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Copyright of Canadian Journal of Health History is the property of University of Toronto Press 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.)

Background: It is vital to provide evidence-based research documentation to guide policy decision-making. There is a limited number of studies that participate in dental policy evidence-based research. Case Description: Texas is one of the states with limited dental service coverage for its Medicaid Beneficiaries. The recent senate bill 87R 1152 proposes expansion of dental preventive service to disability status Medicaid Beneficiaries. It is vital to understand how effective the extensive dental service under Medicaid coverage is through evidence-based research. True causal analysis of such public policies by utilizing observational data is only feasible through limited identification strategies. The current paper identifies that. Practical Implication: Through the identified research plan and conceptual framework, it can be established if extensive Medicaid dental service coverages effectively prevent dental disease burden in Texas.

Background: This study aimed to assess the trend in income-related inequalities in oral health services utilization by the Brazilian population from 1998 to 2013. This period represents a timeline that includes different stages of implementation of the National Oral Health Policy.Methods: The design was based on repeated cross-sectional surveys using secondary data from household-based studies carried out in Brazil in 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013. The dependent variable was "having access to a dentist appointment at least once in a lifetime (yes/no)." Monthly household per capita income, based on Brazil's minimum wage, was included as the main independent variable. To measure the inequalities in oral health access related to economic position, the following complex indexes based on regression were used: (a) the slope index of inequality (SII) and (b) the relative index of inequality (RII).Results: There was a reduction in the percentage of individuals who never had a dentist appointment for all age groups and income classifications. In general, there was a reduction trend in absolute inequality for all age groups (p < 0.001). The relative inequality and reduction trend were different between the age groups studied.Conclusions: The National Oral Health Policy was very important for expanding free of charge, public access to dental appointment. However, despite policy implementation, there continues to be high levels of inequality in access to dental consultation. Assessing which strategies are necessary to overcome this challenge is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify the extent and number of policies in Australia relating oral health to cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM) and cognitive impairment (CI). Methods: A scoping review was conducted based on the framework set out by Arksey & O'Malley (2005) with revisions based on Levac, Colquhoun & O'Brien (2010) and Anderson, Allen, Peckham, & Goodwin (2008). Australian national, state and territory government websites and grey literature were systematically searched for Australian national, state and territory policies. Results: A total of twenty-two policies were found. After assessment, one policy was excluded and twenty-one policies were reviewed with publication years ranging from 2013-2018. All policies were either Australian national or state policies pertaining to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, dementia, chronic diseases, or oral health. Conclusions: Upon review of the policies, several common themes emerged. There is scope to expand implementation of current research linking oral health to cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and cognitive impairment in Australian health policy. A need for improvement in oral health literacy was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a number of systems for the provision of oral health care, one of which is the Nordic model of centrally planned oral health care provision. This model has historically been firmly based on the concept of a welfare state in which there is universal entitlement to services and mutual responsibility and agreement to financing them. This study reports and analyses oral health care provision systems and developments in oral health policy in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) since 1990.Material and Methods: Descriptions of and data on the oral health care provision systems in the Nordic countries were obtained from the Chief Dental Officers of the five countries, and contemporary scientific literature was appraised using cross-case analyses to identify generalisable features.Results: It was found that in many respects the system in Iceland did not follow the 'Nordic' pattern. In the other four countries, tax-financed public dental services employing salaried dentists were complemented by publicly subsidised private services. Additional, totally private services were also available to a variable extent. Recently, the availabilty of publicly subsidised oral health care has been extended to cover wider groups of the total population in Finland and Sweden and, to a smaller extent, in Denmark. Concepts from market-driven care models have been introduced. In all five countries, relative to the national populations and other parts of the world, there were high numbers of dentists, dental hygienists and technicians. Access to oral health care services was good and utilisation rates generally high. In spite of anticipated problems with increasing health care costs, more public funds have recently been invested in oral health care in three of the five countries.Conclusion: The essential principles of the Nordic model for the delivery of community services, including oral health care, i.e. universal availability, high quality, finance through taxation and public provision, were still adhered to in spite of attempts at privatisation during the 1990 s. It appeared that, in general, the populations of the Nordic countries still believed that there was a need for health and oral health care to be paid for from public funds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study's purpose was to identify public policy and advocacy practices among millennial pediatric dental residents in order to provide recommendations for engagement to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) leadership and pediatric dental residency program directors. Methods: A total of 138 residents from the 2016 Public Policy Advocacy Conference (PPAC) participated in a 13-item survey addressing demographics, advocacy education experience, student debt and financial contributions, resident training interests, the impact of the PPAC, and technology utilization. Sixty responses (45 percent response) were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Residents believed that the PPAC was more beneficial than advocacy didactic education (P=0.008). The impact of the PPAC versus clinical experience was not significant (P=0.61). Pediatric dental residents were more likely to contribute financial donations to the AAPD's advocacy efforts following attendance of a program like the PPAC (P=0.051). Conclusion: Pediatric dental residents who participated in the PPAC or a local clinically oriented experience, perceived these two types of activities to provide greater value in their advocacy education than that of a didactic lecture in this subject area. Study results can be used to guide program directors in developing millennial-specific, resident-driven advocacy education experiences to fulfill Commission on Dental Accreditation advocacy curricula requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consultant in restorative density, Great Britain's closest equivalent to the prosthodontist in the United States, has a broad base of specialist training that includes periodontology, conservative dentistry, and prosthodontics. The dentist specialising only in prosthodontics is rare. British dental education has developed a curriculum that educates a dental provider to serve the needs of the British Health Service and as such has not emphasized prosthodontics as a separate discipline in either the undergraduate or graduate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study of the dental profession in the U.S., with particular emphasis on retail dentistry as compared to traditional dentistry. It mentions that retail dentistry involves large dental facilities in a merchandise environment which operate on business principles such as marketing and cost-accounting. It states that the study of dentistry must be discussed from two perspectives which are public service and business practices. It discusses the role of the dentist as a businessman, and the concept of dental care as a commodity.

Background National oral health policy was conscripted by the Indian Dental Association (IDA) in 1986 and was accepted as an integral part of National Health Policy (NHP) by the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare in one of its conferences in the year 1995. Objectives of this paper were to find out the efforts made or going on towards its execution, its current status and recent oral health-related affairs or programs, if any. Methods Literature search was done using the institutional library, web-based search engines like ‘Google’ and ‘PubMed’ and also by cross referencing. It yielded 108 articles, of which 50 were excluded as they were not pertinent to the topic. Twenty-four were of global perspective rather than Indian and hence were not taken into account and finally 34 articles were considered for analyses. Documents related to central and state governments of India were also considered. Results All the articles considered for analysis were published within the past 10 years with gradual increase in number which depicts the researchers’ increasing focus towards oral health policy. Criticisms, suggestions and recommendations regarding national oral health programs, dental manpower issues, geriatric dentistry, public health dentistry, dental insurance, oral health inequality, and public-private partnerships have taken major occupancies in the articles. Proposals like “model for infant and child oral health promotion” and “oral health policy phase 1 for Karnataka” were among the initiatives towards national oral health policy. Conclusion The need for implementation of the drafted oral health policy with modification that suits the rapidly changing oral health system of this country is inevitable.

Why people collaborate to achieve their political objectives is one enduring question in public policy. Although studies have explored this question in low-intensity policy conflicts, a few have examined collaboration in high-intensity policy conflicts. This study asks two questions: What are the rationales motivating policy actors to collaborate with each other in high-intensity policy conflicts? What policy actor attributes are associated with these rationales? This study uses questionnaire data collected in 2013 and 2014 of policy actors from New York, Colorado and Texas who are actively involved with hydraulic fracturing policy debates. The results show that professional competence is the most important rationale for collaborating, whereas shared beliefs are moderately important, and financial resources are not important. Policy actor attributes that are associated with different rationales include organisational affiliation and extreme policy positions. This article concludes with a discussion on advancing theoretical explanations of collaboration in high-intensity policy conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the impact of the Affordable Care Act on dental care use among poor adults ages 21-64 in 2014.Data: 2010-2014 Gallup-Healthways Wellbeing Index Survey.Study Design: Among poor adults with income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, a differences-in-differences analysis was used to compare the changes in dental care use in states with different Medicaid expansion and adult dental policies.Principal Findings: Relative to the pre-reform period and other states, in Medicaid expansion states with adult dental benefits, dental care use increased between 2 and 6 percent points in the second half of 2014, but most of these changes were not statistically significant.Conclusions: Early evidence suggests that the Affordable Care Act may either not be having a substantial impact on dental care use or it is too early to assess the impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe dental and dentofacial characteristics observed in patients diagnosed with osteopetrosis and to advise a dental care approach in these patients. Methods: Four patients were clinically diagnosed with osteopetrosis, characterised by increased bone density, bone marrow failure, blindness and deafness due to compression of cranial nerves. All patients were dentally screened at different ages (2.5-31 years) and three of them were treated with a haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at the age of 6 months, 1 and 3.1 years. Results: All patients showed similar dental characteristics but varying severity and extent. Dental pits, abnormalities in form, agenesis and enamel deformations are seen. The eruption of the permanent dentition occurs at a slow rate, primary teeth can persist, have no successor, and aberrant form of the primary/permanent teeth can delay eruption. Uneven surfaces and atypical dental crowns combined with visual impairment make brushing of the teeth and plaque removal more difficult to manage. Conclusion: Dental problems such as delay in tooth eruption, crown anomalies and agenesis are seen in the patients diagnosed with osteopetrosis, although the severity and extensiveness of the symptoms differ and possibly depend on the age of the patient at HSCT. Treatment management: Frequent dental follow-up examinations are necessary for guiding the eruption and professional dental cleanings. Aid in the eruption can be helpful. In the case of surgical interventions, an antibiotic prophylaxis is advised. A fluoride treatment can be added to prevent caries. The role of HSCT in dental findings needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the restoration of Class V composite resin from hygroscopic expansion. It states that dentistry offers highly esthetic Class V restorations with adequate retention and perfect marginal seal. Hygroscopic expansion process takes place days after the finished composite resin restoration is exposed to the oral fluids. It is suggested that to avoid plaque retention and gingival irritation, the margins of all Class V restorations should be inspected several weeks after placement and, if necessary, should be refinished.

Objectives: To examine professional guidelines and/or requirements of state and national dental organizations regarding the responsibility of dentists for after-hours emergency care.Methods: Guidelines of national dental professional organizations, specialties, and all 50 state dental boards were examined for language pertaining to after-hours emergency care. Guidelines were categorized as: a) no guidelines; b) deferral to American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines; c) specific guidelines outlined.Results: Most states and national guidelines were similar to the ADA: dentists are obliged to make reasonable arrangements for the emergency dental care of patients of-record and not-of-record. Oral surgery maintains the most stringent guidelines of all specialties. Results of the 50 states reviewed: no guidelines-16 states (32 percent), deferral to ADA guidelines-21 states (42 percent), and specific guidelines outlined-13 states (26 percent).Conclusions: Current after-hours emergency guidelines are nonspecific and open to interpretation. Variability between state guidelines likely contribute to unnecessary hospital emergency visits and increased healthcare costs, undermining the goal of establishing and maintaining dental homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is the only country in the world to propose a universal health care system with the aim of guaranteeing delivery of all levels of health care, free of charge, to a population of over 200 million inhabitants by means of a unified health system ("Sistema Único de Saúde" [SUS]). The national policy of oral health, also known as Smiling Brazil ("Brasil Sorridente"), was implemented in 2004. Oral health was designated as 1 of the 4 priority areas of the SUS, transforming oral health care in Brazil, with the objective that the SUS achieve the integrality of care envisaged at its creation. The aim of this article is to share part of this experience in order to prompt reflection about the inclusion of oral health care in other health care systems around the world. The most significant results of Smiling Brazil can be seen in 3 areas: (1) oral health epidemiological indicators, (2) financial investment and professional development, and (3) the building of an oral health care network throughout the 10 y of the policy. The "Discovery!" article presented here portrays 10 y of evolution; however, it is important to point out that this is a process undergoing construction and that the oral health care network needs to be further expanded, refined, and solidified so that over time and through changes in the political parties in power, Smiling Brazil prevails as a perennial policy and not merely an action by a single government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: National oral health policy was conscripted by the Indian Dental Association (IDA) in 1986 and was accepted as an integral part of National Health Policy (NHP) by the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare in one of its conferences in the year 1995. Objectives of this paper were to find out the efforts made or going on towards its execution, its current status and recent oral health-related affairs or programs, if any. Methods: Literature search was done using the institutional library, web-based search engines like 'Google' and 'PubMed' and also by cross referencing. It yielded 108 articles, of which 50 were excluded as they were not pertinent to the topic. Twenty-four were of global perspective rather than Indian and hence were not taken into account and finally 34 articles were considered for analyses. Documents related to central and state governments of India were also considered. Results: All the articles considered for analysis were published within the past 10 years with gradual increase in number which depicts the researchers' increasing focus towards oral health policy. Criticisms, suggestions and recommendations regarding national oral health programs, dental manpower issues, geriatric dentistry, public health dentistry, dental insurance, oral health inequality, and public-private partnerships have taken major occupancies in the articles. Proposals like "model for infant and child oral health promotion" and "oral health policy phase 1 for Karnataka" were among the initiatives towards national oral health policy. Conclusion: The need for implementation of the drafted oral health policy with modification that suits the rapidly changing oral health system of this country is inevitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This project extends studies of oral health cultures for lower income families by identifying the participants' meaning of oral health selfcare, barriers to its attainment, and suggestions for its improvement. Methods: Forty open-ended interviews were conducted with Dunedin residents purposively selected from a variety of ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. Transcribed interviews were analysed thematically. Results: Five key themes emerged: (1) oral health understandings for self and wider family groups; (2) the complexity of understanding cost in relation to oral self-care; (3) oral self-care tools and daily oral health routines; (4) relationships with oral health workers and the meaning of good and bad care provision; and (5) the State's involvement in oral health. Conclusions: Participants valued good oral health and were knowledgeable about it, but cost was the primary barrier to care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing glazing with polishing is still controversial in terms of the surface roughness of dental porcelains. This study investigated the polishing performance of a ceramic-polishing rubber wheel (CP-RW), which contains large uniform and rounded silicon carbide particles and small diamond particles, in improving the surface roughness of two feldspathic porcelains for sintering and CAD/CAM milling. Using a confocal laser scanning microscopy, the changes in the surface roughness parameters were evaluated before and after polishing or glazing for three surface treatment groups: SofLex polishing, CP-RW polishing, and Glazing. Regardless of the parameters, all treatments reduced roughness values (repeated measures ANOVA, p<0.05). The roughness values obtained after CP-RW polishing were lower than those obtained after SofLex polishing and glazing (2-way ANOVA, p<0.05). Polishing both ceramics with CP-RW made the surfaces smooth with the lowest roughness values in all parameters. The effect was dependent on the materials used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Despite the strong evidence of HPV infection as the etiological agent in a subset of oral cancer, oral α-HPV detection is rare in healthy individuals, and little is known of the existing of novel HPV types in oral cavity. Objective: We determined whether novel HPV types can be isolated from oral rinse samples collected from healthy individuals. Study design: We performed rolling circle amplification (RCA) coupled with degenerated PCR assay on 48 oral rinse samples to amplify novel HPV types. Full length HPV DNA was cloned using long range PCR. Quantitative type specific Taqman assays were used to determine the prevalence of novel HPV types in 158 archived oral tissue samples. Results: We were able to isolate four novel human papillomavirus types. Full length HPV DNA was cloned for three of the four novel HPV types. All four HPV types belong to the genus Gammapapillomavirus (γ-PV), where HPV 171 is most closely related to HPV 169, showing 88% similarity; HPV 172 is most closely related to HPV 156, showing 70% similarity; HPV 173 is most closely related to HPV 4, showing 73% similarity; oral sample lavage (OSL) 37 is most closely related to HPV 144, showing 69% similarity. Finally, we showed that HPV 173 was rarely present in oral tissues (2/158), HPV 172 was only detected in normal oral tissues (25/76), and HPV 171 was more prevalent in malignant oral tissues (17/82 vs. 10/76, p =0.21). Conclusions: Novel γ-HPV types are present in oral cavity of healthy individuals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to clarify the geographic distribution of specialist orthodontists and dentists who provide orthodontic services in Japan. Methods: We obtained data on the populations of 1750 municipalities in Japan in 2010 by referring to the census. We obtained data on the number of dentists who mainly provide orthodontic services (specialist orthodontists) and the number of dentists, including general dentists, who provide orthodontic services (orthodontic providers), by referring to the Survey of Physicians, Dentists, and Pharmacists. Furthermore, we referred to the directory on the website of the Japanese Orthodontic Society (JOS) to obtain data on JOS-qualified orthodontists. To assess the distribution of specialist orthodontists and orthodontic providers, we used Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients. Results: The median value for the number of specialist orthodontists and number of JOS-certified orthodontists per 100,000 persons aged between 5 and 40 years old was 0, while that of orthodontic providers was 27.5. Gini coefficients for specialist orthodontists and JOS-certified orthodontists were 0.523 and 0.615, respectively. On the other hand, the Gini coefficient for orthodontic providers was 0.258. Conclusions: Regional inequalities in the availability of specialist orthodontists are high, and medical access to specialist orthodontic services may be limited in areas other than urban districts. In municipalities with a population of fewer than 50,000 inhabitants, the number of specialist orthodontists was very low, but orthodontic providers were relatively evenly distributed. Our research results suggested that studying the distribution of specialist orthodontists and orthodontic providers can provide valuable information for developing dental care policies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Following a successful 2005-2012 phase with three regional practice-based research networks (PBRNs), a single, unified national network called ''The National Dental PBRN'' was created in 2012 in the United States to improve oral health by conducting practice-based research and serving dental professionals through education and collegiality. Methods: Central administration is based in Alabama. Regional centres are based in Alabama, Florida, Minnesota, Oregon, New York and Texas, with a Coordinating Centre in Maryland. Ideas for studies are prioritized by the Executive Committee, comprised mostly of full-time clinicians. Results: To date, 2763 persons have enrolled, from all six network regions; enrollment continues to expand. They represent a broad range of practitioners, practice types, and patient populations. Practitioners are actively improving every step of the research process, from idea generation, to study development, field testing, data collection, and presentation and publication. Conclusions: Practitioners from diverse settings are partnering with fellow practitioners and academics to improve clinical practice and meet the needs of clinicians and their patients. Clinical significance: This ''nation's network'' aims to serve as a precious national resource to improve the scientific basis for clinical decision-making and foster movement of the latest evidence into routine practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There has been a marked improvement in dental health in Norway during the last few decades. What effect has this had on provision of dental services, and how has private dental practitioners' assessment of their workload changed?, Methods: The data were from 2 large surveys of private dental practitioners carried out in 1992 (n = 1056) and 2015 (n = 1237). An analysis of nonresponders showed that they were evenly distributed according to their age, gender, and the region in which their practice was located. Thus, the samples were representative of private dental practitioners. For 1 representative week in practice, the practitioners were asked to report the number of visits and the number of patients who received 1 or more of the following items of treatment: filling, crown, bridge, denture, root filling, extraction, and periodontal treatment. As a measure of patient supply, the responses from the following questions were used: "Based on an overall assessment of economy, workload, and other personal factors, is the number of regular patients adequate? If not, do you wish to have more patients or fewer patients?", Results: From 1992 to 2015, the annual number of visits per practitioner decreased by 23%. The number of patients per practitioner who received fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, root fillings, or extractions decreased by 50% or more. The decrease was largest for practitioners younger than 35 years and for men. The proportion of practitioners who reported a deficit of patients increased from 20% to 37%., Conclusions: Many dentists will have too few patients and a fall in income in the years to come is expected., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None disclosed., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva 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 focuses on a policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) concerning oral health and dental care for infants and children. It states that the AAPD encourages wider use of expanded function dental auxiliaries and hygienists under direct supervision to improve the volume of services provided within dental homes. It mentions that the AAPD will continue efforts to expand public-private partnerships in improving the oral health of children who have a greater likelihood of having oral diseases, partner with other medical and dental organizations in studying underutilization of dental services and barriers to care, and create alliances with legislators to advance the concept of dental homes and increase funding for oral healthcare services.

The article presents information on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) policy on medically necessary care (MNC) as of 2011. It states that the AAPD defines MNC as reasonable diagnostic, preventative and treatment services, as well as follow-up care. It mentions that dental care is necessary to prevent and treat orofacial disease, infection, and pain, as well as restore form and function of dentition. It talks about several oral conditions, including dental caries, gingivitis, and congenital or acquired orofacial anomalies. It comments that the least expensive treatment may not be the most cost-effective method.

Copyright of Archives of Dental Science / Arquivos em Odontologia is the property of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Odontologia 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 discusses the role of indemnity in dental nurse registration and in other profession. It states that General Dental Council (GDC) requires dental nurses to have an appropriate indemnity for clinical negligence claims filed by the patients. It says that providing dental nurse with risk management advice and information in preventing difficulties is the most important role of indemnity. Moreover, information on scope of practice of dental nurses provided by GDC is also presented.

Abstract: Objectives: To compare the reliability of the disto-facial (DF) and mesio-lingual (ML) cusps of an anatomically correct zirconia (Y-TZP) crown system. The research hypotheses tested were: (1) fatigue reliability and failure mode are similar for the ML and DF cusps; (2) failure mode of one cusp does not affect the failure of the other. Methods: The average dimensions of a mandibular first molar crown were imported into CAD software; a tooth preparation was modelled by 1.5mm marginal high reduction of proximal walls and occlusal surface by 2.0mm. The CAD-based tooth preparation was milled and used as a die to fabricate crowns (n =14) with porcelain veneer on a 0.5mm Y-TZP core. Crowns were cemented on composite reproductions of the tooth preparation. The crowns were step-stress mouth motion fatigued with sliding (0.7mm) a tungsten-carbide indenter of 6.25mm diameter down on the inclines of either the DF or ML cusps. Use level probability Weibull curve with use stress of 200N and the reliability for completion of a mission of 50,000 cycles at 200N load were calculated. Results: Reliability for a 200N at 50,000 cycles mission was not different between tested cusps. SEM imaging showed large cohesive failures within the veneer for the ML and smaller for the DF. Fractures originated from the contact area regardless of the cusp loaded. Conclusion: No significant difference on fatigue reliability was observed between the DF compared to the ML cusp. Fracture of one cusp did not affect the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Determine the dental health status of a population of 12-year-old students from public schools and the tooth loss percentage of adults in the city of Popayan (Cauca, Colombia). Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 967 12-year-old schoolchildren corresponding to 20% of the population, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, projection for 2008, and 1,406 adults (p=0.05). The Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) was established by following the World Health Organization guidelines for dental examination and caries diagnosis. Results: The DMFT index of the students was 3.02, score that is 0.7 points higher than that proposed by the National Dental Health Plan (ENSAB III, 1998). The decayed component represents 70% of the DMFT index. The percentage of teeth with fillings was 26%. 28.5% was the percentage of adults who did not have any tooth lost. Conclusions: 70% of the population requires any kind of dental treatment. It is necessary to implement policies to prevent the emergence and stop the progress of dental decay in order to improve the dental health status of the population and achieve the goals of dental care institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the nonprofit American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) policy on oral health for preschool children in child care centers. It states the policy is meant to provide guidance to pediatric dentists, child care centers, and other health care professionals concerning oral health promotion and oral health activities in out-of-home child care settings. It talks about the prevention of early childhood caries and collaboration between families and health care professionals.

The article presents the nonprofit American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) policy on mandatory oral health examinations prior to children attending school for the first time. It states the professional association American Academy of Pediatrics recommends comprehensive health assessments starting at age three include attention to problems that could influence school achievement. It comments on the prevalence of early childhood caries, predominantly in low-income children.

Background: Number of dental institutions has increased in the past decade but unfortunately none of them are running any global oral health course. So, present study was carried out to understand the interest of students in international volunteer opportunities, knowledge and attitudes of the students toward the global oral health issues, basic package of oral care (BPOC) and a need for a course on global oral health issues. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted in the final year students of Al-Farabi Dental College, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An amended version of the Global Oral Health Information Questionnaire was used with ten close ended questions. 210 students were asked to fill the questionnaires and out of which 197 responded and these were used for the data analysis. Results: The data analysis suggested that 87.3% of the students who were surveyed showed strong interest to be volunteer as a dentist in an international platform or other developed country. 68% of the students do not have knowledge about the global oral health status. The need of information about the oral health care devices in developing and developed countries is essential to address global oral health issue was felt by 76.6% of the students. 83% of the students have no idea about the BPOC package and only 13% of the students were aware, who drafted BPOC. Conclusion: The data analysis suggests the need of course on global oral health issues for the dental students. The results also suggest the students lack the knowledge on the global oral health status and policies of World Health Organization on global oral health issues including BPOC. Moreover, the results also depict the voluntariness of the student to work in an international setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some 360 Viennese stomatologists applied to the General Medical Council to be placed on the Dental Register to practise in Britain. Their dental training was different to that in Britain and the majority were denied by the 1878 Dental Act. This article examines the dilapidated state of British dental health and dentistry during the 1930s, when it functioned as a ‘cottage industry’, and compares this situation with the philosophy and dental training at the University of Vienna. Only 41 were allowed to stay and re-qualify over a six-month period and were then allowed to practise. Many of those rejected by the General Medical Council, despite their excellent training, probably died during the Holocaust. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper describes the three successive and successful DentEd projects, funded by the European Union, that established a productive thematic network which identified common content within the dental curriculum. It then developed an agreed professional profile, with a defined set of competences and a modular curriculum for all new dental graduates based on the European Credit Transfer System and trends in learning and assessment. The three phases took nine years to complete. Phase one investigated all aspects of dental undergraduate education and included over 30 visits to different dental schools by teams of dental educators. Phase two built on this work and included further visits to dental schools. Phase three refined the competency framework that had been developed in phase two and culminated in a global dental conference which finalised position papers on all aspects of dental education. The work and recommendations of the ICT in dental education group are considered in detail in the paper. The projects provided the stimulus for a number of European and international collaborations, including the web-based International Federation of Dental Education and Associations (IFDEA) Knowledge Centre and the International Virtual Dental School (IVIDENT), both of which aim to make increasingly sophisticated ICT-based educational material available worldwide and to promote international understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social inequality in access to oral health care is a feature of countries with predominantly privately funded markets for dental services. Private markets for health care have inherent inefficiencies whereby sick and poor people have restricted access compared to their healthy and more affluent compatriots. In the future, access to dental care may worsen as trends in demography, disease and development come to bear on national oral healthcare systems. However, increasing public subsidies for the poor may not increase their access unless availability issues are resolved. Further, increasing public funding runs counter to policies that feature less government involvement in the economy, tax policy on private insurance premiums, tax reductions and, in some instances, free-trade agreements. We discuss these issues and provide international examples to illustrate the consequences of the differing public policies in oral health care. Subsidization of the poor by inclusion of dental care in social health insurance models appears to offer the most potential for equitable access. We further suggest that nations need to develop national systems capable of the surveillance of disease and human resources, and of the monitoring of appropriateness and efficiency of their oral healthcare delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2003, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings - 2003, updating previous recommendations and providing additional recommendations for infection control in dental health-care settings. These recommendations--which serve as guidelines for dental practice--were developed and reviewed by authorities on infection control and prevention from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other relevant public agencies, as well as from academia, and professional organizations. This article serves to review personnel health elements of infection control, as presented in this guideline. These elements include: education and training, immunization programs, exposure prevention and post-exposure management, work restrictions for some medical conditions, and methods of preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens through hand hygiene, and use of personal protective equipment. This review is intended to support and facilitate optimal infection control and prevention in dental health-care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To ascertain the requirements in restorative dentistry that undergraduate dental students have to fulfil in order to sit the finals examinations in dental schools in the UK and Ireland and to compare those requirements with the competencies stipulated by the GDC in The first five years.Methods Fifteen anonymised questionnaires, of open and closed question design, were sent by post to academics in the university departments of restorative dentistry in each of the undergraduate dental schools in the UK and Ireland. The first section concerned numerical information regarding total numbers of procedures that were required to be completed in undergraduate restorative dentistry. The second section was designed to ascertain information as to how decisions are made with respect to an undergraduate's readiness to sit the finals examination in restorative dentistry (such as continual assessment and/or competency assessments).Results A total of 15 replies were received for analysis, a 100% response rate. Several institutions emphasised that they do not have 'requirements', but provide guidelines as to what should be achieved. Six institutions did not have set numerical requirements for direct placement restorations or bridges. The number of direct placement restorations required at the other nine institutions ranged from 50 to 160. Five institutions did not have numerical requirements for dentures; four institutions did not set numerical targets for crowns, veneers, inlays/onlays or endodontics. In institutions where numerical requirements were not used, forms of competency assessments were completed. The requirements across all institutions for periodontology, integrated treatment planning and completed cases were ill-defined.Conclusions This study shows that there is a wide disparity amongst institutions in the UK and Ireland with regards to finals requirements in restorative dentistry. Ideally, such requirements should be similar between institutions and should be closely mapped to the GDC's required learning outcomes (The first five years) for the UK institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To explore aspects of the dental vocational training (VT) selection process.Participants Thirty-five vocational dental practitioners (VDPs) and each of their trainers. The descriptive analysis of the VT year as experienced by these subjects has been previously described.Design Using a semi-structured interview format, the participants were interviewed once the prospective VDPs had secured a VT position. The interview transcript data were subject to a constant comparative analysis and a model of the typical selection experience was developed.Results The selection experience of the partnership that best fits the model is presented and where appropriate this is compared to the other VT partnerships. VDPs favoured practices close to their homes. A degree of formality within a pleasant atmosphere would result in an offer being accepted. For the trainer, again a local applicant was favoured, but above all else the prospective VDP had to fit into the practice team.Conclusion The VT selection experience is not an easy one for VDPs – neither is it for trainers. The more effort participants put into the selection process, the more they are likely to achieve what they want. This is true not only for prospective VDPs finding a practice of their choice, but also for trainers finding a VDP who will become a successful member of the team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Middle-aged adults are an important focus of dental policy with increasing retention of teeth and use of dental services. The aims of the study were to describe the caries experience of 45–54 year olds by dental visit pattern, dental behaviour, socio-demographics and socio-economic status. Methods: A random sample of 45–54 year olds from Adelaide, South Australia was surveyed by self-complete questionnaire during 2004–2005 with up to four follow-up mailings to non-respondents (n = 879, response rate = 43.8 per cent). Oral examinations were performed by calibrated dentists on 709 persons (completion rate = 80.7 per cent). Results: The mean number (95% CI) of decayed teeth was 0.39 (0.31–0.47), with 5.25 (4.92–5.58) missing teeth, 11.0 (10.62–11.32) filled teeth, and DMFT was 16.61 (16.21–17.01). Multivariate regressions of caries experience by dental visit pattern, dental behaviour, socio-demographics and socio-economic status found: time since last visit of less than 12 months was related (P<0.05) to fewer decayed teeth (β = -0.40), more filled teeth (β = 1.55) and a higher DMFT (β = 1.24); a last visit for relief of pain was related to more decayed teeth (β = 0.56); tooth brushing 8+ times per week was related to fewer decayed (β = -0.36), and missing teeth (β = -1.13), and lower DMFT (β = -1.58); not cleaning between teeth was related to more missing teeth (β = 0.94); males had fewer missing teeth (β = -0.76); having a diploma/degree was related to fewer missing teeth (β = -1.07) and lower DMFT (β = -1.27); card holder status was related to more missing teeth (β = 1.26); and household income of $80 000+ was related to fewer missing teeth (β = -0.96) and a lower DMFT (β = -1.35). Conclusions: Dental visit pattern, dental behaviour, socio-demographics and socio-economic status were all related to caries experience. Overall DMFT was lower for those who brushed more frequently, had higher levels of education and higher household income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Health Service (NHS) was created in 1948 to provide both medical and dental healthcare for the UK resident population based on need, not the ability to pay. Between 1948 and 2006 NHS dentistry improvement in oral health of the has made a huge contribution to the population of the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to highlight information and issues raised in a keynote address for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Symposium on Lifetime Oral Health Care for Patients with Special Needs held in November, 2006. Topics include: (1) relevant statistics and definitions; (2) the prevalence and impact of common oral diseases in individuals with special health care needs (ISHCN); (3) an overview of oral health care delivery for ISHCN; (4) key delivery system and policy issues; and (5) a synopsis of major contextual initiatives related to ISHCN. In light of the Academy's primary interest in infants, children, and adolescents--including children with special health care needs--the major focus is on children. Significant oral health and oral health care issues for adults with special needs, however, generally parallel those for children and are of interest to the Academy, particularly as they relate to the transition from pediatric care to adult care, a critical period for extending the level of oral health and health trajectory established during childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to (1) identify strengths and weaknesses of the US health care system regarding oral care for persons with special needs; (2) provide a framework for understanding system capacity; and (3) describe the context within which dental care is provided in the United State. It explores a series of concepts that help explain the current lack of access for those with special needs and synthesizes options for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanding the exposure of medical students and residents to persons with special health care needs has been a challenge. The purpose of this paper was to describe the development of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, its principles, and its 5 essential concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric dentists have, by tradition and default, provided care for persons with special health care needs (PSHCN), regardless of age. Deinstitutionalization of PSHCN in the 1960s, however, overwhelmed the dental care system, and oral health care become one of the greatest unmet needs of this population. This presentation follows the history of training for dentists in this aspect of care, from the first demonstration programs in the 1970s to the current educational programs in U.S. dental schools. Today's dental students must be competent in assessing the treatment needs of PSHCN, but accreditation standards do not require competency in the treatment of this group of patients. Recommendations to rectify this include revising dental school curricula to be more patient-centered, improving technology in schools, earlier clinical experiences for dental students, and the use of community-based clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]