bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLUORIDES IN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS; A STUDY OF FOUR YEARS OF VARIOUS FLUORIDES APPLIED TOPICALLY TO THE TEETH OF CHILDREN IN FLUORIDATED COMMUNITIES*
Authors: Szwejda Louis F.
Published: May 2007

In this Issue Dr. Szwejda reports another portion of his research on fluorides in community programs – the application of various fluorides to the teeth of children and eight variations in the study now completed.
ILLNESS IN PATIENTS FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO DENTAL AEROSOLS*
Authors: Shreve William B. , Hoerman Kirk C. , Trautwein Christine A.
Published: May 2007

This well‐planned study of the relationship of aerosols in dental operating rooms and the incidence of respiratory diseases did not produce the correlation which might be anticipated.
THE SCHOOL DENTAL THERAPIST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA*
Authors: Roder David M.
Published: May 2007

The writer of this paper, without notes as a guide, presented a remarkable discussion, during the annual luncheon, on the School Dental Therapist's activity in the School Dental Service of South Australia. Public Health dentists in the United States now have an opportunity to read the formal report.
AN APPRAISAL OF HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATIONS*
Authors: Schoen Max H.
Published: May 2007

Dr. Schoen and his fellow members of the Committee on Public Health Practice, not only have presented an analysis of a Federal concept of Health Maintenance Organizations, but an urgent appeal to the American Association of Public Health Dentists to exercise its muscles promptly.
AN EVALUATION OF THE DENTAL ASSISTANT UTILIZATION PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY*
Authors: Ramirez Albert , Brown Donald E. , Cameron Burch G. , Jefferson Garden N. , Fiorella Jerome H. , Mitchell G. Lewis
Published: May 2007

Dr. Ramirez and the students assisting him, have performed, and now report an interesting study of the impact of the DA U Program on the practices of dental students of the University of Alabama after they graduate.
FLUORIDES IN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS: A STUDY FOR FOUR YEARS OF THE CARIOSTATIC EFFECTS OF PROPHYLACTIC PASTES, RINSES, AND APPLICATIONS OF VARIOUS FLUORIDES.*
Authors: Szwejda Louis F.
Published: May 2007

This report is the fourth and final product of Dr. Szwejda's studies of the use of fluorides in community dental programs. He has determined that application topically of solutions is important for successful treatment in nonfluoridated communities.
IMPLEMENTATION OF EXPANDED FUNCTIONS FOR AUXILIARY PERSONNEL IN THE UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL CURRICULUM*
Authors: Mumma Richard D.
Published: May 2007

Public health dentists, who are interested in promoting the use of assistants who are trained to perform expanded functions in the oral cavity, will be intrigued by this recital of experience with students at Temple University.
DENTAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES IN HAITI
Authors: Rundberg Paul , Young Wesley O.
Published: May 2007

Dr. Rundberg's visit and study of rural Haitians make an interesting story of a people's struggle to gain a living and establish an independent culture.
SELF‐APPLIED FLUORIDE PASTE; EFFECT ON DENTAL CARIES
Authors: Long John G.
Published: May 2007

The experience of this writer with supervised brushing of school children's teeth by a fluoride‐bearing prophylactic paste, twice a year, was discouraging.
TEST OF A METHOD FOR ESTIMATING PREVALENCE OF DMFT
Authors: McClendon B. Gerald , Abrams Alan M. , Horowitz Herschel S.
Published: May 2007

The writer of this report, with his group, has performed a unique service by testing the methods of estimating caries‐experience, published by Viegas in this Journal's Spring Issue of 1969.
A CAREER‐LADDER FOR EDUCATING DENTAL PERSONNEL
Authors: Harris Norman O.
Published: May 2007

The writer of this paper has issued a challenge to dental educators and dentists in public health to develop future dentists through gradual progress up a “career‐ladder” over a period of years spent in alternating study and practice.
SOME PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN ADMINISTERING HEAD START
Authors: Brooks Sharon , Bagramian Robert A.
Published: May 2007

Mrs. Brooks, a Junior Dental Student, recites, in a homespun way, her reaction to one Summer Head Start Program.
UTILIZATION OF A PREPAID PLAN OF COMMERCIAL DENTAL INSURANCE
Authors: Mulvihill James E. , Bear Warren S. , Dunning James M. , Giddon Donald B.
Published: May 2007

This paper presents the. results of a desire by the Astra Pharmaceutic Products Corporation to provide comprehensive dental care for its employees.
SOCIAL SCIENCES AND DENTISTRY
Authors: Douglass Chester W. , Stacey Dennis C. , Hozid Joseph L.
Published: May 2007

The Editors are pleased to present in the Summer Issue of this Journal a paper which deals with problems of publication.
CARIES‐FREE TEETH IN THE ABSENCE OF THE FLUORIDE ION*
Authors: Rothman Kenneth J. , Glass Robert L. , Espinal Fabio , Velez Herman
Published: May 2007

Dr. Rothman and his group present a finding in two nearby villages of Colombia that no factor could explain a markedly low DMFS in the village of Heliconia.
ABOLITION OF THE RIGHT OF LOCAL SWEDISH AUTHORITIES TO FLUORIDATE DRINKING WATER
Authors: Petterson Elof O.
Published: May 2007

Here the reader will find an on‐the‐spot report of what happened to fluoridation in Sweden.
SECULAR TRENDS IN THE PREVALENCE OF CARIES*
Authors: Glass Robert L. , Chiang Theresa P. , Fleish Sylvia
Published: May 2007

Dr. Glass and his group have identified a mechanism and carried out a study of the records of three cohorts of children over the period of 25 years to learn scientifically whether the prevalence of dental caries has been increasing recently.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY DENTISTRY IN DENTAL EDUCATIONAL CURRICULA; ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES OF DEPARTMENTS
Authors: Petterson Elof O.
Published: May 2007

In this report of the study of teaching community dentistry in the United States, Dr. Petterson investigates the curricula available in 23 departments, the resources for teaching, and the activities developed by the faculties.
MOTIVATION AND RETENTION OF DENTAL OFFICERS IN THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE
Authors: Boggs Donald C. , Schork M. Anthony
Published: May 2007

In this report Drs. Donald Boggs and Anthony Schork have provided administrators of public programs with a pattern for motivating and retaining their staffs.
DENTAL CARIES‐EXPERIENCE IN THREE GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES*
Authors: Ringelberg Melvin L. , Matonski Genevieve M. , Kimball Allyn W.
Published: May 2007

An opportune situation permitted Dr. Ringelberg to revive and repeat the early studies of familial immunity to dental caries pursued by Klein during the 1940s in Hagerstown, Md.
THE NORMALITY OF THE DISTRIBUTION IN THE SAMPLE WHEN VIEGAS' SIMPLIFIED INDEX FOR DENTAL‐CARIES EXPERIENCE IS USED
Authors: Lopes Eymar Sampaio
Published: May 2007

Here is additional testing from Brazil of the normality of the equations reported in this Journal by Viegas in in the Spring Issue of 1969.
DENTISTS PRACTICING IN DESIGNATED AREAS OF SHORTAGE IN HEALTH PERSONNEL
Authors: Whiteside Daniel F.
Published: May 2007

Those dentists, who have struggled with criteria for designating areas which have a shortage of dentists and might qualify for federal aid, should be interested in Dr. Whiteside's report.
CARIES‐EXPERIENCE OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN SELECTED DAY‐CARE CENTERS
Authors: Conti Anthony J. , Avery Kevin T. , Downing Darryl
Published: May 2007

Although the data presented by Dr. Conti and his group may be typical for one region of Florida, only, they have added to the scarce information on caries‐experience of preschool black children who are consuming fluoridated water.
TEACHING PUBLIC HEALTH TO DENTAL STUDENTS*
Authors: Petterson Elof O.
Published: May 2007

Dr. Petterson is submitting one more portion of his study and evaluation of the leaching of dental public health in the dental schools of the United States
Book Reviews
Authors: Roder David , Mickey Tom
Published: May 2007

Book reviewed in this article:

Lobene, R. R., and Kerr, Alix. The Forsyth Experiment; an alternative system for dental care.

American Dental Association, Council on Dental health and Health Planning. Oral Health care for the geriatric patient in a long‐term care facility; an educational program
Survey of Diplomates of the American Board of Dental Public Health, 1980
Authors: Conti Anthony J. , Lotzkar Stanley , Sanchez Marlene , Marks Ronald
Published: May 2007

A summary of the activities of Board Certified Diplomates is presented covering the period from January, 1978 to December. 1979. Comparisons were made, where applicable, to the last published survey in 1969.
A Symposium on the Future of Dentistry Report: Implications for the Public Sector: Dentistry's Blueprint for the Future
Authors: Ginley T. J.
Published: May 2007

This report deals with a three‐year study by the American Dental Association pertaining to the Future of Dentistry. The report covers environment of dentistry, dental research, dental manpower, public and professional concerns, dental education, and dental practice. It concludes with the following recommendations:

1. Convert public unmet need into demand for dental services.

2. Prepare practitioners (existing and future) to be more patient/market oriented.

3. Broaden practitioner's clinical skills and mix of services offered to the public.

4. Influence the quality and quantity of the manpower supply.

5. Stimulate research and development.

6. Improve the profession's ability to favorably influence public policy.
A Symposium on the Future of Dentistry Report: Implications for the Public Sector: Does Dentistry as We Know It Have a Future?
Authors: Schoen Max H.
Published: May 2007

The American Dental Association's Strategic Plan for the Future of Dentistry is primarily a self‐serving document in that it attempts to protect the dentist regardless of the changing oral health needs of the population. Marketing, even if initially successful, will not increase the absolute demand for dental services, because persons on maintenance care require less care per year than sporadic users. Higher use will be balanced by less need. Excess supply creates incentive to overtreat. Today's dentist, as the dominant provider, does not have major motivation toward prevention, either by training or economic self‐interest. The paper proposes that a modified hygienist, with more diagnostic training, should become the primary dental provider, with a better trained dentist as a secondary provider, combining problem solving and “surgical” skills. These changes would function best under a system combining group practice with a national health service.
A Symposium on the New Fight for Fluorides: Part I: The New Antifluoridationists: Who Are They and How Do They Operate?
Authors: Easley Michael W.
Published: May 2007

Since Grand Rapids became the first community to adjust the fluoride content of its water supply, individuals and groups have objected to water fluoridation. Early opponents of fluoridation were often members of fringe groups or were associated with the health food movement, were chiropractors, or were Christian Scientists. Once these individuals and groups began exchanging ideas and experiences, national groups were formed for the sole purpose of fighting fluoridation. While most of these organizations lacked sufficient funding or expertise to have much impact outside of the communities where they were based, some national multi‐issue organizations appeared that were well funded and that focused on antifluoridation as one of their goals. Through exploitation of society's current phobias about health and disease, these national groups have become increasingly successful in negatively influencing the public about the effectiveness, safety, and economy of community water fluoridation. Their tactics range from community actions aimed at local governmental bodies, to well‐organized local referenda, to litigation in state and federal courts, to lobbying state legislatures, and the US Congress. Specific legal, community organizational, and political tactics employed by the antifluoride groups are reviewed and classified.
Book Reviews
Authors: Corpron Richard E. , Bowen William H. , Hand Jed S. , McGowan Joan , Brooks Sharon L. , Rowe Nathaniel H.
Published: May 2007

Book reviewed in this article:

Wei SHY, ed. CLINICAL USES OF FLUORIDE.

Nikiforuk G. UNDERSTANDING DENTAL CARIES VOL 1; ETIOLOGY AND MECHANISMS. BASIC AND CLINICAL ASPECTS.

Weintraub JA, Douglass CW, Gillings DB. BIOSTATS: DATA ANALYSIS FOR DENTAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Besford J. GOOD MOUTHKEEPING.

Manson‐Hing LR. FUNDAMENTALS OF DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY.

Eversole LR. CLINICAL OUTLINE OF ORAL PATHOLOGY, 2nd ed.
What Massachusetts Residents Know about Fluoridation*
Authors: Weintraub Jane A. , Connolly Gregory N. , Lambert Craig A. , Douglass Chester W.
Published: May 2007

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted a comprehensive, statewide telephone health interview survey during 1980. Adult members of 1,091 households were interviewed. The purpose of this paper is to report the attitudes and knowledge of the Massachusetts residents surveyed regarding fluoridation, as well as the relation of their attitudes with demographic and socioeconomic variables, dental and other health behaviors, and outcome of fluoridation referenda. The majority, 60 percent, were in favor of community water fluoridation. As expected, groups that were most likely to favor fluoridation were parents, those who were better educated, and those with higher incomes. About three‐fourths of those surveyed were correctly aware of the purpose of fluoridation. Public opinion about fluoridation, as measured by this survey, did not correspond with the outcome of fluoridation referenda held in 14 Massachusetts communities between 1980 and 1983, which showed that 61 percent of the voters were not in favor of fluoridation.
Education: A Key to Fluoridation Compliance
Authors: Kuthy Raymond A. , Durkee JoAnne
Published: May 2007

This descriptive study reviews the pre‐ and post‐ seminar compliance for water plant operators with regard to water fluoridation.

The Illinois Department of Public Health conducted eight workshops with 198 participants representing 91 water facilities. These workshops provided a basic course in water fluoridation. Monthly water sample results were studied six months prior and subsequent to the seminar.

The mean compliance levels showed a statistically significant increase at p = 0.05 after the seminar. For subgroups there were statistically significant (p<0.05) differences of the mean for facilities requiring a class C water plant operator, facilities adding hydrofluosilicic acid, and operators in communities serving more than 10,000 people. Discussion of the variables and their possible influence on the outcome is elaborated.

For the maintenance of proper levels of fluoride, states may want to consider providing an ongoing level of education for the water plant operators.
Book Review
Authors: Kuthy Raymond A.
Published: May 2007

Book reviewed in this article:

ANNUAL REVIEW OF PUBLIC HEALTH, VOL. 6
Operation of the National Preventive Dentistry Demonstration Program
Authors: Bohannan Harry M. , Disney Judith A. , Graves Richard C. , Anderson Paul E. , Klein Stephen P.
Published: May 2007

Operation of large‐scale, multiple‐site demonstration programs is an infrequent activity, one for which most investigators have had little previous experience. The success of a demonstration program, however, often rests on operational aspects. Following the completion of a major demonstration, the writers discuss the design of their program, the problems they encountered in its operation, and the aspects they would change in future demonstrations.
Effect of Secular Decline in Caries on the Evaluation of Preventive Dentistry Demonstrations*
Authors: Bohannan Harry M. , Graves Richard C. , Disney Judith A. , Stamm John W. , Abernathy James B. , Bader James D.
Published: May 2007

Studies of dental preventive interventions often do not incorporate a concurrent, longitudinal control group in their study design. The existence of a secular decline in dental caries during the conduct of these studies may result in an overstatement of the effectiveness of the preventive intervention. Results of a recent large caries preventive study are analyzed using both a concurrent, longitudinal control group and an historical comparison group to demonstrate this effect. Differences in effectiveness of preventive procedures determined using the two types of control groups are sufficient to suggest a probable misinterpretation of results of studies using only historical comparisons.
Implications of Recent Dental Health Services Research on the Future of Operative Dentistry
Authors: Elderton Richard J.
Published: May 2007

Recent dental health services research has shown that restorations often last only a few years and has suggested that the compromising nature of some basic operative skills is at least partly responsible. Further, gross inconsistencies of diagnosis and treatment planning exist among dentists, leading to a considerable lack of agreement about when restorative treatment is necessary. In the interests of high‐quality dental care, some of the long‐standing dogma concerning restorative dental services and attitudes toward them should be questioned. At the public health level, the dental profession should strive to find ways of achieving satisfaction with less emphasis upon restoring and re‐restoring teeth so that dentistry will attract the public and remain fully relevant to their needs.
Proportional Changes in Caries Patterns from Early to Late Primary Dentition
Authors: Johnsen David C. , Schechner Terry G. , Gerstenmaier John H.
Published: May 2007

A tooth‐oriented caries measure has limitations in depicting the caries experience in the primary dentition for a population. Caries patterns based on the child have been presented previously and quantified. The purpose of this study was to explore proportional changes in caries patterns of the primary dentition in two populations. Graphic representation is suggested in developing a model.

Children two to five years of age were examined in a city pediatric dental clinic and in a suburban private practice and were categorized as caries‐free or as having one of the following etiology‐oriented caries experiences associated with lesion sites: Fissures, Hypoplasia, Facial‐Lingual, Molar‐Approximal, or Facial Lingual/Molar‐Approximal. Over 85 percent of children aged 2.5 years or younger were either caries‐free or fit the Facial‐Lingual category consistent with descriptions of “nursing caries.” Trends explored in this study would not be evident using an average for a tooth‐oriented caries measure.
Trends in the Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in the United States: A Review
Authors: Szpunar Susan M. , Burt Brian A.
Published: May 2007

This paper assesses, by comparing recent published evidence with Dean's pioneering work, whether an increase in the milder forms of dental fluorosis may have occurred since Dean's time. To the extent that the crude comparisons of recent research with historic studies are valid, the data indicate a slight trend toward more fluorosis today than would be expected based upon findings in the late 1930s and early 1940s. This suggested increase in fluorosis is not as clear‐cut nor as widely accepted as the recent decline in the prevalence of dental caries. Thus, further study of the prevalence of fluorosis and caries in relation to fluoride ingestion will be required to help validate the trend, and to allow dental researchers and decision makers to plan for the future.
The Choice of Health Insurance Plans by University Employees
Authors: Hand Jed S. , Beck James D.
Published: May 2007

This study presents the results of a survey of university employees to determine the factors that were important in the choice between two health insurance plans (CHIP vs traditional). The major differences between the plans were their coverage of hospital services, physician office visits, and routine dental services. Separate analyses were conducted for employees of departments associated with the health professions and employees of other departments. The majority of employees selected the CHIP plan, which included coverage of routine dental services. Employees who chose the traditional plan were more likely to have other medical or dental insurance coverage than those who chose CHIP. Multiple regression analyses and discriminant function analyses indicated that the ranking of the importance of coverage of routine dental services and physician office visits were the most important factors in the choice of health insurance plan. These findings indicate that employees may be willing to trade the coverage of other health benefits to secure coverage of routine dental services and physician office visits.
Characteristics of Employment and Job Satisfaction in Nontraditional Dental Hygiene Practice Settings*
Authors: Cohen Leonard , Singer Jacquelyn , LaBelle Ann
Published: May 2007

Little is known concerning the employment characteristics of hygienists practicing in nontraditional settings. Respondents were identified through screening (n = 38,380) a listing of the entire population of hygienists licensed in the United States. The screening identified 1,301 hygienists practicing in nontraditional settings. These hygienists were mailed comprehensive questionnaires; completed questionnaires were returned by 84.3 percent of the hygienists. Data were collected describing hygienists' reasons for seeking employment in nontraditional settings, their sources of information concerning job opportunities in nontraditional settings, benefits, and job satisfaction. The main source of information concerning employment opportunities in nontraditional settings was “word of mouth.” Hygienists were motivated to seek employment in nontraditional settings primarily by a desire for a more challenging position and personal satisfaction. The hygienists were overwhelmingly satisfied with all aspects of nontraditional employment except opportunities for advancement. Respondents were found to receive standard benefits similar to those of employees in other industries.
The Prevalence of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Among Two Native American Populations
Authors: Kelly Mim , Bruerd Bonnie
Published: May 2007

Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) is a disease characterized by severe dental caries in the primary dentition that may have significant short‐term and long‐term implications for the health of children. Its prevalence and various etiologic factors have not been addressed fully in the dental literature. In 1985, 514 Native American Head Start children in Alaska and Oklahoma were screened to establish the prevalence of BBJD in those populations. The prevalence of BBTD ranged between 17 and 85 percent, with a mean of 53 percent. BBTD is clearly a significant health problem for this population group. Concerted intervention efforts to lower the prevalence of this preventable condition should be instituted and their effectiveness evaluated for potential utility among other affected groups.
Caries and Treatment Patterns in Children Related to School Lunch Program Eligibility
Authors: Clark Barbara J. , Graves Richard C. , Webster David B. , Triol Calvin W.
Published: May 2007

This article presents the caries prevalence and treatment patterns of children relative to a classification of family economic status, based on the child's eligibility for the free or reduced‐cost school lunch program. Dental caries prevalence is reported for children aged 8–11 years at the beginning of a longitudinal clinical trial in the nonfluoridated city of Tampa, Florida. These children were placed into one of three school lunch subsidy categories—poverty, near‐poverty, and non‐poverty—using federal government income eligibility guidelines for the school lunch program. The results support an inverse relation of caries prevalence to economic status, as well as the expected direct relation of family income to treatment needs met. The nonpoverty group exhibited the lowest number of decayed surfaces and had nearly 70 percent of their treatment needs met. The poverty group had significantly higher scores both for total caries experience (DMFS) and decayed surfaces (DS) than either of the other groups. Filled surfaces (FS) scores were not significantly different for any of the groups. This method of classifying children by school lunch program eligibility is considered valid because of the rigorous requirements used in determining family income, as well as the thorough verification procedure that is applied. The method is easy to use once officials have been convinced that confidentiality will be maintained.
A Study of the Intentional Use of Pit and Fissure Sealants over Carious Lesions
Authors: Chapko Michael K.
Published: May 2007

This article reports data on the intentional use by dentists of pit and fissure sealants over carious lesions. In early 1985 a random sample of 127 dentists in general practice and 20 pedodontists from Washington State were interviewed by phone. Completed interviews were obtained from 81.9 percent (N = 104) of the general practitioners and 60.0 percent (N = 12) of the pedodontists. Eighteen percent of the dentists who offer sealants in their practice use sealants on “incipient” or “superficial” lesions. The major reasons given for not sealing lesions are: concern about failure or leakage, lack of confidence, or amalgams would be better. Dentists who seal lesions have larger practices in terms of the number of operatories and patients seen per week, place sealants on a larger proportion of their child patients, and more frequently delegate sealants to the hygienist. There is no relationship between placing sealants on lesions and placing sealants on primary teeth, the dentist's year of graduation, the number of years the dentist has used sealants, being a pedodontist, or employing a hygienist.
Training and Calibrating Evaluators for a National Private Dental Office Assessment Program
Authors: Morris Alvin L. , Bentley J. Marvin , Vito Anthony A.
Published: May 2007

The work described was conducted to train and calibrate ten general dentists to participate as evaluators in a national program in which methods were developed and tested for the in‐office evaluation of private general dental practice. The methods used in conducting six days of initial training are described, as well as the approach taken in establishing the posttraining levels of individual and group calibration achieved. Training and calibration that occurred halfway through a two‐year field experience also are described. Techniques employed included the use of slides in lecture format; review of records, radiographs, and other materials from dental offices; examination of patients; use of a videotaped simulation of an office visit; and evaluation of private dental offices by paired evaluators. Calculation of percent of comparability of evaluator performance was used in determining calibration levels. We concluded that evaluators can be trained in six days to achieve a high level of calibration. Additional benefits were derived from the additional training session at the midpoint of field activities. Evaluators perceived themselves to be well prepared as a result of the training described.
Fluoride Prescription Practices of Ohio Physicians
Authors: Kuthy Raymond A. , McTigue Dennis J.
Published: May 2007

In 1985 a fluoride supplement survey was mailed to all members of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians and the Ohio chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The response rate after two mailings was 60.2 percent. Of the respondents who were identified as either family physicians or pediatricians, 76.6 percent reportedly prescribed fluoride supplements for at least some of their child patients. Pediatricians were more likely to prescribe fluoride supplements than were family physicians. Younger physicians also were more apt to prescribe fluoride supplements than were their older colleagues. Only 6.2 percent of those physicians who prescribed fluoride adhered to a minimum protocol of inquiring about the fluoride content of the child's drinking water, having the water analyzed when the fluoride content was unknown, and continuing fluoride supplements until at least age ten. Medical schools, and especially residency programs, should include a preventive dental segment that uses a state‐specific protocol for the prescription of fluoride, including where water may be analyzed. For those already in practice, the preferred method of providing information may be short articles in local journals or newsletters. Public health dentists should assist the medical profession in this educational process.
The Economic Contribution of Dental Hygienists' Activities to Dental Practice: Review of the Literature
Authors: Walsh Margaret M.
Published: May 2007

This article reviews studies of dental practice and essays on practice management that have included information on the economic contributions of oral hygiene services. Several studies found that these services were less remunerative than other services and recommended that dentists delegate these functions when possible. However, one study noted that performance time, as well as delegation, influenced practice productivity and also reflected the practice's concept of care. Some practice management authors indicated that poorly managed practices without an excess of patients do not benefit economically from hiring a hygienist; but for practices with good management capabilities and an excess of patients, a hygienist may be able to make a major contribution to practice productivity. The lower remuneration for hygiene services and the high percentage of practice time required to provide a complete prophylaxis once or twice a year to each patient led several authors to doubt that dentists would or could provide these services themselves. The data in the reported studies, however, are insufficient to support firm conclusions about the profitability of hygienists' activities in dental practice.
Local Dental Programs: A Descriptive Assessment of Funding and Activities
Authors: Kuthy Raymond A. , Odom John G.
Published: May 2007

In 1986, 201 local dental programs received a dental survey requesting information on their programmatic activities. Survey categories included general agency information, dental coordinator characteristics, program budget, staffing and salaries, clinical services, health education and other programs, and miscellaneous questions. A total of 156 programs returned the survey, for a 77.6 percent response rate. This article provides descriptive data on various selected activities within local dental health organizations. Highlights include: (1) 12 agencies have terminated their dental program since 1982; (2) 88 percent of existing dental programs have a clinical component; and (3) the budgets of viable programs have increased over the past three years. These data will assist local health agencies and national organizations in program planning and serve as a resource for program directors, as well as those who are developing new programs.
Menu Preferences of Dental Public Health Diplomates—A Pilot Study
Authors: Lotzkar Stanley
Published: May 2007

Forty‐six of 103 dentists responded to a survey of their preferences for fish or chicken in preparation for the 1986 Dinner Meeting of the American Board of Dental Public Health in Miami, Florida. Approximately three‐fourths of the respondents (74%) requested fish (F). Analysis of preferences with regard to geographic location indicated that almost half of the respondents requesting fish were from Region IV (Southeast), while preferences according to year of certification indicated that more than three‐quarters of the respondents (77%) who had been certified since 1970 preferred fish. There were no significant differences between the two groups in mode of transportation, time since last visit, and number of denture wearers.
A Marketing Strategy for the Dental Public Health Profession: What Is It? Why Is It Needed?
Authors: Simon‐Rusinowitz Lori
Published: May 2007

A personnel management problem exists within dental public health that interferes with its mission of improving the nation's oral health. A major cause of this problem may be that many administrators who write position descriptions and hire professional staff are unaware of differences between clinical and public health dental practitioners. A marketing plan has been developed to address this lack of awareness about proper use of dental public health professionals. Its main goal is to establish more appropriate personnel and employment practices within dental public health. The expected outcomes of this plan could assist both recipients of dental public health services and members of the profession. The purpose of this article is to introduce the marketing strategy to dental public health professionals.
Usefulness of a Local Oral Health Survey in Program Development
Authors: Siegal Mark D. , Martin Barbara , Kuthy Raymond A.
Published: May 2007

In 1986, the Columbus (Ohio) Health Department conducted an oral health survey of children in grades 1, 2, 6, and 7. The World Health Organization's Pathfinder methodology served as the basis for survey design. The survey was made possible through collaboration and sharing resources among the local and state health departments and two universities. The findings of the children's portion of the survey proved useful in program planning, marketing (including resource procurement), constituency building, and educating the dental profession and the public. The data were used to support successful grant requests that led to the implementation of a school‐based dental sealant program. The local government expanded the health department's dental budget to continue the sealant program beyond the grant period. The state health department considered the survey to be a pilot for a statewide effort.
Fissure Sealant Knowledge and Characteristics of Parents as a Function of Their Child's Sealant Status
Authors: Lang W. Paul , Weintraub Jane A. , Choi Charles , Bagramian Robert A.
Published: May 2007

A survey was conducted to identify and compare sealant knowledge and sources of sealant information of parents whose children had and had not received fissure sealants. The socioeconomic characteristics of these individuals were also compared. The sealant group was composed of the parents of children found to have a sealant on at least one permanent tooth during dental examinations of 2,036 elementary schoolchildren in southwestern Michigan. Another group of children was selected from the same population and matched to the children with sealants by child's age, sex, school location, and community. Surveys were returned by 210 of 260 sets of parents (81% response rate). Significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to parents' ages and levels of income. Parents of children with sealants had more correct information about the procedure and 74 percent of these individuals reported that the dental office was their primary source of information. For the group without sealants, 48 percent of respondents reported no source of sealant information. Findings suggest that dental personnel may strongly influence dissemination of information about sealants and utilization of this preventive procedure.
Oral Health Status, Knowledge, and Practices in an Amish Population
Authors: Bagramian Robert A. , Narendran Sena , Khavari A. Mahyar
Published: May 2007

This study was conducted in the summer of 1985 to assess the oral health status, knowledge, and practices of an Amish population in southwest Michigan. Dental caries experience, periodontal health, and oral hygiene status were recorded using decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS), periodontal index (PI), and simplified oral hygiene index (OHI‐S). Data on oral health knowledge and practices were collected by interviews using a structured questionnaire. Results showed significantly lower levels of disease among Amish. DMFS scores for 5–17‐year‐old Amish children were almost half that of the US general population (NIDR 1979–80). PI score of all ages combined was 2.0, which was 3.6 times lower than a national sample (1971–74). Lower levels of disease in Amish could be related to their way of life and dietary patterns. A relatively higher level of unmet need for prosthodontic care, inadequate oral health knowledge, and barriers to dental care in the study population emphasize the need for dental public health and health education programs.
Barrier Techniques and Hepatitis B Vaccine Policies in Dental Components of Local Health Agencies
Authors: Kuthy Raymond A. , Odom John G. , Pruitt John W. , Ashton James J.
Published: May 2007

National health organizations have issued guidelines for barrier control techniques against infectious diseases and for inoculation against hepatitis B. This study surveys the policies of local health agencies regarding the safeguards used in protecting their employees. Local health agencies (N = 201) operating independently of state health departments were mailed questionnaires seeking information regarding glove, mask, and eyewear policies, as well as hepatitis B vaccine policies for new and current employees. Of the 156 programs returning the survey, 127 (76.6%) reported having a clinical component.

Many agencies did not require infection control policies to be implemented for every patient. Agencies that had dental directors who have held their positions for fewer than four years were more likely to have requirements for gloves and masks than agencies run by directors with longer tenure. Those agencies that provided dental treatment to inmates at correctional institutions were also more likely to require infection control policies. The data indicate policy inconsistencies among local dental health programs nationwide. Of considerable concern is the fact that infection control was not identified as a priority for the near future. Many local health agencies would benefit from further education in infection control.
Factors Influencing Dental Decision Making
Authors: Grembowski David , Milgrom Peter , Fiset Louis
Published: May 2007

In clinical decision making, dentists routinely choose between alternative treatments such as crown vs amalgam/composite buildup, root canal vs extraction, fixed bridge vs removable partial denture, and prophylaxis vs subgingival curettage or periodontal scaling. A number of technical and patient factors can influence dentists' choice of treatment in these situations; however, little is known about their relative importance. To address this issue, a list of technical (e.g., periodontal status and caries rate) and patient (e.g., cost and patient preference) factors possibly influencing choice of treatment was developed for each pair of services. Responding to a mail questionnaire, 156 general dentists in Washington State listed the top three factors influencing their choice of service in each pair. Results revealed that dentists took different factors into account in choosing among alternative treatments. Technical factors dominated over patient concerns; only about 33 percent of the dentists considered patient factors important in choosing alternative therapies. The latter group was less preventively oriented, were solo practitioners, worked longer hours, and had lower prices. Results suggest patients may have little influence on prescriptions of therapy among experienced general dentists.
Risk Assessment of Mercury Exposure from Dental Amalgams*
Authors: Reinhardt John W.
Published: May 2007

Much attention is being focused upon the issue of mercury exposure from dental amalgam restorations and the potential for adverse health effects. This controversy has grown beyond the confines of the dental profession itself and is becoming an emotional public health issue. In hope of regaining good health, many dental patients with chronic systemic diseases are considering replacement of their amalgams. Dentists are increasingly being challenged to prove the safety of amalgams. Recently, systematic methods have been established for quantitative evaluation of environmental risks. This study brings together the quantitative methodologies of risk assessment and the knowledge of mercury exposure from dental amalgams to estimate the safety of dental amalgam restorative therapy. Analysis concludes that the margin of safety for mercury toxicity in humans from dental amalgams is approximately 8‐to 30‐fold. There are many uncertainties involved in this estimate, and further studies are warranted to improve its precision.
The Rural Dental Health Program: Long‐term Impact of Two Dental Delivery Systems on Children's Oral Health
Authors: Feldman Cecile A. , Bentley J. Marvin , Oler Jacqueline
Published: May 2007

This paper addresses the long‐term effect of two dental delivery systems established during the Rural Dental Health Program (RDHP) in 1975. At that time 725 children in grades K‐2 were assigned randomly to an enriched dental health education program or regular health education program and to a SCHOOL‐or COMMUNITY‐based dental delivery system. Seven years after funding for RDHP ended, children originally assigned to the COMMUNITY group utilized more professional services and showed a higher level of dental knowledge than children assigned to the SCHOOL group. In addition, COMMUNITY‐based children had, on average, twice as many sealed teeth. While the follow‐up study did not reveal any statistically significant difference in the clinical oral health indices (DMFS, gingival index, calculus index, plaque index, periodontal probing depth, and orthodontic treatment priority index) the COMMUNITY‐based children's higher level of professional dental service utilization, greater number of sealed teeth, and increased dental knowledge should lead to a higher level of oral health in the long run.
The University of North Carolina Caries Risk Assessment Study I: Rationale and Content
Authors: Stamm John W. , Disney Judith A. , Graves Richard C. , Bohannan Harry M. , Abernathy James R.
Published: May 2007

This article presents the rationale and content of a current study that seeks to improve methods to identify children at high risk to dental caries. It summarizes the results of the development of a 12‐factor, preliminary caries prediction model based on data derived from the National Preventive Demonstration Program. Despite data limitations, the model produced a sensitivity of .5 and specificity of .8 for four‐year caries increment prediction in first‐and fifth‐grade children. Data on a number of additional potential predictors are being collected in two sites to expand and improve the existing model. These factors are identified.
The Pre‐and Posteruptive Effects of Fluoride in the Caries Decline
Authors: Beltran Eugenio D. , Burt Brian A.
Published: May 2007

The widespread availability of fluoride from many sources is accepted as a major reason for the canes decline among children in developed countries. There is still controversy, however, about its principal mode of action. This article reviews the evidence on fluoride's preemptive and posteruptive effects, and suggests reasons for its continuing role in the caries decline. Early fluoridation studies accepted that fluoride acted preeruptively through incorporation into developing enamel; but further research could not explain why fluoride levels were not clearly higher in enamel exposed to fluoride, nor why there were no clear correlations between caries experience and enamel fluoride concentration. Instead, considerable evidence suggests that fluoride acts mainly, though not entirely, through posteruptive remineralization of demineralized enamel. Caries experience has declined in non‐fluoridated as well as in fluoridated areas, though DMF scores are still consistently lower in fluoridated areas. Posteruptive remineralization effects are seen from fluoridated drinking water as well as with fluoride from other sources. The continuing caries decline, beyond the level suggested by early fluoridation field trials, can be attributed either to more efficient remineralization or to long‐term, intraoral ecological change, or to both.
Trends in the Prevalence and Severity of Periodontal Diseases in the US: A Public Health Problem?
Authors: Capilouto Mary Lynne , Douglass Chester W.
Published: May 2007

This article reviews trends in the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in US adults and examines the implications of these trends regarding the recognition of periodontal disease as a public health problem. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) examination surveys, 1960–62 and 1971–74, and the National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) 1985–86 Survey of Employed and Senior Adults are examined. Issues of comparability and generalizability are discussed. Changes in the prevalence and severity of gingivitis and periodontitis are presented for the time periods 1960–62 to 1971–74 and 1971–74 to 1985–86. We concluded (1) it is difficult to document the changes occurring in the prevalence of gingivitis; however, given the available evidence, the prevalence and severity of gingivitis have probably declined; (2) it appears that periodontitis continues to affect approximately the same proportions of the overall US adult population; but with those affected, the extent and severity of the disease have declined; and (3) older adults continue to exhibit more disease and greater levels of severe disease than the younger age groups. Renewed efforts to clarify the epidemiologic confusion concerning trends in the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease should remain high on the agenda for public health dentistry.
Oral Hygiene Instruction and Health Risk Assessment in Dental Practice
Authors: Milgrom Peter , Weinstein Philip , Melnick Sandra , Beach Barbara , Spadafora Agnes
Published: May 2007

We studied oral hygiene instruction given to 109 patients in 19 Washington State dental practices to investigate the extent to which therapists targeted their efforts toward patients with high disease risk. Patients were examined prior to instruction and prophylaxes. Therapists' instructions were tape‐recorded and their content analyzed: therapists' expectations were scored. There were no statistically significant associations between patients' initial plaque levels and the process/content of the oral hygiene instructions delivered. On average, therapists spent 9.4 minutes of each prophylaxis session discussing oral hygiene. Therapists were judged more genuine with those patients for whom they had higher expectations of compliance, i.e., those with less plaque and low disease risk. We conclude that dental practitioners were not employing effective risk assessment strategies in selection of patients most in need of intensive instructional efforts.
Fluoride Exposure in Michigan Schoolchildren
Authors: Szpunar Susan M. , Burt Brian A.
Published: May 2007

Recent trends in the prevalence of dental caries in children, as well as a possible increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis, have prompted some researchers to suggest the reassessment of water fluoride concentration standards. Instead of reducing water fluoride concentrations, an alternative approach would be to limit the use of, or reduce the fluoride concentration of, dentifrices, mouthrinses, and supplements. Information about the use of these other sources of fluoride, however, is scarce. Using data from a 1987 survey of Michigan schoolchildren, exposure to selected fluoride sources as well as tooth brushing habits are described. Responses from questionnaires revealed that, overall, 98.5 percent of the children have used fluoride dentifrices, 27 percent have used topical fluoride rinses, 72.5 percent have had at least one exposure to professionally applied topical fluoride, and 27percent have used dietary fluoride supplements. Although the use of fluoride dietary supplements was appropriate for most children residing in fluoride‐deficient Cadillac, the percentages of children in the other communities who have ingested these supplements suggest that these products are being prescribed improperly. Given the almost universal use of fluoride dentifrices at an early age, it may be time to investigate the use of reduced fluoride dentifrices for children. In addition, continuing efforts to decrease inappropriate dietary fluoride supplementation are required.