bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CARIES, MALOCCLUSION AND OHRQL IN CUZCO, PERU
Authors: M.F. Orellana Valvekens , Ricse E. , Melgar J. , Castillo J.L. 
Published: February 2025

Aims: Caries and Malocclusion are considered public health problems due to high prevalence and their impact on quality of life. The overall goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of caries, malocclusion and their impact in the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQL) in a Peruvian population. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, five calibrated trained orthodontists examined a sample of 301 adolescents (42% male and 58% female). Subjects were randomly selected from public schools in Cuzco, Peru to ensure that this was a representative sample. Interviews were conducted using the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) to determine the impact of caries and malocclusion in OHRQL. A visual clinical examination was carried out using the index of decayed, missing and filled surface (DMFS). The need for orthodontic treatment was assessed using the index of complexity, outcome and need (ICON). The associations between measurements of caries, malocclusion, and the five conceptually distinct subscales of the COHIP index were examined. Statistical analysis was performed by means of STATA software program. The significance of differences for DMFS and ICON grades was assessed by means of chi-square tests (p<0.05).Committee in Human research approval was obtained. Parents gave written consent before their children took part of this study. Results: The age of the children ranged from 11 to 19. The mean DMFS was 7.6 with 64% of the subjects presenting with more than 5 caries lesions, 30% had pulpal involvement. More than 60% of the population was in need of orthodontic treatment, 48% of them were considered moderate to difficult to treat. We found a direct relationship between malocclusion and OHRQL (p=0.006) and caries and OHRQL (p=0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of caries and malocclusion in this population is high, affecting the quality of life of children and adolescents.
DENTAL ANXIETY AMONG PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS CHILDREN IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Authors: Duygu E. , Sari H. , Kargul B. 
Published: February 2025

The aim of this pilot survey was to evaluate the reported prevalence of dental attendance, anxiety and associated factors among a sample of children in Istanbul, Turkey. Method: The information was gathered through self-completion questionnaires distributed to children in the randomly selected secondary public and private schools from different socioeconomic areas. A total of 215 children (aged from 11-15 years) were randomly selected in a public school (n=134) and a private school (n=81) from different parts of Istanbul. For the purpose of this study, the list of secondary schools that included 6th, 7th and 8th grades was obtained from the Provincial National Education Directorate. All children (mean age (SD) 13.12 (0.86) years) completed the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) which also contained items related to dental attendance. The MDAS has been validated in Turkey (Tunc EP et al., 2005 and Ilguy D. Et al., 2005). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0. The unpaired t-test was used to compare the groups. It was approved by the ethics committee of the Institute of Health Sciences of Marmara University (ethics number: 46). Consent was gained from the parents of the children. Results: MDAS score was 10.7 (sd 4.63) of the total sample in the survey (11-15 years of age). MDAS score was higher in boys, but there were no statistically differences in MDAS scores between boys and girls (p>0.05). Private school children n=43 (53%) visited the dentist more regularly than public school children n=53 (40%) and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.005). However, the majority of children (public n=58 (43%), private n=18 (22%) attended the dentist only in an emergency. The main reason for irregular attendance was reported as “treatment not needed” (n=103, 48%). Conclusions: Despite the advances in the availability of modern dentistry, a higher proportion of public school children reported irregular dental attendance and anxiety about certain of aspects dental treatment.
DENTAL CARIES EVALUATION USING ICDAS FOR CHILDREN FROM A DEPRIVED ROMANIAN REGION
Authors: SAVA-ROSIANU R.  , Oancea R. , Podariu A.C. , Matichescu A.M. 
Published: February 2025

The aim of the study was to evaluate dental caries in children aged 7-10 coming from deprived area in Romania using the ICDAS criteria. Methods: 485 children from the South- East region of Romania were selected from all primary schools according to the geographical area (county) and the size of the school (small, average, and large). Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania and the written informed consent forms were signed by the parent/carer. All the examinations were conducted in standard dental chairs by two trained and calibrated examiners. Before the study, a 90 minutes e-learning program of the ICDAS system was sent to the examiners and calibration sessions were arranged at the examination site before starting the study. ICDAS caries codes 1, 2, and 3 were counted together as a measure of enamel caries (D1−3) and 4, 5, and 6 as dentine caries (D4−6). The data was analysed by IBMSPSS Statistics 20.0. The association between first permanent and the second primary molars was analysed by Spearman correlation coefficient (r) and the mean caries indices according to the age by Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The inter- and intra- examiner correlation was high, all the weighted kappa values being >0.9. Altogether 450 children (92.7%) participated in the clinical examinations, 45.5% (n=205) boys and 54.4% (n=245) girls. The mean age was 8.8 years (0.38). There was a clear prevalence of lower ICDAS scores (1-3) for permanent molars and higher ICDAS scores (4-6) for temporary molars. The most prevalent score was 2 on the occlusal surfaces of permanent upper and lower molars. The highest ICDAS scores (4-6) were recorded on the occlusal surfaces of lower temporary molars. All the mean caries indices were not statistically different according to age. However, the mean number of dentine caries (d/D4−6T, d/D4−6S) seemed to decrease according to the increasing age. When analysing the association of the distributions of ICDAS codes on the different surfaces of the first permanent and second primary molars, the strongest correlations were on the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular molars and on the lingual surfaces of the mandibular molars. Conclusion: A high prevalence of dental caries in both primary and permanent teeth was found. It can be concluded that the ICDAS method gives relevant information about caries status for children coming from a deprived community in Romania.
EFFECT OF INTENSIFIED PREVENTION ON DENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN DEPENDING ON SES
Authors: Winter J. , Jablonski-Momeni A. , Pieper K. , Ladda A. 
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to ascertain whether the dental health of primary school children can be improved by introducing a group prevention program based on applications of fluoride gel and supervised tooth-brushing, following intensive preventive care in kindergarten. Method: Twenty schools in Northern Hesse, Germany were chosen by lot to be included in the intensified prevention based on tooth- brushing with fluoride gel (fluoride content 12,500 ppm) under supervision of a dental assistant at intervals of three weeks during school session (test group). Pupils in 23 other primary schools (control) received instruction on tooth brushing three to four times a year from specially trained dental assistants and were given free toothpaste for home use (basic prevention). The test and control subjects (total n=1079) were further classed into three groups based on the preventive care received in kindergarten (intensive prevention, basic prevention or no organised prevention in kindergarten). The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Marburg and written consent was obtained from parents. The study was performed from September 2010 to June 2012. Caries ex- perience and increment from second grade (7- year-olds) to fourth grade (9-yearolds) were recorded by one trained and calibrated examiner (A.L.). A standardised questionnaire was used to record independent variables. Socioeconomic status (SES) was collected through parents schooling, occupational training and occupational status. To compare the caries scores of subgroups, non-parametric tests were used. Results: While second-graders without professionally supported daily tooth-brushing in kindergarten exhibited an average d3- 6mft of 2.17, in those who had enjoyed intensive dental prevention the value was 19% lower, (d3- 6mft=1.74). The caries increment was significantly lower mainly among children who had received the maximum of group prevention (intensive prevention in kindergarten and gel program at school) compared to the group with basic prevention in kindergarten and no fluoride gel at school (p=0.039). A significant difference was found in the mean DMFT depending on socioeconomic status (no prevention in kindergarten, fluoride gel at school with low SES DMFT=0.47 vs. with high SES DMFT=0.18; p=0.023). Class-specific differences were no longer visible among children who had taken part in a basic preventive program. Conclusions: The results show that intensified preventive programs in kindergartens and schools, based mainly on supervised tooth brushing, have a positive effect on the dental health of primary school children.
THE IMPACT OF SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMMES ON CHILD KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Inquimbert C. , Dray M. , Giraudeau N. , Tramini P. , Valcarcel J. 
Published: February 2025

A survey was conducted from April to May 2015, in private and public primary schools of Montpellier to compare pupils knowledge about oral hygiene, with and without school-based educational programmes. The aim of this study was to test the efficiency of such prevention programmes. A survey was conducted from April to May 2015, in private and public primary schools of Montpellier to compare pupils knowledge about oral hygiene, with and without school-based educational programmes. The aim of this study was to test the efficiency of such prevention programmes. Methods: Two schools were randomly selected from the 5th and 6th years (49.5% of 5th year and 50.5% of 6th year). A total of 204 children (90 from public and 114 from private schools) participated in this study: 55% boys, 45% girls. They were randomly divided in two groups (test and control). A first questionnaire (A) was distributed to all the children to evaluate their knowledge at baseline. Then a first intervention programme was implemented in the test group. The same intervention was repeated 1 month later. Then all the children, from the test and control groups, were asked again to fill in the same questionnaire (A). The primary endpoint was a score (from 0 to 14), corresponding to the number of correct answers. Results: The mean age was 10.4 in the control group and 10.2 in the test group with no significant difference (p=0.24). In the test group, the scores were significantly increased after the intervention programme. In the control group, the difference was not significant. ANOVA showed that gender was not significant (p=0.38), but the type of school was significant (p=0.002): the scores were greater in private schools (p<0.0001). Conclusion: This primary school survey confirms the impact of school-based programmes on childrens knowledge of oral prevention. Moreover, such preventive programmes could ideally become part of the school curriculum.
INITIAL PHASE EXPLORING BARRIERS TO ORAL HEALTH AMONG YOUNG CARERS IN SURREY, ENGLAND
Authors: Sarah Kaddour S. , Sowerbutts J. 
Published: February 2025

Young carers; those under 18 years, caring for someone with a condition or disability, are a hard to reach and vulnerable group in society. They provide valuable care that can sometimes compromise their own wellbeing, including their dental care. Aims: This pilot study aimed to explore the barriers young carers face with their oral health. Before structured focus groups could be arranged, themes around inequity issues to accessing care, barriers to good oral health and experiences of oral care needed to be explored. Within Surrey, an area in the South East of England, 6% of primary and secondary school children identify as young carers. Method: A member of the Surrey County Council public health team who was a general dental practitioner attended a young carers forum. The session was part of an activities and social evening, informal in nature. Pictures were used to highlight key topics, and discussion was informal and interactive. Topics included self-care, oral care for a relative, accessing a dentist and emergency dental care. At the end of the session young carers were asked about personal dental access and the person they care for, emergency care and dental anxiety. Results: Eight carers attended aged between 8-10 years. Five children regularly attended a dentist with their families, while the rest of the group did not have a dentist or had only ever attended once. The main barriers around access were travel, dental anxiety and looking after relatives with disabilities. Most of the children had heard of NHS 111 (telephone helpline) but were not aware it could be used for advice on dental emergencies. Five children knew to call the dentist or tell a family/friend if they were in pain. All participants found the session engaging and useful. Conclusion: Although the sample was small, the session highlighted the need for further research into barriers to care faced by young carers. This group is unique as they not only have to be aware of their own oral health needs, but that of the relative for whom they care. Oral health interventions need to target both hard to reach groups and should aim to improve equity in access to services. Oral health information has now been placed on a national young careers website.
DENTISTS RELIABILITY SCORING THE PLAQUE INDEX USING A FLUORESCENT COLOURING AGENT
Authors: Nishi M. , Harding M. , Allen F. 
Published: February 2025

Aim: Plaque level is one of the risk factors for assessing individual caries risk. While disclosing agents are effective for the detection of dental plaque, patients do not like having their teeth and soft tissue dyed. Fluorescein is an alternative plaque detection agent which fluoresces yellow-green when activated with blue light. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of agreement of Silness-Löe Plaque Index measurements using a fluorescent colouring agent among eight dentists. Methods: Eight practice owning general dental practitioners (volunteers) in Cork, Ireland, were recruited as examiners for a randomised clinical study investigating the impact of a personalised caries prevention approach. Prior to the commencement of the study a training and calibration programme was delivered. The Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Cork Teaching Hospitals approved the calibration exercise, subjects provided informed consent prior to being examined. The dentists were trained in the use of the Silness-Löe Plaque Index (1964) in the Oral Health Services Research Centre (OHSRC), Cork, in February 2015; Plaque Test® (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein) was used to highlight plaque. The gold standard examiner (the Professor of Restorative Dentistry (Periodontology) in University College Cork) and the eight dentists examined 12 subjects (a convenience sample) aged between 19 and 75 years (mean age±SD: 40.9±23.9 years) who were recruited from patients attending the restorative clinic in the University Dental Hospital, applying. Plaque Test® before each clinical examination. We calculated weighted Kappa statistics to evaluate the inter-examiner and intra-examiner reproducibility. Results: The weighted Kappa statistics varied from 0.3 to 0.5 for inter-examiner reproducibility and from 0.4 to 0.7 for intra-examiner reproducibility. A problem reported by the examiners indicated that Plaque Test® did not stay on tooth surfaces and that it was difficult to detect plaque consistently. Conclusions: The agreements of Plaque Index using Plaque Test® were fair to good in this calibration session. Although patients would prefer invisible agents to ordinal disclosing agents due to the advantage of not dyeing teeth and soft tissue, clinicians should note viscosity of Plaque Test® in use.
GEO-MAPPING OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES RISK – AN APPROACH FOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION
Authors: Kshetrimayum N. 
Published: February 2025

Aim: The distribution of dental caries in children within the population is uneven. So, convenient approaches to population-based monitoring are needed to allocate resources and establish evidence-based programs that meet the needs of those at risk. The aim of this pilot study was to introduce the geo-map concept in oral healthcare and to demonstrate the novel approach by analysing epidemiological data from preschool children in the Manipur, India. Methods: This pilot study comprised of randomly selected 384 children aged 6 years and below visiting the outpatient department of the Dental College, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur, India, between June and September 2015. The number of individual children with a dmfs/DMFS>0 (no obvious caries) was recorded and each child was geo-coded with respect to his/her residence district. A relative risk (RR) was calculated as the observed-to-expected ratio, where the expected number of individuals with dmfs/DMFS>0 was obtained from the age- and sex-specific caries (dmfs /DMFS>0) rates for the total study population. Caries risk geo- maps, along with corresponding statistical certainty geo-maps, were produced by using geo-mapping software. Ethical approval for the study was given by the ethics committee of the RIMS. Results: The overall mean number of teeth with obvious caries was 5.6 (+ 2.4). The mean dmfs/DMFT by district ranged for 4.6 (+ 2.7) to 6.4 (+ 2.8). The relative risk by district varied from 0.24 to 2.09. The geomaps of preschool children displayed obvious geographical variations in caries risk. With increasing age, the difference seemed to reduce although the gross geographical risk pattern persisted with respect to the socio economic status. Conclusion: Geo-maps based on caries risk may provide a novel option to allocate resources and tailor supportive and preventive measures within regions with sections of the population with relatively high caries rates.
ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG THE PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Andruskiene J. , Barseviciene S. 
Published: February 2025

Aim of the study was to assess the prevalence, frequency and severity of oral impacts on health-related quality of life among the parents of pre-school children in Klaipeda city, located on the Baltic Sea coast. Klaipeda is an untypical city, because it is a member of Healthy City Network, actively implementing different health promoting activities. Methods: Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) self-administered questionnaire was used. The individual OIDP score was obtained when the sum of the eleven scores was divided by the possible maximum performance scores. Percent of persons affected, mean frequency, severity, individual OIDP scores and standard deviation were calculated. The study was approved by the local Bioethics Commission in Klaipeda State University of Applied Sciences. Only Lithuanian language speaking kindergartens were included, because the questionnaire was validated in Lithuanian language. So there were 35 in total Lithuanian speaking kindergartens, but only 23 of the participated, that was 65.7%. 12 kindergartens refused to participate in the survey. In total there were 42 kindergartens in Klaipeda. It was convenience sample, consisting of the 375 parents of pre-school children. Only one of the parents of each child participated in the survey. The parents have signed an agreement with the kindergartens, that they are giving a consent for their children to participate in the surveys. Results: 327 (87.4%) of mothers and 330 (88.0%) of fathers were 25-44 years old. The highest prevalence of oral impacts was in the item Eating and enjoying food n=66 (17.6%), the lowest one in Performing light physical activity n=11 (2.9%). The greatest means of frequency of those affected were in Speaking and pronouncing clearly (3.0; SD 1.37) and Smiling and laughing (3.0; SD 1.44) items. The most severe effect was observed in Enjoying contact with people (3.08; SD 1.38). Conclusions: The most prevalent (17.6%) reported impact was on Eating and enjoying food, nevertheless the impact was significant in physical, emotional and social dimensions.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MOTHERS AND FATHERS ORAL HEALTH-RELATED AND OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE
Authors: Tolvanen M. , Lahti S. , Karlsson L. , Karlsson H. 
Published: February 2025

Aim: To evaluate associations within the family between mothers and fathers quality of life (QoL) and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) during pregnancy. Methods: This study used data from the FinnBrain Cohort study. The Intermunicipal Hospital District of Southwest Finland has given an ethical clearance for the FinnBrain Cohort study in 14.6.2011. Recruitment took place at maternal welfare clinics in 2011–2015 in the South-Western Hospital District and the Åland Islands in Finland. Of those informed about the study, a total of 66% (3,808/5,790) mothers and 2,624 fathers decided to participate. The data for this study were collected at pregnancy week H34 when 2,609 mothers and 1,507 fathers returned the questionnaires. For this study, only those families in which both mother and father returned the questionnaires were included (n=1,468 mother-father pairs). OHRQoL was measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire and QoL with the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL-8) questionnaire. OHIP-14 response alternatives to perceived oral impacts varied from 0=never to 4=very often, and severity score (sum of responses, scale 0–56, 0 being the best) was calculated. WHOQoL-8 response alternatives varied from 1=very poor to 5=very good. Associations between mothers’ and fathers’ WHOQoL-8 item scores and mean score and OHIP-14 severity score were studied using Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: Overall, the participants had good OHRQoL, mean severity score being 1.62 among mothers and 2.07 among fathers. Correlation between mothers and fathers OHRQoL was very weak (r=0.087, p=0.001). Moderate correlations between parents were found in QoL total sum (r=0.318) and items “ability to perform daily activities” (r=0.377) and “satisfaction for living place” (r=0.306), and weak correlations in items “quality of life” (r=0.210), and “satisfaction for financial situation” (r=0.266) (p<0.001 for all). Conclusion: Mothers and fathers show moderate associations on quality of life but weaker correlations on oral health related quality of life. Supported by Finnish Academy, Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and the Finnish Dental Society Apollonia.