bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the cost‐effectiveness of community health center dental programs in the U. S. A.
Authors: Jong Anthony , Gluck George M.
Published: May 2006

abstract The community health center has been viewed by many Americans as an important mechanism for the improvement of health of the urban poor. The millions of dollars allocated for a relatively small percentage of the population, however, has led to some criticisms of the concept. This paper deals with factors influencing the cost of dental services in a community health center and an analysis of several existing programs. The major factors affecting the cost effectiveness of the clinics appear to be the (1) broken appointment rate, (2) age distribution of the population served, (3) mixture of services rendered, and (4) additional community services rendered. Programs which have low broken appointment rates and which treat both adults and children seem to maintain a higher revenue‐cost ratio. This ratio was in the range of 0.78 to 1.10 for the three dental programs studied.
Methods of measuring the reliability of caries prevalence and incremental data
Authors: Rugg‐Gunn A. J. , Holloway P. J.
Published: May 2006

abstract The purpose of undertaking repeat examinations in oral epidemiology has been discussed. Since many of the published methods of demonstrating repeatability do not allow the influence of error to be quantified, the value of estimating reliability was investigated. This is based on the assumption that the coefficient of reliability is the ratio of true to total variance, where total variance is the sum of true and error variance. It was suggested that the reliability coefficient together with error variance should be used to express repeatability in oral epidemiology since reliability is closely related to the efficiency of the study and allows the relative importance of error to be assessed. Five methods for determining the reliability of dental caries data have been investigated and compared; all but one required the reexamination of subjects. The fifth method, although not requiring a reexamination, was considered unsuitable for use in caries studies. The two methods recommended for use in prevalence surveys were simple to use and provided data from which the reliability of incremental scores might be calculated.
A longitudinal study of caries experience and extraction of permanent first molars in English children
Authors: Sutcliffe Philip
Published: May 2006

Abstract

One hundred and twenty eight children in Leeds, England, initially aged 11 years, were examined annually for 6 years. The site of dental caries on 441 permanent first molars was recorded at the first examination. Twelve per cent of the teeth were caries free, 83 % had between one and three DF sites each, and 6 % had four or more DF sites. After 6 years 8 % of the originally caries free teeth had been extracted, compared with 19 % of those that initially had had up to three DF sites and 58 % of those with four or more DF sites at the first examination. With the exception of the distal surface site a consistent pattern of the prevalence of caries was seen in each of the sites in the permanent first molar teeth that were not extracted during the study. In the distal site dental caries became relatively more prevalent as the children grew older. The accumulation of similar information from other populations should provide a useful guide for the prognosis of dental caries in the permanent first molar teeth.
The life table method in clinical dental research
Authors: Thylstrup A. , Rölling I.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study is to introduce and discuss the life table method in dental research. This statistical method provides a maximum utilization of information obtained from clinical follow‐up studies which involve a relationship between binary criteria and time, e.g. number of failures and successes after a certain period of observation. Data from a previous investigation of the 3‐year survival of formocresol‐treated primary molars was used to illustrate the application of the method. The cumulatively obtained survival rate utilizes all information from cases followed for less than the entire period of observation. A principal advantage of the life table method is the smaller sample variation, making the computed survival rate statistically more reliable than that obtained from the direct method. A simple method to test differences between two survival rates is described.
Partial recording in caries incremental studies in English schoolchildren
Authors: Rugg‐Gunn A. J. , Holloway P. J. , Davies T. G. H.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT A partial recording system, suitable for use in caries incremental studies, was developed from first principles using data from 330 11‐ to 14‐year‐old English schoolchildren. This system was shown to be rapid, accurate and highly efficient when the results were compared with full‐mouth statistics. Comparisons were also made with five published caries partial recording methods, using 2‐ and 3‐year incremental data from a recent clinical trial. The results have been calculated both excluding and including precavitation lesions, as well as for three separate surface types (fissure, free smooth surface and approximal). Three methods of expressing “relative efficiency” are compared. The need for partial recording systems to be maximally efficient is discussed. The results confirm that many partial recording techniques are accurate, efficient and capable of considerably reducing examination time.
Comparison between participants and non‐participants in a dental health survey in Northern Norway
Authors: Norheim P. W. , Helöe L. A.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT The present study focused on possible differences with regard to sex, age, family income and dental status between those who did and those who did not attend a dental health survey. In a village in Northern Norway, all inhabitants aged 20–69 years (180 men and 178 women) were invited by mail to participate in a dental health survey. Two reminders were sent to non‐respondents. Eighty‐three percent of the target population attended for examination and interviews, and 94: % responded to a follow‐up questionnaire. Of all non‐participants, men, and particularly young men, were overrepresented. Middle‐aged people were more likely to participate than were persons under 30 and over 50 years of age. Furthermore, people belonging to the upper income groups seemed to be more willing to participate than were those at lower income levels. Apparently, inconvenient working hours and long commuting distances had affected the participation. In addition, it seemed likely that anxiety and local factors had some influence.
Tooth survival in a multicultural group of aged in Israel
Authors: Langer Anselm , Michman Julius , Librach Gershon
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT Survival of natural dentition was studied in a multicultural group of 826 elderly people living in sheltered conditions in three old‐age homes. It was found that the ratio of dentate subjects decreased progressively with age. The proportion of dentate men was significantly higher than that of women. The ratio of dentate subjects among the immigrants from Afro‐Asian countries was significantly higher than among the European group. As the number of denture wearers among the elderly of European origin greatly exceeded that of Afro‐Asian extraction, the assumption was made that the more advanced cultural background of the Europeans motivated them to take more advantage of dental services and as a result they had more teeth extracted due to preprosthodontic preparations. The mandibular teeth showed a higher survival rate than the maxillary. Most remaining dental units (teeth and roots) were found in the front region in both jaws, with definite persistence of canines and a clear tendency towards diminishing numbers of posterior tooth types. Studies on tooth survival may provide useful information for assessing needs and planning services for the aged in modern society and may contribute to better understanding of prosthodontic problems encountered in practice.
Oral health status and need of dental treatment in the elderly Danish population
Authors: Grabowski Mikael , Bertram Ulrik
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT Oral health and dental treatment needs were investigated in 560 elderly persons in the county of Vestsjælland (West Zealand) in Denmark. Of the population aged 65 and above in three typical communities in the county, 10 % were selected by random sampling and totaled 633 persons. Of these, 560 persons (88.5 %) were interviewed and examined in their homes. The final sample population was representative of the total Danish population in relation to sex and socioeconomic status for this specific age group. Oral health was generally poor. In all, 68.2 % of the population were edentulous (64.7 of the males, 70.7 % of the females), while the dentate persons had an average of 12 teeth; 3.6 % were totally edentulous and lacked dentures in both jaws, a further 5.5 % were totally edentulous and lacked a denture in one jaw, and 83.4 % had removable dentures. Only 3.4 % of the dentate and 28.2 % of the edentulous persons did not need any dental treatment. The total percentage of people needing treatment was 80. Prosthetic treatment was the main requirement, applying to 80 % of the group. In contrast with this, only 25 % of the interviewed subjects had a subjective need for treatment. Information and economic aids for dental treatment are obviously needed in the elderly Danish population.
An epidemiologic study of yeasts in elderly denture wearers
Authors: Budtz‐Jörgensen E. , Stenderup A. , Grabowski M.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study has been to assess the prevalence of denture stomatitis and Candida infection in an elderly Danish population. Ten percent of the population above the age of 65 in a Danish community was selected randomly. The study group consisted of 465 persons wearing a removable maxillary denture, who were examined in their homes. Yeasts were isolated by oral swabs for cultivation and by mucosal and denture scrapings for microscopy. The prevalence of denture stomatitis was 65 %. Yeasts, especially C. albicans, were cultivated in most denture wearers with denture stomatitis (Group 1) or with clinically normal palatal mucosa (Group 2). However, large accumulations of hyphae were present in 77 % of the patients in Group 1 compared with 47 % in Group 2; both hyphae and inflammatory cells were seen in smears in 65 % of Group 1 but only in 14 % of Group 2. On the other hand, bacterial contamination of the smears was more pronounced in Group 2 than in Group I. The study has revealed that Candida infection and poor denture cleanliness are very common in elderly denture wearers.
An approach to objective assessment of caries prophylactic measures in a dental health program
Authors: Birkeland J. M. , Jorkjend L. , Broch L.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT In a retrospective survey the mean number of intact proximal surfaces on the first molars of 13‐year‐old children was found to increase from 2.6 to 4.8 following 7 years of a preventive program with fortnightly fluoride mouthrinsings (0.2% NaF). This improvement was significant and corresponded to a reduction of the totally filled surfaces from 30.0 to 16.6. Caries on the proximal surfaces on the first molars was assessed from bite‐wing radiographs. Judged from interexaminer comparisons, the number of filled surfaces was a reliable parameter of the caries prevalence ill 13‐year‐old children. In a group of 54 children aged 13 who participated in the preventive program, the caries experience on the proximal surfaces of the first molars was significantly associated with the total DMFS.
Molar tooth attrition in a selected group of Nigerians
Authors: Akpata E. S.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT A study of the degree and gradient of attrition was undertaken on 352 molar teeth of 88 selected Nigerian subjects. A method for the quantification of attrition experience per molar tooth is described. There is a close correlation between age and the degree of attrition of the first molar. This finding may be of value in age determination in forensic odontology. The wear on the first molar is about two stages ahead of that on the second and third molars. It is suggested that the degree of tooth attrition may be an index of masticatory activity.
A preliminary report on prevalences of oral mucosal lesions in a Swedish population
Authors: Axéll Tony
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT A study has been conducted to assess the prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions. In cooperation with the public health screening organization of the County of Uppsala in Sweden, all inhabitants older than 14 years of age in two communities, Håbo and Enköping, will be called for examination. So far, 8,696 individuals have been examined. Preliminary prevalence figures on 33 lesions are reported.
Progressive and regressive changes in Hungarian oral leukoplakias in the course of longitudinal studies
Authors: Bánóczy J. , Sugár L.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT Follow‐up studies of 520 patients with leukoplakia during a 25‐year period showed changes in the clinical type in 66 cases, i.e. 12.7 %. Regressive changes occurred in 9 %, progressive changes in 3.7 %. The highest frequency of change in the clinical type was found in the group of erosive leukoplakias. The most frequent changing sites were the labial mucosa, commissures and buccal mucosa. Of the etiologic factors, smoking and Candida infection seemed to be correlated with the change of type. Oral leukoplakia should be considered a dynamic changing lesion of the oral mucosa.
Clinical evaluation of the effect of a proteolytic enzyme mouthwash on plaque and gingivitis in young adults
Authors: Robinson P. J. , Stoller N. H. , Vilardi M. , Cohen D. W.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT One hundred and thirty‐one young adults were used in a controlled study to determine whether a proteolytic mouthwash produced from B. subtilis could help remove existing plaque, decrease the rate of plaque accumulation or reduce the clinical signs of gingivitis. These subjects were stratified by means of the Gingival Index and the Shaver‐Schiff Plaque Index into severe or mild groups. These groups were further divided in a random fashion into treatment and placebo groups. The treatment group rinsed with a proteolytic mouthwash consisting mainly of neutral and alkaline proteases and amylase. A placebo mouthwash was used by the control group. The results of this investigation indicate that there is no statistically significant reduction either in existing plaque or in the rate of plaque accumulation when this proteolytic enzyme mouthwash is used. Furthermore, in the treatment group the degree of gingivitis as measured by the GI was not reduced.
A study of multiracial malocclusions
Authors: Lavelle C. L. B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The prevalence of a number of malocclusion traits was investigated for 1,000 modern British caucasoid, 70 medieval British, 60 Anglo‐Saxon, 100 negroid and 100 mongoloid dentitions. Marked contrasts were evident in the sagittal, vertical and transverse occlusal and spacing anomalies between the various samples, with dental crowding being particularly prevalent in the modern British caucasoid sample and spacing between the teeth in the Anglo‐Saxon sample. The method of quantification of malocclusions was shown to be applicable for other epidemiologic studies.
A 2‐year retrospective study of demand for dental care from Scottish school leavers
Authors: Sutcliffe Philip , Hunter Bruce
Published: May 2006

Abstract After leaving school young adults in the United Kingdom are no longer eligible to receive care from the School Dental Service. Patients who have previously been treated by the Service are obliged to seek care elsewhere. The aim of the study was to see how effectively a group of Scottish school leavers coped with the change. The study population was 912 school leavers. The method depended upon a retrospective study of clinical records relating to the year before leaving school and the following year. During the last year at school, 48 % of the subjects received treatment from three sources: 30% were treated by a general practitioner, 19 % by the school service and 2% by the hospital service. During the 2nd year of the study, 69 % of those who had earlier been treated by a general practitioner again requested dental care compared with only 40% of those who had earlier been treated by the school service and 30% of those who had not sought dental care during their last year at school. Recommendations are made for encouraging an increased demand for care from those who have formerly been treated by the school service.
Efficiency in clinical trials of caries preventive agents and methods
Authors: O'Mullane D. M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The ideal sequence of tests required to establish a caries prophylactic agent or procedure on a public health basis is described and a clear distinction is drawn between an experimental clinical trial, carried out under ideal conditions, and a community clinical trial, carried out under real life conditions. Because of the artificial nature of an experimental clinical trial there are strict limitations placed on its objectives and the inferences that can be drawn from its results. Bearing these limitations in mind and using the data collected during a 3‐year trial of a fluoride mouthrinse, two methods of improving the efficiency of experimental clinical trials of caries prophylactic agents are considered. Firstly, a reduction in length is suggested either by planning the trial to run for a shorter period in the first place or, alternatively, by stopping the trial when the criteria for success have been satisfied. Secondly, it is proposed that the number of subjects participating in the trial be reduced by excluding those whose contributions to the aims of the trial are likely to be low.
Reproducibility of response to a questionnaire on symptoms of masticatory dysfunction
Authors: Kopp Sigvard
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of the present investigation was to check the reproducibility of answers to multiple‐choice questions used in a questionnaire. The questionnaire was concerned with symptoms in patients with dysfunction of the masticatory system. Five main types of questions were tested by repetition within 1 week by 98 patients. Comparisons were also made between questionnaire data and clinical findings. The interval between the questionnaire and the clinical examination was 1 week. The best reproducibility was found for answers to a question about previous joint radiography, which was the simplest question with the fewest alternatives. The second best was found for a question about the duration of the symptoms referable to the masticatory system. The poorest reproducibility was noted for a question about masticatory muscle pain. The comparison between the questionnaire data and clinical findings showed the best agreement for joint sounds. The reported pain symptoms and palpatory tenderness seem to be different entities.
Timing of permanent tooth emergence in two Greenland Eskimo populations
Authors: Boesen Preben , Eriksen John Havn , Helm Sven
Published: May 2006

Abstract Mean times of emergence of the permanent teeth (except the first and third molars and mandibular central incisors) were studied cross‐sectionally in an unmixed East Greenland population in 1957 and in present West Greenland Eskimo children. In spite of differences in racial and environmental conditions, practically no difference was found between the two samples in the timing of dental development in general, taking into account the average difference in emergence times of the individual teeth. Both samples showed advanced dental development in comparison with two unmixed Caucasoid and two unmixed Mongoloid populations. The mutual similarity in timing of tooth emergence between the East and West Greenland Eskimo children was considerably greater than the similarity between each of the Eskimo samples and any of the other four populations.
Prevalence of oral soft and hard tissue lesions related to mechanical toothcleansing procedures
Authors: Sangnes Gudrun , Gjermo Per
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT The prevalence of oral soft and hard tissue lesions related to mechanical oral hygiene procedures was recorded and correlated to toothbrushing habits and oral hygiene status in two selected samples. Fifty‐one percent of 533 persons examined exhibited gingival retractions and 45 % had wedge‐shaped defects in the cervical area of one or several teeth. Both types of lesions were often seen in the same area, indicating a common etiologic factor. The subjects with a good oral hygiene status, as well as those who brushed more than twice daily, showed a high frequency of lesions. The various toothbrushing techniques did not, however, seem to influence the development of such lesions in the present material. Subjective symptoms were reported in a few cases only.
Sweetened drinks as a source of sugar intake in selected teenagers in South‐East England
Authors: Thomson Patricia L.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT Two hundred and forty‐six young teenagers taking part in a dental survey in the South‐East of England were questioned about their usual drinks. The overwhelming majority of these drinks contained sugar. There were significantly more girls than boys in the group choosing unsweetened beverages. Dissatisfaction with their appearance due to acne or obesity was the main factor which had persuaded a small number who had previously sweetened their tea or coffee to reduce their sugar consumption, use a sugar substitute, or abstain altogether from sweetening their beverages.
Observer variation in the clinical diagnosis of mandibular pain dysfunction syndrome
Authors: Smith J. P.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT In preparation for a survey to investigate the prevalence of mandibular pain dysfunction syndrome (MDS) in a non‐hospital group of individuals, the measure of agreement obtained by two observers when recording signs and symptoms of MDS in the same subjects was investigated. The criteria used for this purpose are defined. Two groups of subjects, 50 MDS patients and 50 individuals not complaining of the condition, were examined independently. Considerably more agreement between the two observers was reached with regard to patients than contrast subjects. Both observers showed more agreement in assessment during the opening movement of the mandible. It is suggested, therefore, that in order to reduce the observer error inevitably present during a survey, the signs and symptoms which manifest themselves during the opening movement, of the mandible should be used to diagnose MDS rather than a more elaborate time‐consuming technique.
Betel chewing and caries experience in New Guinea
Authors: Schamschula R. G. , Adkins B. L. , Barmes D. E. , Charlton G.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT The prevalence of dental caries and variables relating to the betel‐chewing habit were examined in a sample of 301 rural New Guineans aged 12–24 years. Consistent inverse associations were demonstrated between caries experience and the intensity of betel chewing for individuals and aggregates of subjects. The results indicate that betel chewing confers a degree of protection against caries.
An epidemiologic study of dental space anomalies in Icelandic schoolchildren
Authors: Magnússon Thórdur Eydal
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study was performed mainly to determine the prevalence of space anomalies with regard to the various stages of dental development in Icelandic schoolchildren. The sample consisted of 1,641 randomly selected children (791 boys and 850 girls), making up 9.5 % of the children attending all primary and secondary schools in Reykjavik during the school year 1972–73. In most of the frequencies of the different space anomalies boys showed a higher prevalence than girls. In both sexes there was often a significant difference from one stage of dental development to another. The results were compared with those reported for other ethnic groups.
Sealant retention and effects on occlusal caries after 2 years in a public program
Authors: Burt Brian A. , Herman David S. , Silverstone Leon M.
Published: May 2006

abstract A clinical trial of one application of Nuva‐Seal® fissure sealant was conducted under School Dental Service conditions in a low‐income area of London. The sealant was applied to one of a cariesfree pair of permanent teeth by schools’ dentists, the other tooth being left as a control. One examiner, who did not apply the sealant, conducted examinations at baseline, after 6 months, and after 2 years. There were 118 children, initially aged 5–12, who remained in the trial after 2 years. The sealant was fully retained on 27.4 % of the teeth, partially retained on 40.6%, and missing on 17.9 %. The remaining 14.1 % of teeth had been restored. There was no statistically significant difference between subjects who had less decay in sealed teeth and those who had less decay in control teeth. The sealant was 13.6% effective (not significant, P < 0.4) in preventing caries in sealed teeth. These results are less favorable than those in other trials reported. The potential role of fissure sealants in a School Dental Service is discussed.
An epidemiologic study of factors affecting extrinsic staining of teeth in an English population
Authors: Ness Leslie , Rosekrans Davidde L. , Welford John F.
Published: May 2006

abstract A survey is described in which extrinsic staining of teeth was assessed by practising dentists during routine clinical examinations. Habits information was also supplied by patients. The results show that extrinsic staining is markedly influenced by smoking habits and age, and that males tend to have more staining than females. The effect of tea and coffee consumption was not pronounced. No effect attributable to the use of a stannous fluoride toothpaste was observed.
Sweetened drinks as a source of sugar intake in selected teenagers in South‐East England
Authors: Thomson Patricia L.
Published: May 2006

abstract Two hundred and forty‐six young teenagers taking part in a dental survey in the South‐East of England were questioned about their usual drinks. The overwhelming majority of these drinks contained sugar. There were significantly more girls than boys in the group choosing unsweetened beverages. Dissatisfaction with their appearance due to acne or obesity was the main factor which had persuaded a small number who had previously sweetened their tea or coffee to reduce their sugar consumption, use a sugar substitute, or abstain altogether from sweetening their beverages.
The use of analysis of covariance to increase precision with DMFS measures
Authors: Slakter Malcolm J. , Juliano Daniel B.
Published: May 2006

abstract For an experimental study with pre‐ and post‐DMFS measures two methods of analysis were compared with respect to precision. It is shown that for large sample size, the analysis of covariance with the post‐DMFS measure as criterion and the pre‐DMFS measure as the covariate will be more precise than the analysis of variance of increment scores as the value of β differs from 1. When β is approximately 1, the two techniques will have essentially the same precision. The dental researcher interested in precision is advised, therefore to use analysis of covariance with the pre‐DMFS measure as the covariate and the post‐measure as criterion rather than the traditional analysis of variance of increment scores. For large sample size, the precision of the former will tend to be at least that of the latter. The researcher is not encouraged to use analysis of covariance with the increment as the criterion; if the procedure increases precision over analysis of variance of the increments, it merely indicates that analysis of covariance (with the post‐measure as criterion) should have been used originally.
Increment of dental caries among Finnish dental students during a period of 2 years
Authors: Kolehmainen Leena , Rytömaa Inkeri
Published: May 2006

abstract The purpose of the study was to estimate the increment of dental caries among dental students in Helsinki, who acquired good knowledge of caries prevention during their studies. The group (59 students) was examined twice with an interval of 20.2 ± 4.1 months. Clinical findings, augmented with bitewing radiographs and an orthopantomogram, were recorded separately for each tooth surface, and individual DMFS and DS index scores were computed. In addition, the students were interviewed with regard to oral hygiene, topical fluoride application, and dietary habits. The mean DMFS and DS index scores at the first examination were 45.0 and 9.1, respectively. At the second examination, DMFS was 46.4 and the number of new decayed surfaces per student 0.54/year. Both the latter values indicated that caries progression was slow. The increment of dental caries among the dental students was much smaller than that observed earlier among other groups of university students in Finland. Further evidence that caries progression among the dental students was slow was provided by the finding that of the 318 incipient caries lesions recorded at the first examination, no more than 11 had developed into clinical caries by 20 months.
The distribution of dentists and the uptake of dental treatment by schoolchildren in England
Authors: O'Mullane D. M. , Robinson Margaret E.
Published: May 2006

abstract The uptake of treatment by 508 14‐year‐old children in different social classes in two towns in England with different dentist:population ratios was investigated. In the town with the unfavorable dentist:population ratio (Town U) the uptake of treatment was considerably higher in the higher social classes. In the town with the favorable dentist:population ratio (Town F) the uptake was similar throughout the social scale. The results suggest that the availability of dentists rather than sociologic attitudes to dental health is largely responsible for the differential uptake of treatment by children in the different social classes.
Prevalence of hypodontia and malformations of permanent teeth in Iceland
Authors: Magnusson Thórdur Eydal
Published: May 2006

abstract This study was performed to elucidate the prevalence of hypodontia and congenital malformations of permanent teeth in Iceland. Computer analysis was done on the basis of results from examining 1,116 children (521 boys and 595 girls), or about 9.5 % of all schoolchildren in Reykjavík in stages DS 3 (canines and premolars erupting) and DS 4 (canines and premolars fully erupted) of dental development at the time of the study. The age range was mainly from 8–16 years. The prevalence of congenitally missing teeth (second and third molars excluded) was 6.7 % in boys and somewhat higher, 8.9 %, in girls, 7.9 % for both sexes combined. On the average, each child was missing 1.9 teeth. In the girls, the most commonly absent teeth were the mandibular second premolar (55 %), the maxillary second premolar (19 %), and the maxillary lateral incisors (18 %). In the boys the figures were 51 %, 18% and 10%, respectively. Malformation of permanent teeth, mainly in the form of pegshaped maxillary laterals, was also less common in the boys, 1.3 % against 3.0 % in the girls, and 2.2 % for both sexes combined. Among Icelandic children hypodontia and/or congenital malformation of permanent teeth were found in 9.1 %.
Effectiveness of methods of teaching dental health to 9‐ to 10‐year‐old schoolchildren in the United Kingdom
Authors: Addy M. , Edmunds Sandra
Published: May 2006

abstract Dental health education employing five different teaching methods was given to classes of 9‐ to 10‐year‐old schoolchildren. A control class received no teaching. The dental health knowledge of the classes was assessed before teaching, and immediately, 1 week and 3 months after teaching by the use of a questionnaire. All methods resulted in a variable increase in marks immediately after teaching. This was followed by a fall in marks for each class over the 3‐month period. The poster and pack methods of presenting information, overall, had little or no effect on the recall of information. The talk, visual aids and project methods all significantly increased dental health knowledge for the 3‐month period.
Conceptions of Finnish people about their periodontal situation
Authors: Murtomaa Heikki , Ainamo Jukka
Published: May 2006

abstract The conceptions of Finns regarding their own periodontal status were surveyed in 1972. The interviewed sample, drawn to cover the total Finnish population aged 15 years and over, comprised 965 persons. After exclusion of 233 edentulous subjects, a total of 732 dentulous persons were accepted for the present interview study. 10% of the interviewees were aware of their having gingivitis at that time. 57 % were of the opinion that they had never had gingivitis. On the other hand, 20 % of the interviewed persons had recently observed gum bleeding while 54 % stated that they had never observed it. 21 % of the interviewees were aware of their having dental calculus and 46 % had the impression that they had never had calculus. 24 % of those interviewees who presently had calculus or had had calculus stated that they had never had it removed. Generally Finns failed to realize that gingival bleeding is a symptom of gingival inflammation. This point should be made clear in the dental health education of the future. The knowledge could help individuals to evaluate the state of their own periodontal tissues in order to obtain the best possible benefit from efficient home care.
Enamel solubility reduction by acidulated phosphate‐fluoride (APF) treatment
Authors: Shannon Ira L. , Edmonds Eleanor J.
Published: May 2006

abstract The enamel solubility reducing (ESR) potential of acidulated phosphate‐fluoride (APF) solutions containing varying amounts of F was studied. Commercial APF (1.23% F, pH 3.0) reduced solubility by about 80%. Fivefold dilutions of this APF were made with either phosphoric acid or water without significant effect on ESR potential. Further dilution to 0.12 % F significantly decreased effectiveness. Commercially available APF products (1.23%) can be diluted several‐fold with distilled water in the dental office without significant loss of ability to reduce the solubility of enamel.
Adequate cohort sizes for caries clinical trials
Authors: Kingman Albert
Published: May 2006

abstract Methods of determining cohort sizes were examined to determine their appropriateness for use in multi‐group caries clinical trials. The appropriate method to use depends on the type of trial being planned. It is shown that multiple comparison methods using certain Bonferonni type t‐statistics ought to be used in trials in which different levels or frequencies of application of known caries inhibitors are being tested. It is also demonstrated that using the F‐test procedure in the determination of cohort sizes can result in unacceptable low sensitivity levels being realized for the comparisons of primary concern. Tables are presented which can be used to determine group sizes needed to achieve specified sensitivity levels for two‐group trials and multi‐group trials.
Changes of dental treatment pattern in Norway in the 1970s
Authors: Helöe Leif Arne
Published: May 2006

Abstract With the aim of gauging utilization rates of dental services, a series of cross‐sectional studies were performed in 1973, 1975 and 1977. Cluster samples of 1,600 individuals covering the Norwegian population aged 15 and above were interviewed by trained interviewers using standardized questions. The percentage of respondents who reported having seen a dentist within the last 12 months increased from 58 to 64. The receipt of tooth fillings was the predominant course of treatment and was reported by 55% of the interviewees. The percentage reporting preventive services increased from 15 to 26% at the expense of those reporting “blood and vulcanite” dentistry. Fifty‐two percent, increasing to 53% of the interviewees, claimed to have seen a dentist on a regular basis during the last 5 years. However, this proportion was conceivably overreported. Control questions indicated that 40–45% should be considered regular treatment attenders. Change is apparently taking place in the treatment pattern. The proportion of regular treatment attenders seems to increase by 0.5–1% per year. The treatment profile is also shifting: extractions and denture services are diminishing, preventive services are gaining, while restorative dentistry stands still – for the time being.
Evaluation of quadrant dentistry in provision of dental care
Authors: Bimstein Enrique , Chosack Aubrey
Published: May 2006

abstract The chairtime required for a single Class I or Class II amalgam restoration at 163 sittings was compared with the chairtime required for 99 cases in which two restorations in a quadrant were treated at the same sitting. The “Quadrant Dentistry Efficiency Rate” was calculated and it was found that quadrant dentistry resulted in a saving of between 30 % and 50 % of chairtime. The individual speed of the three dentists treating the children did not greatly influence the percentage of chairtime saved.
Dental health in a group of Swedish 8‐year‐olds followed since the age of 3
Authors: Holm A.‐K.
Published: May 2006

abstract A study was made of the dental health of a group of 8‐year‐old children studied earlier as 3‐, 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds, including examination of caries, gingivitis and occlusion, as well as certain data on oral habits and fluoride prophylaxis. Caries was found in 92% of the children. The mean DMFS‐value was 3.1 and the mean clefs‐value 8.8. A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between caries indices at 3 and 8 years of age in the group as a whole. Children with a DMFS‐value higher than the mean DMFS‐value at the age of 3 had a higher mean DMFS‐value at the age of 8 than the rest of the goup. Sagittal relationships remained largely unchanged between 3 and 8 years of age, while the number of children with an anterior open bite decreased from 51% to 4% during the same time, probably due to a decrease in sucking habits.
Dental caries in South African white children aged 1–5 years
Authors: Cleaton‐Jones P. , Richardson B. D. , McInnes P. M. , Fatti L. P.
Published: May 2006

abstract The dentitions of 499 white preschoolchildren aged 1–5 years from a low fluoride area were examined with mirror and probe. The dmft values ranged from 1.0 ± 2.0 at 1 year of age to 5.1 ± 4.5 at 5 years of age while the overall mean for the group was 3.7 ± 4.1. “Rampant” caries prevalence varied according to the definition used. It is suggested that for epidemiologic studies rampant caries should be defined as a dmft. value of 5 or more and that labial caries should be regarded as a specific entity.
Prevalence of dental caries and quality of restorations among new immigrants to Israel
Authors: Anaise Joseph Z.
Published: May 2006

abstract The purpose of the present investigation was to gather information on the prevalence of dental caries and the quality of restorations of new immigrants to Israel, and to compare those two categories among immigrants from different regions of origin. New immigrants, residents of four absorption centers in Israel, were included in the study. Altogether, 1,031 immigrants (417 Eastern European, 338 Western European/North American and 276 South American) were examined. The results indicate that new immigrants to Israel from Eastern Europe are affected with more carious teeth (D), are missing more teeth (M), and have received quantitatively less treatment (F) than immigrants from Western Europe/North America and South America. The South Americans are an intermediate group. A similar distribution was found between the groups by their respective ages. The quality of dental restoration was found to be statistically higher among immigrants from Western European/North American and South American origins with the latter group exhibiting an intermediate level of quality of dental restorations.
Epidemiology of dental caries in 5‐year‐old children in Israel
Authors: Zadik D.
Published: May 2006

abstract The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries in the earliest age at which children were organized as a group in the national education system and to find possible associations with variables that may help to identify “groups at risk” in this population. A total of 965 children, 5 years old, were examined. They were selected by a method to form a representative sample of all West Jerusalem compulsory kindergarten classes in 1971. Caries, gingivitis and oral hygiene were assessed and demographic data were collected. It was found that 84 % of the children were affected with mean dif value of 4.7 (± 3.6). Association was found between caries and social class. The high morbidity suggests that organized services should be planned for this age group. Since the resources are limited, efforts should be directed mainly towards “groups at risk”.
Actual caries development compared with expected caries activity
Authors: Rundegren J. , Ericson T.
Published: May 2006

abstract In 18 schoolboys, 16 years old, the actual caries development during 1 year was compared with the expected caries activity which was predicted from evaluations of four selected tests: (1) the buffer capacity, (2) the titer of Streptococcus mutans in stimulated whole saliva, (3) clinical evaluation of rate of plaque formation, and (4) a quantitation of a salivary agglutinin reacting with a serotype c strain of S. mutans. According to previous experiences the estimated value for each factor was classified for each individual either as a negative (caries‐provoking) or as a non‐negative factor. The score of negative factors could thus vary between 0 and 4 for each individual. A good relationship was observed between the caries increment during 1 year and the sum of the scores from the tests representing expected caries activity. This observation indicates the possibility of selecting the most caries susceptible individuals in a population by using the four parameters. A selection can be made from two or three of the tests but then the degree of differentiation becomes lower. No parameter could singly be used as an indication of the potential caries activity in the individual test.
Efficiency of traditional chewing sticks in oral hygiene programs among Ethiopian schoolchildren
Authors: Olsson Berit
Published: May 2006

abstract The effect of oral hygiene programs was studied in 248 children from five school classes in Asella, Ethiopia. All children received professional toothcleaning after an initial clinical examination, and were again examined after a trial period of 3 months. The classes were assigned to the following procedures: one class received information and instruction in the use of the toothbrush, and a second class in the use of the mefaka, a wooden chewing stick traditionally used for oral cleaning. The children were advised to clean their teeth daily. Two other classes received similar information and instruction with regard to the toothbrush and the mefaka. Oral cleaning was then performed daily under direction and supervision, in one class with the toothbrush and in the other class with the mefaka. The fifth class was used as control. Instruction only was found to have no effect on the amount of oral deposits. Supervised oral cleaning, on the other hand, improved the oral hygiene of the schoolchildren significantly. The mefaka was found to be as effective as the toothbrush in removing oral deposits. It was concluded that the mefaka should be recommended for use in preventive dental programs in Ethiopia since it is effective, inexpensive, and familiar to the population.
Acceptance, caries reduction and reported adverse effects of fluoride prophylaxis in Norway
Authors: Lökken P. , Birkeland J. M.
Published: May 2006

abstract Water fluoridation has not been introduced in Norway, although 99% of the population receive water with suboptimal fluoride levels. Alternative methods of fluoride prophylaxis have gained wide acceptance in this country. While less than 1% of the children received fluoride tablets in 1971, sales data in 1976 indicated a daily supply of fluoride tablets to 50% of the 0–5‐year‐olds and to 20% of the 6–11‐year‐olds. Most, schoolchildren have joined mass prophylactic programs with regular applications of fluoride solutions. Furthermore, fluoride‐containing dentifrices have become available and are increasingly used. The increased use of fluoride has been paralleled by a marked reduction in caries and restorative need. During the past 5 years, a reduction of about 45% in the number of fillings inserted in 6–17‐year‐old children has been noted. In some areas, a 70% reduction has been recorded. The ratio between expenses for prophylaxis and savings in cost of treatment is favorable. The Norwegian Adverse Drug Reaction Committee received 34 case reports of adverse effects ascribed to fluoride prophylaxis, from 1970 to 1977. None of the 25 follow‐up studies performed, suggested fluoride to have been responsible for the reported symptoms. In Norway, the benefits of fluoride prophylaxis are becoming increasingly evident.
Dental caries indices for primary teeth: the need to comply with international recommendations
Authors: Haugejorden Ola
Published: May 2006

abstract This paper illustrates inconsistent use of abbreviations in indices employed to assess caries prevalence and incidence in the primary dentition. Possible consequences of this practice are discussed and it is suggested that authors, editors and referees for dental journals should accept and adhere to internationally agreed upon definitions of these indices. As long as there is disagreement on the use of the dmf and def indices these initials should be defined under “methods”.
Effect of a single dental health care instruction and prophylaxis on gingivitis
Authors: Tan H. H. , Saxton C. A.
Published: May 2006

abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a single dental health instruction on gingivitis in an adult population. Ninety‐eight army recruits from two military‐camps were randomly allocated to four groups, a control group, a group that received a professional prophylaxis, a group that received dental health care instruction and a group that had both a prophylaxis and dental health care instruction. Treatment effects were measured 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the initial examinations. The single prophylaxis resulted in a small temporary improvement. The effect of the single dental health care instruction was also small, but lasted until the end of the trial. A single instruction plus prophylaxis resulted in the clearest improvement, which was still present after 3 months. It can be concluded that any single treatment should at least consist of dental health care instruction plus a prophylaxis.
Age‐standardized incidence rates of ameloblastoma and dentigerous cyst on the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Authors: Shear Mervyn , Singh Surindar
Published: May 2006

abstract Although a great deal is known about the incidence of cancer, including oral cancer, no such study has been done on odontogenic tumors and jaw cysts. There are therefore no standardized data which would allow for comparative incidences in different countries and between different groups. In the present study, cases of ameloblastomas and dentigerous cysts derived from the records of all the hospital pathology departments and private pathology practices on the Witwatersrand, were recorded for the 10‐year period 1965–1974. The population at risk (1970 census) was 974,390 Whites and 1,567,280 Blacks. The annual incidence rates, standardized against the standard world population, for ameloblastomas per million population are 1.96, 1.20, 0.18 and 0.44 for Black males, females and White males, females, respectively. The equivalent four figures for dentigerous cysts are 1.18, 1.22, 9.92 and 7.26. These figures show that ameloblastoma is very much more common in Blacks than Whites in the population at risk. Conversely, dentigerous cysts are much more common in Whites. This makes it unlikely that dentigerous cysts predispose to ameloblastoma formation. These epidemiologic observations give rise to speculation as to whether some component of the South African Black diet or other environmental substance might possibly be an etiologic factor in ameloblastoma.