin Saunders to the society. It is stated that Saunders was unhappy regarding the non-compliance of the British Factory Act of 1833 which employed under aged children in factories. It informs that for the need of money children younger than their legal age were sent to work. Saunders kept the teeth development records of children attending public schools and constructed tables which served as means of checking age for child workers.

The article reflects on how the efforts of dental professionals in preventing oral disease has helped control dental problems. It is said that before fluorides began to be used in dentistry, the profession's efforts in prevention were limited to just counseling patients. It is also said that now the profession has an effective method for controlling oral diseases.

The article focuses on the impact of dentist George W. Teuscher on children's dentistry in the U.S. and throughout the world. He became the editor of the "ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children," which is recognized as one of the most outstanding dentist journals worldwide. Teuscher will be honored at the annual meeting of the American Society of Dentistry for Children in Vancouver, British Columbia.