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Objectives: To screen a sample of Moldavian schoolchildren to establish their periodontal condition using the Pathfinder study design of the World Health Organization (WHO). Methods: Two cohorts – 12- and 15-year schoolchildren – were screened in 12 schools around the country: four schools in the capital city; four more schools in two other larger cities (two schools in each city); and four village schools (one school in each village). In addition to demographic data, the periodontal parameters dental plaque, calculus and bleeding on probing (BOP) were collected. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD) was also measured but only in the cohort of 15-year-old schoolchildren. Measurements were recorded for the six Ramfjord index teeth. Results: In total, 720 children were surveyed: 365 (50.7%) were 12 years of age and 355 (49.3%) were 15 years of age; 351 (48.8%) were girls and 369 (51.2%) were boys; 490 (68%) lived in an urban area and 230 (32%) lived in a rural area. Only 4.5% of 15-year-old children presented with a pocket depth of ≥3.5 mm. Children who lived in rural areas had higher plaque scores than children who lived in urban areas (64.8% vs. 54.1%, P = 0.007). In addition, children who lived in urban areas had significantly less calculus (P = 0.047) and shallower PPDs (P = 0.019). Deeper PPD was associated with higher PI and calculus scores. Conclusions: Moderate-to-deep periodontal pockets were not uncommon in children in the 15-year-old cohort. Periodontal status was worse in children from rural areas than in children from urban areas. It is therefore suggested that an educational programme, together with preventive and interceptive protocols, should be adopted in early adolescence and especially in rural regions.

BackgroundGum infection, known as gingivitis, is a global issue. Gingivitis does not cause pain; however, if left untreated, it can worsen, leading to bad breath, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss, as the problem spreads to the underlying structures anchoring the teeth in the jaws. The asymptomatic nature of gingivitis leads people to postpone dental appointments until clinical signs are obvious or pain is evident. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated social distancing, which has caused many people to postpone dental visits and neglect gingival health. iGAM is a dental mobile health (mHealth) app that remotely monitors gum health, and an observational study demonstrated the ability of iGAM to reduce gingivitis. We found that a weekly dental selfie using the iGAM app reduced the signs of gingivitis and promoted oral health in a home-based setting. ObjectiveThe aim of this mixed methods study is to assess perceptions, attitudes, willingness to pay, and willingness to use an mHealth app. MethodsThe first qualitative phase of the study included eight semistructured interviews, and the second quantitative phase included data collected from responses to 121 questionnaires. ResultsThere was a consensus among all interviewees that apps dealing with health-related issues (mHealth apps) can improve health. Three themes emerged from the interviews: the iGAM app is capable of improving health, the lack of use of medical apps, and a contradiction between the objective state of health and the self-definition of being healthy. Participants were grouped according to how they responded to the question about whether they believed that mHealth apps could improve their health. Participants who believed that mHealth apps can enhance health (mean 1.96, SD 1.01) had a higher willingness to pay for the service (depending on price) than those who did not believe in app efficacy (mean 1.31, SD 0.87; t119=−2417; P=.02). A significant positive correlation was found between the amount a participant was willing to pay and the benefits offered by the app (rs=0.185; P=.04). ConclusionsPotential mHealth users will be willing to pay for app use depending on their perception of the app’s ability to help them personally, provided they define themselves as currently unhealthy.

Abstract Backgroud The need for dental treatments, especially those related to dental caries, may be associated with and influenced by a wide range of demographic variables. The aim of this study was to describe caries related treatment needs among young Israeli adults and the association with several socio-demographic factors, including socio-economic cluster (SEC), intellectual capabilities, ethnicity and other variables. Methods Data were collected from dental records of army recruits between 2012 and 2013. We cross-examined data regarding dental treatment needs with socio-demographic variables: age, gender, SEC, intellectual capability score (ICS), birth place of participant and parents, education and immigration. Results Data received regarding 13,398 combat recruits during their first four months of military training. Most subjects were males (92.4%), with a mean age of 18.9 years. 10.8% were immigrants, with 12.2 years living in Israel before their recruitment. Only 17.7% had no dental treatment needs. Mean number of teeth needing treatment was: for restorations 1.96 ± 2.59, for root canal therapies 0.07 ± 0.44 and for extractions 0.05 ± 0.28. Low ICS scores and low SEC group were significantly associated with higher treatment needs (P

Abstract A traditional and ethical principle recognizes a country’s primary general welfare responsibility to the young and the old. However, the middle, adult, age group cannot and should not be disregarded. The current dental component of the National Health Insurance Law (NHIL), in Israel, only includes children and the elderly. The present commentary focuses on the large group of adults, age 19–74, which are currently excluded. The cumulative incidence of disease increases over the lifetime of a person. We believe that a NHIL commitment with a major age gap in coverage is unacceptable. The recent manuscript, published by Natapov et al., in this journal, has documented the overall dental health of the older Israeli population, with emphasis on nutritional aspects. This contribution to the literature is commendable. However, we aim to follow in the steps of the Alma Ata Declaration and Ottawa Charter of the World Health Organization (WHO) and to clarify that the government’s responsibility should cover all residents regardless of their age. In addition, a dental health epidemiological data base, currently nonexistent for adults, is called for.